So you’ve decided to visit New Zealand! If it’s anything like my trip, it will be epic; it’s one of my favorite places on the planet. You might already be ironing out your itinerary and booking your Hobbiton trip or other adventures. Maybe you’ve only bought your plane ticket and are figuring out the rest. What you can’t forget is your New Zealand packing essentials.
No matter where you are in the planning stages, you may be wondering how you’ll pack everything you need and what you need to take with you. Fortunately, I already shared the perfect packing list for you, but maybe you’re just looking for what’s absolutely necessary. Everything else on that list is up to you (what clothes to bring, how much, etc.), but here are my New Zealand packing essentials you must bring.
A Good Backpack or Day Pack
You’ll need something sturdy and spacious to keep the rest of your essentials in. There are a lot of recommendations for heavier-duty hiking backpacks but I got away without one. Instead, I used an older backpack from Girlfriend Collective that comfortably fit everything I needed, which is unfortunately no longer available. It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive, just firm and spacious.
Polarized Sunglasses
As mentioned in my other post, the UV levels in NZ are naturally very high, and the sun is strong. If you’re traveling to Aotearoa, you probably plan to spend most of your time outdoors, so bring special polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes. I bought mine from the brand Goodr. They come in a variety of styles and are inexpensive. I went with a classic black and a funkier orange one. They’ll accentuate any outfit.
Windproof/Waterproof Jacket
New Zealand’s weather is unpredictable; you will find yourself in the middle of a rainstorm or sudden wind gusts, and the temperature can also change without notice (especially at night). Having a light jacket or sweater will be crucial. I liked this one from Patagonia in Lagom Blue, though I don’t think it’s windproof. There are quite a few out there so you don’t have to dish out the big bucks for one.
Power Adapter
This one’s key! If traveling to Aotearoa from most countries, you’ll probably need a power adapter plug. New Zealand employs a three-pin adapter (similar to Australia) and I used this one from Amazon. Again, you don’t need anything expensive; you just need to get the job done. Some folks also suggest getting a multi-plug, but I didn’t need one so you may not either. Plus, the one I linked is a two-pack so you can still charge multiple devices.
Camera or GoPro
I didn’t think I needed a GoPro so I didn’t bring one but I definitely brought my digital camera with me and I don’t regret it. I’m not a professional photographer (as I state all the time) but it was nice to have pictures that weren’t from my phone. The zoom isn’t great on the iPhone but my camera did wonders, especially for mountains and landscapes. If you plan on stargazing in a Dark Sky Reserve or any adventures (bungee jumping, shotover jet, etc.), you won’t regret bringing a camera or GoPro.
Hiking Shoes (or Boots) & Tentpoles
These are another must if you plan to do any hiking or water activities. I like these Moab 3 shoes from Merrell. They include added ankle support and are “made with 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining.” They were comfortable, and I loved walking in them. Please make sure they’re clean or new upon arriving in the country; New Zealand is very strict about biosecurity.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Since you’re spending so much time outdoors, you also need to protect your skin because of the sun’s strength and invest in a strong sunscreen. If you’ve been lazy or inconsistent about it before, you can’t in New Zealand because you will burn. There’s also a hole in the ozone layer between Australia and New Zealand so you’ll burn even quicker. You should apply it every morning and before you’re going to spend any significant amount of time under the sun. Your sunscreen should also be at a minimum SPF of 50. I use this one from Thrive: it’s reef-safe, vegan, cruelty-free, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Quick-Dry Travel Towel
Whether you’re hitting the beach, the trails, or a Milford Sound Cruise, you’ll want to bring a quick-dry towel with you to help you dry off. I used mine extensively after getting soaked on our rainy, stormy Milford Sound Cruise. It’s this one from Slowtide; the towel is highly absorbent, lightweight, and made from 100% post-consumer waste. It also shipped quickly!
Layers
As mentioned earlier, New Zealand’s weather is highly unpredictable. Checking the forecast really isn’t helpful and you may experience all four seasons and all sorts of weather in 24 hours. We even experienced a freak thunderstorm in Lake Tekapo and got to see not one but four rainbows, including a double one! You’ll need to pack smartly and bring clothes that you can layer for these instances. A lightweight, waterproof jacket is a must plus a sweatshirt or hoodie at the very least. If you’re traveling to the South Island during the colder months, bring thermal layers too.
Cash
The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) and as of this publication, the currency rate favors the US Dollar. While most places will accept your normal Visa or Mastercard credit cards, you should keep some cash with you. I had to use cash in certain instances, like paying for hiking trail access or coffee.
Insect Repellent
I didn’t notice the presence of bugs too much during the late spring/early summer but during the peak summer months, the sandflies come out to play, particularly on the South Island (and West Coast). They will bite you! To avoid getting red and itchy, bring insect repellent with you. However, New Zealand’s biosecurity measures are very strict and you may not be able to. If you can, I recommend this deet-free, plant-based insect repellent but you can also buy insect repellent there if they don’t allow it in.
Passport/ID/Visa or NZeTA (With Copies)
The most essential essential is listed last because it should be obvious but it may not be: don’t forget your important documents and forms of ID, and copies of them in case you lose the originals. There are worse countries to get stuck in but you don’t want to go through that. If you’re traveling from a country requiring an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), bring that confirmation with you.
I filled mine out through the mobile app, and the process was straightforward. I completed my application two months in advance and it was approved within two minutes. Do NOT put it off. A request costs NZD 17 on the app but NZD 23 if completed online. You’ll need a valid passport, a credit or debit card to pay, an email address, a photo of your face (no selfies!), or a device to take one. If you complete your application through the app, you can take it while filling out the form. I have a separate NZeTA blog post here.
Is there anything else you consider essential for a trip to New Zealand? Let me know in the comments!
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