Queenstown NZ doesn't have a beach vibe, it's more of a relaxed lake vibe, so sun dresses are fabulous for the vineyard tours and walking around town, but you should bring a wrap or lite coat in case the weather decides not to play nice.

Queenstown in the summer (December to February) requires a "layering" strategy because the weather is famously unpredictable and can change from hot sunshine to alpine chill in a matter of minutes. During the day, temperatures can reach a pleasant 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), making t-shirts, shorts, and lightweight trousers ideal. However, because Queenstown is in a high-altitude alpine environment, the UV rays are exceptionally strong; high-quality sunglasses, a hat, and SPF 50+ are non-negotiable. If you plan on doing the iconic hikes or a boat cruise on Milford Sound, you must bring a windbreaker or light waterproof jacket, as the wind off the lakes and mountains can be very cold even on a sunny day. For the evenings, the temperature can drop sharply to around 8°C to 10°C (46°F to 50°F), so a warm fleece or a light down jacket is essential for outdoor dining. Footwear should be versatile—comfortable sneakers for town and sturdy hiking boots if you intend to tackle trails like Ben Lomond. The "Queenstown look" is generally "adventure-casual," so technical outdoor gear is perfectly acceptable even in nicer restaurants.