The spring climate summary from the National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) shows it was very dry in many parts of the country.
Photo: Supplied
Rainfall was well below normal in Nelson and Marlborough, and below normal in most other parts of the country.
The exceptions were Gisborne and Hawke's Bay, where rainfall was above normal or well above normal, probably due to heavy rain in mid-September and early November.
As of 1 December, soil moisture levels were below normal for the time of year for large parts of New Zealand.
In particular, they well below normal in eastern and northern parts of the South Island, and in southern, central, western and northern parts of the North Island.
Again the exception was Gisborne, where soil moisture levels were above normal.
The highest temperature was 31.7°C at Hastings on 26 November and the lowest was -8.2°C at Naseby forest on 31 October.