Are you planning a trip to New Zealand and wondering what to bring and how to pack for the journey? You have come to the right place! New Zealand is a magical country and a true outdoor lover’s dream. While certainly not the biggest country in the world, you might be surprised by the sheer number of activities the country has and how varied the scenery is.
If you aren’t sure where to start with your packing, don’t worry. We have got you covered! Trust us; we know just how daunting and stressful it can be to pack for a trip. In this guide, we will make sure you pack everything you need for New Zealand, ensuring that you don’t leave any essentials behind. Let’s get straight into it with our ultimate New Zealand packing list!
Disclaimer: This blog post includes affiliate links, which means we receive a tiny commission – at no extra cost to you. Don’t worry; this doesn’t affect our recommendations whatsoever. It just helps us keep the lights on.
What Is the Weather Like in New Zealand?
The climate of a destination will really help you narrow down what clothing items to bring on your trip. For example, if you are heading to a tropical destination like Bali, you’ll likely only need to bring bathing suits and light summery clothing, giving you more space to pack other items. On the other hand, if you are traveling to the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights, a big chunk of your luggage will be dedicated to warm winter jackets and thermals.
New Zealand has a relatively mild climate, but the weather conditions and temperature can vary drastically depending on where you plan to go in the country. You’ll also need to account for the activities you want to do, such as hiking, mountain biking, swimming, scuba diving, white water rafting, etc.
During the summer (December to March), temperatures hover around 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 80°F) in the North Island and around 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 74°F) in the South Island. And while it does rain less in the summer, you should ALWAYS expect rain in New Zealand (seriously, it is one of the rainiest countries we have ever visited).
While the northern parts of the country rarely get below 5°C (41°F) in winter, the South Island frequently drops below freezing, and you can even expect snow in the mountainous regions.
Looking for more detailed information for planning a trip to New Zealand? Make sure to check our our ultimate North Island itinerary and our guide to the South Island of New Zealand.
What to Pack: New Zealand Packing List for 2024
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Luggage
Let’s start with arguably the most important part of your packing for New Zealand: Your luggage! Most tourists have to travel pretty far to get to New Zealand, which is why most spend at least a couple of weeks (if not an entire month) traveling the country. So, chances are, you are going to want to pack a few bags for the trip.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important types of luggage to bring on your trip.
Suitcase/Checked Bag
We generally prefer to pack as lightly as possible, bringing just a small suitcase or a medium-sized backpack on trips. That said, this may not be possible for an extended trip to New Zealand, especially if you visit in winter (June to August). Your international flight will likely include a checked bag weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs). Bringing a larger checked bag can give you the freedom to pack more items and bring back some souvenirs.
There are two main ways to go when it comes to suitcases: softside cases or hardside cases. Softside suitcases are better for packing more into as they weigh less and stretch more, while hardside suitcases offer better protection and are more durable.
Here are a few of our favorite checked bags for trips:
- Samsonite Hardside 28” Suitcase: $189
- Osprey Transporter 90L Wheeled Duffle Bag: $340
- SwissGear Sion 29” Softside Suitcase: $105
Carry-On
We have traveled carry-on only for years as it tends to be cheaper and easier. We have also had some bad experiences where our luggage was lost or our checked bags were damaged. If you don’t need to bring a bunch of winter clothing with you, you can generally pack everything you need for a 2-week trip into a carry-on bag. Plus, most hotels and Airbnbs have washing machines, so you should be able to do laundry during your trip.
Carry-on bags are almost always included in your ticket price, especially if you are flying overseas (which is inevitable when heading to New Zealand!).
When it comes to carry-on luggage, you have three main options: a large backpack, a duffle bag, or a small suitcase.
There are pros and cons to each, but we generally prefer to bring a 40 or 50-liter backpack, such as the Osprey Farpoint, as our carry-on, especially if we are also traveling with a checked bag. We find that it is more convenient to carry some weight on our backs rather than lug another suitcase or an awkward duffle bag around. But it all really comes down to what you are comfortable with.
Here are some of our top recommended carry bags:
Make sure to check out our top travel backpack picks for more recommendations.
Daypack
It is always a good idea to bring a day bag to carry your belongings on day trips or excursions. For New Zealand, we recommend using a small (15 to 20-liter) backpack as this will be the most comfortable and handy on hikes and activities. That said, you can also use a purse or tote bag.
As New Zealand is a major hiking and outdoor destination, you should look for daypacks made from water-resistant materials and with hiking features like water bladder compartments and ventilated back panels.
