What to Pack for New Zealand in November (+ Free Printable List)
November in New Zealand is an absolute dream. (I mean, I’m sure every month is, because the country is perfect). However, November brings fields of lupines, just-right temperatures, and long sun-shiny days. So, if you’re planning your dream vacay, here’s a complete list of what to pack for New Zealand in November.
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Table of Contents
New Zealand Weather in November
November in New Zealand marks the transition from spring to early summer, making it a fantastic time to visit. Temperatures are generally mild, ranging from about 50–70°F (10–21°C), though conditions can vary quite a bit between the North and South Islands. You’ll enjoy longer daylight hours perfect for outdoor adventures, but be prepared for quickly changing weather…sunshine, wind, and the occasional rain shower can all happen in a single day. Packing layers, a light rain jacket, and sun protection will help you stay comfortable no matter what the forecast brings.
| Location | November Weather |
|---|---|
| Auckland (North Island) | Mild and pleasant, around 55–70°F (13–21°C); occasional showers but plenty of sunny days. |
| Rotorua (North Island) | Similar to Auckland, with temperatures between 50–68°F (10–20°C); great for geothermal attractions. |
| Wellington (North Island) | Cooler and windier, 50–65°F (10–18°C); bring a jacket for the famous Wellington gusts. |
| Christchurch (South Island): | Mild spring weather, 45–68°F (7–20°C); usually drier than the North Island. |
| Queenstown (South Island): | Crisp mornings and warm afternoons, 40–65°F (4–18°C); ideal for hiking but layers are a must. |
| Milford Sound (South Island) | Cooler and very wet, 45–60°F (7–16°C); rain showers are frequent, adding to the dramatic scenery. |
November is also the start of lupine season in New Zealand, which makes the landscapes even more magical. These tall, colorful flowers, begin blooming in late November and continue into December, especially around the South Island. You’ll spot them lining riverbanks, fields, and roadsides, creating vibrant pops of color against the mountains and lakes.
- Queenstown to Wanaka drive: Roadsides start filling with lupines at the end of the month.
- Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki (South Island): Famous for massive fields of lupines in full bloom by late November. This was our favorite spot!
What Clothes Should I Pack for November in New Zealand?
Because November weather in New Zealand can swing from cool and rainy to warm and sunny in a single day, packing the right clothing is all about layers and versatility. You’ll want pieces that keep you comfortable while exploring outdoors, strolling through towns, or relaxing at hot springs. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:
Layering Basics
- Lightweight, breathable shirts for warm afternoons. We were surprised with how warm it got whent he sun was out and did not pack enought lightweight shirts and tanks.
- A cozy sweater or fleece for cooler mornings and evenings.
- Base layers to wear under your clothes when temperatures drop. These are often lightweight and easy to pack if you end up not needed them.
Amazon Options:
REI Options:
Jacket
- A waterproof, windproof shell to handle sudden rain showers and gusty days. If you know me, you know it rains on every single trip I go on. A rain jacket and packable puffer jacket are a must. When we visited New Zealand in November, it (surprisingly) only rained one day which ended up being perfect for waterfall chasing down Haast Pass.
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REI Options:
Bottoms
- Comfortable jeans or lightweight pants for everyday exploring. Queenstown has a lot of really fun nightlife, so a non-hiking pair of pants would have been great to have!
- Leggings for layering or active days. Pinnacle Outfitters’ Nomad Leggings are my current obsession!
- A pair of shorts for sunny afternoons. Again, I was not expecting it to be hot and found myself wanting shorts on multiple days.
Amazon Options
REI (and Other Options)
Shoes
- Comfortable walking shoes for towns and casual hikes. I had just packed hiking sandals and boots and wished I would have brought another pair for going out in Queenstown and walking around the other towns after a day on the trails. Vessi’s would be great for this!
- Water-resistant hiking boots for longer trails and outdoor adventures. You’ll want a good pair of boots if you are thinking of conquering the famous Roy’s Peak or any of the other longer epic trails in New Zealand.
Accessories
- A hat for sun protection (I’m clearly on team bucket hats for every.single.hike). There were also many days where I needed my beanie so be sure to pack both!
- Sunglasses to shield from New Zealand’s strong UV rays. I forgot them and definitely regretted it for several days.
- A swimsuit for swimming with dolphins, your hotel’s hot tub, or a quick dip at the beach. There are nice beaches in Queenstown and Wanaka, and the weather was already warm enough to enjoy it a couple of the days when we visited in November.
Hiking & Outdoor Gear Packing List
With so many incredible trails, having the right gear will make your adventures in New Zealand both safer and more enjoyable. November weather can be unpredictable, so pack versatile hiking essentials that keep you comfortable no matter the conditions. Here’s what to bring:
Note! You do have to declare all hiking gear when entering New Zealand, so make sure it’s clean and ready to be inspected! They did make me take out my boots and asked me questions about past hikes and how I cleaned them.
