Story: Floods

New Zealand mean annual rainfall, 1971–2000 (2nd of 2)

New Zealand mean annual rainfall, 1971–2000

This map shows the mean annual rainfall around New Zealand, measured over a 30-year period. The South Island has both the wettest and the driest parts of the country within 100 kilometres. Highest rainfall occurs along a narrow zone over the Southern Alps, as well over mountains in north-west Nelson and scattered mountainous areas in the North Island.

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NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research

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How to cite this page:

Eileen McSaveney, 'Floods - New Zealand’s number one hazard', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/4873/new-zealand-mean-annual-rainfall-1971-2000 (accessed 9 December 2023)

Story by Eileen McSaveney, published 12 Jun 2006, reviewed & revised 1 Aug 2017