What to Pack and Wear in New Zealand For 2023?

Have you decided to visit New Zealand? Feeling excited about the new travel destination you’ve chosen?

Sure you are, and there are plenty of reasons for that!

It is a multicultural country of cosmopolitan people, vivid cities and amazing beaches, native forests, crystal clear lakes, and magnificent mountains.

Are you willing to try extreme sports? Why not?

 New Zealand has so much to offer:

– bungy,  heli-skiing, snowboarding, ziplining, canyoning, caving, rafting, skydiving, stand-up paddleboarding, cycling, and kayaking.

If you like walking and hiking, there are beautiful trails and great walks.

Having an interest in local art and culture? You can see traditional Māori arts and crafts, museums, theatres, and performances.

Maori were the natives of New Zealand, but now they belong to the largest minority nation in this country.

Maybe you are dreaming of stargazing? Clean and dark sky enables you to see constellations and shooting stars!  New Zealand has some of the most available observatories in the world.

If you like to try local food and drinks, here you can find unique flavors.

All these activities and many others can be investigated by car, by boat, on foot, by air, and even by train.

Whatever you decide to do, New Zealand requires some planning to

visit.

If you want to have a pleasant and calm vacation, here are some tips for you:

Find out what the dress code is in New Zealand

The way New Zealanders dress is a reflection of the country’s multiculturalism. The Maori were the original inhabitants of New Zealand.

Therefore, intricately designed and brightly colored, the Maori dress is the most popular form of clothing.

Many of these types of dress, particularly kilts, were brought to New Zealand by migrants, but if you are visiting this country, it is not necessary to wear a national dress.

Also, Popular clothing is Western-style clothing, as well as Polynesian and Asian styles of dress.

Both, the North and South islands offer amazing sites, nature excursions, and city

tours, but the dress code is a little different from island to island.

When it comes to dressing style, the people of  New Zealand (who nicknamed themselves the Kiwis), from the South Island, are laid back. They like to dress simply and casually. Even when they go out at night, on weekends.

The dressing style of people on the North Island is a  bit more than casual.

Read what to pack for New Zealand

Do you want to know why the packing list is a bit challenging?

This is because of the time and the activities you will be doing.

The weather is always changing, so you literally need to pack clothes

for all four seasons. This means you must be prepared for the sun,

and rainy and windy days at the same time. Sometimes it might even snow. Packaging

a multi-layered wardrobe will make you feel confident that you have everything you need, so you can keep calm during the visit.

We’ve created a Packing list for all seasons. That way, you’ll know what to wear depending on the weather and the activities you’re doing.

Packing list for All seasons

T-shirts, but long-sleeved shirts and sweaters, too

Shorts, skirts, but also jeans, hiking trousers, and  smart-casual trousers for men

sweat suit

Raincoat, windproof jacket, or if you have rain and windproof jacket

One light jacket, such as denim

Warm hat, scarf, and gloves

A suit or a dress you could wear at night for dressing up (if you are going to expensive restaurants and nightclubs)

Shoes for man

You should pack:

sneakers

hiking boots

flip flops

casual evening shoes

Shoes for woman

 You should pack:

sneakers

hiking boots

flip flops

sandals, stylish heels

Also, you should pack Basic necessities and Accessories such as toiletries,  underwear, socks, a track towel, a belt, costume jewelry, a camera, a phone, a day pack, a shoulder bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, swimsuit, swim trunks, something for reading, etc.

If your cycling is put a head torch and some padded shorts in your bag too.

And most important of all choose colors and styles that suit you.

Learn what  you should not wear in New Zealand

Clothing tips for man

Generally are not expected to wear suits and ties, only if you go few of the most formal bars and restaurants.

So, you don’t have to wear it, especially if you won’t visit cities such as Auckland and Wellington.

People on the North Island do like to dress up a little more with the hip.

Clothing tips for woman

If you are visiting only the South island you don’t have to wear a pair of your most beautiful heels.

Women on the South Island dress casually, even at night outs. So, casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants.

The big winter jacket is not a “must have” too. Layering is a better choice.

Catch how to dress when visiting New Zealand

Regardless of what season we are talking about, the weather in New Zealand is changeable, so the summer temperatures generally differ little from winter temperatures.

What does it mean?