Daypack
- A lightweight, comfortable backpack for carrying water, all the snacks, and layers on the trail. I’ve used the same $40 one from Amazon for the last 5 years, so you definitely don’t have to get fancy here. Psst: Here are some of the best-rated day packs under $100!
Amazon Options
REI Options
Hiking Boots
- Hiking boots AND shoes: I know I already mentioned this above, but you’ll want to have a good pair of hiking boots and hiking sandals. Below are the two I pack on every trip. I like to wear my keen sandals on warm hikes with water crossings (or really anything under 3 miles).
Reusable Water Bottle or Hydration Pack
- Some people love hydration packs (me), some hate them (my husband). But, either way, make sure you pack enough water for your New Zealand adventures. Some of the day packs above come with bladders, but they aren’t always the best options, so be sure to check them before traveling!
Amazon Options:
REI Options:
Hiking Socks + Blister Prevention
- Quality socks make all the difference; pair them with blister prevention products to keep your feet happy.
Amazon Options:
REI Options:
Trekking Poles
- Helpful for steep or uneven terrain, especially on South Island tracks. I (aka my knees) would have liked a pair of poles on our way down from Roy’s Peak.
Small First Aid Kit
- Be prepared with basics like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers for minor trail mishaps. It’s better safe than sorry!
Quick-Dry Towel
- Handy for wiping off after a wet hike or for spontaneous swims in lakes and rivers. The ones below are packable and easy to fit in your day pack!
Travel Essentials For New Zealand in November
Beyond clothing and hiking gear, a few travel essentials will make your trip to New Zealand smoother and stress-free. From staying connected to keeping your luggage organized, these items help you focus more on the adventure and less on the logistics. Here’s what to pack:
- Passport & Copies: Sorry to state the obvious.
- International Power Adapter: New Zealand uses Type I plugs—an adapter is essential for charging your devices.
- Power Bank: A portable charger keeps your phone, camera, or GPS powered up during long days of sightseeing or hiking.
- Lightweight Travel Umbrella: Compact and handy for sudden November rain showers. AND do not buy the cheapest umbrella (learn from my mistakes LOL)
- Packing Cubes: Keep your suitcase organized and make it easier to separate clean and dirty clothes. These were handy to stay organized as we stayed in 4 different hotels during our week in the South Island!
- Travel Pillow Essential for the long-haul flight to New Zealand or long bus rides between destinations—opt for a compact, supportive design.
Toiletries & Health Items
Even in spring, New Zealand’s sun can be surprisingly strong, and outdoor adventures often mean exposure to insects and long days on the road. Packing the right toiletries and health items ensures you stay comfortable and safe while exploring. Here’s what to bring:
- Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher is recommended, even on cloudy days. We both got pretty sunburnt on our first day. The sun there is STRONG.
- Insect Repellent: Especially useful near lakes, rivers, and forested areas.
- Motion Sickness Tablet: I could have used some on our first day when we drove to Akoroa, AND on the Milford Sound plane and boat tour.
- Refillable Toiletry Bottles: Perfect for carrying shampoo, conditioner, and other liquids while staying under airline limits if you are a carry-on only lover like me.
- Prescriptions or Medications: Bring enough for the full trip, plus a copy of your prescriptions, just in case.
- Travel Toothbrush
- Painkillers
- Deodorant
- A razor
Extras to Make Your Trip to New Zealand Easier
These extra items aren’t strictly necessary, but they can make your trip more comfortable, organized, and enjoyable:
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: Perfect for the LONG flight to New Zealand.
- Kindle or E-Reader: Great for reading during downtime without carrying heavy books. Anyone else on a major fantasy kick?!
- Travel Laundry Bag: Keeps dirty clothes separate and helps organize your suitcase.
- Portable Snacks: Energy bars or trail mix for long drives, hikes, or days exploring remote areas. I’ve been LOVING Huel’s bars!
- Lightweight Travel Blanket: Cozy for flights, road trip days, or chilly mornings on outdoor adventures.
Packing for New Zealand in November FREE Printable
I hope you found this November in New Zealand packing list extremely helpful! If you are anything like me, packing for trips stresses you out to the MAX. It’s nice to see what others brought and can help you avoid forgetting an essential!
Here’s a FREE PRINTABLE packing list in case you are a paper and pencil type of human (I 1000 percent am). Plus its cute and makes checking off each item super satisfying!
Keep reading! Need help planning your bucket list adventure?! See exactly how we spent 9 days road tripping from Christchurch to Queenstown!
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