Waitomo, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Waitomo, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to Waitomo, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Waitomo
- Important essentials for Waitomo
- Activities for Waitomo
- Waitomo in January: weather and what to pack
- Waitomo in February: weather and what to pack
- Waitomo in March: weather and what to pack
- Waitomo in April: weather and what to pack
- Waitomo in May: weather and what to pack
- Waitomo in June: weather and what to pack
- Waitomo in July: weather and what to pack
- Waitomo in August: weather and what to pack
- Waitomo in September: weather and what to pack
- Waitomo in October: weather and what to pack
- Waitomo in November: weather and what to pack
- Waitomo 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 Waitomo, New Zealand
Based on the climate and weather in Waitomo, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Waitomo, New Zealand
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Waitomo, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly product.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often become worn. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb kit.
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
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. This one should be appropriate for most locations, but you may want to check with your hotel.
Airplane or car necessities
For families with young children
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
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Waitomo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Activities for Waitomo, New Zealand
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Waitomo.
Going to Waitomo Glowworm Caves? You'll need:
Fleece jacket
High quality trekking boots
These are designed for this type of terrain, and can get wet
Heavy, protective pants
Backup flashlight
Gear is almost always provided on location, but it doesn't hurt to have a backup flashlight
We also recommend these top tours in and around Waitomo.
What to wear/what to pack for Waitomo, New Zealand by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Waitomo in January, you will notice that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Extra socks
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
February
If you are traveling to Waitomo in February, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Bug repellent
Extra socks
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light skirts
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
March
If you visit Waitomo during March, you are likely to see that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. 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 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion
Light skirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sandals
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
A rain jacket 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
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
April
Traveling to Waitomo in April, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
Light jacket or fleece
Pants or jeans
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
May
May here is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
June
June in Waitomo is relatively cool and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. There is frost once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
Extra socks
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
Pants or jeans
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These are vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
July
If you visit Waitomo during July, you will probably notice that it is cool and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time. There is frost 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
Extra socks
Fleece
Light gloves or mittens
-
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 will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
August
August in Waitomo is cool and very 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
Extra socks
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
September
In September, Waitomo is chilly and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Waitomo, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
Light and heavy skirts
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
October
Traveling to Waitomo in October, you will notice that it is cool and very rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
Extra socks
Light and heavy skirts
Pants or jeans
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
November
If you visit Waitomo during November, you are likely to see that it is mild 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:
-
Dresses
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Pants or jeans
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
December
If you go to Waitomo in December, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Light skirts
Sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
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