On 1 July 2025, NIWA merged with GNS Science to become Earth Sciences New Zealand.

Climate & Weather

Understanding our variable and changing climate is critical for managing resources and reducing risks.

  • West Coast

    West Coast is New Zealand’s wettest region, and this may be attributed to its exposure to the predominant westerly airflow over the country, combined with the orographic effect of the Southern Alps.
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    Mean 10cm earth temperature (°C)

    These datasets are available in a range of formats.
  • Drought indicator charts

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    Investigating ocean acidification

    Feature story
    The world’s oceans are acidifying as a result of the carbon dioxide (CO2) generated by humanity.
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    Map Alpine

    Education Resource
    Mountainous areas are subject to heavy snowfalls, high winds, and low temperatures. Semi-permanent snow and ice fields exist at about 1000-1100 metres during winter.
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    West Coast

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    How do we determine past climate?

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

    The climate of Otago is perhaps the most diverse of any region in New Zealand.
  • Annual

    Publication series
    Annual Climate Summaries from 2000 to present.
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    Tornadoes - how frequently do they hit New Zealand?

    News article
    Tornadoes, like the one that hit Auckland's western suburbs today, are relatively rare events in New Zealand.
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    Map C North

    Education Resource
    As this region is sheltered by high country to the south and east, it has less wind than many other parts of New Zealand.
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    Canterbury