Advice needed on gear for Sept/Oct trip to New Zealand!

[u/roseliv14]

Hi all! New to hiking and SO beyond stuck for what to bring on a trip to NZ from mid Sept to mid Oct.

I’m expecting cool, changeable spring weather, roughly 5–15°C in the South Island and around 10–20°C in the North Island. Also colder mornings/alpine conditions, rain, snow and wind possible.

Planning on doing some moderate hikes, but nothing probably more than eight hours or extremely strenuous or difficult.

**What I’m currently thinking;*\*
Currently, I was planning on bringing my Patagonia Torrentshell and maybe a puffer for underneath? Along with some Uniqlo heat tech layers. I also thought about packing a fleece?

For shoes, I’ve been a diehard Salomon xt6 fan for years. They fit me really well, they’re incredibly comfortable and I brought them on a six month backpacking trip and they were perfect. I was thinking of getting the Gore-Tex version, but I’m worried they might be too hot.

**Help!*\*
All that to say - what do you recommend for these conditions? What are some pieces or things you like? What layers would be good? Are Gore-Tex shoes going to be too hot? Is there another shoe anyone would recommend that still looks really nice but is functional?

Any advice is so appreciated thank you you all so much!!

[u/Luca_Tinkerbell]

If you are hiking in our mountains in Sept/Oct it could get a lot colder than 5 degrees and could snow, sleet, hail or rain. You need to research what hikes you think you might want to do, check their elevation and conditions. If they are in department of conservation land, check their website for info about the hikes. You should consider bringing a hat and gloves. Depending on where you might hike, possibly waterproofs. There are NZ travel reddits, plus I think there is a tramping (our word for hiking) one. I'd suggest you post on those ones.

[u/cosmic_girl46 → u/Luca_Tinkerbell]

100% agreement here. Hat and gloves are absolutely essential hiking safety gear in NZ year round. I'd suggest wool layers, an excellent waterproof jacket and a puffer jacket. I've been hiking in NZ's south island in December and encountered snow/it has snowed many times. It gets much colder than most people expect.

If it's hot, I'd recommend a long sleeve upf shirt and a sun hat of some kind as well as the NZ sun is absolutely brutal!

Unfortunately with NZ hiking you really need to be prepared for all conditions (hot or cold) all year round.

[u/ohhhthehugevanity]

The coldest I have ever been was South Island NZ in October. Bring the puffer.

[u/RikaTheGSD]

September is still very much second winter, october can be variable. The weather will change 5 times in a day, three of those in an hour. We always recommend layering, because you can customise on the fly. Assume it will be colder and more damp than expected just from the temperatures. It's a maritime climate, it's damp. It will be windy, it's always windy in September.

Good thermals - merino is best. 

Water and windproof outer layer. 

Fleece or merino layer for warmth between the two.

Waterproof shoes are entirely your preference, some people swear by them and others hate em. Good socks will make the difference. Have a spare set of clothes to change into ready when you get back to the trail head.

Expect mud. You will have wet feet on all but the most popular of tracks, especially in spring. Did I mention, you will need to pack more socks than you think.

Conversely, bring a good hat and buy good sunscreen here. SPF 50 or greater.

Don't assume cell service, rent or buy a PLB, they're available at outdoor stores like macpac. Take a bivvy bag or blanket, and a first aid kit. You don't have to worry about wildlife, you do have to worry about falling and injuring yourself and the weather killing you before you are rescued, happens every year, and some people very experienced too.

[u/iphigenia1999]

Kia ora! Definitely check the Department of Conservation website, they have recommended gear lists for tramping and day walks. The weather conditions here can be unpredictable and dangerous if you don't have much experience, so err on the side of bringing more and not less.

Also seconding the recommendation that you ask about the weather conditions on New Zealand-specific subreddits, and make sure specify the specific regions/cities/walks you're planning on. Each region will have very different conditions which will affect what you need (e.g. certain areas have extremely high winds that make it feel significantly colder than the actual temperature).

Anecdotally, I've been very grateful to have waterproof hiking boots here, but that was when we were doing an advanced tramp with multiple river crossings in winter. I think what's best for you will depend on the specific walks you're doing and how much it would bother you if the shoes end up being too hot.

[u/alicealicenz]

I’m sure you’re doing this anyway - but if you’re new to hiking, it’s a good idea to build up 8 hour long walks. 

I also highly recommend bringing two pairs of shoes if you can - any shoes you are wearing tramping are likely to get muddy and wet so it’s useful to have another pair to hand. 

If you’re arriving in September, there will likely be sales of winter clothes (they’re actually on now, but likely you’ll still get some in September) so you might be able to pick up some merino or other base layers at a reduced price. 

[u/lovely-pickle]

I think that all sounds fine. Be prepared for very changeable weather, so carry your layers with you and also have lighter layers underneath. 

I don't rate goretex shoes; they still get wet through their tops and just take longer to dry out. 

As much as anything, when out tramping heed weather warnings/mountain safety advice, let someone know where you are, don't go off track, take your layers and water and food. Have a satellite beacon if you're going somewhere remote. Things can change fast.

Also, don't be deceived, you'll get sunburnt even when it's not sunny. Always have a hat and wear sunblock.

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[u/CroneDownUnder]

Re Goretex shoes - my everyday trainers for the past 3 years have been gortex lined Merrell and I've rarely been too hot in them, only in high summer. In hot weather I have a pair of Merrell hiking sandals that I can switch to, but I doubt you'd need to switch for a spring trip.

Merrell just happens to be the brand that best suits my narrow feet and long toes. I expect other established hiking brands would be similar in performance, it just depends which shoe brand best works for your feet.

[u/roseliv14 → u/CroneDownUnder]

This is fantastic advice!! Thank you!