rosalie24

Hi all!

I'm hoping for any suggestions on shoewear for a 3 week honeymoon trip through NZ in late-January to Mid-Feb? We're driving through both islands, and it'll be our first time doing any degree of hiking whatsoever, so at the very most, I would guess we'd max out at a 6hr hiking trip, though we are looking forward to experiencing the great outdoors on both islands. We are planning a helicopter ride in Franz Josef that includes a few hours in the glaciers. No camping planned. We're both fashion-forward people, to be honest we never wear gym shoes, so we are a bit out of our depths as far as knowing what kind of shoes we should be buying for this trip. Any suggestions are appreciated!

MmePerdu

My first thought is that if you're engaging in activities on your trip, such as hiking, which you apparently don't do at home, you may be out of your depth in that regard, shoes aside. At very least, whatever shoes you take should be well-broken in doing what you plan to do in them on your trip.

Go to a store that specializes in outdoor gear, try on a number of pairs with appropriate socks and with the advice of an outdoor specialist. Then don't assume they'll be fine and put them aside for the trip. Go hiking, for some miles, and see how they work for you. It's useless to ask the advice of others, as you need to experience what works for your feet. Your honeymoon is not the time to discover that the well-recommended-by-Fodor's-hikers shoes are not the right ones for you and spend your trip nursing blisters. The voice of experience (except the honeymoon part).

longhorn55

Excellent advice from MmePerdu about hiking boots. You are going to have to spend several weeks and many miles breaking in those boots.

In addition to getting advice from the outdoor specialist about boots, you will want to get advice about good hiking socks. And, be sure to pick up some moleskins for any blisters that may occur. (It can happen even after you have broken in boots.)

You probably are not going to want to wear those boots all day, so take along some regular shoes for everyday wear. What do you wear when you're out running errands, etc? A comfortable loafer would be a good choice if you don't wear athletic shoes.

Melnq8

As avid hikers, we live in our Keens when in NZ (and also in Europe as we are now) but fashion isn't even a blip on our radar. It's all about comfort and good sense as far as we're concerned, especially when it comes hiking.

You'd do well to heed the advice already given - one does not put on a new pair of boots and set out on a six hour trail unless said person is a masochist.

Tracks in NZ are broken into several categories depending on their level of difficulty - short walk, Great Walk, walking track, tramping track, and routes. If you stay on the easier of these, which are well formed and quite popular, you'll not need high performance hiking boots at all, but more of a stout shoe/boot with a sturdy sole and arch and ankle support.

For more info on specific walks in NZ, check out the very helpful DOC site:

http://doc.govt.nz/

annhig

if you are simply doing a short walk, sturdy sandals may be ok, but do take and use insect repellent - those sandflies are the very devil.

if they should get through, roll-on deodorant works very well.

rosalie24

Thank you all for your feedback!! MmePerdu, really appreciate the honesty! You've given us an excellent idea to first ask at a store specializing in outdoor activities, and then trying whatever we buy out at home. Thank you! Longhorn55, note duly taken: socks and moleskin! I planned on bringing comfortable shoes that I typically run errands in when I'm not in heels, so its great to know that was on the right track. Melnq8 you made me laugh w/the masochist comment! And thank you for the link, we were not aware of all these categories and that is going to be very helpful! Annhig, thank you!! I will definitely pack insect repellent and roll-on deodorant (had not heard of that before!)

You have all been so helpful, it's probably painfully obvious to you that we are really going outside our comfort zone for this trip, but we do so excitedly! We've heard of the beauty of NZ and cannot wait to take it all in (even if it involves blisters)!

MmePerdu

"going outside our comfort zone" ...is called an adventure, in my book. If I didn't have one regularly, I wouldn't feel like myself. So this may be what they call the "new normal" for you and nothing but a good thing. If it becomes an addiction, all the better. I don't think we become better, any way one defines better, by doing the same things all our lives. Good work.

PMJ

Love the shoes advice, fellow traveller's! How about branching out a bit? We are driving the South Island at the end of January for 9 days. We will be in wellington, Abel Tasman, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown and Milford Sound. Just wondering what to pack. I like to layer - but not sure how cold it will be. Would a light fleece and a thin rain proof jacket be enough? We plan to hike, kayak, do the Milford Sound cruise and doa helicopter glacier hike. I think the glacier tour provides heavy clothing, but not sure how cool milford Sound will be. We will be I australia for 6 days before NZ, but it seems that NZ will be cooler.

I love that this thread was started by a honeymooner. We are going to celebrate our 40th. Good luck, young'uns!

MmePerdu

If you've arranged for a tour, why not ask your tour provider the question, just as stated. It's their business to give you this sort of advice, I'd think, and would be much more likely to know what they're talking about than almost anyone here.

Melnq8

January is summer so will be hot in Australia, but NZ weather can be unpredictable, but unlikely cold.

<<<Would a light fleece and a thin rain proof jacket be enough?>>>

Yes - this is how we've packed for every single one of our dozen trips to NZ, regardless of time of year. In the winter we add a few things like waterproof pants, thermals, hats and mittens, but in January you should be absolutely fine with a fleece and a waterproof layer. Layers is definitely the way to go. You might even want to pack a pair of shorts.

Milford can be downright balmy with full sunshine, chilly when wet. Be sure to cover up regardless, as the sandflies are beastly there.

Enjoy NZ - beautiful place.

PMJ

Thank you- very helpful. We are independent travelers and don't have a tour guide to ask. We've always found that the advice of those who have been there and done it is best!