Help a North American understand winter in New Zealand
 

We are at the very beginning stages of contemplating a vacation to "down under" for June 2016. I know the seasons are the opposite from what we have here. What kind of temperatures should we expect - would we need heavy winter coats or would it be more a case of lighter weight jackets and sweaters. Thanks for helping enlighten me.

Hi Laura -

We've visited the SI many times during winter - we always pack the same way - a fleece jacket and a waterproof layer that fits over the fleece. We also take fleece hats, mittens and a pair of rain pants (we're avid hikers). I usually pack a pair of silk long underwear to wear under my rain pants, but have seldom used them (and we spend lots of time outdoors, rain or shine).

NZ doesn't get nearly as cold as it does in the northern hemisphere, but it does get wet. Central heating can be hard to come by, so you might find yourselves wearing your fleece indoors at restaurants, cafes, etc. I suggest you make sure your accommodation has heat as well (not all do!) and an electric blanket will come in handy as well, especially if you're staying in a cottage or non-hotel, non-motel type accommodation.

We have experienced some pretty wild weather on the SI in the winter, including snow in Christchurch (at sea level), but it's not all that common.

Plan to wear layers and pack as lightly as you can - you'll be glad you did.

thanks so much, that is very helpful - is the N.I. the same situation?

Been to the South Island twice during the winter. On both occasions we had mostly crisp clear weather, not that cold. Little or no snow in the valleys, mountain passes and peaks covered in snow - VERY beautiful. In Queenstown, I'd guess daytime high temperatures in the upper 40s, low 50s, frosty at night. Car rentals supplied chains for snow driving, but we didn't need them. You may find some roads at least temporarily closed because of snow or risk of avalanche, as was the Milford road on our first trip.

in general the north island will be a bit warmer, especially in the north. But there will be snow on the mountain peaks.

I live in the South Island, and we're just easing into Winter now. At the moment the temperatures range (in celsius) from 12 to 20 during the day. If it's 20, it's normally from a warm wind. At night it might be 0 to 10 degrees. I'm dressing in long sleeves and jeans or wearing tights with dresses/skirts. If it's raining I'm wearing a waterproof shell jacket (with no additional lining) over whatever I'm wearing. If it's just cold (today it's about 12, no rain), I'd wear my puffer jacket (it stuffs into a pocket if it needs to). On my feet, are ballet flats or trainers.

If I was hiking, then that would require some more serious thinking and planning, but I'm assuming you're not talking about that.

In the North island the temperatures can be a bit milder in the north (15-20 celsius), but rain is more prevalent. Less call for puffer jackets more for rain jackets and umbrellas.

It basically depends on the geography of where you are. Inland areas are generally colder, upper north island is wetter (and greener), east cost is crisp and cold (unless it's raining or windy). Snow in the central North Island, and inland South Island is probable but unless you are on a ski field won't stay around long. Snow on the coast is possible but unlikely. Any extremes are possible...but unlikely.

I'm not sure what North American equivalents would be...not as warm as Florida...not as cold as New York...not as wet as Seattle....

Outdoor clothing shops are plentiful if you get stuck. Macpac.co.nz, Kathmandu.co.nz Merino clothing is perfect for NZ - warm, thin layers. Check out icebreaker.com

Also, the local website for weather is www.metservice.com

thank you so much everyone, this is ever so helpful

At the moment the temperatures range (in celsius) from 12 to 20 during the day. If it's 20, it's normally from a warm wind. At night it might be 0 to 10 degrees>>

lol, that sounds like a cornish summer!

Big snowstorm down south at the moment. Temperatures very cold.

Our family is in Kaiteriteri now and it is very, very cold. Ice is on our windshield and we have no scraper! Just found out that since it is off-season the water taxis use smaller boats that don't have a way to get off without getting wet, so I will have to try to search out a company that might be able to help me avoid getting into knee-deep water. Wilson's said to wear shorts, which we didn't pack due to the time of year.

Definitely try to find lodging with heat, not at all common down here. I have a polar fleece and rain jacket to wear over it, and hat and gloves, and I wish I had brought a winter coat!

Also, lots of restaurants are closed in the off-season, so we are finding slim pickings.

The upside is that there aren't many other tourists around!

I'm confused Martha - the water taxis in the Abel Tasman area have portable bridges that they use to cover the low tide distance between shore and the boat. We've visited the area many times in winter and have never gotten wet getting onto a boat. We once had to wear these big orange hip wader garments provided by the taxi operator (we called them condoms) to walk to the boat, but no one got wet. Surely someone offers these?

BYW - we had ice on our windshield in Wanaka in February - now that was a bit of a surprise:)

Did you try these two?

http://aquataxi.co.nz/departures

http://abeltasmanseashuttles.co.nz/

Wilson's isn't the only game in town (and personally, I prefer the others over Wilson's).

Wilson's specifically said we would get wet to our knees and should wear shorts and bring towels!

We booked with Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles for our Medlands to Anchorage walk tomorrow.

thanks for all of your tips Mel. We had a great walk on the Queen Charlotte track from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge and really enjoyed our trip there with Beachcomber Cruises. Picton sure is dead at this time of year, though.

Except for being cold, the weather has been great. Unfortunately that's supposed to change when we get to the Takaka area.

Good choice, Medlands to Anchorage. I hope the weather holds out for you.

Happy to hear you enjoyed your Queen Charlotte trek.

Drive safely.

Had a great walk today, perfect weather, but we all preferred the Queen Charlotte track!!

I think we have one good weather day before the rain hits.