NZ Wetsuit Thickness Guide (for those who feel the cold a bit more)
Summer in Aotearoa is on, but our coasts do their own thing. Gisborne can feel toasty while a southerly chills Canterbury in the same week. And there's so much variance in water temps even with places that get high daily air temps. If you are wondering what thickness wetsuit you need in NZ, use this local guide to dial your suit by region, season and your own cold tolerance. Bear in mind this has been written with a more conservative edge to kepe people on the warmer side. Our hearty surfers will go a lot lighter than ths and even boardies when there are people beside them in a full 3/2mm steamer.
We will break down 3/2 vs 4/3 vs 5/4 hooded, explain linings and seams, give you a quick-fit checklist, and share care tips so your suit lasts. You will also
find where Blitz can help with men’s and women’s suits, in-store fitting, and easy hire if you are just visiting.
Quick answer, what thickness should you get in NZ?
Late spring to late autumn, North Island east and west coasts: a 3/2 steamer covers most days for most people if you are active and do not run cold. Jan-Feb in warmer North Island areas think 2mm wetsuit or even boardies and a vest.
Shoulder seasons or cooler spots: a 4/3 steamer gives more range without feeling too bulky, especially with modern, high stretch suits.
Deep winter or southerly-exposed regions: a 5/4 with an integrated hood keeps you in the water when others bail in the winter, this should be complely unneccessary in the warmer months.. Water temps vary by coast, so read on for regional detail.
3/2 vs 4/3 vs 5/4 hooded, what the numbers mean
The first number is the torso thickness and thighs in millimetres, the second is the arms and lower leg (some suits carry the thickness throughout the entirety of the legs.
A 3/2 wetsuit uses 3 mm in the chest and back for warmth, 2 mm in the arms and lower legs for flex. A 4/3 adds a millimetre across the suit for extra
insulation. A 5/4 hooded steamer stacks warmth in the core, often with 5 mm torso, 4 mm legs, 3 to 4 mm arms, and a built-in hood for decreased heat loss through your head.
What temperature is a 3/2 wetsuit for? Roughly 16 to 21°C for most surfers, a bit cooler if you run warm or surf short sessions.
Should you get a 3/2 or 4/3?
If your home breaks see 13 to 18°C water or consistent wind, go 4/3. If you mainly surf 18°C plus, a 3/2 keeps things light and flexible.
Is a 3 mm wetsuit ok for winter? In most of NZ, including most of the North Island the answer would be no. You might get away with it in the BOP, Coromandel, Auckland and further north. Having said that if you get a top end 3/2mm with all the bells and whistles these days they are very warm suits.
Regional and seasonal picks
These are real-world ranges. Your body type, session length, personal resilance and dawn patrol habits matter. When in doubt, size up the thickness, not the fit.
Gisborne and East Coast: Summer peaks around 19 to 22°C. A 3/2 steamer is the go for Dec to May. Jan to Feb you'll find locals surfing in boardies and vests, or at least a 2mm summer wetsuit. Shoulder seasons swing, so a 4/3 is comfy for April to June and again in September to November. Mid-
winter, many locals use a 4/3 with booties and/or a hood. Colder folk step to a 5/4 but usually that is not required for the majority of people. Hoods and booties are your friends to keep the thickness down
Taranaki: Wind and current can make days feel cooler than the reading, worse when there is a good layer of snow on the Maunga. Expect 3/2 from Dec to March, 4/3 most of the rest, and a 5/4 hooded for the mid-winter storm run. For most people they'll get away with the same gear as in Gizzy
Coromandel and Bay of Plenty: Warmest of the list. A 3/2 covers late spring to autumn easily. Use a 4/3 for mid-winter or if you surf dawns a lot. Some people will get away with a 3/2mm through the winter, especially if you have a good one.
Canterbury: Summer can still feel brisk with a nor’easter. Many surfers ride a 4/3 through much of the year. A 3/2 works in Jan to Feb for shorter surfs. Winter is 5/4 with a hood for most. Frosts and offshores around Canterbury are a killer for surfing temps. Then add some snow melt into the rivers early spring
Otago and the lower South: Plan for a 5/4 with a hood for winter and many spring days. You can drop to a 4/3 on the better summer runs. A 3/2mm for the hearty locals
Lining tech, seams and why they matter
Do thicker wetsuits restrict movement? They can, but modern neoprene and linings change the game.
Neoprene and stretch: Premium suits use super-stretch neoprene that paddles like a thinner suit. Cheaper foam can feel rubbery and stiff. With better suits much less force is required to get moving.
Thermal linings: Fuzzy, quick-dry linings trap air and reflect heat, so a 4/3 with good lining can feel as warm as an older 5/4.
