Sunglasses in Orewa: UV Protection That Actually Works 

How lucky are we, Coasties? Summer's on its way, which means early swims at Orewa Beach, long lunches in Millwater and lazy afternoons out on the water off Whangaparāoa.

It also means some of the strongest UV in the world. And plenty of us are heading out in sunglasses that look great but aren't doing much for our eyes at all. So here's the lowdown on what actually protects your eyes, and how to pick a pair you'll love wearing.

Why Kiwi eyes need extra protection

It's not your imagination, the sun really is harsher here. According to the Cancer Society's SunSmart programme, New Zealand gets about 40% more UV radiation than places at similar latitudes in the northern hemisphere. UV stays high from September right through to April, even on those cool, cloudy days when you'd swear it's safe.

We all know UV burns our skin. What most people don't realise is that our eyes cop it too, and we can't feel it happening. Too much UV is linked to eye problems like pterygium (a fleshy growth on the surface of the eye) and cataracts, and the delicate skin around your eyes is vulnerable as well. The damage quietly adds up over the years, so the habits you build now really do count.

Pricey doesn't always mean protected

This one surprises a lot of people. When Consumer NZ tested 50 pairs of sunglasses sold in New Zealand in 2023, ranging from $2 to nearly $200, only 29 passed the Australian safety standard. Discount store pairs did the worst, and pairs ordered from overseas online marketplaces weren't much better.

It's easy to grab a pair from the petrol station or a market stall without a second thought. But a dark tint tells you nothing about how well a lens blocks UV, so it pays to check before you buy.

What to look for in a good pair

Check the label

Look for AS/NZS 1067, the joint Australian and New Zealand sunglasses standard, on the swing tag or label. A UV400 rating is another good sign that the lenses block close to all UVA and UVB. If a pair has no label at all, that's a good reason to keep looking.

Get the fit right

UV is sneaky. It doesn't only come straight through the lens, it slips in around the sides and over the top too. Our advice is to go for a close-fitting, wrap-around shape with decent-sized lenses, which SunSmart recommends as well. The better the fit, the less gets in.

Pop on a hat

A wide-brimmed hat cuts down the UV reaching your eyes. Team it with good sunglasses and you're far better protected than with either one alone.

Polarised lenses: what they do (and don't do)

This one catches a lot of people out.

Polarised lenses are brilliant for life on the Coast. They cut the glare bouncing off the water, the sand and wet roads, which makes a world of difference out on the boat, down at the beach, or heading home along the Hibiscus Coast Highway with the sun low in your eyes.

What they don't do is add UV protection on their own. Polarisation handles the glare, and the UV protection comes from the lens filter. A quality polarised lens will give you both, but it's always worth checking rather than assuming.

Mirrored lenses work in a similar way. They bounce away extra light and are great on really bright days, but again, the lens itself has to do the UV work.

Prescription sunglasses: say goodbye to the juggle

We've all seen it: someone driving along with their sunnies balanced on top of their glasses. Or the clip-ons that never quite sit right. There's a much better way!

Prescription sunglasses give you clear vision and proper UV protection in one pair, with polarised or mirrored options too. They're a game changer if you drive a lot, spend time on the water, or play sport outdoors. Have a look at our lens options, then come in and we'll talk you through what suits the way you live.

Little eyes need looking after too

Kids spend heaps of time outside, and the sun-smart habits they pick up now tend to stick. A legionnaire, bucket or broad-brimmed hat is the first line of defence. Around the beach, water and other bright, reflective spots, add sunglasses that meet the AS/NZS standard. Our tip is to keep a pair in the car for each child so they're always on hand.

Got questions about your child's eyes more generally? Our children's vision page is a great place to start.

Finding a pair you'll actually wear

The best sunglasses are the ones on your face, not rattling around in the glovebox. That comes down to fit and feel just as much as the lens.

Our sunglasses range has something for every face and every kind of day. There's bold, beautiful design from Paris and Barcelona labels like Face a Face, Lafont, Woodys and Etnia Barcelona, alongside Tom Ford. For outdoor days there's Zeal. And if glare off the water is what bugs you most, Maui Jim is famous for its polarised lenses.

Not sure where to start? Just tell us what you'll be up to in them, and we'll take it from there.

Your sunglasses questions, answered

Do cheap sunglasses protect your eyes?

Some do, some don't. Consumer NZ found pairs under $20 that passed the standard, and pricier pairs that failed. Check the label for AS/NZS 1067 rather than going by the price tag.

Are polarised sunglasses better for UV protection?

Not on their own. Polarisation cuts glare, but the UV protection comes from the lens filter. You want both.

When should I wear sunglasses in New Zealand?

SunSmart recommends full sun protection, sunglasses included, whenever the UV Index is 3 or higher. For most of the country, that's every day from September to April. You can check the UV forecast for your area on the NIWA website.

Can I get prescription sunglasses?

You sure can. We fit prescription lenses in a range of sunglass frames, with polarised and mirrored options available.

Should my kids wear sunglasses?

A good hat comes first. Around water, sand and other reflective surfaces, sunglasses that meet the AS/NZS standard give extra protection.

Come and see us before summer kicks off

Whether you're in Orewa, Red Beach, Silverdale, Millwater or anywhere on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, pop into 10 Bakehouse Lane, Orewa and we'll help you find sunglasses that look after your eyes and look great on you.

If your prescription's due, book an eye exam first so your new prescription sunnies are spot on.

Come and say hi, we can't wait to see you!