Autumn and Spring for New Zealand's South Island still has cold air temps and cold water, just not as brutally cold as Winter. There is an opportunity to transition out of your coldest neoprene setup into something a little lighter. Booties and a hood will still be needed for some of these seasons, but again lighter versions may be best to transition from Winter to Summer if you have the option.

If you have no intention of surfing through a South Island Winter but like to get into the water when things warm up a little, these recommendations may be all you need.

The Psycho One 4/3mm is part of our advanced cold water series. It features fully sealed seams and hydrophobic TB3 neoprene. The Pyscho One has a TB Firewall with heat-retaining thermal interior layer through the chest, back and legs. It's a very warm suit which is still light and flexible thanks to its minimal seam design (fewer seams in the suit increases the comfort and decreases the weight).

Our Defender 4/3mmis a solid, warm and comfy suit thanks to it's glued and blindstitched seams (GBS), MeshSkin chest/back panels and SuperGrill liner. Not quite as flexible / light / comfy as the Psycho One, but great value for money. Comes in both chest zip and back zip options.

If you want unmatched flexibility, theHyperfreak 4/3+ has it, and GBS + TB3X taped seams plus TB3 body panels will see you through all but the coldest days in comfort. If you’re surfing the middle of winter and earlies, we'd recommend the Psycho or Defender as they are warmer, but for everything else or as a second steamer, the Hyperfreak is the stretchiest, most free feeling option out there.

For Booties, the Mutant 3mm Split Toe is the warmest option. Check out the Heat Ninja 3mm boot as a lighter feeling boot if you already have a winter boot such as the Mutant, or the Defender 3mm Split Toe boot for extra durable rock-hopping comfort.

Our top pick for separate hoods is the Psycho 3mm Hood,and the 2mm Sport Capis a lighter option. Our recommended glove is the Psychotech 1.5mm Glove.

It just depends on what’s most important to you - warmth / flexibility / price.

Check out the winter or summer recommendations for further suggestions if you are leaning towards colder or warmer conditions.