27 Top New Zealand Packing List for 2023 + What to Wear & NOT To Bring

What to Pack for New Zealand – 27 Essentials

• 1. Neck Wallet

  After having some scares with misplacing valuables while jet-lagged, I never make long-distance trips without my neck wallet. This is especially important for New Zealand since the travel time is typically so loooong. When you’re a tired tourist getting off the plane into a new city, you have a target on the back of your head that pickpockets can spot from a mile away. But with a neck wallet, it’s practically impossible for thieves to steal since you can keep your passport, phone, credit cards, and cash all concealed under your clothing. This one also has RFID-blocking material to prevent e-thieves from scanning your bag.

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• 2. Jet Lag Relief (Natural)

  It’s a lengthy trip to New Zealand from the States (roughly 13-18 hours with a non-stop commute), and the time change is fairly significant. Travel days are hard enough without jet lag adding to your stress, so gameplan smarter with these natural jet-lag tablets. They’re actually MADE in New Zealand but sold worldwide. Formulated with botanical ingredients like chamomile and daisy flowers, they’ve noticeably impacted my energy levels while traveling and I can’t recommend them enough.

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• 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

  A virtual private network allows you to browse the internet despite restrictions and any country-specific censorship, so it’s one of the smartest subscriptions you can have if you travel at all – and one of the cheapest.

  More importantly, a VPN 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… This is more common than you think when using free WiFi networks at cafes, hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and more. A VPN is a non-negotiable to me at this point because it offers a reliably private network that encrypts your passwords, financial information, and identity.

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• 4. NZ Power Adapter

  Since NZ has a different outlet type than most countries, you will need to bring a power adapter. Make sure you choose a high-quality one with fuse protection that prevents your devices from getting fried – you don’t want to risk damaging your phone, laptop, kindle, camera, or any other precious device. This adapter is our go-to because it works in over 100 popular countries and comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.

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• 5. Water-Resistant Travel Backpack

  You’re definitely going to want to bring a day bag of some kind, and a backpack-style bag will save your back and shoulders a lot of tension and pain. This one is large enough to hold the daily essentials – water bottle, rain jacket, money, passport, camera, etc. – but also lightweight enough to keep from adding to your already heavy travel load. It’s comfortable to carry since it’s made for exploring and compacts down into a small rectangular pouch when you don’t need it.

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• 6. Travel Insurance For New Zealand

  A good insurance plan that covers potential mishaps is one of the first things I recommend to any international traveler. More often than not, you’ll be safe and your trip will be free of hassles. However, it doesn’t pay to take chances – especially when things like theft, medical problems, or emergency trips home can be extremely costly. Many travelers assume their at-home provider covers them, but in most cases, protection stops the moment you cross the border.

  Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to potentially 6-figure expenses that are mitigated with an easy-to-obtain, affordable plan. It will also cover common transit issues like baggage loss, flight delays, and cancelations. We recommend Faye Travel Insurance to find the plan that best suits your needs. They even offer affordable add-ons like ‘cancel for any reason.’

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• 7. Packing Cubes

  Organization is one of the keys to an elevated traveling experience, and it doesn’t get much more organized than packing cubes. Once you travel with them, you won’t want to suffer through another discombobulated suitcase or dig around to find basic things ever again.

  These luxury organizers have labels on each cube, a variety of sizes, and several colors for each family member. They make packing much easier, as well as transferring items to and from your daybag. The bonus laundry bags seriously sweeten the deal!

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• 8. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

  A small portable charger is always wise when traveling, especially since you might be at the beach, exploring cities like Auckland and Queenstown, or hiking through the wilderness with no power outlets nearby. This charger is the size of a lipstick tube and holds multiple charges so you can power all of your devices while on the go. You’ll be thankful to have navigation and internet access in case of an emergency. We never travel without it.

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• 9. Windproof Travel Umbrella

  New Zealand demands a trustworthy travel umbrella. Weather varies from region to region, and you never know when you’ll need to ward off a sudden rainfall. This umbrella is especially nice because it’s windproof and large enough for two people yet still lightweight and compact. The carrying case is a useful accessory so you can store a wet umbrella in your bag once grey clouds have passed.

