[TheDude]

I live in a hot/humid climate and I own maybe 3 sweaters and a couple jackets, that is all in regards to winter clothing. My question is, should I buy these garments before arriving to NZ? I know shoes are much more expensive in NZ but what about winter clothing? Thanks guys.

[SarahEDH]

hi Dude

Are you going to ship a container? If so, it might pay off for you to buy winter clothes in the U.S. and then use them for extra packing/cushioning/space filler in the container.

When are you going to NZ? Since winter clothes will be on sale pretty soon in the U.S., you could scoop some great bargains on good-quality stuff which can be very hard to find in NZ at reasonable prices. Lesser-quality goods are often expensive too, which can be frustrating when you've first arrived and are trying to get things set up.

Are you thinking about doing winter sports in NZ or do you expect to need fairly nice "business casual" clothes during the cold season? If yes to either, and if you're bringing a container, I'd suggest buying a good supply of winter sport stuff (microfleece pullovers, waterproof jackets, running tights, snowboard pants & gloves, etc.) and enough casual blazers, khaki pants, long-sleeve shirts and sweaters of the kind you'd wear to work, if you need to dress that way. So easy to get this stuff in the U.S. for a pittance compared to the price levels in NZ . . .


hth,
Sarah

[stephenandjulie]

If you are coming to the South Island, where it can be pretty cold in winter, I would suggest investing in some good woolly jumpers.

[TheDude]

hi Dude

Are you going to ship a container? If so, it might pay off for you to buy winter clothes in the U.S. and then use them for extra packing/cushioning/space filler in the container.

When are you going to NZ? Since winter clothes will be on sale pretty soon in the U.S., you could scoop some great bargains on good-quality stuff which can be very hard to find in NZ at reasonable prices. Lesser-quality goods are often expensive too, which can be frustrating when you've first arrived and are trying to get things set up.

Are you thinking about doing winter sports in NZ or do you expect to need fairly nice "business casual" clothes during the cold season? If yes to either, and if you're bringing a container, I'd suggest buying a good supply of winter sport stuff (microfleece pullovers, waterproof jackets, running tights, snowboard pants & gloves, etc.) and enough casual blazers, khaki pants, long-sleeve shirts and sweaters of the kind you'd wear to work, if you need to dress that way. So easy to get this stuff in the U.S. for a pittance compared to the price levels in NZ . . .


hth,
Sarah

Luckily, my employer is very casual and laid back and often wears slippers to work. I'll have the benefit of wearing casual weekend clothing on weekdays!

My plan is to arrive on June 1st to NZ. I won't be bringing a container as I'm in the process of selling most of my possessions. I plan on just moving with all my clothing, an external hard drive, cell phone (my phone is in the process of being SIM unlocked so I can use it with any GSM carrier) and a little bit of paperwork.

I will definitely want to do some winter sports, though I'm a complete novice to such activities. I've never lived anywhere with an abudance of snow.

Actually, I just saw snow this past weekend for the first time in about 7 years.

[TheDude]

If you are coming to the South Island, where it can be pretty cold in winter, I would suggest investing in some good woolly jumpers.

I'll be living in Queenstown. What are wooly jumpers?

[benandclare]

I'll be living in Queenstown. What are wooly jumpers?

They are thick sweaters........

[Familyofmonkeys]

Something else to think about when you are buying your thick sweaters....is how you are going to wash them. As some of the housing here in NZ can be rather cold and maybe damp compared to UK or USA where we have central heating.....bear in mind that you won't have radiators to bung your sweaters on to dry. If you buy things that can't be tumble-dried, you could find it takes ages to get heavy items completely dry in winter!

[TheDude]

Something else to think about when you are buying your thick sweaters....is how you are going to wash them. As some of the housing here in NZ can be rather cold and maybe damp compared to UK or USA where we have central heating.....bear in mind that you won't have radiators to bung your sweaters on to dry. If you buy things that can't be tumble-dried, you could find it takes ages to get heavy items completely dry in winter!

I can't stand the feel of wool so I'm probably going to stick with cotton. Thanks for the advice!

The only radiator I've ever had was in my truck :D

This whole "winter" concept is going to be completely new to me.

[StevieD]

Wooly jumpers are sheep, eveyone knows that!! :laugh

I think it depends on where you come from (??? doesn't say in your profile???) and where you are going to live, the south island can be a bit cold in winter so maybe you should check out the nz clothing manufacuters sites for a bit of an idea (macpac, kathmandhu, swazi etc) or some of our south island members may be able to give you a better idea...

[Potato]

Is not just the South Island that gets cold in winter. Inland North Island, Wellington can all get pretty chilly.
Really the only places that are "mostly immune" to true cold weather and/or wind are the West Coast of the South Island, Northland and the Bay of Plenty. Everywhere else is at least somewhat vulnerable to frost and/or cold southerlies.
I know you say you don't like wool, but really cotton is pretty rubbish in the NZ climate. If it gets wet (and it probably will) then you get cold, simple as that. Whereas wool will keep you warm even if its wet. It might be worth checking out some merino wool over here, it feels quite different to conventional wool, no itchiness. And Possum/merino blends are another option, but expensive.

