Refresh my memory on what the temperature range we should expect. Do we need full leathers or can we get away without chaps/leather pants? How about gloves? Do we need winter or just summer gloves?

El Nino is with us and is bringing very warm weather very early, a bit blustery – already my lawn is in it’s death throes… February is our warmest and driest month. Temps will range from 50F when raining or overnight to, 90F in the Central Otago midday sun. Average daily sunshine hours over the entire South Island are in the 6-9 hours region. Modern riding suits like the Aerostitch are fine, but you’ll cook if you have a one piece model- two piece are the best. Leather jackets and separate leather jeans are fine at this time of year, but you will need a rain oversuit as we will strike rain at some stage – the West Coast does get its’ fair share ( a bit like Oregon) Even leather pants will seem too hot sometimes. Summer weight gloves should be fine, winter weight will be too hot sometimes. Don’t sweat this too much – I’ll always carry some extra clothing, gloves etc in the chase van, just in case…