In December, the weather on the Te Araroa trail segment from Queenstown to Bluff is marked by fluctuating conditions. Temperatures vary widely, with daily highs ranging from 7°C to 25°C. Rain is frequent, occurring as moderate or heavy showers, often interrupting clearer skies. Sunny days are interspersed with cloudy ones, and forecasted rain may transition into heavy downpours. The consistent wet conditions are indicative of the region's changeability during this summer month, making precipitation a common feature along different sections of the trail.
In Queenstown, the weather is highly variable with frequent showers and sunny spells, illustrating the region's dynamic climate. Highs can soar to 24°C, while lows hover around 1°C. Moving through Greenstone, the temperature remains mild throughout with rain showers interspersed with patches of sunshine, keeping the climate unpredictable.
As hikers progress towards the Greenstone Hut, sunny periods become more prominent despite occasional rain showers. Temperatures in this area range from 12°C to 25°C, providing a mix of warmth and chill.
At Taipo Hut, there are slightly cooler conditions with a higher frequency of moderate rain. Careys Hut also experiences fluctuating weather patterns with rain being a common occurrence, while temperatures range between 5°C and 23°C.
The trail around the Fiordland Community and The Key is characterized by moderate rains, where highs reach just 19°C. Moderate to heavy rain showers occur regularly in Mount Hamilton, with daily highs rarely exceeding 18°C.
Approaching Aparima Hut, rain showers are frequent but intermixed with sunny spells, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 18°C. At Lower Wairaki Hut, weather conditions stay moderate with occasional heavier showers and temperatures from 5°C to 19°C.
In Mackinnons Garden and Birchwood, the temperatures vary from 10°C to 22°C, often accompanied by scattered showers and sometimes heavy rain.
Wallace Takitimu Community and Ferndunlaw experience a mix of moderate rains and periods of clear weather, with highs reaching 24°C. However, Martin's Hut and Round Hill witness moderate to heavy rain showers, making rain a persistent factor.
As walkers finally approach Riverton and Oreti Beach, there are moderate or heavy rain showers with intermittent sunshine to provide relief, with temperatures peaking at 25°C.
Finally, reaching Greenpoint and Bluff, rain continues to affect the journey, transitioning into clearer skies while temperatures fluctuate widely between 9°C and 24°C.
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