Seams: Flatlock is cooler and best for warm water suits as you will get water seapage through the seams (the cheapest suits are flatlocked). GBS, glued and blindstitched, keeps water out and suits 3/2 and thicker. Taped seams boost durability and warmth. Liquid seam seals add another layer of
protection in cold water suits.
Zips: Chest zip is the sweet spot of warmth and flex. Back zip is easy on, useful for broad shoulders. Zip-free is light and flexible, but fit is key.
Are expensive wetsuits worth it?
If you surf often or hate getting cold, yes. The better neoprene, linings and seam tech keep you warmer for longer with less fatigue. If you surf a few times a month in summer only, a mid-range suit will do the job. If you are a regular winter surfer, buy the best suit that fits your budget with respect to how often you surf.
Fit tips, how should a wetsuit fit?
A wetsuit should feel like a firm hug with full, easy movement. No air gaps, no loose panels, and no painful squeeze. Everyone's body shape is different so try on a couple of models, there will be looser and tighter areas depending on body shape and height.
Quick Fit Checklist:
Neck seal: snug with a smooth seal, no gaps that invite a flush when you duck dive.
Torso flush: lean forward and twist, you should not feel water rushing down your back.
Paddle range: swing your arms and mimic a paddle, there should be no pinching underarms or at the lats. There should even be a little extra material under your armpits to allow good paddle stretch
Crotch and knee position: panels should sit where they are designed, no sagging.
Wrists and ankles: close seals reduce flushing and help booties and gloves layer cleanly.
How should a wetsuit fit men? The same principles apply to everyone, but men should watch shoulder width and torso length. If you are broad up top, try a chest zip or back zip cut that gives more entry room. If you are
tall and lean, a tall size can remove torso pull without going baggy. When in doubt, come in for a try-on or call us and we will size you right.
Layering and accessories
You can stretch your suit’s range with smart layers. A hooded vest under a 4/3 adds core heat and cuts wind chill. Booties are a game-changer for winter. Wetsuit hoods get rid of the dreaded ice cream headache and help prolong your core body temperature. Gloves help in southern regions. For summer, swap to a springsuit,
a vest or jacket to keep the sun and breeze off without overheating.
Care tips to extend your suit’s life
Rinse in cool, fresh water after every surf.
Dry inside out first, then flip, always in the shade.
Hang on a wide hanger by the waist, not the shoulders, to avoid stretching.
Use wetsuit shampoo occasionally, skip harsh detergents.
Avoid hot car boots, heaters, or direct sun baking.
Repair small nicks early with wetsuit cement to stop the tear creeping.
Blitz picks and local help
At Blitz Surf Shop in Gisborne, we stock men’s and women’s steamers, springsuits, vests and shorts from trusted surf brands, and we are here to fit you properly. If you are shopping online and want a starting point,
browse our mens wetsuit range or our wetsuits women collection, then call the shop for sizing advice. Visiting Tairāwhiti and did not bring gear? Pop in for hire, grab a board and suit, and get amongst it. We can also set
you up with essentials like leashes and wax so you are sorted from the carpark to the lineup.
FAQ, quick hits
What thickness wetsuit do I need in NZ? Match region and season. 3/2 for warm months up north and on the East Coast, 4/3 for shoulder seasons and windier coasts, 5/4 with a hood for southern winters.
What temperature is a 3/2 for? Around 16 to 21°C for average surfers, with room for personal tolerance.
Should I get a 3/2 or 4/3? If your water sits 14 to 18°C or you surf windy days, choose 4/3. If you chase summer sessions in 18°C plus water, a 3/2 feels lighter.
Is a 3 mm ok for winter? Mostly no in NZ, except short sessions in the far north or with smart layering on mild days.
Do thicker suits restrict movement? Older ones did, but modern premium neoprene and paneling keep you paddling freely. Fit is key.
Are expensive wetsuits worth it? If you surf often or feel the cold, yes. You will stay warmer, surf longer, and recover faster.
Come try on, call, or hire
Nothing beats a hands-on fit with a local who knows our waters. Swing by Blitz in Gisborne for a fitting and real talk on what will work at your home break. If you are ordering online, message us and we will match your size
and budget fast. Keen to travel light? Use our hire option and still score quality gear.
Summary
Choose by region, season and your own cold tolerance. A 3/2 covers warm months on many North Island coasts, a 4/3 adds range for shoulder seasons and wind, and a 5/4 hooded keeps you surfing through southern
winters. Prioritise good linings and sealed seams, get the fit right using our quick checklist, and care for your suit so it lasts. When you want friendly, expert sizing help, the Blitz crew has your back with a full range of suits,
in-store fitting and easy hire. See you in the water.
