NZ weather in November--what to pack?
All,
Thanks to the people on this group, I have my final itinerary for New Zealand. I'll be there the third week of November. So my question is--what type of clothing should I pack? I'm going to be on the South Island the whole time, doing a circle from Christchurch, to Te Anau/Milford Sound, then up the west coast (to the glaciers), through Arthur's Pass to return to Christchurch. All the books I have say that November is summer, but I realize that some of these areas are quite mountainous. And the fact that the glaciers are there year-round tells me that it shouldn't be too hot. I'm trying to pack light, but I don't want to do laundry. What sorts of clothes should I pack? If I wear a sweatshirt and have a fleece, should that be enough? What about at night? Thanks so much! I am getting excited.... Sarah |
NZ weather in November--what to pack?
On Tue, 21 Oct 2003 22:00:13 -0400, "Sarah"
wrote: All, Thanks to the people on this group, I have my final itinerary for New Zealand. I'll be there the third week of November. So my question is--what type of clothing should I pack? I'm going to be on the South Island the whole time, doing a circle from Christchurch, to Te Anau/Milford Sound, then up the west coast (to the glaciers), through Arthur's Pass to return to Christchurch. All the books I have say that November is summer, but I realize that some of these areas are quite mountainous. And the fact that the glaciers are there year-round tells me that it shouldn't be too hot. I'm trying to pack light, but I don't want to do laundry. What sorts of clothes should I pack? If I wear a sweatshirt and have a fleece, should that be enough? What about at night? Thanks so much! I am getting excited.... Sarah Watch out when your in Canterbury/Christchurch for the nor-westers! These are very hot dry winds! Consider items that you can layer. If you don't want to take a raincoat, it may be handy to take some disposable raincoats or ponchos and perhaps a foldup umbrella 'just in case'. I've always managed to get two or three wears out of a disposable raincoat but remember, take a ziplock back with you to pop it into [wet] if you want to save it for 'another rainy day'. "Recommended Clothing Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities. In summer a light jacket or sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing." http://www.newzealand.com/index.cfm/...6892A5EAF.html Have a great trip! Post an update upon your return! Cath |
NZ weather in November--what to pack?
Hello Sarah,
Like most places, NZ gets its best, settled summer weather in late summer. Being a maritime climate, we gets lots of short rainy spells blowing across the Tasman Sea, but it never gets cold and rainy for very long in spring and don't forget that fiordland is one of the rainiest places outside the tropics. I guess I'm saying you need to prepare for a mix of conditions. You need to think layers, light stuff you can combine for when it gets cool, but the south island - especially inland can turn on some scorchers! I don't know where you are travelling from, but I can certainly say from experience (I am English, but 25 yrs in NZ) that it never gets as bad as the chilly easterlies we used to get blowing in from Europe. Also NZ is very casual regarding dress standards. Only the snobbiest restaraunts expect dress/shirt & tie. jeans & sweat shirts/T shirts are fine. If you are planning any bush walking, the layered stuff is essential - as is a waterproof outer. Make sure you get at least a little of the bush scenery -even after 25 years it takes my breath away! Enjoy what I am sure will be a great experience. MIKE "Sarah" wrote in message ... All, Thanks to the people on this group, I have my final itinerary for New Zealand. I'll be there the third week of November. So my question is--what type of clothing should I pack? I'm going to be on the South Island the whole time, doing a circle from Christchurch, to Te Anau/Milford Sound, then up the west coast (to the glaciers), through Arthur's Pass to return to Christchurch. All the books I have say that November is summer, but I realize that some of these areas are quite mountainous. And the fact that the glaciers are there year-round tells me that it shouldn't be too hot. I'm trying to pack light, but I don't want to do laundry. What sorts of clothes should I pack? If I wear a sweatshirt and have a fleece, should that be enough? What about at night? Thanks so much! I am getting excited.... Sarah |
NZ weather in November--what to pack?
In , "Sarah" wrote:
I'm trying to pack light, but I don't want to do laundry. What sorts of clothes should I pack? If I wear a sweatshirt and have a fleece, should that be enough? What about at night? You'll be fine with a single midweight or heavier fleece. There's no need for insulated pants or jacket - although the south of the South Island *can* get cool in November, it's not the Rockies; for most of your journey, you'll be close to sea level. If you really want to be on the safe side, take a wool hat and some polypro gloves as well, or buy the hat in Chch, Queenstown or Te Anau (you should be able to find a nice tacky one with kiwis or sheep all over it). Essential on the route you're doing - especially if you plan to do even a short hike off the Te Anau-Milford road - is a good waterproof/breathable raincoat. Geoff -- Actually, I do have spots. |
NZ weather in November--what to pack?
Sarah wrote:
All, Thanks to the people on this group, I have my final itinerary for New Zealand. I'll be there the third week of November. Hey, Sarah, glad to hear you have things sorted. No Dunedin leg - shame. So my question is--what type of clothing should I pack? I'm going to be on the South Island the whole time, doing a circle from Christchurch, to Te Anau/Milford Sound, then up the west coast (to the glaciers), through Arthur's Pass to return to Christchurch... I'm trying to pack light, but I don't want to do laundry. What sorts of clothes should I pack? If I wear a sweatshirt and have a fleece, should that be enough? What about at night? At the moment in Dunedin, we have had quite a few t-shirt days so I'd count on that being the norm: putting on a sweatshirt and then fleece as you head to the glaciers should see you right. If you're going walking, think about rainwear, however. You were doing the B&B thing for accomodation, weren't you? Unless you're wanting to dress up, then a sweatshirt should be fine in terms of keeping warm. |
NZ weather in November--what to pack?
Sarah wrote:
What about at night? Commando |
NZ weather in November--what to pack?
On Tue, 21 Oct 2003 22:00:13 -0400, "Sarah"
wrote: [msge snipped] What about at night? Thanks so much! I am getting excited.... Sarah Where are you staying? Hotel, hostel etc? Generally, these places are heated. I would only pack a lightweight nightie or pj's. If for some reason you get cold, you could always pop on a sweater, sox etc. Cath |
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