Looking for weather and packing list advice for Australia and NZ in October/November
Sep 10th, 2024, 05:21 PM
#41
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mlgb, my husband and I have appointments to get our new Covid vaccines and flu shots on September 24. We leave on October 7, so that gives us 2 weeks lead time. Should be enough, right? Why do you suggest 3 weeks?
Sep 10th, 2024, 07:01 PM
#42
Sep 11th, 2024, 04:18 AM
#43
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On this link it says, "Remember, it takes about two weeks to build up immunity following a vaccine."
In your original post you said you wanted to avoid overpacking. I agree with mlgb that the puffer jacket won't be necessary in NZ in November, as you've already planned on taking the waterproof windbreaker and a zippered fleece jacket. Will you have a scarf and cap, too? Does the fleece jacket fit under your waterproof windbreaker, in case you need more layers? If not, you can always buy a lightweight, thin, long-sleeved merino wool top here to use as an underlayer; they cost anywhere from $15 to $100. As I recall you are only visiting the South Island. In November, it shouldn't be that cold, but you will need your wind and waterproofing. It'll be gloriously sunny, or partly cloudy, or rainy--and there's a good chance of wind. I would guess the average temperatures to be from around 60F to 72F, though the wind chill can make it feel colder. You might experience a brief "polar blast", but it'll only last a day or two. Sometimes, the "polar blast" can be preceded or followed by a "warm blast." This happened last November.
This past winter has been NZ's third warmest ever recorded. Here is a link to the seasonal climate outlook (and sometimes they actually get it right).
In your original post you said you wanted to avoid overpacking. I agree with mlgb that the puffer jacket won't be necessary in NZ in November, as you've already planned on taking the waterproof windbreaker and a zippered fleece jacket. Will you have a scarf and cap, too? Does the fleece jacket fit under your waterproof windbreaker, in case you need more layers? If not, you can always buy a lightweight, thin, long-sleeved merino wool top here to use as an underlayer; they cost anywhere from $15 to $100. As I recall you are only visiting the South Island. In November, it shouldn't be that cold, but you will need your wind and waterproofing. It'll be gloriously sunny, or partly cloudy, or rainy--and there's a good chance of wind. I would guess the average temperatures to be from around 60F to 72F, though the wind chill can make it feel colder. You might experience a brief "polar blast", but it'll only last a day or two. Sometimes, the "polar blast" can be preceded or followed by a "warm blast." This happened last November.
This past winter has been NZ's third warmest ever recorded. Here is a link to the seasonal climate outlook (and sometimes they actually get it right).
Sep 11th, 2024, 10:05 AM
#45
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Thank you, Diamantina and Melnq8, once again for your helpful information.
Yes, my fleece jacket does fit underneath my waterproof windbreaker. And I do have a long-sleeved heavy shirt from LL Bean that will fit underneath the fleece jacket and/or windbreaker. So I will have 3 layers, if necessary.
Will plan on bringing a scarf and hat.
And yes, we are only visiting the South Island. Here is our itinerary:;
Christchurch
Mt. Cook/Aoraki
Queenstown
Te Anau - from here will take a Milford Sound cruise
Wanaka
Franz Joseph Glacier
Punakaiki
Kaiteriteri
Picton
And last night is in Christchurch
Yes, my fleece jacket does fit underneath my waterproof windbreaker. And I do have a long-sleeved heavy shirt from LL Bean that will fit underneath the fleece jacket and/or windbreaker. So I will have 3 layers, if necessary.
Will plan on bringing a scarf and hat.
And yes, we are only visiting the South Island. Here is our itinerary:;
Christchurch
Mt. Cook/Aoraki
Queenstown
Te Anau - from here will take a Milford Sound cruise
Wanaka
Franz Joseph Glacier
Punakaiki
Kaiteriteri
Picton
And last night is in Christchurch
Oct 20th, 2024, 03:13 AM
#47
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KarenWoo I'm excited to follow along your NZ time.
