Calling anything “perfect” feels wrong but I think the word applies here. Packing for a two-week trip can be daunting, and it’s made even more difficult if you’re traveling across the world and mainly on the road. New Zealand’s weather is also notoriously unpredictable, and you can experience all four seasons in one day, with rain showers even when they aren’t in the forecast. Also, chances are that if you’re traveling to Aotearoa, you’ll spend most of your trip outdoors. Once you have your itinerary planned, you can craft your packing list.
To help you get started, I’m sharing the packing list that served me well when I was in New Zealand in November. I didn’t miss anything (except forgetting to pack the deodorant). I’ll also go through some general tips and guidelines, but you can scroll to the bottom to download my packing list and a blank one.
What to Wear in New Zealand
Kiwis dress casually, whether you’re in a big city, in the countryside, on the beach, or winding through the mountains. Most restaurants, even the nicer ones, have a relaxed dress code so you’d be fine wearing a top and jeans. You don’t need to pack high heels, dress shoes, or cocktail dresses.
Travel Light
I cannot stress this enough. You should pack light and comfortable clothing and only bring what you deem necessary. Upon arrival, you can find almost everything you need in New Zealand. You do not want to drag around a heavy suitcase or overloaded, bulky backpack for two weeks because you couldn’t live without a particular pair of shoes.
Layer Your Clothes
This worked well for me. I packed light, brought options, and mixed and matched my outfits for my trip. The weather is unpredictable in New Zealand, so you should bring a sweatshirt and a waterproof, windproof jacket at the bare minimum. Depending on what time of year you’re traveling and if you head south, you may also want to bring a thicker, puffer-like jacket to keep warm. If you get too warm, you can always take your layers off.
Backpack or Suitcase?
You could go either way. I brought a medium-sized suitcase, packed light to get souvenirs and clothes back home. However, my travel partner for this trip (my cousin) brought a large rolling backpack that worked well for her. This depends on how much weight you can lift, how easily movable your luggage is, and how much you bring with you. It’ll also be affected by how you’re traveling the country. Are you backpacking? Staying in hotels? Choose wisely.
What to Pack for New Zealand
Without further ado, here is my perfect packing list for New Zealand. This can be a great starting point for your own list, so feel free to add it as you see fit. You may be going for a shorter or longer duration or participating in different, varied activities that require different clothes, shoes, or other items. You should also remember that you may not have access to laundry. I’ve also put an asterisk next to things that aren’t necessary (and I could live without); I re-wore most of what I packed and mixed and matched as much as possible.
Clothes
Pajamas
Jeans/Pants (1 Pair)*
Wind/Waterproof Pants: These are non-negotiable, especially given New Zealand’s ever-changing weather. You will need wind and waterproof pants when hiking and planning a Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound cruise.
Shorts (1-2 Pairs)
Tights or Sweatpants (1-2 Pairs)
T-shirts (3-4)
Waterproof and Windproof Jacket: As mentioned earlier, New Zealand can and will experience all four seasons in one day. You might find yourself in the middle of a rainstorm or sudden wind gusts, and the temperature can also drop without notice. Having a light jacket or sweater will be imperative. I liked this one from Patagonia in Lagom Blue, though I don’t think it’s windproof.
Jacket or Sweater* (*not necessary if you’re bringing a waterproof/windproof coat)t
Sweatshirt or Hoodie
Shoes
Comfortable Sneakers: You will walk a lot in New Zealand, whether hiking or not. Make sure you bring comfortable sneakers, and do not try to break them in while you’re there.
Waterproof Hiking Shoes: 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’re comfortable, and I loved walking in them. Please make sure they’re clean or new upon arriving in the country. They’re very strict about biosecurity and what you can and cannot bring into Aotearoa.
Flip Flops or Slides: For the beaches or wherever you’re staying!
Socks
Undergarments
Sports Bra
Swimwear: Wear whatever you’re comfortable with! I brought a one-piece from Summersalt (the pattern I like looks like it’s unavailable) and rash gear with me.
