My family is going to NZ South Island for 16 days from Dec. 20 to Jan. 5 I haven't been able to find much info on what to pack. We will be hiking, sightseeing, overnight cruise, etc. Do we need to dress up for restaurants, Christmas church service, New Years eve? Do we need to pack for all kinds of weather?

We are having a crazy time weather wise at the moment. It is the coldest spring for 20 years and more like winter, the weather police reckon the cool conditions will be with us at least till Christmas.<BR>Pack some warm clothes just in case. Layers are the best idea as the weather is extremely changeable at the moment.<BR><BR>Dress codes are fairly relaxed in NZ, unless you are dining in the top tier &amp; most exclusive of restaurants. <BR><BR>

Hi - I have the same question. Here in Arizona I can basically wear jeans and sports shoes almost anywhere even for dinner - do I need to pack nicer clothes for NZ ? <BR><BR>Also wondering about rain gear. Will a rain coat and umbrella be enough or do I need rain pants ? We don't plan on doing a lot of &quot;treking&quot; but some general sightseeing and nature walks as well as cruising the milford sound.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR><BR>Sharon

Dress in New Zealand as you would in Arizona. It's quite informal and most restaurants have no dress code. We ate in some nice restaurants but nothing spectacular. The food was always good and the service was generally good too. We loved our time there. For the most part we layered our clothing - used a silk undershirt (when needed) a turtleneck, a sweater, a light jacket/raingear type and we were fine. Never took a skirt out!!

we just got back and they said it was oddly cold for that time of year - 60's.<BR>bring rain coat and pants if you are going to be walking. We didn't and when walking got hit with a ton of rain and it soaked our jeans. Jeans and shirt are fine for dining. No real fancy places to visit for eating. Everyone there is real relaxed.

Hi Susie,<BR>We live in Christchurch and there ARE nice restaurants where you can get dressed up-New Zealanders as a rule, do not wear Track shoes for dining, or to go to church on Christmas Day-women would wear skirt'dress ar dressy pants-christchurch is quite an elegant city-more arty than sporty!<BR>The changeable weather is the major factor in dressing, but a woollen jersey and thermal underwear is good in that department.<BR>If you will be here for Christmas dinner, it would pay to book-it is the most important meal of our year.<BR>Let me know if you would like reccommendations for Xmas dining.<BR>Hope you have a wonderful trip.<BR>Kind regards,<BR>Mary