What is the best clothing for a New Zealand Holiday?.

by Katrina
(Devon, England)

Hello Gail


What are the appropriate clothes to bring to New Zealand? I am coming for three weeks in March and will be arriving in Auckland, then travelling through to the South Island.

The temperatures seem different for Auckland to Christchurch, and I am unsure how cold it will be.

I think that is you autumn isn't it?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me,

And I love your site -

Katrina


Hi Katrina,

Yes, New Zealand weather is a little hard to work out. Being a long narrow country, it is very different in the North to the South.You are correct ....it is the beginning of autumn, although often it is warm during the days, but cool at night at this time of the year.


CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS


Because we have a wide variation in weather in New Zealand, it is best to bring layers of clothes.It will depend where you are as you travel, what you will need. Even in the middle of summer, I would always have a warm jumper or jacket.


This summer, some areas in the South Island had temperatures in the 30-33 degrees celsius range. Then only a day or two later they were experiencing highs of only 13 degrees celsius! Yes, you have read that correctly! Summer and winter all in a day or two.



1) Pack thermals or merino tops for emergencies.......I always take a sleeveless, and a long sleeved merino.


2) We have a lot of rain, so you definitely need rainwear.


3) Then I suggest a selection including sleeveless T, short sleeves, and long sleeved T.We are generally an informal country.Jeans or similar, one good pair of trousers, shorts and for the ladies maybe a skirt, should take you most places.


4) Good walking shoes, with thick socks including one warm pair is essential, if you plan on walking some bush tracks.........even just short tracks.Jandals(thongs) will not be suitable for most bush walks in New Zealand. Plus bring other comfortable sandals, and/or shoes.


5) You will also need a sunhat.........our UV is high, and while our temperatures may seem average, our sun is fierce. If you were coming in autumn, spring or winter I would suggest warm hat, gloves and scarf.Some parts of the country can also be quite windy.


6) Don't forget swimming togs( costumes) as there are a lot of hot pools around the country, and it may still be warm enough to swim in the sea.


If you have further queries, don't hesitate to click through to ask your question at the bottom of this page.


I hope this has helped you sort out your clothing for your holiday!Thanks for your kind words about my site.


Kind Regards

Gail