Ultimate New Zealand Packing List
Here is our ultimate packing list for road tripping, hiking, camping, and backpacking in New Zealand including tried and tested tips and advice on what to pack and what to leave behind.
If we should say one important thing we learned while we were living in New Zealand for fifteen months, it would have been that it is almost impossible to figure out what to wear in New Zealand. Weather in New Zealand is crazy, period.
We learned our first lesson during the first day in the country when we landed in Auckland. It was windy and cold, so we wore a warm jacket and long pants, but every five minutes the wind ceased, the sun started to shine, and we were boiling.
We cannot even count how many times during one day we had to put our clothes on only to take it off a minute later.
Although it was a bit annoying, we absolutely loved our time in New Zealand, and writing about the country always brings us back so many memories, that we would come back in a heartbeat.
No matter if you decide to travel to Lord of the Rings country in summer, spring, autumn or winter, you will for sure need to pack lots of layers as sometimes, you can experience all those four seasons in only one day.
Winter can bring pleasant warm days, while summer can show you chilly, windy, rainy, and even snowy times.
That's why it is essential to pack right. We genuinely advise you to sit down and spend some time creating your ultimate New Zealand packing list, as packing right or wrong can simply make or break your dreamed and well-planned trip.
And in case you do not have enough time or you are not good at creating packing lists, do not panic.
We've got you covered.
HOW TO DECIDE ON WHAT TO BRING ALONG AND WHAT TO LEAVE BEHIND
Before you start packing, it is essential to know what are you going to do in New Zealand, and how you will get around.
New Zealand is hiker's paradise, but nature is rewarding even when you get off the car only for a couple of minutes, to stand on the lake's shore and soak up the mighty views.
In case you know you will spend the majority of your time outdoors, pack functional clothes, layers and extra clothes in case you get wet.
If you think you'll spend most of your time in the car, and take now and then a short walk or a boat tour, you should not underestimate the weather in New Zealand either, but you will be fine with basic outdoor equipment.
When backpacking, you must pack everything in one backpack, so you should think carefully what you will bring along, but when traveling by rental car (which is, by the way, the most popular way how to get around New Zealand), you can pack more stuff and when you won't need them, they can stay in the car.
Overall, when preparing for your New Zealand trip, pack casual footwear and outdoor functional clothes.
New Zealand is about mountains, lakes and glacial valleys, and it is much better to have extra down jacket than a pair of high heels.
BACKPACKS
It really depends on the way you are going to get around New Zealand and on the activities, you plan on doing when it comes to selecting backpacks and luggage.
When traveling by car, you can bring along a traditional suitcase, and a small backpack for short half-day or one-day hikes.
Once you know, you'll be backpacking around New Zealand without own transport or you plan on doing several multi-day treks, do not forget larger backpack or a rucksack.
Luggage | If you'll be getting around New Zealand in a car, traveling with a suitcase will be comfortable for you as you won't be looking for something all the time as in rucksack.
Rucksack 45-55L | We prefer traveling with rucksacks as it is more comfortable for us, plus we also used larger backpacks when doing multi-day hikes.
Daypack | New Zealand has a large number of shorter hikes everyone wants to do, and even when you are not an avid hiker, there is a possibility you will need a daypack.
Ultralight Packable Daypack | For walking around the town, it is great to have a light small backpack only to store camera and water bottle.
Packing Cubes | To keep our backpack keep and tidy, we found these packing cubes very helpful.
Waterproof Dry Bag | You can do many water activities in New Zealand such as rafting or cruising fjords in Fiordland National Park, so you should protect your gear and bring along a waterproof backpack.
Dry Sack | An additional gear we use not only when doing water activities, but also when hiking in the mountains. Always when it rains, we put our electronics and valuables in dry sacks.
CLOTHES
You will never make a mistake when traveling to New Zealand when you'll pack something warm.
The essential thing is to know, that you can always take your clothes off, so you should bring with you especially clothes you can combine together such as short-sleeved and long-sleeved t-shirts or shorts and leggings.
From time to time it rains in New Zealand, so having a quality waterproof jacket or a rain poncho is also a good idea.
Long-Sleeved T-Shirt | We love functional things, and we never have enough of the functional long-sleeved t-shirts. We believe you will find them helpful especially in countries with similar weather conditions such as New Zealand when it is often cold for short-sleeved t-shirt, but too warm for a regular jacket.
Short-Sleeved T-Shirt | Summer days can be really warm in New Zealand, so pack several t-shirts with short sleeves.
Tank Top | If you prefer sleeveless t-shirts, pack some, but we would not bring them if you plan on visiting New Zealand in the winter.
