Despite a snowstorm and high winds, spring turned out to be warm and dry for most of the region.
While spring began with a stormy September, it settled down due to the anticyclones that dominated the country during October and November, the National Institute of Atmospheric Research (Niwa) spring climate summary says.
Climate scientist Georgina Griffiths said the prevalence of highs produced a sunny spring in many regions, and a much drier than normal season in places such as the Lakes District and Central Otago.
Record daily maximum temperatures for spring were recorded on November 28 in Wanaka (31.4degC) and Cromwell (32.3degC) and on November 29 in Alexandra (31.6degC).
Balclutha recorded its second-highest sunshine record for spring with 590 hours (127%) and its equal-second-highest daily minimum air temperature of 14.2degC on November 11.
Dunedin was the driest of the six main centres, receiving 111mm during the three months, 60% less than normal.
Christchurch had 117mm (near normal) and Wellington 358mm (near normal).
The city also recorded its third-highest wind gust for spring of 117kmh on September 5.
It was warmer than normal, with an average 11.6degC temperature, and had above-normal (124%) sunshine hours of 541.
Average afternoon temperatures in Otago were nearly records, with Dunedin recording 16.8degC (0.9degC above normal), the second-highest since records began in 1947; Cromwell 19.6degC (2.2degC above), also the second-highest since records began in 1949; and Alexandra 19.3degC (1.6degC above), the third-highest since records began in 1983.
Average morning temperatures were also higher than normal in Cromwell and Alexandra.