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Old October 22nd, 2003, 07:34 AM
Mike
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Default 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