Waterproof Jacket | One of the most essential things to pack, we are pretty sure you'll find waterproof jacket handy at least once during your vacation.
Windbreaker | New Zealand is windy, especially in the mountains or along the coast, and quality windstopper can make your stay much more comfortable.
Hiking Socks | If you are arriving in New Zealand with plenty of one or multi-day hikes on your itinerary, invest in comfortable hiking socks to avoid blisters.
Warm Wool Socks | Even when hiking is not your thing, warm wool socks are something you will appreciate in your accommodation, especially during autumn or in winter.
Bra | Women should not forget to pack functional bras.
Functional Underwear | We always pack functional underwear, especially when we know that we'll spend most of our days outside.
Rain Poncho | Unfortunately, New Zealand is known as a country when it can rain anytime, and we still think that nothing can protect you and your backpack better than a classic rain poncho.
Down Jacket | Down jacket is a great thing if you need to take a break when hiking and want to stay warm, but also when you only want to jump out of the car for a while.
Fleece Jacket | Fleece jacket is yet another must-have layer you should have in your backpack.
Leggings | I prefer leggings for every outdoor activity, but I always have spare ones for sleeping in a tent or a hut. Martin uses leggings as an extra layer under shorts or hiking pants.
Hiking Pants | A must-have when you plan on spending most of your time in New Zealand outdoors.
Shorts | We would not bother to pack shorts when traveling in winter, but bring them along for sure when visiting New Zealand between November and April. Sunny days will come.
Swimsuit | New Zealand has plenty of beautiful lakes where you can take a dip, but also many hot springs where you can swim in the winter.
Hat | Sun in New Zealand is incredibly strong, so always protect your head.
Beanie | Between April and October having a warm hat in a backpack is a must. We would pack it even for summer months, just in case.
Bandana | Bandana is a small multifunctional thing which won't take any space in your backpack.
Scarf | A must-have a piece of clothes for autumn, winter and early spring.
Gloves | We used gloves a couple of times in the mountains, and recommend you to bring them, especially when using hiking poles.
Sunglasses | To protect your eye-sight, sunglasses are no brainer.
FOOTWEAR
Having proper footwear is always very important, and depending on the activities you plan in New Zealand, you should consider how many pairs of shoes it is necessary to pack.
This is a list of footwear we usually have in our backpacks.
Hiking Boots | This is a must-have item in your backpack. If you are worried that hiking boots are too heavy and you must meet the airlines limit, simply put them on before your flight as you will use them a lot. Break your boots in before arriving in New Zealand, and make sure they are waterproof and impregnated.
Sneakers | For shorter walks or walking in the cities are sneakers perfect.
Flip-flops | Usually we used flip-flops after hikes to give our feet rest, but you can use them in your hotel room as well.
Water Shoes | Water shoes are not necessary, but we would pack them when you plan on staying in New Zealand for longer.
HIKING GEAR
If you do not plan on hiking in New Zealand, you can skip this paragraph, as these things are a bit specialized, and you won't need them when road-tripping from one place to another.
Gaiters | I remember that one of the first things I've noticed about Kiwis trekking equipment were gaiters. I always thought that they are greatly situational and not worth wearing until we've done a few treks on extremely muddy and grassy trails in South Island.
Trekking Poles | You do not need to have troubles with your knees to use trekking poles (although they are a huge help). They also help you to keep a steady pace, and have a better posture.
Rain Pants | Rain pants are light, very foldable and you can put them on quickly when it starts pouring.
Water Bottle | What we found the best when hiking in New Zealand? We did not have to buy plastic bottles, as the water was drinkable, and we always could fill up our water bottle from the streams in the mountains.
CAMPING & TRAMPING
We love camping and New Zealand offers an amazing choice of places where you can sleep overnight.
When doing multi-day treks, you can usually choose between staying in huts (in this case you do not need a tent, mosquito net, and mattress) and sleeping in a tent.
Just remember that you have to sleep only in designated areas.
You can usually choose between more basic DOC camps and private campsites, where you will find more amenities and comfort.
Tent | Staying overnight outdoors is one of the best ways how to explore New Zealand. If you decide to spend some of the nights outdoors, you need a light, durable and high-quality tent.
Sleeping Bag | No matter if you will be staying in huts in the mountains or sleeping in a tent, quality and warm sleeping bag is a must. We usually buy down sleeping bags - they are a bit more expensive, but warm, light and foldable.
Sleeping Mat | When camping, do not forget an air mattress to stay warm and comfortable at night.
Inflatable Pillow | Although some of you might find folded jacket under head just fine, the inflatable pillow is great for those looking for a bit more comfort away from home.
