Rugged Wear For Your Summer Adventures

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, we’re all switching out our winter wardrobes and making a list of all the things we want to get up to this summer.

I may be somewhat biassed. But I think that New Zealand is one of the best places that you can spend your summer. From trails and tracks to cliff adventures and regional parks, NZ has something that will tickle everyone’s summer fancy.

With that in mind, this blog is going to be filled with some activity ideas for your bucket list this summer. And, since we like to go the extra mile for you, each activity will have some clothing items linked that would be perfect for each adventure.

So, whether you’re looking for some inspiration for your summer adventures or you’re in need of some new kit for summer, you’re in the right place.

Let’s get to the good stuff!

Rainbow Falls, located in the Kerikeri area in the Northland region is one walk that you definitely want to have on your bucket list this summer. This short but stunning 400m walk is suitable for the whole family.

Take a leisurely walk along the riverbank until you reach Rainbow Falls, where you can choose to take a dip as the water falls into a swimming hole. If you’re an avid kayaker, Rainbow falls has all that you need for a great day out.

After working up an appetite, finish up with a picnic at the end at Rainbow Falls Road.

This Short Sleeve Fine Rib Merino Crew Neck Tee for women or this Merino Wool Short Sleeve Crew Neck Top for men is just what you need for a day of exploring at Rainbow Falls.

Perfect as your first layer with a jumper or hoodie on top when the morning air is a little brisk and doubles up as a great t-shirt to wear throughout the day when the sun has started to shine!

Pair the T-shirt with this Murrays Bay Hat for an outfit that will protect you from the sun while wicking away any sweat, keeping you dry and carefree!

Omarama Clay Cliffs are noted as one of the most unique landscapes in NZ. The Cliffs were formed by the flow of ancient glaciers over a million years ago. They are a sight to behold - tall peaks which are separated by the narrow ravines that run through them.

In the summer, you’ll find lots of flowers in bloom and a variety of wildlife. The perfect place to get some snaps that will evoke awe in everyone you show them to!

Before you begin your journey, be sure to take one of our hoodies along for the ride. For women, we have the Coral Bay Fleece Hoodie from Swandri and for Men, our very own Tararua Dual Wool Full zip hoodie.

A hoodie is the perfect item to take on a walk such as The Clay Cliffs, it can provide you with warmth when you’ve decided to take a break and take in the scenery and can be easily whipped off when you’re going full steam ahead.

As the Clay Cliffs can get a little rocky at times, you can’t forget about your feet! Try out the Norsewear Multi Sport Short Merino Wool Sock, for a sock that will keep your feet happy along the tracks. With elastic insteps, reinforced soles and a technologically advanced Y heel, your feet will be happier to make the journey than you will be!

A trip to the Waitangi Regional Park is all you need for the summers' day of your dreams.

You’ll find the park on the coast between Awatoto and Haumoana. As this part of the coast is an integral part of the ecosystem, you’ll find a range of beautiful birds and if you’re lucky, a seal or two as they come inshore.

If you have any thrill seekers in your group, the lower parts of the rivers are popular for jet boating, kayaking, jet skiing and kite surfing!

Set yourself up for a day full of adventure with the Swanndri Eagle Lake Shorts  / Swanndri Rocky Point Technical Shorts paired with a Printed Tee for an outfit that has you looking great in the park and in the pub on the way home if you stop off for some beers after a busy day!

According to Pure New Zealand, Cape Reinga offers the ultimate northern New Zealand experience.

Not only is it beautiful and the perfect place to spend a summer’s day, it is rich with Maori culture. Maori oral history tells us that the spirits of the deceased leap into the pohutukawa tree to return to their ancestral homelands.

You are able to explore the cape alone, with friends or you can book yourself in for a guided tour to learn all about the land and the cultures that surround it.

Get yourself a Merino Wool Long Sleeve Baselayer / Fine Merino Wool Long Sleeve Crew Neck Top to wear as a top to keep you dry and comfortable as you explore all of the wonders that Cape Reinga has to offer.

As there is so much to explore, I doubt you’ll be leaving very quickly. Bring a jacket along to fight the chill in air as you move into the evening. The Ashbury Softshell Jacket / Swanndri Ferrymead V2 Zip Neck Jumper will do just the trick.

Our final contender for your bucket list is the Gibbston River Trail. Located in the Gibbston Valley, this easy hike is perfect for the summer. Depending on how fast you walk the trail is around 3-5 hours, depending on how much time you spend at the wineries along the way!

How about some stripes for the trail? The Swanndri Tomarata Stripe Tee / Swanndri Parker Stripe Singlet are perfect for ease on the trail while making sure you look the part for a glass of vino on the way!

No one wants their perfect day tainted by the rubbing of subpar socks, especially on a trail as lovely as the Gibberston River. Pick up a pair of the Norsewear Hiker Possum Merino Wool Sock to protect your feet under your walking boots. You’ll thank me later!

There is no time like the present to start planning your summer adventures. And, with this blog, you now know exactly where to go and what to wear. The only thing left to do is get yourself out there!

Are there any locations that you think are a must see in New Zealand during the summer that we haven’t mentioned here? Send us a reply and let us know!

And, if you do take any inspiration from this piece, be sure to tell us how you get on.

See you in the sun!