There's something special about summer.
It's the season of slow mornings, sandy feet, road trips, fish and chips by the beach, chasing waves, and making memories that last long after the holidays are over. That carefree feeling is exactly what inspired On Vacation, our Spring/Summer 2026 collection.
Designed by Hello Stranger founder Amy, this collection captures everything we love about a New Zealand summer. It's relaxed, playful, colourful and made for kids who never seem to stop moving.
Expect easy-to-wear pieces that take kids from beach to street without missing a beat. Soft fabrics, relaxed fits and quality you can rely on, paired with prints and colours that celebrate the joy of summer adventures.
Graphic tees with feel-good slogans
This season you'll spot fun graphic tees featuring feel-good slogans including On Vacation, Aloha, Good Vibes, Good Things Are Around You, and a new I Love NZ print.
They're the easy pieces of the collection. Throw one on with shorts in the morning and it works all the way through to dinner.
The Varsity Shorts are back
One of our biggest launches this season is the return of our bestselling Varsity Shorts.
A Hello Stranger favourite, they're back in three fresh new colourways alongside our classic black. Comfortable, versatile and made for everyday play, we know these will be on plenty of wish lists.
Our iconic Hello Stranger Towels return
Our iconic Hello Stranger Towels are also making their return in six beautiful new colourways.
They sell out season after season, and we can't wait to see families enjoying them at the beach, pool and on summer adventures. If you've missed out before, this is the season to be quick.
For the girls: purples, ocean blues and Island Vibes
For the girls, think beautiful shades of purple paired with rich ocean blues, playful holiday-inspired graphics, and one print we're especially excited about: our vibrant Island Vibes Hawaii Print.
It's fun, fresh and full of personality. Have a look through the new season for girls to see it in full.
Introducing the Coast Shorts
One piece we're tipping to become a summer favourite is our brand-new Coast Shorts.
Made from soft terry towelling, they're designed for beach days, pool days and everything in between. Easy to throw on over swimwear or pair with a favourite tee, they're the kind of shorts kids will want to live in all summer long.
More than just clothing
At its heart, On Vacation is about more than just clothing.
It's about capturing that feeling of freedom that comes with summer. Exploring somewhere new. Returning to your favourite beach. Staying out until sunset. Living in clothes that are comfortable enough for every adventure and stylish enough for every family photo.
We're incredibly excited to share this collection with you and can't wait for your little adventurers to experience On Vacation.
Designed in New Zealand. Made for adventure. Always On Vacation.
Shop the collection
Browse the new season for girls or boys, or go straight to swimwear and accessories to get set for summer.
New to Hello Stranger? Read our story, or find out why parents choose us.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the On Vacation collection?
On Vacation is Hello Stranger's Spring/Summer 2026 kids collection, designed by founder Amy and inspired by New Zealand summers. It's relaxed, colourful and made for kids who never stop moving.
What's included in the collection?
Graphic tees with slogans including On Vacation, Aloha, Good Vibes, Good Things Are Around You and I Love NZ. Plus the returning Varsity Shorts, the new Coast Shorts in terry towelling, Hello Stranger Towels in six new colourways, and girls' pieces in purples and ocean blues including the Island Vibes Hawaii Print.
Are the Varsity Shorts back in stock?
Yes. Our bestselling Varsity Shorts return in three fresh new colourways alongside the classic black.
What are the Coast Shorts made from?
Soft terry towelling. They're designed to throw on over swimwear for beach days and pool days, or pair with a tee for everyday wear.
When does the On Vacation collection launch?