Here are some of the best daypacks out there that you should consider:
Crossbody Bag or Fanny Pack
We always travel with a small crossbody bag or fanny pack to carry our essentials, such as our passports, cash, and wallets. These small bags come in handy during travel days and in airports when you need to take out and put away your documents often. These small bags will also be great for outings and day trips in New Zealand.
It is important to note that some budget airlines may count your fanny pack or crossbody bag as a personal item. So, we recommend getting a bag that is small enough to stow away in a backpack or hide underneath your clothing in a pinch.
Here are some of our favorite small crossbody bags for travel:
Outdoor Gear
New Zealand is the perfect adventure and hiking destination, so you’ll definitely want to bring some outdoor clothing for your adventures. It is also worth mentioning that New Zealand’s weather can be pretty inconsistent, even during the summer, so you should always pack some warm and waterproof clothing.
Rain Jacket
Packing a rain jacket for your New Zealand trip is an absolute non-negotiable. The country experiences quite a lot of rainfall throughout the entire year. And while the summer tends to be drier, regions like Fjordland, Wellington, and Rotorua still experience a lot of rainy days in December and January.
The weather can change very quickly in New Zealand, so we recommend bringing a rain jacket with you whenever you leave the house.
If you visit New Zealand during the wettest months (between May and October), you should go a step further and bring a Gore-Tex raincoat.
Top tip: If you forget to pack a rain jacket, you can always buy one from Kathmandu, a New Zealand-based outdoor brand. The rain jackets here are super high-quality and come at a reasonable price.
Fleece/Sweater
Regardless of the reason you visit New Zealand, we recommend bringing a fleece or sweater. Even if it is warm in Auckland, the mountains and inland regions of the country are generally much cooler. So, if you plan to hike in the mountains, you’ll need some layers to keep you warm. Even if you don’t plan to climb any mountains, cities like Wellington and Christchurch have average nighttime lows of 14°C (58°F).
- Colombia Men’s Snap Up Fleece: $65
- Colombia Women’s Full Zip Fleece: $60
- Dokatoo Woman’s Pullover: $50
Bring one fleece/sweater for summer travel and two for winter travel.
Warm Down Jacket
You won’t need a winter coat if you visit New Zealand in the summer, but spring, fall, and winter travelers should definitely pack a warm jacket. We recommend bringing a down jacket as these are super warm and insulating, lightweight, and easy to pack down in your luggage.
Here are some of our favorite winter coats for traveling:
- The North Face Men’s 550 Down Jacket: $208
- The North Face Women’s Flare Down Jacket: $173
- Amazon Essentials Packable Puffer Jacket: $42
Thermal Base Layer
There is a popular saying when it comes to choosing hiking clothes: “Cotton kills”. This is because cotton fabric soaks up sweat and water, which can cause hypothermia when it cools. So, it is important to avoid cotton fabrics when choosing your hiking clothes, especially for your base layer or the layer of clothing that touches your skin.
Instead, we recommend going with merino wool as it’s insulating and water resistant. Merino wool is also antimicrobial, so it won’t stink after a single wear. That said, merino wool products are fairly pricy, so you can also go for synthetic fabric like polyester.
Depending on the season you travel in and how much hiking and camping you plan to do, you should bring 1 to 2 base layer sets on your trip.
Other Outdoor Clothing to Pack
Here are a few other outdoor clothing Items you’ll need to bring with you to New Zealand:
- Merino wool socks (2 to 4 pairs): Perfect for wicking sweat and moisture on hikes. Merino socks are also quick to dry, so they are easy to wash on the move.
- Hiking pants (1 to 2 pairs): Comfortable and breathable pants are a great idea for longer hikes. Make sure to invest in a pair of moisture-wicking pants made of nylon or polyester, as cotton will soak up moisture.
- Swimming suit (2 to 3 pairs): New Zealand is made up of two islands, so chances are you are going to make it to a beach at some point. Even in winter, there are warm thermal spas around the country. So, make sure to include a swimming suit (or two) on your New Zealand packing list.
- Sunglasses: The New Zealand sun may not always be shining, but when it is, you’ll definitely want sun protection. The sun down here is STRONG, so make sure to invest in high-quality polarized sunglasses with UV protection.
- Sun hat: For long hikes on sunny days, a sun hat will do you wonders. This will shield your face and neck from sunburn.
Shoes
Next up on our list of all the packing essentials you need to bring to New Zealand is footwear. New Zealand is a very casual place, and you won’t see people dressed up in fancy attire often. So, unless you plan to go to some extremely fancy establishments, you won’t need to bring heels or dress shoes.
