Packing List — What to Pack?
New Zealand's notorious weather unpredictability ("four seasons in one day") requires layered clothing. Here's a packing list that works for 3 weeks in New Zealand:
Essentials
- Rain Jacket (waterproof + breathable, Gore-Tex or similar) — The most important piece of clothing in New Zealand. Non-negotiable.
- Hiking Boots (waterproof, ankle-high, broken in!) — For Great Walks, Tongariro Crossing, glaciers, etc. Pack CLEAN (Biosecurity!)
- Fleece or Down Jacket — For evening chill, mountain hikes, boat trips
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ — The UV radiation is brutal. Cheap to buy in NZ.
- Sun Hat + Sunglasses — Mandatory, not optional
- DEET Insect Spray (30–50%) — Against sandflies. Available in NZ.
- Travel Adapter — Type I (Australian/New Zealand, slanted pins)
- Water Bottle (1–2 liters, refillable) — Tap water is drinkable everywhere
Nice to Have
- Flashlight/Headlamp — For glowworm caves, kiwi watching, DOC huts
- Dry Bag — For kayaking tours and rainy hikes
- Snorkel Mask — For Abel Tasman, Kaikōura, Hector dolphins
- Binoculars — For whale watching, birds, stargazing
- Camping Gear (if campervan) — Sleeping bag, cookware, folding chair
- Power Bank — For smartphones and cameras in remote areas without power (DOC huts have no power!)
What You DON'T Need
- Formal Clothing — New Zealand is the most informal country in the Western world. Even in upscale restaurants, "Smart Casual" (clean jeans, closed shoes) is sufficient. You never need a tie or suit.
- Mosquito Net — The only annoying insects are sandflies (controllable with DEET). No mosquito nets needed.
- Water Filter for Everyday Use — New Zealand's tap water is drinkable everywhere and of excellent quality. A filter is only recommended for backcountry hikes (stream water).
