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 South

    Education Resource
    Most of this climate zone is characterised by cool coastal breezes, and absence of shelter from the unsettled weather that moves over the sea from the south and southwest.
    Climate and weather

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    How deep is the snow at your place?

    Measurements of snowfall at low elevations around New Zealand are few and far between, and yet the data would be really helpful in understanding how snowfall occurs and quantifying snow-related risks.
    Citizen science

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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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    Tornadoes - how frequently do they hit New Zealand?

    News article
    06 June 2017
    Tornadoes, like the one that hit Auckland's western suburbs today, are relatively rare events in New Zealand.

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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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    Lake Castalia on the upper reaches of the Wilkin River North Branch near Wanaka. Image is looking southwest back down the valley.

    Environmental monitoring

    NIWA collects a vast range of environmental information about New Zealand’s environment from the sky to the seafloor.
    Climate data
    Environmental Information
    Stock assessments and surveys

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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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    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.