Autumn and Spring for the 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 part 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 Winter but like to get into the water when things warm up a little, these recommendations may be all you need.  

Our top picks for the summer steamer quiver are our Psychotech 3/2mm, Psycho One 4/3mm, or Hyperfreak 4/3.

The Psychotech is our warmest and most advanced cold water series, with fully sealed seams, wind blocking chest and back panels, TechnoButter Air Firewall liner and TB3 neoprene, to let you surf without restrictions for longer sessions.

The Psycho One has fully sealed seams, TB Firewall and hydrophobic TB3 neoprene, but focus on this suit is slightly more towards flexibility rather than warmth in the details, so it’s a perfect transition steamer in the 4/3, or 3/2 depending on how warm you naturally are. 

If you want unmatched flexibility, the Hyperfreak 4/3 has it, and GBS + TB3X taped seams plus TB3 body panels will keep you snug, and it is the stretchiest, most free feeling option out there.

For a solid value option, the Defender 4/3mm is still perfectly warm and flexible with world leading fits, GBS seams and SuperGrill liner, for anyone on a tighter budget.

We recommend the Heat Ninja 3mm boot as a lighter feeling boot if you already have a Winter boot, or the Defender 3mm Split Toe boot for extra durable rock-hopping comfort. 

For a lighter weight hood, we like the 2mm Sport Cap, and if you want lighter weight gloves we’d go for the Psychotech 1.5mm Glove

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

Check out the autumn/spring recommendations for further suggestions if you feel the cold more or you are leaning towards cooler conditions.