New Zealand's Planting Zones

Understanding New Zealand's Planting Zones: Accompanies our Monthly Sow Guide

As gardeners, we know timing is everything. But when you live in a country as geographically diverse as Aotearoa, what works in one region may not work in another. That's why understanding your growing zone is essential — it helps you with your planting calendar to plant the right seeds, at the right time, for the best results.

We've spent many months going over all the growing information, maps, NIWA graphs and have concluded to divide New Zealand into four clear planting zones and colours, based on data from Statistics New Zealand, specifically looking at the average number of growing days per year (days above 10°C).

These zones give growers a reliable framework for planning their sowing calendar, based on the climate realities of their region.

Below is a breakdown of these four zones, from the warm subtropical north to the frost-prone south, to help you find where you fall and what that means for your garden.

 

Red Zone 1: Warm & Long Growing Season (Over 220 days)

Examples: Whangārei, Whangaparāoa, Auckland, Kerikeri, Tauranga

Growing Days (10°C+): 240–265 days/year

Lowest Winter Temperatures: Rarely below 5°C

This is New Zealand's subtropical powerhouse. With up to 265 warm growing days per year, gardeners here can sow nearly all year round. This zone is ideal for heat-loving crops like tomatoes, capsicums, eggplants and tropical fruits.

"This is the zone where passionfruit climbs wildly, and zucchini can feel like a weed."

 

Yellow Zone 2: Mild & Reliable Growing Season (180–219 days)

Examples: Napier, Gisborne, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Whanganui

Growing Days (10°C+): 180–215 days/year

Lowest Winter Temperatures: Usually above 0°C

These areas enjoy warm, settled summers and gentle winters. With close to 200 growing days, this zone supports a rich mix of vegetables, flowers and even some subtropical crops if well-positioned.

"You can grow a bit of everything here — it's the 'sweet spot' for gardeners."

 

Green Zone 3: Cool with a Shorter Season (130–179 days)

Examples: Wellington, Rotorua, Blenheim, Masterton, Christchurch

Growing Days (10°C+): 130–170 days/year

Lowest Winter Temperatures: Often -1°C to -4°C

Cooler climates mean a shorter window to sow, but thoughtful planning leads to lush harvests. Hardy greens, brassicas, root crops and frost-tolerant flowers shine here. Success in this zone comes from timing and crop choice.

"This is where gardeners become strategists — it's all about making the most of the season, creating microclimates and being prepared early on."

 

Blue Zone 4: Cold & Frost-Prone (Under 130 days)

Examples: Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, Invercargill, Waiouru

Growing Days (10°C+): 70–129 days/year

Lowest Winter Temperatures: Can drop below -5°C

The South's alpine and inland mountainous areas face serious cold, but that doesn't stop determined growers. Focus on quick-maturing crops, cold-hardy varieties and use tools like greenhouses, cloches and frost cloths to extend your season.

"It's short, sharp, and deeply rewarding — gardening in the Blue Zone is an act of love, skill and the right varieties."

 

Why Knowing Your Zone Matters

Understanding your planting zone helps you avoid sowing too early or too late. It guides your crop selection, informs your garden layout and supports better planning for things like seed raising, transplanting and harvesting.

You can learn more about climate and growing patterns across Aotearoa in our previous article: Climate Zones in New Zealand – How to Know When to Sow, which also covers international growing zones and how those relate to New Zealand growing zones.

Full List of Towns and Growing Days

Here's a more detailed breakdown by zone and town, based on average growing days per year:

Red Zone (Over 220 days):

• Whangārei – 265
• Whangaparāoa – 260
• Auckland – 251
• Kerikeri – 244
• Tauranga – 238

Yellow Zone (180–219 days):

• Napier – 214
• Gisborne – 210
• Whanganui – 196
• Hamilton – 186
• New Plymouth – 180

Green Zone (130–179 days):

• Nelson – 165
• Taumarunui – 158
• Wellington – 154
• Rotorua – 154
• Blenheim – 153
• Dannevirke – 151
• Masterton – 149
• Reefton – 137
• Taupō – 135
• Christchurch – 128
• Hokitika – 119

Blue Zone (Under 130 days):

• Dunedin – 103
• Tara Hills – 97
• Timaru – 96
• Milford Sound – 95
• Queenstown – 90
• Gore – 82
• Invercargill – 78
• Lake Tekapo – 75
• Waiouru – 74

Use this map as a guide alongside our monthly sowing calendar, and you'll have an NZ planting calendar you can use with confidence. Whether you're in the sunny North or the frosty South, every garden in New Zealand has something special to offer — and the right time to make it flourish.

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