Hi Julie, just spotted your message. began to think I was going to New Zealand on my own! Can't help about the shoes. Everyone says take comfortable ones. All mine are comfortable! I have seen temperature is 24 - 27 ish in Auckland. Not bad. It's nice to see your name and now I feel there will be others on the trip. I have been on other just you hols, but also not been to this part of the world. See you on 15th. Jean Sogbodjor