KEY POINTS:
The Herald gave everyday holiday items a road test with a typical family - and got a little expert advice too.
Our voting panel - the Hancocks of Whenuapai
The verdicts
Cheapest: Mitre 10 ($9.86)
"It was quite small and flimsy and didn't seem to provide a lot of shade. I wouldn't expect it to last more than one summer."
Best value: Bask Design ($250)
"Although this was the most expensive of the umbrellas, it was definitely the more sturdy, better quality and looked like it could be passed on to your grandchildren. The retro look made everyone that saw it feel quite nostalgic ... I loved this umbrella so much I've put in an order for one for Christmas."
Other: The Warehouse ($13.76)
"This umbrella was bigger than the other blue and white striped one from Mitre 10 and it had the added benefit of a tilting feature so you could angle it to the sun. But it was still relatively flimsy - the first gust of wind picked it up and the spokes bent out of shape."
Expert tip
Aucklanders know what to look for in a rain umbrella - let's face it, we use them enough - but the attributes of sun umbrellas are quite different, says Sunsmart spokeswoman Wendy Billingsley.
The surface area remains important, with bigger being better for the sun variety.
Ms Billingsley says a strong pole is also key, as is fabric providing a high level of protection from ultraviolet radiation.
Much like the SPF rating of sunscreens, fabrics have a UPF rating.
Ms Billingsley recommends a UPF of at least 50 for sun umbrellas.
She says an adjustable pole makes it easier for people to move the device as the sun moves across the sky.
Shade, however, does not offer complete protection from New Zealand's scorching sun and should be used with a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, says Ms Billingsley.
