Key Takeaways
- New Zealand experienced record heat, rising sea temperatures, and extreme weather in 2025.
- The Bay of Plenty region saw significant temperature increases, with some areas hitting new record highs.
- Above-average rainfall and temperatures are forecast for the Bay of Plenty in the first quarter of 2026.
- Several areas in the region, including Tauranga, Kawerau, and Whakatāne, are expected to reach high temperatures in the coming weekend.
Introduction to 2025 Weather Patterns
The year 2025 was marked by extreme weather conditions in New Zealand, with record heat, rising sea temperatures, and intense weather events. According to data from Earth Sciences NZ, the town of Whitianga in Coromandel reached a new record high average annual temperature of 16.1C. Additionally, the district hit a new record high average annual temperature of 16.5C, which is 1.8C higher than its average. These temperature increases are a testament to the changing climate and its impact on the region.
Record Temperatures in the Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty region experienced significant temperature increases in 2025, with several areas hitting new record highs. Tauranga, for example, reached a record average maximum temperature of 20.7C, while Kawerau and Whakatāne reached 23.1C and 20.8C, respectively. Te Puke and Taupō also had their second-highest average maximum temperatures, with 20C and 19.1C, respectively. Rotorua, meanwhile, had its fourth-highest average maximum temperature on record, with 18.4C. These record temperatures are a clear indication of the region’s vulnerability to climate change.
Rainfall and Sunshine Hours in the Bay of Plenty
In addition to the record temperatures, the Bay of Plenty region also experienced varying levels of rainfall and sunshine hours in 2025. According to the data, Rotorua received 1785mm of rainfall, with a mean temperature of 13.4C. Tauranga, on the other hand, received 1516mm of rainfall, with a mean temperature of 16.1C. Whakatāne received 1339mm of rainfall, with a mean temperature of 15.7C. The region was also ranked as the fourth-sunniest region in New Zealand, behind Taranaki, Nelson, and Marlborough, with sunshine hours measured in Tauranga.
Forecast for 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, above-average rainfall and temperatures are forecast for the Bay of Plenty region in the first quarter of the year. This is expected to lead to a scorcher of a weekend, with temperatures in Tauranga, Whakatāne, and Kawerau expected to reach 30C. Rotorua, meanwhile, is expected to reach 28C on Saturday. These high temperatures are a continuation of the trend seen in 2025 and are a clear indication of the region’s ongoing vulnerability to climate change.
Conclusion and Outlook
In conclusion, the Bay of Plenty region experienced significant temperature increases and extreme weather events in 2025. The forecast for 2026 suggests that this trend is likely to continue, with above-average rainfall and temperatures expected in the first quarter of the year. As the region continues to experience the impacts of climate change, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. By understanding the weather patterns and trends in the region, individuals and communities can better prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.