New Zealand's weather changes rapidly. It can be very cold at any time of the year. Always be physically and mentally prepared for the worst conditions and be ready to change your trip plans if necessary.

If you are heading into the mountains check the Backcountry Avalanche Advisory website as well as the MetService bulletins.

MetService weather bulletins

• General weather information, short and extended forecasts
• Severe weather warnings
• Severe weather outlook
• Three day rain forecast
• NZ mountain forecast
• Marine forecast

National Park forecasts

• Arthurs Pass National Park
• Egmont National Park
• Fiordland National Park
• Mt Aspiring National Park
• Nelson Lakes National Park
• Te Urewera National Park
• Tongariro National Park
• Rakiura National Park
• Aoraki Mt Cook/Westland National Parks (alpine areas)

Forecasts covering other parks, National Parks and reserves

• Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson rural forecast
• Aorangi Forest Park - Wairarapa rural forecast
• Bay of Islands Historic and Maritime Park - Bay of Islands inshore forecast
• Catlins Forest Park - Clutha rural forecast 
• Coromandel Forest Park - Coromandel rural forecast
• Kahurangi National Park - Nelson area - Nelson rural forecast
• Kahurangi National Park - Buller area - Buller rural forecast
• Kaikoura/Clarence area - Marlborough rural forecast
• Kaimai/Mamaku Forest Park - Bay of Plenty rural forecast
• Northland Forest Park - Northland rural forecast
• Paparoa National Park - Buller rural forecast
• Pureora Forest Park - Waitomo rural forecast
• Victoria Forest Park - Buller rural forecast
• Westland National Park (lowland area) - Westland rural forecast
• Whirinaki Forest Park - Bay of Plenty rural forecast

There are no specific forecasts for other parks/areas managed by DOC; these may be added as area-specific forecasts become available.

Other areas/forecasts

• Canterbury High Country
• Southern Lakes

You can also phone 0900 999 + the Area Code for the local area you wish to visit (charge applies).

You can check the latest information and conditions at the nearest DOC visitor centre.

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