The cool, temperate maritime climate has few extremes – the average daily maximum temperatures in the cities range from 10-15°C in winter and 19-24°C in summer. The seasons are in reverse of those in the northern hemisphere and summer runs from December to February and winter from June to August.



Situated in the global 'wine belt', New Zealand vineyards are the most southerly in the world but share latitudes similar to Italy and a climate more akin to Bordeaux or Burgundy, but cooler. This ensures a slow pace of ripening which builds rich, intense fruit flavours.

As the leading New World cool-climate wine producer, New Zealand wine commands the highest average price in major world markets. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, arguably the most notable new wine style of the 20th century, hit the world markets in the late 1980s.

Wine is made throughout the length of New Zealand, from Karikari in the north, to Central Otago in the south. New Zealand's rugged terrain creates a variety of local climates. Geologically New Zealand's soils are young and the vineyards experience intense sun, cool breezes and long, slow ripening seasons.

Most vineyards are located on the drier eastern coastal plains, sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds by mountain ranges.

New Zealand's major winemaking regions of Marlborough, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay account for 90% of the country's harvest.