South Island, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for South Island, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to South Island, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to South Island, New Zealand

Based on the climate and weather in South Island, New Zealand, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for South Island, New Zealand

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in South Island, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for South Island, New Zealand by month

January

If you go to South Island in January, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

February

February in South Island is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

March

If you go to South Island in March, you will notice that it is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to pick the necessary kind. Many adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April here is cold and somewhat rainy. 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

May

Traveling to South Island in May, you will notice that it is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C). There is frost a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

June

June for South Island can be brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost about two thirds of the time. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to find the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

July

July for South Island is cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost most days. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

If you visit South Island during August, you may see that it can be brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time. There is frost about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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 South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

If you are traveling to South Island in September, you will notice that it is cold and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

October

In October, South Island can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for South Island, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

November

November here is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you choose the right type. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

If you visit South Island during December, you will probably see that it can be chilly 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 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to choose the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in South Island, New Zealand

New Zealand’s South Island is a picturesque destination, a place where visitors can explore rugged mountains, glaciers, lakes, and see unique wildlife. The South Island offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration, with plenty of attractions to suit every taste. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in South Island, New Zealand.

1. Milford Sound

Located in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in New Zealand. Visitors can take a boat tour or explore the hiking trails to enjoy the stunning views of the towering mountains and waterfalls.

2. Franz Josef Glacier

Located in Westland National Park, Franz Josef Glacier is a popular destination for visitors who want to experience the unique beauty of New Zealand’s glaciers. Visitors can take a guided heli-hiking trip that includes a helicopter ride over the glacier and a trek through its ice formations.

3. Mount Cook

Located in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain, standing at 3,724 meters tall. The mountain offers a stunning backdrop for hiking, skiing, and exploring the nearby glaciers.

4. Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is a popular destination for visitors who want to enjoy the beautiful beaches and trails that the park has to offer. Visitors can enjoy the scenic kayaking tours, hiking, and camping activities while exploring the park’s natural beauty.

5. Queenstown

Queenstown is a popular destination for visitors who want to enjoy the best of New Zealand’s outdoor adventure activities. The town is known for its skiing, bungee jumping, jet boating, river rafting, and other adrenaline-fueled activities.

6. Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a popular destination for visitors who want to see New Zealand’s unique wildlife, including whales, dolphins, and seals. Visitors can take guided tours to see the marine animals, and enjoy other outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

7. The Catlins

The Catlins is a beautiful coastal region located on the southern tip of the South Island. The region has a unique landscape, including stunning waterfalls, beaches, and a rich range of marine wildlife. Visitors can explore the area’s natural beauty while taking part in activities, including hiking, wildlife watching, and coastal tours.

Whether you are a nature lover, adventure seeker, or simply looking for a scenic escape, New Zealand’s South Island is the perfect destination to visit. With a wide range of activities, attractions, and stunning natural beauty, visitors to the South Island will have an unforgettable experience.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Chile, Highlands, North Carolina, United States of America, Kalmar, Sweden, Aghaboe, Ireland, Alto Ribeira State Touristic Park, São Paulo, Brazil, Hamar, Norway, Ypacarai, Paraguay, Kadi, India, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia, Butte, Montana, United States of America, and Pangasinan, Philippines.