[lockstock]

My spur of the moment (irresponsibly extravagant?) spontaneous flight to NZ takes off next Saturday. I've managed to work out a vague itinerary - 3days Auckland, 3 Hamilton and 3 days driving around via Rotorua. This year's British Summer has completely confused me and my wardrobe. Several weeks in winter mode and now it's threatening to get warm and sunny for more than a day or so. What do I take to NZ? Is the weather doing what it should do like it says in the guide books? Full winter kit? Or will I look a plonker walking around in woolly hat, scarf and gloves? I have absolutely no idea what to take?

[KerryS]

Well it's definitely not hat, scarf and gloves weather in Auckland at the moment, but that could all change by next week... It's so variable at this time of year.
Today is warm and there are bright blue skies and sunshine. But yesterday we had torrential rain. I would advise packing lots of things which you could layer up - so thin t-shirts or merino jumpers. And a waterproof coat is probably your best bet rather than a heavy winter style one.

[StevieD]

Yup, don't bother with the big coat! A decent waterproof and layers are fine.
Weather here in Waikato region has been sunny with showers (some torrential!!) averaging 16 degrees most days, although we topped 21 a few days ago.
Been walking round in a light sweatshirt today and shorts. Just the luck of the draw really.

Steve

[holland]

Lockstock...can I be nosey and ask where you are staying in Auckland??

J x

[Sam B]

The mornings are cold, I wear a ski jacket, but I'm a bit of a wet blanket. Then it's down to a long sleeved top, sometimes even a t-shirt if it's sunny. But there's been tonnes of rain recently, very heavy rain.

[zardell]

You certainly won't need your heavy winter coat, woolly hat, scarf or gloves, however when the sun goes down it can definitely get chilly in the evenings and you will certainly need a warm fleece and maybe a jumper.

During the day you could need anything from a tee-shirt to that fleece jacket, so as someone has previously said, bringing clothing that can be layered is your best bet.

A couple of pairs of jeans, a pair of black pants and a skirt or two with a range of tops in various sleeve lengths and a couple of sweaters and you should be fine.

Think UK spring with a chilly night or two thrown in.

Just don't forget your waterproof !!

It's so difficult to try and explain the weather here because when the sun shines it can turn a chilly day into quite a warm day in a matter of minutes. Just to give you an example - today has been gloriously sunny here in Whakatane, so I wore a thin polo shirt and pants, but tonight I'm wearing a fleece sweater.

Enjoy your trip.

Julie

xx

[lockstock]

Thanks for all the tips you guys. Layers and waterproofs it is then. Holland - I've booked 3 nights in the Kiwi International. Although we don't intend to settle in Auckland I thought I'd like to have a look round the city and get my bearings before heading inland. I've been trying to work out why I'm not excited about it all - truth is I'm terrified!:eek:

[holland]

Lockstock,

Have a fantabulous trip!!

J x

[zardell]

and a skirt or two




That's of course, based on my assumption that you're a woman!.........:roll


:laugh :laugh :laugh


Julie

xx

[Tia Maria]

Obviously if you forget anything its just a good excuse to buy clothes here, in a purely fact finding 'how much do things cost in NZ?' kind of way, of course. ;)

I'm sure you've sorted out all your sightseeing already but a couple of practical things for Auckland.

Here's a list of the I-sites:

www.aucklandnz.com/VisitorInformation/ContactUs/ISite/

There is also a helpful lady in the ferry building who can tell you how to get places and the main I-site is just a short walk from the ferry building.

Most of the eating places are on the viaduct, this link has a virtual tour:

www.theviaduct.com/theviaduct/home/default.asp

This has a list of restaurants and What's On:

www.viaduct.co.nz/

Opposite the ferry building and the Britomart (train station), is a Westfield shopping centre, which has a Warehouse on the top floor, food court, pharmacy, tourist shops etc. Its a good place to plan any sightseeing as its near where the buses/trains & ferries go from. Its also indoors if you need to get away from the rain (which you won't have to because it will be beautiful sunshine for your whole visit!), or just need the loo:

http://westfield.com/downtown/

It does shut quite early though.

If you are planning a trip to the orbit restaurant in the sky tower (the one that revolves), you will probably need to book. At the moment it gets dark here by about 6.30pm, so if you book for about 5.30pm you should get the daytime and nighttime view of Auckland (unless its foggy :laugh ):

www.skycityauckland.co.nz/skycity/auckland/restaurants-and-bars/orbit/orbit_home.cfm

If you are planning to open an ASB account you can activate this at their migrant banking branch which is near to the Sky Tower (Ground Floor, Gen-I Tower, Cnr Wyndham&Hobson Streets):

www.asb.co.nz/section895.asp

Just send them an email to find out what you need to bring.

This is quite a good free bus if you are too tired to walk up the hills:

www.stagecoach.co.nz/citycircuit/

And lastly if you are still awake in the evening and fancy a change from the viaduct there are a few bars on vulcan lane:

www.viewauckland.co.nz/your_local_vulcan_lane.asp

Have Fun!

Cheers

Tia

[lockstock]

Zardell - I most certainly am (last time I checked anyway) - can't guarantee I'll be doing the skirt thing though :laugh And Tia Maria - a mine of information as always. Thanks for that :nice1 .

Need a fingers crossed moment from you all - were supposed to complete on our house sale today (14th) but buyer's lenders won't lend her full amount and only told her yesterday. It's probably the worst feeling I've had for a very long time. I thought I'd be going on the reccie with financial security and peace of mind. All gone now unless a miracle happens. I can't face going through all the selling process again. Whinge, moan, grumble, whine. Sorry but had to get that off my chest.

[zardell]

Nah - I'm not a skirt girl either....:D

Fingers, toes and everything crossed for your completion - miracles do happen, so maybe it's your turn for one.

Hope so.

Julie

xx