Dunedin, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Dunedin, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to Dunedin, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Dunedin
- Important essentials for Dunedin
- Activities for Dunedin
- Dunedin in January: weather and what to pack
- Dunedin in February: weather and what to pack
- Dunedin in March: weather and what to pack
- Dunedin in April: weather and what to pack
- Dunedin in May: weather and what to pack
- Dunedin in June: weather and what to pack
- Dunedin in July: weather and what to pack
- Dunedin in August: weather and what to pack
- Dunedin in September: weather and what to pack
- Dunedin in October: weather and what to pack
- Dunedin in November: weather and what to pack
- Dunedin in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Dunedin, New Zealand
Based on the climate and weather in Dunedin, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Dunedin, New Zealand
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Dunedin, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb kit.
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Airplane or car necessities
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Dunedin. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. This one should be sufficient for most countries, but you may want to check with your hotel.
For families with young children
Activities for Dunedin, New Zealand
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Dunedin.
If you are going to check out the stunning First Church, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:
Trousers
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
Long dresses
This one, for example.
If you go to Dunedin Botanical Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Binoculars
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
If you see Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Comfy walking shoes
Dunedin has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
Beach toys for kids
If you have kids, don't forget these
Waterproof phone bag
Waterproof sandals
-
Swimsuits
Travel beach blanket
This one easily fits in your luggage.
We also recommend these top tours in and around Dunedin.
What to wear/what to pack for Dunedin, New Zealand by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you visit Dunedin during January, you will probably notice that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
Extra socks
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
February
If you are traveling to Dunedin in February, you will notice that it is crisp. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
Extra socks
-
Dresses
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
March
If you visit Dunedin during March, you might see that it is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
April
If you visit Dunedin during April, you may notice that it is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
May
If you are traveling to Dunedin in May, you will notice that it can be brisk and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
Extra socks
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
June
June in Dunedin is pretty cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
Fleece
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
July
July in Dunedin is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
Fleece
Extra socks
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
August
August in Dunedin is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
Fleece
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
September
September here is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
Pants or jeans
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light and heavy skirts
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
October
October in Dunedin is crisp. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
November
If you are traveling to Dunedin in November, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
December
December in Dunedin is chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
Pants or jeans
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
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