New Zealand Holiday Essentials
New Zealand is a wonderful country to visit no matter the season. It’s the country that has it all from snow-capped mountains to beautiful beaches, from urban cities to majestic fjords, it truly is one of the most scenic places on this planet. With so much to do and the changing seasons, it can be challenging to put together a packing list. Below is a list of essentials for the various seasons to make it a little easier.
New Zealand holiday in summer
New Zealand summer is from December to February. The summer time is balmy and pleasant with daytime temperatures ranging between 21°C to 32°C. It’s relatively dry during summer so leave the raincoats and umbrellas at home.
In summer, enjoy the many stunning beaches New Zealand has to offer. Visit the laidback coastal town of Papamoa Beach or the safest surf break in New Zealand at Waihi Beach. There are many places to go and enjoy the great outdoors on hiking and cycling trails or enjoy the city life in New Zealand’s urban cities.
What to pack for a New Zealand Holiday in summer
- Be sun safe: Make sure you pack a hat, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing to cover your shoulders when out and about. The UV can be quite high during summer so slip, slop and slap.
- Comfortable summer clothing: New Zealand has plenty of hiking and cycling trails, so make sure you bring a range of comfortable summer clothing. Pack t-shirts, shorts and light long pants for outdoor activities.
- Walking shoes and socks: If you plan on exploring New Zealand’s wilderness (which we highly recommend) make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes and socks.
- Swimwear and towel: New Zealand has many places to enjoy a cool dip. From beautiful beaches, lakes, and rivers, be sure to pack your swimwear to enjoy.
- Sandals and thongs: For lazy days around the beach or caravan park, pack some lightweight and comfortable shoes.
- Going out clothes: For the long lunches and nights out, make sure you pack a nice going out outfit and shoes.
New Zealand holiday in Autumn
Autumn in New Zealand is from March through to May. It’s a great time to travel because you can still enjoy the sunshine without the crowds. Temperatures range from 7°C to 21°C.
Make the most of the warmer weather before winter arrives. Enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves against a backdrop of blue skies. Venture off on one of the many hiking tracks, take a dip in the ocean, explore the cities, or go fishing.
What to pack for a New Zealand holiday in autumn
- Wind and rain resistant coat: Autumn inNew Zealand can be a littlechilly and wet at times. Pack a wind and rain resistant coat so you’re prepared for all kinds of weather.
- Be sun safe: The sun is still strong in Autumn so make sure you pack a hat, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing to cover your shoulders when out and about.
- Comfortable clothing for layering: New Zealand can get a little chilly at times during Autumn. Pack lightweight clothing that you can layer when exploring the great outdoors.
- Walking shoes and socks: It occasionally rains during autumn so pack walking shoes with good grip. Sometimes walking paths can be a little slippery after a good drenching.
- Swimwear and towel: The water is still warm enough to enjoy a quick dip. Pack your swimwear and a towel.
- Going out clothes: For nights on the town pack warmer clothing as it gets a little chilly. Pack nice pants, tops, shoes, and jackets to enjoy New Zealand’s nightlife.
New Zealand holiday in winter
Winter in New Zealand is from June through to August. It snows in parts of the country and rains more regularly than in the warmer months. The temperature ranges from 1.5°C to 15.5°C and plumates below 0°C in the mountain regions.
Winter is the perfect time to hit the ski slopes. Spend your days skiing, snowboarding or hiking and finish the day with a nice hot spa and sauna. Spend your nights cozy by the fire with a mulled wine and good food.
What to pack for a New Zealand holiday in winter
- Ski gear: When travelling to this winter wonderland you’re going to need snow gear. If you don’t have your own there are plenty of places to hire your gear from.
- Thermal clothing: Thermal clothing is great to wear under your clothes to provide that extra warmth on those really cold days.
- Warm coat: New Zealand can get quite cold during winter. Pack a nice everyday coat to keep you warm on your outdoor ventures. Something that is wind and rain proof is ideal.
- Beanie, scarf and gloves: For those extra cold days rug up with the winter essentials.
- Swimwear: New Zealand has some amazing hot springs, spas and saunas to warm yourself on those cold winter days.
- Walking shoes and socks: Make sure they have good grip because walking tracks can be a little slippery with ice and rain.
- Going out clothes: The nights are cold in winter so pack nice going pants, jeans, long sleeve tops and knits as well as a warm coat.
New Zealand holiday in spring
Spring in New Zealand is from September through to November. The temperature ranges from 4.5°C to 18°C. The days are sunny, the mornings are crisp and there are few showers here and there.
The ski season runs until late September, so you still have time to visit the snowfields. Spring is a great time to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or hiking without the crowds that winter and summer have.
What to pack for a New Zealand holiday in spring
- Ski gear: The snow season finishes at the end of September so there is still time to hit the slopes. If you don’t have your own there are plenty of places to hire your gear from.
- Wind and rain resistant coat: Spring is still a little chilly so pack a wind and rain resistant coat.
- Be sun safe: Pack a hat, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing to cover your shoulders when out and about.
- Comfortable clothing for layering: Pack lightweight clothing and thermals so you can layer on those cooler days.
- Walking shoes and socks: Pack walking shoes with good grip. Sometimes walking paths can be a little slippery in wet and icy conditions.
- Swimwear and towel: Bring your swimwear for hot tubs, spas and saunas.
- Going out clothes: Pack nice pants, tops, knits, light scarves, shoes, and jackets to enjoy New Zealand’s nightlife.