[CjChris]

To answer your question, winter clothes are VERY expensive here (we are in Wellington, but have nosied at prices as we've traveled about the NI). If I were you, depending on where you will be living here (look at msn.weather to see a good yearly average of temps by month), I would get whatever you can on sale in the US. Most average US regular price and "sale" winter clothing items will be substantially cheaper than anything you find here.

From our experience, if you find it cheap here, it's probably not an item that will last very long. We are glad we packed boxes and boxes of winter clothes on the container (things we already had as well as some new things) because when we arrived here, we saw what the prices for clothes are and nearly fainted!!! For example, Northface jackets in the US usually are 1/4 what they can be found for here in Wellington!

So, stock up if you can! It won't go to waste regardless of where you live because chances are, you'll want to take advantage of being in such an incredible country as NZ and will want to explore both islands during all seasons!

Christine

[benandclare]

http://www.outdoorplaces.com/Features/Hiking/layers/

Not really apllicable to "watching the tele of an evening" in down town Queenstown but the principal is the same, a good base layer is the best place to start.

Have followed the principles for many years and l have yet to feel cold either on top of a mountain or whizzing down one, however all the houses, hotels, youth hostels, chalets have had central heating in for evening comfort so a Kiwi winter without may prove interesting :nice1

[Familyofmonkeys]

I know you say you don't like wool, but really cotton is pretty rubbish in the NZ climate. If it gets wet (and it probably will) then you get cold, simple as that. Whereas wool will keep you warm even if its wet. It might be worth checking out some merino wool over here, it feels quite different to conventional wool, no itchiness. And Possum/merino blends are another option, but expensive.

Why would you need to get wet....simple answer to that one is to get a decent waterproof to wear outside!! And wool holds alot more water than cotton, so usually takes longer to dry. Agree that there are some great merino products here....as long as you are not allergic to lanolin. You will find decent quality fleece products can be expensive here....alot of US/European brands get imported and are better quality than some of the cheaper brands available here, plus many are also made from recycled polyester too. Probably worth stocking up before you get here....and they don't absorb much water (while we are on the subject) and trap lots of warm air near your skin too!

[TheDude]

Wooly jumpers are sheep, eveyone knows that!! :laugh

I think it depends on where you come from (??? doesn't say in your profile???) and where you are going to live, the south island can be a bit cold in winter so maybe you should check out the nz clothing manufacuters sites for a bit of an idea (macpac, kathmandhu, swazi etc) or some of our south island members may be able to give you a better idea...

I'm in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and will be moving to Queenstown.

Thanks alot for the advice! I bought a jacket yesterday on sale for $95US, quite sylish here.

[Potato]

Why would you need to get wet....simple answer to that one is to get a decent waterproof to wear outside!! And wool holds alot more water than cotton, so usually takes longer to dry.

Yeah, agreed on both counts. Decent waterproofs are another fairly big expense though.

[spid]

Wooly jumpers are sheep, eveyone knows that!! :laugh

...
What do you call a sheep crossed with a kangeroo?
a woolly jumper!

[Familyofmonkeys]

What do you call a sheep crossed with a kangeroo?
a woolly jumper!

:laugh :laugh

[toesonthenose]

Dude,
Do you enjoy bowling and Creedance?
The dude abides...

[JWR]

Dude,
Do you enjoy Bowling and Creedance?
The dude abides...


Bowling and Creedance? who are they dude?

Columbine, Lawns, TenPins, Fogarty, Truth, jigging North American Indians.

I enjoy all that stuff, and love NZ. :nice1

[Potato]

Just remember, a good option for winter clothes is Kathmandu....but only under two conditions- that it's a clearance store, or they have one of their big 2-week sales on (Christmas, Easter, Winter and maybe a few others). Otherwise it's far too expensive.

[LesleyS]

We didn't bring many Winter clothes with us, with hindsight I may have shopped a little more prudently before we arrived in October. If I were to do it again, I would definitely bring a good waterproof/walking coat, some cosy fleeces, and good quality jumpers.

In my favour tho, I did manage to pack a gorgeous thick quilted 'Parka' from Marks and Spencers :yes - my OH said " You'll never wear that" - Hmmmm wait and see, I rather think I may prove him wrong - even If I end up wearing it in bed in the depths of a damp and chilly BOP Winter! :laugh

[Potato]

In my favour tho, I did manage to pack a gorgeous thick quilted 'Parka' from Marks and Spencers :yes - my OH said " You'll never wear that" - Hmmmm wait and see, I rather think I may prove him wrong - even If I end up wearing it in bed in the depths of a damp and chilly BOP Winter! :laugh

Wasn't aware the BOP did "damp and chilly". ;)