blsgirl

Please help me pack. We are going to Christchurch, Franz Josef and Queenstown in the middle of October. I do plan on doing alot of outdoor activities. Do I need a winter coat? Should I pack sweaters? I know I need to pack alot of waterproof clothing. Will I be warm enough in a sweather and a windbreaker? Do I need gloves and a hat?

mlgb

"Winter coat"? You rarely see anyone in these. The basic uniform is a poly fleece zip jacket (or vest), waterproof windproof breatheable raingear (parka and pants), and polypropylene long underwear. Definitely bring gloves and a brimmed hat. You may not wear the gloves unless you are sleeping in a tent, but they take up so little room.

Don't forget the sunscreen and insect repellent.

Melnq8

Hi blsgirl -

We just returned from three weeks on the SI and dressed just as mlgb describes. We lived in our hiking boots and hiking pants, only wore our hats a gloves a few times and never needed our long unders. We each also had a rainsuit, as we hike a lot, but we only wore it once or twice and ended up just getting hot, as they don't breathe.

This trip we also took a waterproof cover for our backpack, which we only used once.

Leave all that bulky stuff at home - plan to dress in layers and you'll be fine.

mlgb

Breathability is so important with the raingear. If you are just doing some short walks and are going to be outdoors, less important. But if you're doing some more vigorous multi day hikes, where you'll be sweating, it's really worthwhile to have a wind and waterproof breathable hooked parka and rainpaints. NZ may be a bit different than what you are used to because it can be cold, frosty, windy and rainy yet you will be steamed up inside of your clothing while you are walking. Most of the people on my Milford trek wore their polypro underwear, shorts, and their rainsuits. Not very attractive, but functional.

mlgb

For the occasional dry day, my basic uniform was a long sleeved shirt (for sun protection) and khaki long pants. I had a fleece vest that I wore often. (I went in November but we had October weather, including some snow).

LBLB555

Can I ask a question about packing, too? We are going to the SI in February. We plan to do a lot of hiking. Should be plan on hiking in long pants? Shorts? Will probably bring both, but want to know what to expect (we will be all over the island).

Melnq8

LBLB555 -

In seven trips to the SI, we've never worn shorts - we took them a few times, but never wore them. We've
visited in Aug, Sept, March, April and May, so we've never been there during the height of summer, which could very well be why we've not needed shorts.

We hike a lot during our trips to NZ and we practically live in our hiking pants. They're lightweight, loose and comfortable and offer protection when walking through dense foliage.

They're also tailored enough that they don't look sloppy, so we also wear them to restaurants and for the long flight to and from NZ.

You'll see kiwis wearing shorts and fleece jackets year round in NZ, so if you prefer to hike in shorts - take 'em.

mlgb

My shorts are mostly used as something to wear when I do laundry.