VOLUME 50: Which Lens Colour Suits Your Outdoor Activities Best?

When exploring New Zealand’s great outdoors—whether it’s tramping through Fiordland, kayaking in the Bay of Islands, or biking along Queenstown trails—having the right gear can make a huge difference. One often-overlooked but essential piece of outdoor equipment is a quality pair of sunglasses with the right lens colour.

Lens colour affects much more than your look—it influences how well you see, how protected your eyes are, and how comfortable you feel in different environments. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to choose the best lens colours for your favourite outdoor activities across Aotearoa.

Why Does Lens Colour Matter Outdoors?

In a country known for its ever-changing weather and diverse landscapes, selecting the proper lens colour is key to maintaining optimal vision and eye health. The right lenses can help reduce glare, sharpen contrast, and adapt to various light conditions across beaches, bush, lakes, and alpine settings.

• Enhanced Contrast: Certain lens colours—such as copper, amber, or rose—are designed to increase contrast, making it easier to distinguish terrain and details, particularly in shaded or low-light conditions. Whether you're trail running through Rotorua’s redwoods or mountain biking in the Southern Alps, these tints help you spot obstacles more clearly and move more confidently.
• Glare Control: In coastal areas or after rainfall, surfaces can become highly reflective. Grey or brown lenses, particularly polarised ones, help minimise glare from water, roads, or other reflective surfaces. This is especially helpful during activities like fishing in Lake Taupō, paddleboarding in Abel Tasman, or driving along State Highway 1 on a sunny day.
• UV Eye Protection: New Zealand experiences strong UV radiation, partly due to its proximity to the ozone hole and clean air. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to eye strain and long-term damage. That’s why it's critical to choose sunglasses that block 100% UVA and UVB rays—regardless of the tint. Fortunately, most quality lenses offer full UV protection, but it’s always worth double-checking.

Recognising the dangers of solar radiation allows you to make educated choices about eye protection and take proactive steps to preserve your vision from potential long-term harm.

Why does lens colour matter in New Zealand’s varied climate?

Your choice of lens tint directly impacts how you see and react to your environment. Whether you’re hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or cruising on a boat in the Marlborough Sounds, here’s how lens colour can support your performance and comfort:

• Managing Light Sensitivity: For those who experience discomfort in bright sunlight—common during summer months or on reflective snowfields—neutral tints like grey or dark brown reduce brightness without distorting colours. These are ideal for long days outdoors, helping you see clearly without straining your eyes.
• Adapting to Different Environments: New Zealand's terrain can shift from open plains to dense forests within minutes. That’s why selecting lens colours suited to specific environments is essential. For example:

By tailoring your lens colour to your surroundings, you’ll get sharper clarity and better protection, no matter the lighting or landscape. If you wear prescription glasses, be sure to ask whether UV protection levels vary across lenses, so you’re covered regardless of your optical needs.

Can you use the same lens colour for multiple outdoor activities?

While using a single pair of sunglasses for everything is tempting, having the right tint for each activity will greatly enhance your performance and comfort. Here’s how different lens colours match popular Kiwi outdoor pursuits:

The perfect pair of sunglasses can elevate your outdoor experience. Make sure you’re equipped with the best lens type for each activity.

Are polarised lenses better than coloured lenses for outdoor activities?

New Zealand’s environment includes reflective waters, bright skies, and shaded trails, so your choice between polarised and coloured (tinted) lenses can greatly affect your comfort and safety. Here’s a breakdown of each:

Polarised Lenses

What They Do: Polarised lenses filter out horizontal glare, which is especially useful when light reflects off flat surfaces like lakes, wet roads, or coastal beaches.

Best For:

• Fishing in the Bay of Plenty
• Sailing in Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour
• Driving long distances in Canterbury

They minimise glare and improve visibility, making them ideal for high-glare situations.

Coloured (Tinted) Lenses

What They Do: These lenses fine-tune your vision by enhancing contrast and filtering specific light spectrums. They’re great in overcast or variable-light settings, helping you pick out subtle details in your surroundings.

Best For:

• Tramping in native bush areas
• Trail cycling in Rotorua
• Day hikes on cloudier days in the South Island

Both options offer specific advantages, so your choice depends on your typical environment. If glare is your main concern, polarised lenses are best. But if you want better contrast and visibility in various conditions, coloured lenses are a smart pick.

Want help selecting what suits you best? Learning how to choose eyewear tailored to your lifestyle ensures you get maximum benefit, whether you prefer polarised or coloured lenses.

Find the ideal lenses for your outdoor adventures

Selecting the appropriate lens colour for your outdoor adventures is key to both visual performance and safeguarding your eyes. Whether you're biking through rugged terrain, exploring hiking paths, or casting a line by the water, the right lenses can improve clarity, minimise glare, and shield your eyes from damaging UV rays. When it’s time to refresh your outdoor essentials, consider reaching out to Dresden Vision to explore eyewear options that fit your lifestyle.