Hiking Boots/Trail Runners
You’ll definitely want to bring a pair of outdoor-friendly shoes, such as trail runners or hiking boots, for your trip to New Zealand. We almost always go for trail runners unless we are planning to do a major mountain climb or multi-day hike and need extra ankle support. Trail runners are more comfortable and lightweight, and they can double as standard trainers!
Here are a couple of good trail running and hiking shoes we recommend:
- Solomon Speedcross 5: $90
- Asics Gel Venture 6 Women’s: $60
- Men’s Merrell Moab 3: $110
Sneakers
You’ll also want to bring a pair of casual and comfortable sneakers for travel days and walking around towns and cities. You can honestly pack whatever sneakers you want for this; just make sure they are comfortable!
Flip Flops
Flip flops, or “jandals” as they are called in New Zealand, are an absolute must if you are visiting New Zealand in the summer. In fact, you’ll blend right in with the locals as flip-flops are the footwear of choice in the summer months.
Basic Clothes
Don’t make the mistake of only packing outdoor gear for your trip to New Zealand. Of course, you should also bring normal clothes and basics as you likely won’t be spending the entire trip out in nature.
You should also make sure to bring a comfortable outfit for the airport. After all, it takes a very long time to fly to New Zealand from just about anywhere in the world.
In general, we recommend bringing a week’s worth of clothes, no matter how long the trip is. Many hotels and Airbnbs in New Zealand will have laundry machines on site, so you’ll be able to wash your clothes during the trip.
- T-shirts/Tops: 7
- Long sleeves: 2 for summer, 4 for winter
- Shorts/Skirts: 4 for summer, 2 for winter
- Jeans/Pants: 2 or 3
- Quickdry Underwear: 7 or 8 pairs
- Cotton Socks: 7 or 8 pairs
Toiletries
If you’re anything like us, toiletries will make up a surprisingly significant portion of your packing. Depending on your own routine, what you pack is completely up to you. But we’ll cover basically everything so that you don’t forget anything as you pack. But, of course, don’t feel pressured to bring everything on this list!
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an absolute MUST! The New Zealand sun is an absolute killer, so always protect yourself, even if you’re not at the beach. Bring both face and body sunscreen to protect every inch of your skin. You’ll thank us later!
Skincare
Bring all of your standard skincare products, depending on what you use. Here is a list to get you started (feel free to add to and subtract from this list according to what you actually use):
- Toner
- Moisturizer
- Vitamin C serum
- Retinol
- Lip balm (pro tip: get a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from the sun too!)
- Face wash
- Exfoliant
Insect Repellent
In New Zealand, you really can’t avoid being one with nature. While the views will be undeniably stunning and picture-perfect, you may be annoyed by the bugs (an inevitability with nature, I’m afraid!). To stop the bugs from mauling you in the evenings, bring some insect repellent to protect your body.
Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Floss
Of course, we can’t forget about dental hygiene! Bring everything you need to keep your teeth squeaky clean. That means pack your toothbrush (and toothbrush charger if applicable), toothpaste, and floss as well.
Deodorant
With all the activities you’ll be doing, it’s likely you’ll be sweating quite a bit during your stay in New Zealand, particularly if you come during the hot summertime. Spare yourself and the people around you from the horrors of what would happen if you forget to pack your deodorant! Pack it with the rest of your toiletries.
Makeup
If you wear makeup, pack some makeup for the trip. To save space and weight, try to bring as little makeup as you can manage, as most days will be filled with outdoor activities.
And while you’re at it, pack some makeup remover and cotton pads to remove your makeup at the end of the day.
Period Products
If you get your period, pack your preferred period products for your stay. You don’t want to be caught unawares. Whether you use a period cup, pads, or tampons, pack them with the rest of your belongings.
Would you like a packing list geared towards women specifically? Check out our post on travel essentials for women!
Beard Trimmer/Razor
A shaving kit is another must-have for most male travelers, especially for longer trips to New Zealand. We recommend bringing a compact and sturdy beard trimmer as well as a razor. But you can purchase the shaving cream when you arrive.
You Can Buy Some Toiletries When You Arrive
If you are unable to pack everything listed above for some reason or simply forgot to pack something important, don’t worry. New Zealand sells plenty of toiletries that you can pick up at any supermarket or store. If needed, you can easily buy any of the above in New Zealand at the beginning of your trip. In addition, we recommend buying soap, shampoo, and conditioner in New Zealand rather than bringing them from your home country, as they take up a lot of space and weight.