Whenever you go into this exciting country, it means that your packing list will not suffer from radical change.

Even so, there are still some small differences whether we travel in spring, summer, autumn, or winter.

Uncover things to add to your All-season packing list

What to wear in September, October and November- Spring  in New Zealand

During spring you can expect a mixture of weather: cooler temperatures with spring showers can change to sunny days.

Temperatures range from 4.5°C – 18°C.

Average daytime temperatures during spring range between 19°C in the north to 16°C in the south.

What to wear in September

In Auckland, one of the most popular cities on the North Island, the average high temperature is 16°C and the average low is 10°C.

In Queenstown, the famous city on the South Island, the average high temperature is 13°C and the average low is 2°C.

Clothing tips for women and man

Bring rain and windproof jacket

Hooded sweatshirt, denim jacket

One more sweater and a long-sleeved shirt

Shoes to pack for man:

sneakers

hiking boots

formal shoes

Shoes to pack for a woman:

sneakers

hiking boots

pair of flats

Also, you should pack Basic necessities and Accessories such as toiletries,  underwear, socks, a track towel, a belt, costume jewelry, a camera, a phone, a day pack, a shoulder bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, swimsuit, swim trunks, something for reading, etc.

What to wear also depends on the activity that you will do.

Kayaking, fishing, or white water rafting are popular in September and the ski season runs until mid or late September.

So, if you like fishing, you can wear a fishing jacket and boots and your favorite fishing rod. Or, you can buy it, in New Zealand too.

Kayak clubs generally provide you with all the equipment you need. It is the same for rafting and skiing.

What to wear in October

In Auckland, the average high temperature is 18°C and the average low is 11°C.

In Queenstown, the average high temperature is 15°C and the average low is 4°C.

You have the advantage of longer days and lighter evenings, now!

Clothing, shoes, and basic necessities you should wear are similar to those in September.

Great walks are opening in October. The trails are safe to walk again, so don’t forget to wear your hiking boots!

What to wear in November

In Auckland, the average high temperature is 20°C and the average low is 12°C.

In Queenstown, the average high temperature is 18°C and the average low is 6°C.

Enjoying fantastic beaches begins on the North Island!

In November the weather is warming up.

Average daytime temperatures in November range between 4°C and 18°C.

Clothing tips for woman

Switch a couple of your t-shirts for some lighter tank tops.

Join a lighter shoe such as an espadrille and you will not regret it.

A pair or two of short skirts will be fine too.

Clothing tips for man

Join tailored pair of shorts. It is an option for casual evening wear.

Add one long sleeve linen shirt. You can wear it buttoned up, or unbuttoned, wearing T- a shirt underneath.

A denim jacket also comes in handy for spring nights.

Spring rains

Spring rains are common in New Zealand, so don’t forget to bring your raincoat or rain and windproof jacket!

What to wear in December, January, and February- Summer in New Zealand

New Zealand’s summer season runs from December to February. Temperatures range from 21°C – 25°C

What to wear in December

In Auckland, the average high temperature is 22°C and the average low is 15°C.

In Queenstown, the average high temperature is 20°C and the average low is 8°C.

Although summer has arrived, cooler and rainy days can still be expected in the South Island.

That’s why you always need a layered wardrobe in New Zealand, even in December.

What to wear in January

The best time to enjoy the magic of the sun is in January.

In Auckland, the average high temperature is 24°C and the average low is 16 °C.

In Queenstown, the average high temperature is 22 °C and the average low is 9°C.

The hottest temperatures in the country are found in the South Island, sometimes getting close to 40°C.  This means that January is the hottest month of the year in New Zealand and that is the reason why January the busiest time of the year to visit this country.

You’re never far from the sea in New Zealand but now is the weather just fine for enjoying the beautiful beaches. Here are some tips for what to wear:

Clothing tips for women:

Add second bikini sandals and flip flops

Bring a beach bag, sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen

Add a sarong scarf. It is nice for your daily and nightly clothing combinations

A sarong can be worn in so many ways: as a beach cover-up for the sun, or as a skirt. Also, it can cover your shoulders if you are going to religious places.

Clothing tips for men:

Add Linen pants and one or two short sleeve linen shirts

Sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is “must-have”

Don’t forget your swim trunks and flip-flops!

