Climate & Weather

Understanding how hazards impact people and the environment provides the foundation for informed decision making for a resilient Pacific.

These datasets are available in a range of formats.

Eastern North Island
Gisborne, Napier, Masterton
Sheltered by high country to the west, this zone enjoys a dry, sunny climate. Warm dry settled weather predominates in summer. Frosts may occur in winter. Typical summer daytime maximum air temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C, occasionally rising above 30°C. High temperatures are frequent in summer, which may be accompanied by strong dry foehn winds from the northwest. Extreme temperatures as high as 39°C have been recorded. Winter is mild in the north of this region and cooler in the south.

Information about past climate is obtained from piecing evidence together from various sources.

To prepare for changes in climate, our freshwater and oceans decision-makers need information on species vulnerability to climate change.

A monthly summary of the climate in the tropical South Pacific islands, with an outlook for the coming months.

Maps of the average first and last dates of soil moisture deficit are shown here.

Southland is both the most southerly and most westerly part of New Zealand and generally is the first to be influenced by weather systems moving onto the country from the west or south.