Queenstown experienced a 150% rise in rainfall over normal levels and 30degC days last month.
Niwa's climate summary for January shows rainfall from Queenstown to Gore ''exceeded 150% of January normal''.
Queenstown weather forecaster David Crow said the month showed a very marked contrast between the first and second halves.
Including Christmas Day, five 30degC-plus days had been recorded.
''We usually only average about three days over 30.''
While another 30degC day remained a possibility, a return to the heat of late January was not expected, he said.
