New Zealand is typically an informal place so pack casually for comfort. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. New Zealand is renowned for its outdoor activities, so make sure you take swimming gear, hiking shoes, trekking pants/shorts and gloves.

Yes, you can absolutely wear shorts in New Zealand in 2026; in fact, they are a staple of the national "Kiwi" wardrobe. New Zealand has a very relaxed and egalitarian dress culture. In cities like Auckland or Wellington, "smart casual" shorts are perfectly acceptable in most cafes, bars, and even many workplaces during the summer months (December–February). If you are hiking (or "tramping" as locals call it), shorts are the preferred choice due to the temperate but changeable climate—shorts dry faster than trousers if you get caught in a sudden Southern Alps rain shower. The only time you might reconsider is when visiting a formal restaurant or a marae (Māori meeting ground), where more modest attire is respectful. Also, keep in mind the "sandfly" factor; if you are heading to the West Coast or Milford Sound, long pants might be a better choice purely for protection against biting insects.