Golden Bay, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Golden Bay, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to Golden Bay, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Golden Bay
- Important essentials for Golden Bay
- Activities for Golden Bay
- Golden Bay in January: weather and what to pack
- Golden Bay in February: weather and what to pack
- Golden Bay in March: weather and what to pack
- Golden Bay in April: weather and what to pack
- Golden Bay in May: weather and what to pack
- Golden Bay in June: weather and what to pack
- Golden Bay in July: weather and what to pack
- Golden Bay in August: weather and what to pack
- Golden Bay in September: weather and what to pack
- Golden Bay in October: weather and what to pack
- Golden Bay in November: weather and what to pack
- Golden Bay 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 Golden Bay, New Zealand
Based on the climate and weather in Golden Bay, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Golden Bay, New Zealand
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Golden Bay, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently get worn. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly product.
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).
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great choice.
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
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Golden Bay. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
For families with young children
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Airplane or car necessities
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. This one should work in most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
Activities for Golden Bay, New Zealand
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Golden Bay.
What to wear/what to pack for Golden Bay, New Zealand by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
In January, Golden Bay is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Golden Bay, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
Short pants or heavy shorts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Light skirts
Sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
February
If you go to Golden Bay in February, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Light skirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
March
Traveling to Golden Bay in March, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
A rain poncho to layer with another 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 bags stay dry. We suggest:
April
If you vacation in Golden Bay during April, you are likely to see that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. 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 (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
May
If you vacation in Golden Bay during May, you will probably see that it is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
Light jacket or fleece
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
June
June in Golden Bay can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Pants or jeans
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
July
Traveling to Golden Bay in July, you will notice that it can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Pants or jeans
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
-
Dresses
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
August
If you visit Golden Bay during August, you might find that it is cool and very 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 about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light and heavy skirts
Pants or jeans
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
September
If you are traveling to Golden Bay in September, you will notice that it can be chilly and very rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
Pants or jeans
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
October
October in Golden Bay is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
Light jacket or fleece
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
November
If you visit Golden Bay during November, you may notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. 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 (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
December
Traveling to Golden Bay in December, you will notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Pants or jeans
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These are vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
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