Queenstown-Lakes, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Queenstown-Lakes, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to Queenstown-Lakes, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Queenstown-Lakes
- Important essentials for Queenstown-Lakes
- Activities for Queenstown-Lakes
- Queenstown-Lakes in January: weather and what to pack
- Queenstown-Lakes in February: weather and what to pack
- Queenstown-Lakes in March: weather and what to pack
- Queenstown-Lakes in April: weather and what to pack
- Queenstown-Lakes in May: weather and what to pack
- Queenstown-Lakes in June: weather and what to pack
- Queenstown-Lakes in July: weather and what to pack
- Queenstown-Lakes in August: weather and what to pack
- Queenstown-Lakes in September: weather and what to pack
- Queenstown-Lakes in October: weather and what to pack
- Queenstown-Lakes in November: weather and what to pack
- Queenstown-Lakes 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 Queenstown-Lakes, New Zealand
Based on the climate and weather in Queenstown-Lakes, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Queenstown-Lakes, New Zealand
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Queenstown-Lakes, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly option.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear away. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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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).
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent option.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. This one works in most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Queenstown-Lakes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
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Airplane or car necessities
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For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Queenstown-Lakes, New Zealand by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January here is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
February
If you visit Queenstown-Lakes during February, you are likely to notice that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s 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 a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
March
If you are traveling to Queenstown-Lakes in March, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
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 these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
April
Traveling to Queenstown-Lakes in April, you will notice that it is cool and somewhat rainy. 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:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
May
If you are traveling to Queenstown-Lakes in May, you will notice that it can be brisk and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
June
If you go to Queenstown-Lakes in June, you will notice that it can be brisk and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly and snow sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
July
In July, Queenstown-Lakes is cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Queenstown-Lakes, with several of the days of the month having rain. There is frost about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
August
In August, Queenstown-Lakes can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Queenstown-Lakes, with several of the days of the month having rain. There is frost about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
September
September in Queenstown-Lakes is crisp and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
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
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
October
If you are traveling to Queenstown-Lakes in October, you will notice that it is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these 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 things stay dry. We suggest:
November
November in Queenstown-Lakes is balmy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
December
December in Queenstown-Lakes is balmy 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:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
Activities for Queenstown-Lakes, New Zealand
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Queenstown-Lakes.
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