What to wear in February

In Auckland, the average high temperature in February is 24°C and the average low is 16 °C.

Queenstown is with an average high temperature in February at 22°C and an average low of 9°C.

You’re never far from the sea in New Zealand, so here are some tips for what to wear:

You should wear a summer coverup in February.  It is a good option.

What to wear in March, April and May – Autumn in New Zealand

New Zealand’s autumn season runs from March to May.

In March, you can hardly notice that summer is over, but nights begin to get chilly around mid-April.

Average temperatures range from 7°C  – 21°C.

What to wear in March

The average high in Auckland is 23°C and the average low is 15°C.

In Queenstown, the average high is 19°C and the average low is 7°C.

Clothing tips for women and man

Add a full-zipped fleece jacket. It can be useful in the evening and at night.

What to wear in April

The average high in Auckland is 20°C and the average low is 13°C.

In Queenstown, the average high is 15°C and the average low is 4°C.

April is a great time for hiking.

Clothing tips for women and man

If you like to hike, wear your polyester, nylon, or merino wool undies,

hiking trousers and boots, polyester fleece, a rain jacket, and a brimmed hat.

What to wear in May

The average high in Auckland is 18°C and the average low is 10°C.

In Queenstown, the average high is 12°C and the average low is 2°C.

Pack some warm clothes.

Clothing tips for woman

Pair the turtleneck with your jacket of choice

Add shacket. It offers both: layering opportunities and good styling

Clothing tips for man

In addition to your list of a vest, you can use layer clothing

Wear a turtleneck or rollneck

What to wear in June, July, and August- Winter in New Zealand

Temperatures range from 1.5 – 15.5 °C.  It is much lower in Queenstown than in Auckland.

In the North Island, average temperatures range from 10-16°C

In the South Island winters are colder. Temperatures range from 7-12°C with frosts and heavy snowfall.

What to wear in June

In Auckland, the average high temperature is 15°C and the average low is 8°C.

In Queenstown, the average high temperature is 8°C and the average low is 0°C.

Clothing tips for women and men

Add some rollneck,  turtleneck, and sweaters

What to wear in July

In Auckland, the average high temperature is 14°C and the average low is 7°C. This is

In Queenstown, the average high temperature is 8°C and the average low is -1°C.

Clothing tips for women and man

Do not forget to wear your warm hat, scarf, and glows

Add a few pairs of worm socks

Take a warm jacket too

Important: wear an umbrella and raincoat because July is the wettest month of the year.

What to wear in August

In Auckland, the average high temperature is 15°C and the average low is 8°C.

In Queenstown, the average high temperature is 10°C and the average low is 0°C.

Clothing tips for woman

Wear a lightweight sweater, flowy blouse, and a cardigan, but do not forget a warm jacket, hat, scarf, and glow

Clothing tips  for man

Add a comfy cotton shirt and cardigan to dress up nice, but casual

A warm jacket is still a “must have”

Queenstown is the perfect destination for any season of the year, especially in winter! From snow-capped peaks, buzzing ski fields, and a variety of après ski offerings, Queenstown has something for everyone.

Queenstown

Enjoy a snowy holiday in Queenstown

Surrounded by the snow and the adventures it brings makes you feel really good.

Queenstown has its own special magic and that is the reason why you should visit it during the winter.

This city is the best target for any season of the year.

The ski season in Queenstown is one of the largest seasons. It starts in June and lasts till October.

Queenstown has some of the best places to ski in New Zealand.  You can choose from five commercial ski resorts: The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona, Treble Cone, and Snow Farm.

Coronet Peak is the closest mountain to Queenstown. It takes you a 20-minute drive along the road to get there. If you don’t have a car, bus transport is available from central Queenstown.

Coronet Peak offers safety for those new to the snow as for seasoned skiers and riders.

New Zealand’s longest ski day with First Tracks and Night Skiing is something you must try without delay!

This particular ski resort has private and group lessons for all abilities. Lessons are available from experienced coaches on the mountain.

Mountain rental system is available as long as a range of dining options. There is an Early Learning Centre for children aged 2 and up.

If you wanna take a small break from being a parent,  supervised kids’ programs are here for you!

Enjoy your holiday, there are many reasons to visit Queenstown.

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