North Island topographic map

The Auckland Volcanic Field has contributed greatly to the growth and prosperity of the Auckland Region since the area was settled by humans. Initially, the maunga (scoria cones) were occupied and established as pā (fortified settlements) by Māori due to the strategic advantage their elevation provided in…

Average elevation: 32 m

The climate of Dunedin in general is temperate. The city is recognised as having a large number of microclimates and the weather conditions often vary between suburbs mostly due to the city's topographical layout. Under the Köppen climate classification, Dunedin features an oceanic climate. The city's climate…

Average elevation: 110 m

Averaging 2,055 hours of sunshine per year, the climate of Wellington is temperate marine, (Köppen: Cfb), generally moderate all year round with warm summers and mild winters, and rarely sees temperatures above 23 °C (73 °F) or below 4 °C (39 °F). The hottest recorded temperature in the city is 31.1 °C…

Average elevation: 85 m

Average elevation: 66 m

The town is at a relatively low altitude for a ski and snowboarding centre, at 310 metres (1,020 ft) above sea level at the lake shore, but is nestled among mountains, most notably the scenic attraction of The Remarkables, to the town's southeast. Below the lake lies the deep Kawarau Gorge, and there are…

Average elevation: 592 m

Average elevation: 98 m

The area contains a number of beautiful features, such as Lake Alta, a small lake nestled within a natural amphitheatre at the head of a glacial valley (a ‘cirque’) and below the towering Double Cone peaks. There are a number of high altitude walks in the Remarkables Conservation Area including Lake Alta…

Average elevation: 1,200 m

Average elevation: 53 m

Average elevation: 207 m

Average elevation: 1,306 m

Average elevation: 423 m

Average elevation: 455 m

Average elevation: 208 m

Average elevation: 96 m

Average elevation: 173 m

Average elevation: 381 m

Average elevation: 63 m

Average elevation: 48 m

Average elevation: 179 m

Average elevation: 59 m

Average elevation: 77 m

Average elevation: 18 m

Average elevation: 31 m

Average elevation: 29 m

Average elevation: 895 m

Average elevation: 435 m

Average elevation: 104 m

Average elevation: 20 m

Average elevation: 363 m

Average elevation: 435 m

Average elevation: 80 m

Average elevation: 38 m

Average elevation: 37 m

Average elevation: 15 m

Average elevation: 60 m

Average elevation: 243 m

Average elevation: 349 m

The Auckland Volcanic Field has contributed greatly to the growth and prosperity of the Auckland region since the area was settled by humans. Initially, the maunga (scoria cones) were occupied and established as pā (fortified settlements) by Māori due to the strategic advantage their elevation provided in…

Average elevation: 32 m

Average elevation: 11 m

Average elevation: 19 m

Average elevation: 38 m

Average elevation: 103 m

Average elevation: 37 m

Average elevation: 1,266 m

Average elevation: 33 m

Average elevation: 29 m

Average elevation: 671 m

Average elevation: 110 m

Average elevation: 5 m

Average elevation: 435 m

Average elevation: 382 m

Average elevation: 243 m

Average elevation: 12 m

Average elevation: 68 m

Average elevation: 58 m

Pohangina is located along the foot of the Ruahine Range, and is primarily farming land. Farming varies from sheep and cattle to crops of maize and 'chow'. The farmland was originally ancient native forest. Rimu and northern rātā grew above 1000 feet, with kamahi, kaikawaka and pink pine growing at higher…

Average elevation: 190 m

Average elevation: 271 m

Average elevation: 21 m

The town is at a relatively low altitude for a ski and snowboarding centre, at 310 metres (1,020 ft) above sea level at the lake shore, but is nestled among mountains, most notably the scenic attraction of The Remarkables, to the town's southeast. Below the lake lies the deep Kawarau Gorge, and there are…

Average elevation: 592 m

Average elevation: 378 m

Average elevation: 45 m

Average elevation: 119 m

Average elevation: 78 m

Average elevation: 22 m

Average elevation: 743 m

Average elevation: 342 m

Average elevation: 142 m

Average elevation: 55 m

Average elevation: 31 m

On the whole, Ashburton shares a similar climate to Christchurch i.e. a dry temperate climate (Cfb). However, since it lies further inland at a higher altitude to Christchurch, Ashburton experiences a greater range of temperatures. During summer Ashburton can exceed 30 °C (86 °F), whilst winter can see…

Average elevation: 99 m

Average elevation: 310 m

Average elevation: 105 m

Average elevation: 75 m

Average elevation: 7 m

Average elevation: 1,025 m

Average elevation: 1,110 m

Average elevation: 166 m

Average elevation: 329 m

Average elevation: 115 m

Average elevation: 11 m

Average elevation: 314 m

Average elevation: 130 m

Average elevation: 26 m

The high altitude and severe alpine climate between March and October allow snowfall in the winter (there are commercial ski-fields at neighbouring Mount Ruapehu) and rain can freeze, causing verglas; in contrast in the mid to late summer, the mountains can be bare apart from remnant patches of snow in…

Average elevation: 1,675 m

Average elevation: 1,678 m

Average elevation: 57 m

Average elevation: 1 m

Because of its high altitude and close proximity to Mt Ruapehu, Waiouru's climate is cold throughout the year, unlike other North Island centres, and particularly cold when the wind blows from the mountain. The Desert Road is regularly closed in winter owing to heavy snowfalls. Waiouru's climate can be…

Average elevation: 817 m

Average elevation: 72 m

Average elevation: 43 m

Average elevation: 208 m

Average elevation: 40 m

Average elevation: 50 m

Average elevation: 38 m

Average elevation: 49 m

Average elevation: 29 m

Average elevation: 82 m

Average elevation: 152 m

Average elevation: 118 m

Average elevation: 84 m