Southland, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Southland, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to Southland, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Southland, New Zealand

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

What to wear/what to pack for Southland, New Zealand

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

If you visit Southland during January, you may notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to get the right type. Many adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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 neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

February

February in Southland 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 a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel 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 airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

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 excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you choose the right type. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

March

March in this region is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southland. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to pick the right type. Many adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

April

If you visit Southland during April, you will probably see that it is cool 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 low 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel 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 Southland. 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 luggage recently, 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 stuff.

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 get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert 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 excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

May

May here is cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. There is frost about a third of the time. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: 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 Southland. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to get the correct type. A lot 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 works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

June

June in Southland is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. There is frost a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel 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 frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

July in Southland can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. There is frost about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southland. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you choose the correct type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

August

In August, Southland 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 Southland, with several of the days of the month having rain. There is frost regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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 Southland. 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 bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • 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 step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you pick the right type. The majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

In September, Southland is cool and somewhat 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 Southland, with several of the days of the month having rain. There is frost sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to choose the right kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

October

If you go to Southland in October, you will notice that it is chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel 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.

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

November in Southland is chilly and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 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

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel 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 always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 Southland. 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 large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

December is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to pick the right type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect 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 places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

What to do in Southland, New Zealand

Located in the southernmost region of mainland New Zealand, Southland is a beautiful and fascinating area that is full of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural experiences. From the rugged coastline of the southern oceans to the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, Southland offers a wide range of attractions for both locals and tourists to explore. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Southland that you should definitely consider visiting.

1. Milford Sound

Located in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. Known for its stunning scenery, including spectacular waterfalls, towering mountains, and crystal-clear waters, Milford Sound is a must-visit destination in Southland.

2. Stewart Island

Located just 30 kilometers south of the South Island, Stewart Island is considered one of the hidden gems of New Zealand. This beautiful island is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including kiwis, penguins, and seals, and offers a range of experiences, such as hiking, bird watching, and scuba diving. It's also a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches and peaceful surroundings.

3. Te Anau Glowworm Caves

If you're looking for a unique and magical experience in Southland, then you should definitely visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Located near the town of Te Anau, the caves are filled with thousands of beautiful glowworms that light up the underground tunnels like a starry night sky.

4. The Catlins

Located on the southeast coast of Southland, The Catlins are a picturesque and wild region that offers a range of experiences, including bird watching, fishing, and surfing. The region is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as sea lions, penguins, and dolphins, as well as a range of beautiful waterfalls and stunning coastal vistas.

5. Bluff

Known as the "gateway" to Southland, Bluff is a small town at the southernmost tip of the South Island. It's famous for its delicious Bluff oysters, which are considered a delicacy in New Zealand. The town is also home to a range of museums, galleries, and historic sites, such as the famous Bluff Hill Lookout.

6. Invercargill

As the largest city in Southland, Invercargill is a vibrant and cultural hub that offers a range of attractions for visitors. The city is home to a range of museums, art galleries, and historic sites, such as the Invercargill Water Tower and St. Mary's Basilica. It's also a great place to experience the local food and culture, such as trying the famous Southland cheese rolls or visiting the local farmers markets.

In conclusion, Southland is a beautiful and diverse region that offers a range of attractions for tourists to explore. From the stunning Milford Sound to the unique Te Anau Glowworm Caves, there is something for everyone in Southland. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Southland is a must-visit destination in New Zealand.

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.

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