Comprehensive New Zealand packing list: everything for your adventure!

Explore New Zealand with our comprehensive packing list as your guide! We have filled this list based on our own experience in New Zealand. This way you pack your suitcase properly for all conditions in New Zealand

Our motto: pack light and smart, with multifunctional clothing that you can wear in layers. Temperatures and weather conditions change quickly, so be prepared! It is always nice to have an extra jacket at hand or to take a rain suit in your bag.

Tip: test your gear before you leave and use your common sense when packing. For example, are you buying new hiking shoes? Test them out! Who knows, you might get blisters from them and want to take something for that. No one knows you better than yourself! Take extra if you get cold quickly or have a sensitive stomach.

Don’t forget for your New Zealand packing list:

• Clothing: layers, rain gear, hiking shoes, swimwear, …
• Gear: backpack, water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, …
• Documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, …
• First aid kit
• Don’t pack for 4 weeks: You can wash your clothes in most hotels & campsites!

Clothing for above the waist

I assume you are taking enough nice shirts for the moments when you are not active.

Clothing for above the waist	Description
Cap, hat or beanie	A cap or hat with a brim for sunny days and a warm beanie that covers your ears for colder days. The sun is extremely strong in New Zealand, so you will need that cap a lot!
Gloves	A thick, warm pair for cold nights and a fleece or wool pair. This of course depends on the time of year you are going. In summer they are not needed, although they can come in handy at the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
T-shirts, sports shirts & tops	Take light tops that you can wear in layers and thus reuse. Choose a mix of tank tops and short and long sleeves. Tip: choose wool and/or synthetic materials that wick away moisture.
Warm sweater & (sports) vests	Choose a warm layer that you can easily put on and take off when your temperature or the weather changes. Here too: make sure you take layers.
Rain and wind jacket	A breathable, unlined, water- and windproof jacket with a hood to keep you dry on rainy days. A poncho for emergencies is handy, but should not be your base. In Milford Sound they call 3 days without rain a drought and it also rains a lot at Franz Josef.
Good summer jacket	Take one good jacket for when you go out for dinner in the evening or stroll nicely through the city. Sometimes you also want to look nice. New Zealand often feels like spring.

Clothing for below the waist

I assume you are taking enough underwear and socks, so I have left those out!

Clothing for below the waist	Description
Hiking shoes (1 pair)	The most important item on your packing list! Make sure they are waterproof, provide good ankle support, and are already well broken in. Hiking socks are also a must. Attention: New Zealand customs is strict. Make sure your shoes are clean, dry and at the top of your luggage for inspection.
Sneakers (1 pair)	For cycling, free time, and if your hiking shoes are wet. Of course you also want to take off those hiking shoes sometimes. Traveling by car? Then you can easily leave your shoes there.
Light sandals or flip-flops	Or something similar. For sea kayaking, on the bus, and in the huts in the evening.
Hiking pants or sports pants (2-3)	Long pants are handy for cooler evenings, higher areas, and protection against insects: because you will get to know sandflies on the South Island. Choose strong, light, quick-drying materials – wind and water resistant is a plus! A comfortable sports pant is also recommended. In nice weather you definitely want to have some short summer pants with you too!
Rain pants	Buy rain pants that you can easily pull on over your existing clothing. A rain shower can always come unexpectedly
Long and short pants	We ourselves were there in November – December and walked in long pants three-quarters of the time. Don’t make the mistake of packing too many short pants in your suitcase, unless you naturally get very warm quickly.
Sports bras	For the women among us: a sports bra can be comfortable when hiking.
Hiking socks	Take socks in different thicknesses: lighter for warmer days and heavier for at night and in the cold. A pair of “liner socks” (extra thin socks) helps prevent blisters!
Swimsuit or bikini	Of course you also want to be able to splash around in the water!

The handy stuff for during hiking

Gear	Description
Daypack	Take a light backpack (about 30 liters) for day trips. It fits your water, extra layers of clothing, lunch package, etc. Preferably choose a backpack with water bladder connection and built-in rain cover. It often rains in New Zealand!
Water bottle	Drinking enough is super important for all your adventures! The water is excellent to drink in New Zealand, so use reusable bottles.
Hiking poles (optional)	We ourselves didn’t need them, but they can be very handy. Choose poles that fold up (easy to take) and are easily adjustable for hills up/down.
Headlamp or flashlight	Important for when it gets dark at the campsite. Make sure you have fresh batteries and take an extra set.
Good sunglasses	Protect your eyes from the sun! Make sure they are UV-blocking and polarized.
Camera (with extra batteries)	The photo opportunities are endless! A compact, sturdy camera is ideal. Smartphones now have good cameras, heavy DSLR cameras can be inconvenient while hiking – think carefully about that.

The must-haves & small things for your packing list

The small things	Description
Medications	Painkillers, antihistamine, anti-diarrhea medication, etc. Everything you think you need. Also think about blister plasters or hay fever!
Money	A debit card & credit card. Tip: save money with Revolut. You don’t need cash anywhere in New Zealand.
Passport	Take a waterproof cover to keep it dry. An extra copy in your suitcase is always handy!
Travel insurance	Travel does not always go according to plan. That is why it is smart to arrange good travel insurance with worldwide coverage (including medical costs & evacuation). Do thorough research and take out one as soon as possible, so that you are covered for unexpected costs in case of cancellation or interruption of your trip.
Reusable shopping bag & cooler bags	Always handy on vacation. You can also buy these on your first day!
Cutlery, plates & cups	You are not going to eat out every day. Then it is nice to have good cutlery and a plate or a cup with you. Traveling with a camper? Then you probably already have this. Traveling around by car? Handy to have in your car!
First aid kit	A small set for yourself is always handy. Think of: plasters, disinfectant, anti-insect spray, etc.
Sunscreen & insect spray	Choose sunscreen with a high protection factor (UVA/UVB). If you take insect spray, make sure it is strong stuff. The mosquitoes (sandflies) are very annoying on the South Island!
Toiletries	Don’t forget the basics: deodorant, lotion, hair stuff, sanitary pads/tampons, contact lens solution, toothbrush, toothpaste, disinfecting gel, etc.
Quick-drying towel	Indispensable after a dip!
Powerbank	Whatever electronics you take, make sure you can recharge everything. A powerbank is always handy!
World plug adapter	You need a world plug adapter for New Zealand. Tip: buy one with multiple USB ports. New Zealand uses 240V plugs with two flat pins in a V-shape and a grounding pin.
Apple AirTag	Given it is quite a trip to New Zealand… handy to put an AirTag in your suitcase.
Extra cable for Carplay	Do you have a rental car? Then you probably drive on Carplay. Handy to have a fixed cable for that in your car (pay attention to USB & USB-C!).
Games, books, e-reader	Nice for a relaxing evening!

Hopefully with this comprehensive packing list for New Zealand you have had a few Oh yeah! moments. Have lots of fun in advance and be sure to read more of my blogs about New Zealand!