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• 10. Waterproof Hiking Shoes

  With glaciers, national parks, and sweeping cities to explore, you will be doing a considerable amount of walking. It’s best to have sturdy, broken-in hiking shoes for New Zealand so that you don’t risk hurting your feet or ankles hiking in regular sneakers. This pair is waterproof and the brand is known for its comfort and durability. I’ve used them to trek through dozens of countries and they haven’t failed me yet!

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• 11. Compression Flight Socks

  If you’re in good shape, you may be thinking, “compression socks, really?!” But let me tell you that flying for 15-20 hours, possibly 25-30 if you have layovers or stops, makes anyone’s ankles swell (no matter your age or how many hours you spend at CrossFit). Blood clots are more common on long flights which is why flight attendants commonly wear compression socks or stockings. They will help you maintain blood flow and increase circulation in your legs and feet, all while reducing the potential for pain or swelling so you don’t feel like the marshmallow man when you touch down.

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• 12. Universal Waterproof Phone Case

  Whether you’re horseback riding along the white-sand shores of Northland, boating through the glow worm caves, or hiking through the river valleys – your phone will need protection from the elements. This phone case has been a miracle worker for my family, saving our phones on multiple occasions and still allowing us to record underwater videos when snorkeling. They also make a version for your eReader, which you may want to consider if you plan to read on your trip!

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• 13. Discounted Tickets for New Zealand Attractions

  There are so many awe-inspiring things to do in New Zealand, and you’ll want to experience everything this destination has to offer. Visit the Lord of The Rings Hobbit house, take a rapid’s adventure down the Waikato River, and get closer to nature at the underwater observatory.

  Foodies will love the Queenstown BBQ tour, while adventurers may opt for a glacier and helicopter tour or boating through the enchanting glow worm caves. We also recommend day trips to majestic Milford Sound and the lush wineries of Waiheke Island.

  Get Your Guide is our preferred booking service for the best that a destination has to offer. They allow cancellations up to 24-hours notice of your activity, making it easy to shape-shift your itinerary and remain adaptable if plans change.

  See all New Zealand attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

• 14. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

  When traveling internationally, you should play it safe and always secure your luggage with luggage locks. You never know who’s coming in contact with your bags, especially when they’re checked for international travel. I like this set because they are TSA-approved and made by a reputable travel brand. They’re 10x harder to crack than a typical 3-digit lock, so I use them for suitcases, lockers, hotels, and on my backpack when exploring crowded areas that are preyed upon by sticky fingers.

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• 15. Dry Bag

  New Zealand has more ways to soak your belongings than you might imagine. With boat cruises, snorkeling, diving, river rafting, and everything in between – you should invest in an inexpensive dry bag. You don’t want to watch your cash crumble into a ball of nothingness, trust us. We’ve used this bag for tubing down the river and to combat the wet floorboards of dingy boats. It’s been submerged a few times and everything comes out 100% dry.

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• 16. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

  Carrying a portable towel with you is always handy since you never know when you’ll need to dry off while adventuring. It’s also good to bear in mind that some accommodations may not provide towels, so having a quick-drying one like this is a good solution. It can be carried easily in your daybag and will be much lighter than bulky ones that can get in the way during extensive hikes. Plus, it dries 10x faster than cotton and is incredibly soft too.

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• 17. Stylish Warm Jacket

  New Zealand is a magical land where you can be freezing on a glacier in one moment and then sunbathing at a tropical beach by the next. The climate varies WILDLY and their seasons are opposite of the U.S. (most travelers know that June/July is peak travel season for American tourists when kids get out of school. But for NZ, this is the peak of winter and the coldest time of the year!) The secret to success will be layering and preparing for rapidly-changing weather conditions. This warm jacket is a safe bet because it’s fast-drying, lightweight, and mega stylish.

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• 18. Touchscreen-Friendly Gloves

  Spare your hands from the cold with sleek winter gloves. These offer the best of both worlds – thermal protection and the ability to wick away moisture. For outdoor activities or driving in harsh sunlight, these gloves are lightweight, soft, and still allow you to use the touchscreen on your phone. The palms have a non-slip silicone material that makes them great for thrillseekers, bikers, etc.

