Updated on March 17, 2019 by Asher Fergusson
What to pack for my New Zealand trip?
NZ spans several climate “zones”, so it can be a surprisingly tough place to pack for. Below you’ll find a list of 17 items I highly recommend, a section on what to wear in New Zealand, what NOT to bring and other FAQs. Enjoy your travels to Kiwiland!
11) Virtual Private Network (VPN) – A virtual private network can allow you to browse the internet despite restrictions and any country-specific censorhip, so it’s one of the wiser subscriptions you can have if you travel at all – and one of the cheapest. The best feature of a VPN, though, is that it adds an additional layer of security to your browsing and data to help protect you from identity theft or other hacking issues. If I’d used one in Paris when I traveled there recently, I would have avoided having my credit card information stolen!
Other items to consider
Contact solution
Toothbrush cover
Toiletry bag
Vitamins and/or personal medications
Scarf
Sunscreen
Travel-sized umbrella
Headphones
Flash drive/memory card
Journal
Combination padlock
Sunglasses
Flashlight/Head lamp
Kindle
Travel toilet paper
First-Aid kit
Camping gear
Sewing kit
Travel pillow
Travel sheet
Headphone splitter
Camera
GorillaPod
What should I wear in New Zealand?
If you’re planning a visit in the warmer months, pack a light raincoat. It is also really important to remember your sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to protect your skin from the sun, as well as your swimsuit, so you can enjoy a dip in the ocean!
The winters can be cold but the summers are warm and pleasant.
What should WOMEN wear in New Zealand? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).
That’s not to say there’s no need to get dressed up if you’re planning fancy dinners and nights out in the city. New Zealand has so much to offer a traveler, so you’ll definitely have ample choices when it comes to activities! Night time does mean a drop in temperature year round, so pack a shawl, comfy layers, and a warm scarf.
What should MEN wear in New Zealand? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).
SPRING – March, April, May:
New Zealand during Spring for the most of the day is warm, but expect chilly mornings and evenings. You may find the days pleasant enough, especially if you are from somewhere colder. Be ready to layer up and for the temperature to change quickly. It is always handy to have a sweater and extra layer for the evening as night time sees a drop in temperature. Definitely pack a light coat.
Average daytime temperature: 61 – 66˚F (16 – 19˚C).
SUMMER – December, January and February:
These are the hottest months in New Zealand. Remember to pack your sunscreen and other sun protection such as hats and sunglasses.
Remember to cover body parts after sun exposure to avoid damage and use after sun. Swimsuits perfect for these months, as well as shorts, t-shirts, dresses. It may be advisable to carry light layer in the evening.
Average daytime temperature: 68 – 77˚F (20 – 25˚C).
FALL – March, April, May:
Fall in New Zealand will be chilly and sunny in the daytime, with a sense of the Winter months approaching and a drop in temperature, particularly at night. It is important to pack cozy layers, something warm to sleep in and lighter layers for the daytime. You may wake up to really cold mornings. Prepare for all weathers here, but for the most part it will be cold.
Average daytime temperature: 62 – 70˚F (17 – 21˚C).
WINTER – June, July, August
Winter sees the average temperature in New Zealand drop. The South Island can drop down to 14°F! (-10°C) Wear a coat, pack layers including moisture-wicking shirts and even thermal leggings to go under pants.
There’s a chance of it being particularly cold, so remember a scarf, a warm hat, and gloves!
Average daytime temperature: 53 – 61˚F (12 – 16˚C).
How to dress for activities in New Zealand – (Click to expand)
Outdoor Activities: Please plan all excursions carefully and to heed the information from the guide if you are working with one. Use common sense when venturing off alone, like dressing so you are comfy and able to move freely, and remembering to stay hydrated and plan a route. Good footwear can be the difference between a really successful excursion or not, so make sure you’re taking shoes with enough grip for the activity. Mountaineering and other fun activities can require proper equipment such as helmets, so check in with the organizers of any such activities to be sure you have access to the correct equipment.
Beaches:
Normal beach attire is most welcomed and suitable here. New Zealand has some diverse and beautiful beaches. If you are planning on doing water sports or surfing, a wetsuit may be advisable to protect your skin from the cold water.
Walking and Hiking:
Walks and hikes are one of the most incredible ways to see New Zealand. Stay on pathways or planned routes. Wear breathable layers. Ensure you have enough water and food for the walk. You may want to wear long pants to prevent any leg scratches from the natural surroundings. A light walking shoe with good grip will be suitable for most terrains. More difficult landscapes require sturdier and more advanced gear and clothing.
