North Island, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to North Island, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to North Island, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to North Island
- Important essentials for North Island
- Activities for North Island
- North Island in January: weather and what to pack
- North Island in February: weather and what to pack
- North Island in March: weather and what to pack
- North Island in April: weather and what to pack
- North Island in May: weather and what to pack
- North Island in June: weather and what to pack
- North Island in July: weather and what to pack
- North Island in August: weather and what to pack
- North Island in September: weather and what to pack
- North Island in October: weather and what to pack
- North Island in November: weather and what to pack
- North Island 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 North Island, New Zealand
Based on the climate and weather in North Island, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for North Island, New Zealand
Here are some general tips on what to wear in North Island, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear out. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb option.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Airplane or car necessities
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in North Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
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For families with young children
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. This one is sufficent for most locations, but you may want to check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for North Island, New Zealand by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
In January, North Island is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for North Island, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
February
February is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
March
March in North Island is mild 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:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
-
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 like:
April
In April, North Island is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for North Island, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
May
In May, North Island is relatively cool and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for North Island, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. There is frost a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
June
If you are traveling to North Island in June, you will notice that it is brisk and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital 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 recommend:
July
In July, North Island is cold and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for North Island, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. There is frost about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
August
If you are traveling to North Island in August, you will notice that it is pretty cool and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
September
If you are traveling to North Island in September, you will notice that it is brisk and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
October
In October, North Island can be chilly and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for North Island, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
November
November in North Island is cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
December
December in North Island is mild 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:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
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