Tips for Camping in Autumn in New Zealand

Picture this - you wake up next to a serene lake, basked in the morning sun's glow and surrounded by nature's beauty. It's time to start your day with a piping hot brew and some delicious breakfast. Get your Kiwi Camping Compact LPG Double Burner Stove fired up and boil some water in our collapsible kettle while you prepare your pan for sizzling bacon. Pour your hot brew into one of our thermo tumblers to keep it warm, plate up your delicious breakfast and take in the stunning morning scenery.

Camping in autumn means colder nights and chilly mornings. As well as the drop in air temperatures, the effect of losing heat through contact with the ground can lead to a surprisingly chilly sleep if you’re not prepared with the right gear.

To properly insulate yourself from the ground, here are some solutions we recommend to keep you toasty in your tent:

1. Opt for a well-insulated mat with a high R-value, such as the Kiwi Camping Rover Range. This range will keep you warm in all seasons and can be used on its own or in conjunction with camping stretchers.
2. Airbeds provide little to no insulation between you and the ground; therefore, they will circulate cold air through them when placed directly on the floor of a tent. If you prefer a large blowup airbed setup like the Kiwi Camping Wayfarer, we suggest placing our Kiwi Camping 12mm thermal foam mats underneath the airbed, with the silver layer facing downward to provide a layer of insulation and retain warmth for a comfortable sleep.
3. Make sure your sleeping bag is appropriate for the season; this will keep you insulated from the cool air temperatures. For Autumn, we recommend choosing a sleeping bag with a rating of at least 0°C. Check what the temperatures will be where you are camping; places such as central North Island and the South Island could be significantly colder at night than the North Island coastal regions.

Autumn can be a damp time of year, but don't let condensation spoil your camping trip. Correctly ventilating your tent is key to staying dry and comfortable. Follow these steps to manage condensation:

• When choosing your campsite, look for a dry and sheltered spot.
• Keep the inside of your tent as dry as possible. Hang wet clothes and towels outside to dry and try to air out any damp items during the day.
• Proper ventilation is crucial. Ensure your rainfly is pulled tight to create an air gap between the fly and tent wall. If you own a Kiwi Camping Kea or Takahe tent, you can easily ventilate your tent even in the rain by pitching the window flaps.
• Open all rainfly doors, roll-up sections, and vents to increase air circulation. You can also keep the inner tent windows open when possible to let in the fresh air.

Autumn brings early sunsets, which can mean a perfect opportunity for a campfire to roast marshmallows and enjoy the evening outdoors. With fewer critters out and about, it's the ideal time to rug up and get a heat source going. Take a moment to relax and look up at the stars.

If you happen to be camping outside of urban areas, make sure to seize the chance to observe the stars. Aoraki Mt Cook is among the world's top Dark Sky Reserves, so if you're fortunate enough to be camping there, it's one of the most ideal places for stargazing.

Layers are your best bet for staying comfortable in changing temperatures. Mornings might require a cozy jumper or long sleeves, but as the day heats up, you may find yourself wanting to shed some layers and rock a singlet. Remember to pack essentials like short and long pants, plenty of socks, rain-proof clothing, tops, and hats to ensure you're ready for anything.