Just another reminder that it pays to be prepared for NZ's unpredictable weather, even when traveling in midsummer.
It's been an unusually hot summer. A few days ago, temperatures reached 35C (95 F) in Wanaka, Queenstown and Christchurch, and 34C in Dunedin. One day later, storms caused havoc, causing flooding and slips and stranding travelers.
Reportedly, hundreds of tourists are trapped in Haast due to road damage and slips. I expect the road will be cleared ASAP, but this will still create problems for visitors on tight schedules.
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/natio...els-downstream
Nelson's popular Boat Shed Restaurant has closed "indefinitely" as Nelson was slammed by flooding and king tides (which, I've noticed, often coincide with supermoons).
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/...erfront-venues

You can keep updated on road conditions by checking here:
Traffic map
And severe weather warnings here:
New Zealand's official weather forecasts & warnings - Meteorological Service of New Zealand (MetService)

Holy moly, 35C? Thank you, but no.

Yes, it was horribly hot. Then Cardrona got its first snow of the year! NZ weather is never boring.
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/wanaka...st-brings-snow

Sadly, Nelson's Boat Shed Cafe wasn't the only iconic boat shed badly damaged during this recent storm. An iconic 90 year old boat shed on the Otago Peninsula that often features in aurora photos collapsed.I'm hoping some skilled and strong volunteers will put this bit of history back together:
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/a...E2%80%99s-loss

At least Highway 6 from Hokitika to Makarora has re-opened, much to the relief of stranded travelers.
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/west-c...ve-sh6-reopens

We'll be in Christchurch on Thursday

Christchurch 10 day forecast (greatly subject to change)
Christchurch City Weather - NZ Weather Forecast from MetService.com
But Thursday looks to be fine!

Hi All,

We are arriving in NZ in 4 days. DH, my 16 month old baby and I are travelling. Travelling to Rotorua, wellington, Christchurch, Fox glacier, Wanaka, Te Anau, Queenstown and mt Cook.
Would like to know how is weather right now so that I pack correct for my LO.

Thanks a lot.

You can check that same website Metservice. Bring a jacket for rain and cold. You can expect any type of weather.

Sonaligupta, you can also buy cold weather clothes after you get here. Not at the airport, too expensive (thought the quality is generally high). Shop at tourist shops in town, or at the Warehouse. Many tourists shop for such clothing at the Op Shops (used clothing stores, like Salvation Army), especially if they're not planning on using them again. If you want to shop at a retailer that specializes in outdoor active wear, I suggest Kathmandu or Macpac, but only buy things that are on sale. I don't know anyone who pays full price.

Weather is VERY changeable here right now. We've just had a weekend away at Taupo and Turangi and it was cold there like 9 degrees at night. I had packed light as it has been so hot in Auckland but had to go and buy a cheap jacket and socks I was so cold. You need sunscreen as well because the sun is very strong. Get a sunhat for bubs and even a beanie type warm hat or make sure the jacket has a hood. It warmed up during the day enough to enjoy a swim however.
I got a $35 cheap jacket at a souvenir type shop so have a look there.