Summer hunting tips for NZ hunters

If you’re wondering when is summer in NZ, late January says it all. We’re right in the middle of NZ summer time, school holidays are still rolling, and the season in New Zealand is doing what it does best - rain one day, cold southerly the next, then full heat straight after. That’s just summer hunting in NZ.

Summer hunting can be tough work. Long stalks, big climbs, blazing sun, and plenty of sweat. Get it wrong and the day turns into a slog fast. Get it right and you can hunt comfortably right through the NZ summer. These are the summer hunting tips we actually rely on when the weather’s all over the place.

1. Wear lightweight, breathable layers

In summer hunting, heavy cotton and thick synthetics just trap sweat. You want light, fast-drying layers that breathe properly - especially in NZ summer time, where humidity can hit just as hard as the heat.

We run lightweight merino because it regulates temperature when it’s hot, but still copes when the clouds roll in. The HTM 145 Nuyarn® Merino is a top pick for this - it’s soft, super breathable, and naturally sweat-wicking, so you stay cool and fresh all day instead of soaked and sticky.

Hoodies are underrated in summer too. They protect the back of your neck and ears during long sits on the tops, without cooking you once the sun’s up. Stick to lighter merino weights, looser fits for airflow, and paler colours to reflect heat.

The UV during NZ summer is brutal, and once you’re burnt, there’s no fixing it - covering up with breathable merino beats trying to manage it after the fact.

2. Hunt early, slow down midday

This one matters more than any fancy gear. During summer hunting in NZ, the best hours are early.

We start before sunrise, knock off climbs and exposed country early, then slow everything right down once the sun peaks. Between 11am and 3pm - especially during school holidays in NZ when tracks are busier - it’s smarter to glass from shade, nap it out, or sit near water.

You’ll move better, think clearer, and last longer through the day.

3. Use shade and water to your advantage

Plan your routes with gullies, bush edges, and water in mind. In the NZ summer, even short breaks in shade can drop your core temperature fast.

If you hit a stream or alpine tarn, dunk your hat or wet your sleeves. It cools blood close to the skin and brings you back to life quicker than pushing on dry and overheated.

4. Hydration matters more than distance

Hot weather drains you faster than you think. During summer hunting, sip often - don’t wait until you’re thirsty.

We always run electrolytes in at least one bottle. When you’re sweating hard in NZ summer time, plain water alone won’t replace what you’re losing.

5. Eat light, eat often

Heat kills appetite, but you still need fuel. Grazing works best in summer.

Salty snacks, jerky, nuts, crackers, fruit bars - small hits of energy keep you moving smarter and sharper through the day, especially on longer summer missions.

6. Cover up to block the burn

Sunburn wrecks energy levels and recovery. Long sleeves, pants, a decent hat, and sunnies go a long way in the season in New Zealand.

Covering up beats relying on sunscreen alone - especially when sweat and rain keep washing it off during NZ summer hunts.

Warning signs of heat stress

If you feel dizzy, light-headed, nauseous, or your heart rate spikes - stop. Get into shade, cool your skin, hydrate, and rest properly. No animal is worth pushing through heat stress.

Quick summer hunting gear checklist

Lightweight, breathable top (like our HTM 145  Nuyarn®  Merino)
Light shorts or pants
Hat and sunglasses
Plenty of water + electrolytes
Sunscreen and lip balm
Easy-grab snacks

Stay cool, hunt smart

The NZ summer doesn’t stop hunting - it just demands smarter decisions. With the right layers, good timing, and proper hydration, summer hunting can still be productive and enjoyable, even when the weather throws everything at you in one day.

That’s just hunting during NZ summer time - unpredictable, challenging, and worth being prepared for.