The islands of New Zealand have rich environmental diversity and a somewhat varied climate. The landscape is dominated by mountains but ancient glaciers, smoking volcanoes, stunning beaches, pristine lakes and sea all affect the range in weather from the temperate south to the subtropical north. The Southern Alps are spectacular and snow caped, while the North Island is volcanic and bursting with thermal activity. Despite the diversity in landscape, New Zealand generally has a maritime climate, which means the weather is wet and changes quickly. On both the main islands it is wetter on the west but the South Island is usually a bit cooler. The rainy climate coupled with a fair amount of sunshine creates lush forests and an ideal place for farming. 

The inland and southern parts of the island tend to be cooler and can be as cold 14 degrees Fahrenheit(-10 degrees Celsius) in the winter months. The coldest months are July and August, and warmest being December and January. In summer, the country usually lies between 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (20 and 30 degrees Celsius), and in the winter it lies at a cooler 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 15 degrees Celsius). The weather, famously unpredictable, causes travelers to be flexible and prepared for several different conditions.