Anyone who’s spent time in the hills here knows it already: NZ weather doesn’t mess around.

Thanks to our narrow geography and position in the Southern Ocean, weather systems come in quick and hit hard. One minute you’re glassing in the sun, the next you’re in a whiteout or battling 80km/h winds on an exposed ridge. And while a forecast might say “fine,” the tops could be socked in with cloud and sleet.

This unpredictability is one of the reasons we love these places—because they’re wild. But it also means you’ve got to plan properly. Checking the weather isn’t something you do once on the drive to the trailhead. It’s something you should be doing in the days leading up to your trip, again the night before, and one last time before you lose reception.

If you’re hunting remote blocks, crossing alpine passes, or spending multiple days in the backcountry, treating the forecast as optional can get you into serious trouble.

The best approach is to check a few different forecast sources and compare them. Each uses different models and offers different levels of detail. Together, they can give you a much clearer picture of what to expect.

MetService Mountains and Parks

This is New Zealand’s official forecast and it’s tailored specifically for outdoor users. MetService gives you weather details for major national parks and backcountry areas, including temperature, wind speed at elevation, rain, and freezing levels. It’s also where you’ll find any severe weather warnings or avalanche alerts.

metservice.com/mountains-and-parks

NIWA Parks Weather

NIWA’s tool gives you detailed forecasts broken down by hour and elevation. It’s interactive and good for visualising how the weather might change over time or as you move higher up.

weather.niwa.co.nz/parks

Mountain-Forecast

Great for alpine missions. You can search by specific peaks and see forecasts at different elevations—useful if you're planning to get up high or if the bushline is the line between rain and snow. There’s a free version, but the paid version gives you more detail and longer range forecasts.

mountain-forecast.com

Windy.com

If you’re into weather or just want a broader understanding of what’s coming, Windy’s a good option. It’s a visual tool that shows how weather systems are tracking across the country. You can switch between forecast models and zoom in on your location to see wind, rain, cloud cover and more.

windy.com

Tips for Backcountry Weather Prep

• Don’t rely on a single forecast. Cross-check two or three and look for consistent trends.

• Check forecasts for multiple elevations—conditions at 300m and 1300m can be worlds apart.

• Look at the forecast a few days out and again right before you leave.

• Be conservative with river crossings if there’s rain forecast. Rivers can rise fast and become uncrossable.

• Pack for worse than the forecast. Conditions can change fast, especially in exposed alpine terrain.

If things turn, have a plan to wait it out or bail. The hills will still be there tomorrow.

Even the best forecast won’t always line up with reality. Once you’re out there, you need to be able to read the signs yourself. Being able to spot changes in the weather can give you time to act—whether that’s dropping off the tops, pulling out the rain shell, or turning around altogether.

What to Look For

Clouds

• Lenticular clouds (those UFO-looking ones) over peaks usually mean strong winds at altitude.

• High, thin clouds like cirrostratus can be the first sign a front is on the way—rain often follows within 12 to 24 hours.

• Building cumulus clouds (puffy ones) can turn into thunderstorms, especially on warm days.

Wind

A sudden change in wind direction or a sharp increase in strength often signals a front. A light nor’wester picking up speed? You might be in for heavy rain soon. Strong southerlies? Expect a temperature drop, and possibly snow above the bushline.

Temperature

If the air suddenly cools or you start noticing dampness settling in, that can mean precipitation is close. Pay attention to how the temperature feels, not just what the forecast said.

Visibility

If distant peaks start disappearing into cloud or mist, the weather’s closing in. Low visibility can make navigation tough and slow your movement, especially in unfamiliar or technical terrain.

Barometric Pressure

If you’ve got a watch with a barometer, keep an eye on it. A steady drop in pressure usually means bad weather is coming. Rapid drops are a red flag. On the other hand, slowly rising pressure can mean conditions are improving.

Practical Experience Goes a Long Way

You’ll get better at reading the signs the more time you spend in the backcountry. You start to notice the way birds go quiet before a storm, or how the wind feels different just before a front hits. These instincts are valuable, but they work best when backed by proper planning and good information.