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.

Drought forecasting dashboard

The drought forecasting tool uses innovative climate modelling, the latest in machine learning and other data-driven techniques to predict rainfall 35 days ahead. Helping farmers and growers better prepare for periods of dryness and drought.

Climate and weather

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    Map Sw North

    Education Resource
    Because of its exposure to disturbed weather systems from the Tasman Sea, this climate zone is often quite windy, but has few climate extremes.
    Climate and weather

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    NZ Drought indicator products and information

    Drought is a common feature of New Zealand's climate. On average, every year or two somewhere in New Zealand experiences a drought.
    Climate change
    Climate data

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    Climate and weather

    Information about climate and weather and links to climate-related websites.
    Climate data
    Extreme weather

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    Climate summaries

    Education Resource
    In this climate education resource, you can download this climate summary in a range of formats.
    Climate data

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    Hawkes Bay

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    Obtaining climate data from NIWA

    NIWA maintains the national climate database for New Zealand, and can supply data in a variety of ways.
    Climate data

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    Map W South

    Education Resource
    The climate of this area is greatly dependent on its exposure to weather systems from the Tasman Sea and the lie of the Southern Alps to the east.
    Climate and weather

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    2012-2013 Drought

    The 2012-2013 drought affected the entire North Island plus the west coast of the South Island.

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    Canterbury

    All aspects of the climate of Canterbury are dominated by the influence of the Southern Alps on the prevailing westerly airflows.

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    Common climate and weather terms

    Education Resource
    Confused about El Niño, or can't tell the difference between an Anticyclone and an Isobar? Let us help.

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    Manawatu-Wanganui

    The climate of the Manawatu-Wanganui region is a reflection of the generally disturbed westerly air flow with interspersed anticyclones, modified in specific places by the local topography.

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    Clouds

    Education Resource
    Common questions about clouds, how they are formed and how they behave.