A friend and I are traveling to New Zealand in late October/early November. Can you help us determine what special articles of clothing we should bring?

Our activities will include the following:

* Sightseeing in Aukland and Rotorua
* Kayaking and hiking at Abel Tasman NP
* Heli-hiking at Fox Glacier
* Overnight cruise on Milford Sound
* Kayaking on doubtful sound
* Hanggliding in Queenstown
* Lots of eating and drinking

Do we need rain pants? Thermal underwear? 22 pairs of wool socks? Thanks for any recommendations you have!

Hi ARay -

We've been to the SI many times at different times of the year, and we always pack the same things: a fleece jacket, a waterproof jacket (with hood) that fits over the fleece,(so each can be worn separately or together) a fleece hat and gloves, a pair of rain pants (for hiking), a sunhat, and if in the dead of winter, a pair of silk long underwear that fits under the rain pants. We live in our hiking shoes while in NZ, and our hiking poles have come in handy a few times, but you won't need them in Abel Tasman.

I don't know if kayakers require special clothing, never been kayaking. They'll provide wool socks, boots and crampons on your helihike.

I've never, ever taken wool socks, in fact I don't think I own any. I usually pack short sleeve shirts, hiking pants and jeans. I've tossed in a pair of shorts a few times, but have seldom worn them.

My fleece 'slug pants' and down booties have come in handy a few times in cold accommodation.

Plan to dress in layers and you'll be fine. October and November should be pleasant.

Hi Aray,

As Other Mel says, layers are the way to go -- pack things that will do double duty -- like a blouse that you can use as a "jacket" over another top sometimes.

For that eating & drinking part, I suggest pants with an athletic waistband.

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist

er..make that ELASTIC waistband! (although I guess all that eating and drinking could be considered a form of exercise!)

I guess I'm old school..I ALWAYS bring wool socks for hiking. However they are also widely available in NZ.

My wardrobe is very similar to Melnq8 but I like to have a fleece vest and polypro thermal underwear instead long undiesof silk (they also sell some nice striped polypro there). October and November can be quite cold in the South Island so I would bring the long undies.

Lightweight long sleeve shirts with UPF and long pants that dry quickly. Dress is very casual. My uniform is the vest over the long shirt and khaki pants with the rain gear never far from my side. If you wear with shorts they will think you are Kiwis, who seem to wear them year round. I usually wear mine when doing laundry.

It rains a ton. I would bring two pair of shoes because one will be wet. Nothing white on your feet is a good plan.

I have the same question for the South Island at the end of January.
I know its their summer but do we still need warm jumpers (fleece) that time of year?

It never hurts to have a fleece or a sweater oneday, regardless of time of year. The weather in NZ is unpredictable.

You can still get rain and cold wind, especially along the coast at the south end of the South Island.

However you will also need to pack for warmer weather & stock up on the sunscreen. I usually bring two hats because one disappears somewhere on route.