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• 19. Wool Headband

  Regardless of the season, a warm headband will be of great comfort to you in New Zealand. We lose heat through our heads, so a wrap will keep you feeling toasty even during chilly activities like whale-watching or snowboarding down Mount Ruapehu. Even in the summer, temperatures are colder in the south and you will appreciate having a cozy accessory. This brand support working mothers in Nepal, honoring 1,000 years of complex weaving technique that’s been passed on for generations.

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• 20. Activated Charcoal (Food Poisoning Fix)

  Almost every traveler I know has experienced some kind of stomach upset – most frequently Traveler’s Diarrhea – as a result of long journeys, new foods, and the general physical stress of traveling. Activated charcoal has provided me quite a lot of relief, and now I take it with me wherever I go (I even use it at home if need be!) It absorbs toxins in your system if there are any, and it helps return your digestion to normal so that you can go on enjoying your trip instead of feeling unwell.

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• 21. Hanging Toiletry Bag

  Wanderlust involves lugging around a lot of toiletries, skincare, and styling items – while running the risk that liquids are going to explode all over your suitcase. Maintain your routine (and your sanity!) by packing every liquid in this hanging toiletries bag. It hooks onto any door, pole, branch, etc. and really saves the day when countertop space is limited. It holds way more products than I would’ve guessed, almost giving you a shelf-like system in your home away from home. P.S. I haven’t had any spills since purchasing this because everything is so tightly and compactly stored.

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• 22. Deet-Free Mosquito Wristbands

  Let’s be honest… The mosquitos and sandflies of NZ are a nuisance! Although there are no insect-related diseases in the country, the bites are still itchy, annoying, and uncomfortable. We buy these wristbands for our family because they’re deet-free and non-toxic; it’s also much more convenient than constantly spraying and respraying those strong nasty fumes. Made with essential oils like citronella and lemongrass, these wristbands deter bugs the natural way and in my experience, provide the most effective defense.

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• 23. Water Bottle With Built-In Filter

  You’re not going to have a hard time finding safe water to drink in New Zealand, but if you’re doing a day hike and need some water from a mountain stream, this is a great way to be sure it’s safe to drink. Opting for a filtered water bottle is a smart precaution because you’ll have an easy and free way to stay hydrated without having to purchase plastic water bottles. It will reduce the taste of heavy chlorine purification and filter out bacteria, sand, and sediment.

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• 24. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

  Shopping in New Zealand is not to be missed – with predominantly European and indigenous Māori influence, the culture of NZ is distinct and deliciously collectible. This ‘just in case’ bag is a great pack-along for those purchases you may make. It takes up zero space when empty but can serve as your carry-on item for the flight home that fits under your plane seat.

  Fill it up with goodies and handmade gifts that your loved ones will treasure – some local goods we recommend are: Merino wool, Māori crafts, jade necklaces, Tuatara coffee, Manuka honey, woodwork, and LOTR memorability.

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• 25. Quick-Dry Convertible Pants/Shorts

  This is an item I bring on all trips that involve hiking, simply because I often start activities in the morning when it’s cooler, and finish the day when it’s later and much warmer. The transition from cold weather to warm weather is super easy when you can zip off part of your pants to make them into breathable and lightweight shorts. These pants are also quick-drying, a necessary bonus when you’re in humid or water-rich areas.

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• 26. "Gumboots" (AKA Rain Boots)

  Rubber boots (known as ‘gumboots’ in NZ) will add convenience to your adventures through the many terrains of Middle Earth. Most people don’t realize that it rains nearly as much in NZ as in the UK, so you’ll need a pair of shoes that function in rain, snow, and mud to keep your feet dry. There’s a reason the locals refer to gumboots as ‘essential footwear’ – they will save you in a surprise downpour! This brand is very cute and has many beautiful designs to choose from.

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• 27. Gorgeous Jumpsuit

  Last but not least, any getaway calls for a stunning outfit. Your sundress or beachwear won’t quite cut it for nights out on the town, so try this chic jumpsuit that feels modern yet classic all at once. It’s elegant, comfortable, and complements many body types because it cinches at the waist but flairs out around the hips. This gives it a very relaxed (almost dress-like) style that’s undeniably timeless.

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