A summer duvet inner in NZ needs to do two things: keep the night chill off and let heat out. Our 200 GSM alpaca inner is the lightest duvet Kiwi Wool makes, filled in Auckland with 100% New Zealand alpaca, and it is the one we reach for from December to February.
Below it you will find the 350 GSM alpaca for cooler summer nights and shoulder seasons, and the combo that pairs both. Every inner is cased in OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified cotton and covered by our 3-year warranty. Prices and stock are live.
- Sale!
200GSM 100% Alpaca Duvet Inner
Price range: $176.90 through $243.90 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page - Sale!
350GSM 100% Alpaca Duvet Inner
Price range: $232.20 through $322.20 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page - Sale!
Alpaca Duvet Combo (200 + 350 GSM)
Price range: $375.50 through $545.30 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Why 200 GSM alpaca is our summer duvet inner
Our temperature guide recommends 200 GSM alpaca for hot conditions, or 200 to 300 GSM in wool. Our wool inner is a 500 GSM winter weight, so for summer we make alpaca. The duvet GSM guide explains the full scale.
| Season | Climate | Alpaca duvet | Wool duvet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Hot | 200 GSM | 200 to 300 GSM |
| Spring and autumn | Mild | 250 to 350 GSM | 350 to 400 GSM |
| Winter | Cold | 400 to 500 GSM | 450 to 600 GSM |
Alpaca fibre is semi-hollow. It breathes, wicks moisture away from the body and does not hold heat against you the way a synthetic fill can. At 200 GSM the inner is a cloud-like layer with just enough weight to feel like a duvet, without the bulk.
Hot sleepers and humid Auckland nights
Auckland summers are humid, and a humid night is worse than a hot one because sweat cannot evaporate. That sticky feeling is what wakes people. Because alpaca wicks moisture and lets air through, it keeps the sleeping environment dry rather than clammy.
If you run hot all year, not just in summer, our post on why you get too hot and too cold at night explains what is happening and what helps. Alpaca is also free from lanolin, so it suits sensitive skin and anyone who reacts to traditional wool.
Our lightweight duvet inners compared
| Option | Fill | GSM | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200GSM 100% Alpaca Duvet Inner | New Zealand alpaca | 200 | Summer, hot sleepers, well-insulated homes | Our lightest inner; 6 reviews at 5.0 |
| 350GSM 100% Alpaca Duvet Inner | New Zealand alpaca | 350 | Cooler summer nights, spring and autumn | The all-rounder for much of the year |
| Alpaca Duvet Combo (200+350gsm) | New Zealand alpaca | 200 + 350 | Summer through winter | Buttons together to 550 GSM |
When is a lightweight duvet enough?
In a modern, well-insulated home the bedroom may never drop far overnight, even in autumn. Customers in those houses often use the 200 GSM inner for six months of the year and the 350 GSM for the other six. In an older, draughtier house the 200 is a true summer weight and the 350 takes over as soon as the evenings cool.
Tip. If you are not sure whether you need 200 or 350 for summer, ask how your bedroom feels at 6 am. If it is cool enough to want a sheet and something more, choose 350.
Stepping up for winter
A summer inner will not carry you through July. The alpaca duvet combo pairs the 200 GSM and 350 GSM inners so you can button them together into a 550 GSM winter duvet and split them again in spring. If you would rather keep a separate heavy inner, our winter duvet inners page compares the 450 GSM alpaca with the 500 GSM wool.
Storing the inner you are not using is easy. Air it, let it cool and dry, and keep it somewhere ventilated. The duvet care guide has the details.
Care, delivery and warranty
All our inners are dry clean only. Air an alpaca inner outdoors in the shade and a wool inner in the sun, and it will stay fresh for years without washing. Small marks can be spot cleaned with minimal water. Full instructions are in our duvet care guide.
NZ orders over $150 NZD ship free, orders are generally sent within 5 working days, and delivery by Aramex usually takes up to 7 days. Every inner carries our 3-year warranty against manufacturing defects, and our 39 published customer reviews are rated 4.8 to 5 out of 5.
Frequently asked questions
What GSM duvet inner is best for summer in NZ?
Our temperature guide recommends 200 GSM alpaca for hot conditions. If your bedroom stays cool overnight, the 350 GSM alpaca is the better summer weight.
Is an alpaca duvet inner cool enough for hot sleepers?
Yes. Alpaca fibre is semi-hollow, so it breathes and wicks moisture away from the body. The 200 GSM inner is designed for people who find traditional wool or down too heavy in the warmer months.
Can I use a summer duvet inner in winter?
On its own, no. The alpaca combo buttons the 200 GSM summer inner to a 350 GSM inner for a 550 GSM winter duvet, which is the simplest way to cover both seasons.
Is a lightweight alpaca duvet suitable for children?
Yes. Alpaca is naturally free from lanolin and resistant to dust mites, which is why we describe the 200 GSM inner as the safest choice for children and those with sensitive skin.
How do I look after a summer alpaca duvet inner?
Air it outdoors in the shade, spot clean small marks with minimal water and dry clean when needed. Do not machine wash or tumble dry. Our care guide covers storage over winter too.
Browse the lightweight alpaca range below, or call 09 622 1318 if you are choosing between 200 and 350 GSM.