North Island New Zealand Weather in November

Average Temperatures in the North Island in November

Average temperatures in November are between mild and warm for pretty much all of the North Island. Some areas – such as subalpine Taupo – can still get relatively chilly days; while others – like sunny Napier and the Hawke’s Bay – can see high temperatures well above 20°C (68°F). Overall, though, no matter where you plan on visiting, you can expect relatively warm temperatures across the North Island, with even nighttime lows rarely dipping below 10°C (50°F) in the major cities and most popular regions.

Average Sunshine Hours Per day in the North Island in November

November welcomes a relatively dry period for most of the North Island following the winter rains, and this combines with the ever-lengthening daylight hours to mean you can expect plenty of long, sunny spells across the North Island in November. 

However, the weather is more changeable in some areas than others, and knowing how many average sunshine and daylight hours to expect on your North Island trip depends a bit on where exactly you plan to be.

Average rainfall in the North Island in November

For most of the North Island, November is a bridging season between the heavy winter rains and the dry summer season. Overall, then, average rainfall in the North Island in November is relatively low, and there are relatively few total wet days. 

However, there is great variety between different regions in terms of how much rain and how many wet days to expect at this time of year, so it’s worth taking a closer look at where you plan on going and when.

Best Things to do in the North Island in November 

Taste the best of Hawke’s Bay’s famous food and wine

From wine and beer to peas and seafood, Hawke’s Bay is known for producing some of New Zealand’s very finest produce and products. It should be no surprise, then, that the Hawke’s Bay Food and Wine Classic (a.k.a. F.A.W.C., to the locals) is one of New Zealand’s most highly anticipated annual food festivals. Taking place for a winter (June) and summer (November) iteration each year, F.A.W.C. showcases the very best of Hawke’s Bay’s famed winemakers, brewers, bakers, fishers, farmers, chefs, and other food actors for a month of fabulous events.

Attend Martinborough’s biggest one-day wine celebration

With its combination of picturesque surroundings, charmingly colonial buildings, and a few dozen world-class wineries, Martinborough is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year. However, it’s hard to argue against the third Sunday of each November being the best time to come, when Martinborough’s many top-shelf wineries team up with some of the region’s best chefs to put on a culinary showcase, backed by live music and many fabulous outdoor events. Be sure to book early, because it can sell out quickly!

Visit the Waitomo Caves

A different world awaits beneath the green hills, lush forests and sleepy town of Waitomo, where an ancient network of limestone caves plays host to millions of amazing glow-worms who light up the dark web of caves, waterways, and cities of stalactites and stalagmites. You can experience this spectacle in different ways, from a gentle boat and walking tour to a unique, memorable “black-water raft” trip down the fast-flowing rapids of subterranean rivers on rubber tyre tubes.

How to book your North Island holiday 

If you’re ready for your North Island trip, the First Light Travel website has everything you need. There you’ll find a number of North Island self-drive itineraries and tour packages ready to book; or, you can contact FLT’s North Island travel experts directly, online, for a customised travel itinerary.  There’s a huge number of articles on FLT’s New Zealand travel blog to help with your research.

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