I want to thank everyone who helped me plan our trip. Australia is AMAZING! We saw kangaroos “in the wild” this evening - they were foraging in a cemetery, believe it or not.
Oct 24th, 2024, 02:49 AM
#51
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This is our last night in Melbourne. We leave tomorrow (Friday) morning for Sydney where we pick up a rental car to drive to the Blue Mountains for 2 nights. Then Sydney for 4 nights; then we fly to Christchurch to spend 3 weeks in NZ.
Having a wonderful trip so far and having spectacular weather! The Great Ocean Road surpassed our expectations!
And we also enjoyed a wonderful evening last night with Northie and her husband. Northie picked an awesome restaurant for us, Cumulus! The meal was one of the best of our trip so far!
Last edited by KarenWoo; Oct 24th, 2024 at 02:52 AM.
Oct 24th, 2024, 04:32 AM
#52
That's great, Karen, glad you're having a good time. Cumulus is good, isn't it? I'm sorry our paths won't cross this time.
Where are you staying in the Blue Mountains & Sydney? If you have a chance, do check out Sculpture By the Sea - along the cliffs between Bronte & Bondi Beach. It's on until November 4.
There's a very interesting program & podcast on ABC Radio - "Conversations" with Richard Fidler & Sarah Kanowski. Well worth tuning in/downloading. Today's guest was Ben Shewry, owner & head chef at Attica in Melbourne.
Don't suppose we could tempt you to scribble a little Trip Report for us? It's always interesting to see our country through visitors' eyes & especially if we've helped them put their trips together.
Where are you staying in the Blue Mountains & Sydney? If you have a chance, do check out Sculpture By the Sea - along the cliffs between Bronte & Bondi Beach. It's on until November 4.
There's a very interesting program & podcast on ABC Radio - "Conversations" with Richard Fidler & Sarah Kanowski. Well worth tuning in/downloading. Today's guest was Ben Shewry, owner & head chef at Attica in Melbourne.
Don't suppose we could tempt you to scribble a little Trip Report for us? It's always interesting to see our country through visitors' eyes & especially if we've helped them put their trips together.
Oct 26th, 2024, 04:09 AM
#53
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Bokhara, we are staying in Katoomba at the Kurrara Historic Guest House, and we are enjoying our stay here.
I plan on writing a trip report sometime after we return on November 21. I can’t write TR’s while we are traveling like some people do. I’m too tired at the end of the day. So look for my report sometime in December or January.
I plan on writing a trip report sometime after we return on November 21. I can’t write TR’s while we are traveling like some people do. I’m too tired at the end of the day. So look for my report sometime in December or January.
Oct 27th, 2024, 05:37 PM
#54
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lovely night with KarenWoo and dh - rest assured Bokhara she does write great trip reports.
Nelsonian reported snow not far from her on South island but hopefiully weather will be better when you get there KarenWoo.
Nelsonian reported snow not far from her on South island but hopefiully weather will be better when you get there KarenWoo.
Oct 27th, 2024, 07:46 PM
#55
Looks like a lovely spot, KarenWoo. The Blue Mountains are usually glorious at this time of year - and Sydney should have its Jacarandas out to greet you too. Glad you're having such a good time.
Oct 28th, 2024, 04:00 AM
#56
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So far we have had fabulous weather in Australia. Just spent an awesome day in Sydney!
Oct 28th, 2024, 04:01 AM
#57
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We loved the Blue Mountains, and we are now in Sydney. The Jacarandas are gorgeous, and they are everywhere.
Oct 31st, 2024, 12:50 AM
#59
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Arrived in Christchurch today and staying one night. We heard from several people that Mt. Cook got a lot of snow a few days ago. We are heading to Mt. Cook tomorrow for 3 nights. One day of sun is predicted. Hope we can walk the Hooker Valley Track!
Nov 5th, 2024, 12:26 PM
#60
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KarenWoo I'm glad you've enjoyed the time in Australia. Can't wait to read about it. And I'm glad you've made it to New Zealand! I've been missing it lately, because I was there a year ago now. My time on Milford road was my favorite part of my trip.