Mosquito Net | We won't lie to your, mosquitos, and especially sand flies are a nightmare in New Zealand.
Silk Liner | No matter where we travel, we always pack cocoon as it serves as an additional layer when it is too cold at night or we use it when sleeping in a hostel with questionable cleanliness.
Headtorch | Trust us, it is not enough to have only your mobile phone.
Stove and Gas Cans | Most of the huts and campsites in New Zealand are not serviced, so you will need to bring along your own stove and gas. Gas is better to buy in New Zealand.
Stove Screen | We cannot even tell how many times we were not even able to boil water because it was too windy outside. The stove screen is a practical solution.
Foldable Knife | Every tramp, even the amateur one must have a sharp foldable knife.
Cooking Set | It is better to buy a light professional cooking set which has all the necessary utensils.
Thermo Underwear | We don't want to scare you off, but nights in New Zealand can be chilly, and thermo underwear will come handy.
Dried Food | In case you are preparing for a multi-day hike, check this out, as dried food is surprisingly tasty, and it is much lighter than normal food. Plus it is ready quickly.
First-Aid Kit | Do not go into the wilderness without at least a basic medical kit.
Sewing Kit | Just in case you need to repair quickly something.
Duct Tape | Duct Tape usually works too.
It is cheaper to visit New Zealand offseason, but weather conditions can be worse, and you should be well-equipped, especially when doing hikes such as Routeburn Track or Milford Track which are prone to avalanches.
You should not underestimate your equipment and pack at least the following three items.
TOILETRIES
It is always tricky to pack toiletries, but we always follow the rule that it is better to pack less, really only the essential things, otherwise, our backpack will be heavier and uncomfortable to carry.
You can find it challenging, but why not to go back to basics at least for a couple of days?
Travel Towel | We found travel towel quite useful even when not camping, and we never leave home without it.
Biodegradable Soap | New Zealand is considered to be one of the purest places in the world - pack biodegradable soap and shampoo.
Sunscreen | Do not underestimate sun protection in New Zealand. Ever.
Lip Balm with Sunscreen | We think most of the travelers are used to protect the skin on daily basis, but using a lip balm with UV is equally important, plus you'll protect your lips against the harsh wind.
Deodorant | This one really works.
Toothbrush | Instead of buying a plastic toothbrush, try the one made of bamboo.
Toothpaste | When traveling, we always use small travel-sized toiletries.
Wet Wipes & Hand Sanitizer | These two items should not be missing in your backpack as a water source does not have to be always available.
Travel Comb | Buy a travel size.
Bug Repellent | Make sure you'll bring powerful bug repellent because mosquitos and sand flies are way too annoying here.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Passport | Passport Holder | Visa | Travel Insurance | Travel Wallet | New Zealand Guidebook
Always check if you need a tourist visa for visiting New Zealand, and make sure that your passport is valid at least three months beyond your intended departure date.
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
ELECTRONICS & GEAR
Nowadays it is almost not possible to travel anywhere without electronics, and when traveling to New Zealand, you should be focusing especially on your camera gear, because it is a destination loved by photographers.
Camera | We cannot imagine a better place where to take postcard-like photos, and you do not need to be a photographer to have perfect photos from New Zealand.
Lenses | You do not need to be a professional to pack a few extra lenses.
GorillaPod | Small gorilla pod is light and helps you make sharp photos, or you can take long-exposure photos.
GoPro | If you plan on doing adventure activities like bungee jumping, canyoning or water rafting, it is better to pack an adventure camera.
SD Card | Spare memory cards are something you should not forget.
Spare Batteries | There is no electricity in New Zealand's great outdoors, no matter if you stay in huts or campsites, so pack spare batteries.
Power Bank | It depends on how long you plan on camping, but the power bank is a great thing which ensures your electronic devices will keep working for many days.
Travel Adapter | Chances are you will need a multi-plug adapter to charge your electronic devices.
iPhone | Mobile phone is probably stuff no one travels abroad without. It is possible to use the phone instead of a camera in case you want to travel lightly.
Phone Case | To protect your phone, this case is a useful little thing.
Laptop | In case you want to edit your photos, watch a film or you need to work, a laptop is another essential thing to pack.
Kindle | If you like reading and cannot imagine your holiday without a book, a portable library is a real treat.
Chargers | Do not forget to bring along charges for all your electronic devices.
Outdoor Watch | Smartwatch has been very trendy lately, and you can find it useful for outdoor activities.
Binoculars | New Zealand is not only about great nature but also about fauna, so bring along binoculars to see birds in flight.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
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