Warm Month Necessities
We’re finally into the warmer months in New Zealand, and with that comes a whole list of must-haves to comfortably and safely go outside. Even though the temperature is technically quite mild in Auckland, the sun is much stronger down here and walking outside on a sunny day means feeling like your skin is sizzling in just a few minutes. There are a few key things that are absolute necessities to survive and be comfortable during the warm months.
A good weather app. Temperature is just one part of the equation. Cloud cover and wind make a huge difference in how to dress because 21°C (70°F) is wildly different if it is sunny or cloudy with rain and wind. Metservice is great because in addition to the basic facts, it also gives you a clothing recommendation. If you find yourself in a house without a dryer - which isn’t uncommon here - it also gives you the best time of day to dry your laundry outside. The one downside is that it is all in Celsius, so if you need a Fahrenheit conversion, you’ll need to go somewhere else. And confession: I still use the Weather Channel app if i need a quick Fahrenheit update. (Also, a trick I use to help is that 16°C = 61°F. Same numbers, just flip-flopped.)
Appropriate clothing. This should be interpreted as “as much clothing as I can possibly stand and not melt.” At the beach I try to wear rash guards and cover as much skin as possible while still enjoying the sand and water. As cute as I think bikinis are, I simply don’t wear them anymore because my goal is to keep as much skin as protected as possible.
When dressed casually, I tend to gravitate towards loose cottons and linens and stay away from fabrics like polyesters at all costs. My goal is to always have my arms and shoulders covered when outside. I save cute dresses and sleeveless tops for indoor activities.
Good sunscreen. This is an absolute must at all times. Each year Consumer NZ tests and reports on which sunscreens meet their SPF claims. It changes every year, but we’ve found Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF +50 to be consistently good and not too disgusting or greasy. We’ve also used Cancer Society Kids Pure Sun Lotion SPF +50, but last year there was a big problem with this sunscreen not meeting the +50 threshold. (2022 it is back on the “good sunscreen” list.) Both of these sunscreens can be purchased pretty much anywhere that sells sunscreen.
I also splurge for a good face sunscreen because I don’t want anything goopy on my face. An aesthetician recommended Image Prevention + a few years ago, and I’ve been using it ever since. It is by far the best face sunscreen I’ve ever tried.
Very unofficially I would say to wait to purchase sunscreen in bulk until you are here. There is something about how things are formulated in the southern hemisphere that seems to work better with the harsher sun. This is just my opinion, but there are subtle things that I’ve noticed that mean I don’t buy American sunscreen anymore.
A wide brimmed hat. Everyone needs a hat in New Zealand. There is a joke at school that shoes are optional but hats are not. In the heat of the summer, most people will go beyond a baseball cap and turn to wide brimmed hats, sometimes even with a neck cover in the back. And always have a few on hand for kids - especially water resistant SPF hats with chin straps - because it is amazing how they disappear without no warning.
UV protecting sunglasses. Double check to make sure your sunglasses protect against UV radiation. Most glasses these days do, but if you’re not sure, there are plenty of inexpensive options here.
I know there are a number of Americans coming over in the next few months to check out New Zealand and see if it is a good fit for them. Pack appropriately and you won’t end up going home with an unpleasant sunburn!
