So it’s time to pack your bags for your trip to New Zealand!After traveling and living out of a bag for months on end, we’ve learnt exactly what you need and what you don’t. We’ve put together this packing list so that you can be reminded of items you might need and choose to bring or leave them.
Hopefully you haven’t left thinking about packing until the night before you leave =) There’s always a few little things that you need to borrow or buy.
Things To Consider When Packing Your Bag For New Zealand
- New Zealand is famous for it’s nature, so we’ve added out-and-about gear to this packing list.
- Kiwis are quite laid-back in terms of fashion, so you can get by with jeans + a nice top in any ‘formal’ occasions you might encounter as a traveler. Because you will likely be using laundry services, leave any really nice garments at home so that you don’t ruin them.
- Summer (Dec-Feb) is 15-30 degrees celsius so shorts and a tshirt are fine for most days, plus a warm layer for cooler evenings.
- Winter (Jun-Aug) is 5-18 degrees celsius, you’ll want multiple layers and a jacket for rain/wind. Hat, gloves, and scarf are essential if you’re in the South Island. Expect snow if you’re traveling south of Christchurch.
- When flying within New Zealand your carry on can be up to 7kg (15lb) and your checked bag 23kg (50lb).
Packing List For New Zealand – Warmer Months (September-April)
To be packed in a large pack plus a day-pack…
Clothes
- 5x short-sleeved tops
- 1x long-sleeved top
- 1x pants
- 1x collared top (guys) or a nice top/dress (girls)
- 3x shorts
- 7x underwear
- 2x bras + sports bra
- 6x socks
- 1x walking shoes (hiking boots are optional)
- 1x casual shoes
- 1x jandals (known as ‘flip flops’ in most countries…)
- 1x jacket (for wind/rain)
- togs (what we call your swimsuit!)
Basics
- Wallet or moneybelt
- Cash
- Credit/debit card
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses & hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent (30% Deet)
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag ONLY if you are going to be tenting, campervanning, or hiking overnight. Otherwise hostels and accommodation will provide bedding everywhere.
- sleeping bag liner (optional)
- blow-up pillow (optional, some people like these on planes/busses)
- eye mask (optional, can buy in NZ)
- ear plugs – silicon ones are the best! (optional, can buy in NZ)
Tech Gear
- Headlamp (particularly for hiking)
- Phone & charger
- Plug adapter (same for AU/NZ)
- Camera/GoPro & charger (optional)
- Kindle & charger (optional)
- Laptop/tablet & charger (optional)
Important Documents
- Passport
- Visa & required documents
- Printed Insurance documents
- Important phone numbers (e.g. for home, your bank, insurance)
Bathroom & Medical
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste (less than 100g if in plane carry-on)
- Soap, shampoo, conditioner
- Travel towel
- Razors/ shaving cream
- Lip balm (optional)
- Painkillers
- Antiseptic
- Band aids/ plasters
- Sleeping tablets (optional)
- Female sanitary products
- Medication
Winter Months (May-October) Additions to Packing List For New Zealand
- Hat
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Warm Jacket/ Coat
- 1x additional long-sleeved top
- 1x additional long pants
- 2x thermal tops
- 1x thermal pants
Comment below if there’s anything that you would recommend packing on a trip to New Zealand!
My bags are packed, I’m ready to go…