What to pack for a trip to New Zealand depends on the season. In summer the warm golden rays stretch out late into the evening, in spring you can expect crisp cool days and in winter you’ll want to be cosy with plenty of layers.
Then of course what to pack for your New Zealand vacation depends on your holiday style. Will you bounce from cellar door to cellar door, spend your days hiking through the stunning landscapes or perhaps a mix of both?
That said, New Zealand is a place that can experience four seasons in one day, so dressing in layers year-round is the best option. Summer days might experience an unexpected cold front, or a tropical cyclone could blow in. It’s all part of experiencing the small and volcanic island nation in the Pacific Ocean.
When you travel to New Zealand arrive prepared for all seasons with our guide on what to pack.
New Zealand summer: December – February
If you’re planning a summer vacation in New Zealand, arrive prepared to make the most of the sun, sea and sand. As you weave your way around the North or South islands you’ll bounce between stunning white or black volcanic sand beaches and spectacular lakes all worthy of a dip to cool off in the warmer months.
During a New Zealand summer the temperatures range from 21-32 degrees celsius (70-90°F) so pack summer clothes like cotton shorts and dresses, t-shirts and singlets for warm days, but also pack some warmer layers. While summer days in New Zealand are hot, they are not humid so the evenings are mild. In Auckland and on the North Island, bring a warm layer like a light jacket, polar fleece or thin merino sweater and a pair of jeans for cool nights. If you head to the South Island, you will need to take all of the above!
Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for those fantastically sunny summer days. In New Zealand the sun’s rays are harsher than in Europe or the US due to an ozone hole, so arrive with sun safety in mind to avoid being burnt.
New Zealand autumn: March – May
Similar to summer, autumn is a great time to travel to New Zealand. Between March and May the leaves turn golden hues making experiencing the country’s great natural landscapes all the more beautiful. This time of year it is popular to go hiking, cycling or kayaking in the great outdoors.
If your New Zealand vacation falls in autumn, temperatures generally range from 7-21 degrees celsius (45-70°F). Be sure to bring lots of warm layers like a woollen sweater and waterproof jacket. If you are exploring the cities, bring an umbrella too except for in “windy Wellington” where you will definitely want a rain jacket and not an umbrella!
If you travel to the South Island, you may wish to pack some extra warm essentials like a beanie, scarf and gloves.
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New Zealand winter: June – August
What to pack for your trip to New Zealand matters if you visit in winter. The islands are famous for their tall mountain peaks, fjords and glaciers, so expect to see fresh snow on the peaks around the country along with gorgeous clear, crisp days down south.
Temperatures usually range from 1-15 degrees celsius (35-60°F) in winter. Expect to encounter more rain on the North Island (waterproof jacket is an essential item year-round), and while exploring the inland alpine areas of the South Island you might experience temperatures as cold as -10°C (14°F).
In winter the ski slopes at Queenstown are at their prime, so bring a full kit of ski gear if you are keen to hit the fresh powder. If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, then rug up with turtleneck sweaters, warm merino wool layers and big bulky coat and head to a wine region or winter festival.
In winter you will need a thick, warm jacket to wear when outdoors along with a beanie, scarf and gloves. Funnily enough, you should still pack your bathers ot swimsuit for a New Zealand winter as the volcanic country is full of thermal pools and hot springs that feel especially lush in the cooler months.
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New Zealand spring: September – November
In spring expect to see magnificent native flowers in bloom during your New Zealand vacation. As the snow melts the waterfalls start to burst, adding spring rains for a vibrant season exploring the ‘land of the long white cloud’, as the indigenous Maori people call it.
During the bright spring months temperatures range from 4-18 degrees celsius (40-65°F). If you are keen to ski, the slopes are generally open until mid September. Around October the warmer weather kicks in and many Kiwis will go for their first ocean swim after winter – bring your bathers just in case.
Like autumn, bring plenty of warm layers to layer depending on the day and the weather. Be sure to have a waterproof jacket as spring experiences some rainy days between the sunshine.
Did this guide help you decide what to pack for a trip to New Zealand? Will you visit New Zealand in winter, summer or in between? Let us know in the comments…