What NOT To Take to New Zealand
DON’T PACK your own sunscreen: It just takes up valuable packing space. Yes, it’s ABSOLUTELY crucial to wear sunscreen while in New Zealand as the sun’s rays are much stronger there. But sunscreen can be found anywhere, and it’s pretty affordable in any pharmacy or supermarket, so don’t bother bringing your own. DON’T BRING too much clothing: and especially not fancy clothes. You won’t need a lot of clothing anyway, and New Zealand is not the place to dress up. Avoid bringing anything too nice – you’ll probably just get it dirty, anyway. DO bring layers that you can mix and match, and outfits that can easily go from warm to chilly. DON’T TAKE extra electronics: It’s both a packing no-no and a security issue (yes, crime exists in NZ too!). You don’t want to schlep all of that extra weight around, and you REALLY don’t want your electronics stolen or damaged. There’s plenty to entertain you in NZ without them. DON’T PACK heavy books: Or, honestly, any books except ones you need to navigate and explore NZ. Books are delightful, but heavy and bulky, which your back will not thank you for. If you haven’t already, update your library with a Kindle or similar e-reader, and bring that instead. DON’T TAKE lots of cash: Another security issue. You don’t want to attract any unwanted attention, and cash is an unfortunate beacon for petty criminals. ATMs are everywhere in NZ, and they’re not usually any more expensive than in the States, so you’ll be able to get small amounts of cash when you need it. DON’T BRING expensive or valuable jewelry: The theme here is not to take anything you’d be sad to see lost, stolen, or destroyed. You really won’t need decorative accessories in New Zealand – most of your activities will be outdoorsy and a little on the rugged side. Leave nice accessories and heirlooms at home.What should I NOT wear in New Zealand? – (Click to expand)
No shoes
Although the locals do it and you may see them going around shoe-less, it may not be advisable to go barefoot. There may be glass or debris on the floor, you may end up injuring your foot accidentally. Restaurants and shops will require shoes to be admitted.
Fancy, elegant, expensive clothing
For the most part, leave your precious clothing at home – the exception being if you are planning very extravagant nights out. Opt for clothing practical for your activities that you wouldn’t mind getting dirty.
Expensive Jewellery
Do not wear expensive, eye-catching jewelry. As with everywhere else in the world, flashy things like this will only attract pickpockets and thieves. Trying to minimize the risks to yourself and your belongings is always best, no matter where you’re traveling.
Impractical or ill-fitting clothing
Make sure you are comfortable, in light, breathable fabrics Sunstroke and exhaustion are a risk, so stay hydrated and wear clothing to keep your body cool and prevent overheating.
FAQs about Travel in New Zealand
1) Is NZ tap water safe to drink?
2) What is the cheapest way to get around New Zealand?
There are several options for traveling NZ on a budget, including:
- Campervans. Buying or renting a van means you save on accommodation and get to travel at your own pace. There are hundreds of campervan parks around NZ, and in some places you can freedom camp.
- Bus: Lots of budget options with companies that run services that cover all of NZ, or hop-on/hop-off tours.
- Train: Although not a common way to travel due to the expense, the Tranz Alpine train journey is one of the most beautiful in the world.
3) Do I need to tip in restaurants?
Tipping isn’t expected in New Zealand. If you’re impressed by a particular staff member, then go ahead and tip if you want to, but many establishments require staff to pool any tips so that they can be shared equally. You may even see a “Tip Jar” on the counter, but again, it’s up to you to put something into it.
4) How safe is it to go hiking in NZ?
Most hiking tracks will have a sign posted at the start which tells you how long it will take and the grade of difficulty, so you should know what to expect.
In any case, you should check the details with a local information centre or on the Department of Conservation website beforehand. Always take sufficient gear and ALWAYS tell someone when and where you’re going.
5) Do I need a visa to visit NZ? Or to work in NZ?
If you are a UK citizen and/or passport holder, you can stay up to six months without a visa. If you are a citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with NZ, you can stay up to three months without a visa. Otherwise, you’ll need a visitor visa, which allows you to stay for up to 9 months.
A working holiday visa allows you to travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months, or 23 months if you’re from the UK.
6) When is the best/worst time of year to visit NZ?
And remember – the southern hemisphere seasons are opposite to the northern hemisphere, so Christmas is in summer!
7) How can I stick to a budget while traveling NZ?
Budget travel can be tough, as New Zealand has become much more expensive in recent years. But there are still ways to see plenty on a shoestring by:
- Camping: if you don’t mind communal kitchens and a slightly cramped living space, camping is a fun and cheap way to see the country.
- Van or campervan: As above – rent or buy a campervan and your accommodation is sorted!
- Couchsurfing: Very popular in NZ with over 2000 hosts around the country.
- WWOOFing: A great way to work for your keep whilst hanging out the locals!
8) What are some foods to try while I’m in New Zealand?
Other, lesser-known foods to try are:
Tuatua (a soft and mild shellfish), Hāngi (A traditional Maori dish of steam-roasted veggies and meats), Fish and chips (again: FRESH, LOCAL seafood!), and NZ’s delicious offerings of wine and cheese.
9) How can I find out where to get off the beaten path?
This is best done by visiting an i-site (information centre), checking out TripAdvisor or, better yet, getting to know some locals. There are many, many hidden gems in New Zealand that you won’t see on a tourist brochure – I could tell you a few just off the top of my head! Locals are only too-willing to point you in the direction of a cool place.
10) Where can I go camping in NZ
Freedom camping is also possible in some areas, which means you can park your van or pitch your tent and camp for the night – for free. It’s a fantastic way to explore New Zealand, BUT please obey the rules!
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Spain Packing ListGuest Author: Katie Stone
Katie is a born-and-bred Kiwi currently backpacking around Asia and working as a freelance writer. She has explored most of New Zealand and knows all the “dos-and-do-nots” of getting around the country – and a lot of other things the guidebooks won’t tell you! You can read about her backpacking adventures around India and Vietnam at A Woman Wanders.