Toiletries
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Deodorant
Body Soap
Washcloths
Shampoo Bar: I’ve started using more bars than plastic-bottled shampoos and other products. They last a bit longer, and I use less plastic.
Comb & Hair Ties
Bobbie Pins
Earrings/Jewelry*
Razor(s)
Light Makeup: You may want to bring more, but I did not bring anything other than tinted moisturizer and a neutral lip shade. Given how active our trip was and how casual everyone else in New Zealand was, I didn’t need to wear makeup.
Skincare & Cleanser: The atmosphere can quickly dehydrate you. Bring moisturizer and a cleanser with you to care for your face.
Body Lotion
Perfume
Contacts, Contact Solution, and Case
Menstrual Hygiene Products
Miscellaneous
Earphones
Phone and Charger
Passport, ID, and Photocopies: Always keep these with you in case of any issues. Photocopies are also crucial in case you lose your originals.
NZeTA Confirmation and Any Other Documents: If you’re traveling from a country requiring an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), bring that confirmation or screenshot. I filled mine out through the app, and the process was straightforward. I completed my application two months in advance of my trip, and it was approved in two minutes. 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, 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 complete blog post on the NZeTA here.
Snacks (as long as they’re allowed in the country)*
Medicine
Hand Sanitizer
Inhaler: Remember your inhaler if you have asthma or another health condition like mine. I used it once or twice on long, high-altitude climbs, so you need to keep it with you if you need to use it.
Sunglasses (Polarized Sunglasses): The UV levels in NZ are naturally very high and the sun may be stronger than you’re used to. Since you’ll spend most of your time outdoors, bring special polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes. I bought mine from the brand Goodr; they come in a variety of styles and they were inexpensive.
Cash
Outlet/Power Adapter
Universal Adapter
Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Speaking of strong UV levels, you also need to protect your skin because of the sun’s strength. If you’ve been lazy or inconsistent about sunscreen before, you can’t in New Zealand. You will burn. You should apply it every morning and at least once again in the afternoon or before you go on a long hike or adventure. Make sure your sunscreen is also at minimum SPF 50. I use this one from Thrive: it’s reef-safe, vegan, cruelty-free, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Lightweight, Quick Dry Towel: Whether you’re hitting the beach, the trails, or a Milford Sound Cruise, you’ll get wet and dirty. 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. I like this one from Slowtide; it’s highly absorbent, lightweight, and made from 100% post-consumer waste.
Tide Pens
Bug Spray: You will encounter many pesky bugs, especially during summer. Insect repellent usually isn’t allowed into New Zealand but you can try it (my cousin who was traveling from Sydney was able to bring it with her). You can always purchase it upon arrival.
Day Bag/Tote/Fanny Pack: You won’t want to carry a heavy backpack on hikes or while changing places. Bring a day bag or fanny pack to store all your essentials; I use the Beis Sport Sling in black.
Backpack
Camera + Camera Equipment: I’m not a professional photographer by any means, and mobile phone cameras have come a long way in the last decade, but I still brought my camera with me. New Zealand is too breathtakingly beautiful not to have it with you at all times, so you can take nicer pictures if you choose to. When I returned home, I made a simple photobook to share my trip with family and friends, and I loved showcasing my camera’s abilities.
Notebook or Journal and Pens: I’ve started journaling on trips! I take diligent notes about what we did, where we stayed, what we ate, etc., during the journey to use them for content later. I usually take 15 minutes before bed to write down the day; I still enjoyed the trip as much as possible, but it’s helpful not to have to remember every detail.
Empty Water Bottle (or 2): New Zealand’s water is some of the purest in the world. I took my reusable water bottle and filled it up every morning from the tap. If you can avoid plastic water bottles, you should.
Baseball Cap/Sun Hat: Another mention of sun strength: Bring a hat to cover your face, whether you’re wearing sunscreen or not. You’ll thank me later!
Beanie
Portable Power Bank: This is another must since you’ll spend much of your time on the road or in remote areas.
There you have it: my perfect New Zealand packing list. Looking for the essentials? Check out this post.
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