Medication
Similar to toiletries, you can always buy over-the-counter medications when you arrive in New Zealand. That said, if you take any prescriptions or want to be extra prepared, you could always pack a mini pharmacy. Here are some of the best over-the-counter medicines to bring with you on a trip to New Zealand.
- Dramamine: New Zealand has pretty windy mountain roads that are definitely not for the faint of heart. So, if you suffer from motion sickness, we recommend packing Dramamine.
- Painkillers: You can never go wrong packing some painkillers like Ibuprofen or Tylenol. These pills will come in handy whether you suffer from migraines or had a few too many drinks at a brewery in Wellington.
- Imodium: New Zealand has clean water and pretty decent food hygiene standards, but sometimes, being exposed to new bacteria in a new country can upset your stomach, no matter how clean.
- Antihistamines: You never know if you may be affected by the allergens in a new country, so we recommend being prepared with some antihistamines. The spring, summer, and fall can be particularly bad in terms of allergies.
Electronics
We are nothing without our electronics nowadays! There’s nothing worse than arriving in a foreign country and discovering you’ve forgotten something absolutely essential. Plus, electronics are generally a lot more expensive to replace than anything else. Here’s what you’ll need to pack for New Zealand.
If you are a digital nomad, head over to our digital nomad packing list for our complete list of everything electronics!
Phone
First things first, don’t forget your phone! Your phone will be your best friend in New Zealand. You’ll need it to follow directions, book activities and restaurants, take photos, and so much more.
Laptop
As digital nomads, we never go anywhere without our laptops, but this certainly isn’t an essential item to pack for New Zealand if you aren’t planning to work remotely. That said, having a laptop can be useful for planning your trip or making accommodation bookings.
Make sure to check out our list of the best laptops for digital nomads.
Phone Charger
Of course, you’ll need to charge your phone every night to use it, so don’t forget to bring your charger!
New Zealand Travel Adaptor
Unless you are from Australia, Argentina, or China, you will need to bring a travel adaptor with you to New Zealand. You’ll need one to charge your phone and other electronics during your stay. If you do forget to pack one, don’t worry; you’ll easily be able to find one at the airport.
Power Bank
Since you’ll likely be out and about for most of the day, a power bank can be an absolute lifesaver. A power bank can charge all of your devices several times over so that you’re never stranded, even if you’re out for over 12 hours at a time.
We personally use the Anker 20,000mAH travel power bank, which we highly recommend.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
While not an absolute necessity, noise-canceling headphones can go a long way in keeping you entertained and blocking out unnecessary noise. We love using our headphones during the long flight to New Zealand. But even once you are in New Zealand, it can be handy to pop them in if you happen to be in a lodging with thin walls or when you are hiking alone.
Here are some noise-canceling headphones we recommend:
GoPro
You can capture a lot of moments on your phone camera nowadays, but if you plan to do adventure sports, there’s nothing better to capture the thrill of the moment than a GoPro. GoPros are a must-have if you want to capture any of the below moments in New Zealand:
- Diving
- Snorkeling
- Skiing/Snowboarding
- Running
- Skateboarding
- Mountain biking
- Climbing
- Go Karting
These cameras are tiny and perfectly capture those action shots you’ll want to commemorate your adventure-filled trip!
Other Things You’ll Need For Your New Zealand Trip
What are some must-have essentials you cannot forget for your trip to New Zealand? Here are some other items you shouldn’t forget.
Passport
To board your flight and enter New Zealand, you’ll need your passport with you. But throughout your trip in New Zealand, we recommend keeping your passport close at all times. If you want to enter any bars or plan to purchase alcohol, you’ll need to show your passport. And no, your foreign driver’s license or a picture of your passport won’t be sufficient!
Travel Insurance
Never forget travel insurance!
One great thing about New Zealand is that everyone is covered by the Accident Compensation Corporation program, also called ACC. This insurance covers even visitors in New Zealand. As the name may suggest, this covers any patient who is accidentally injured while in New Zealand. So, in the case of an accident, you can rest assured that you will be covered and won’t have to deal with insurance.
But then, why should you bother with travel medical insurance? Travel medical insurance takes it a step further and covers you if you have to go to a doctor or hospital for anything not considered an accident. Furthermore, it covers your trip to and from New Zealand, including lost luggage, emergency flights home, travel delay compensation, and more.
We recommend getting SafetyWing, a very budget-friendly option that still covers all of your needs.
VPN
A VPN is a game-changer wherever you travel. If you want to protect your data while accessing public wi-fi (like a hotel or cafe wi-fi), you need a VPN. A VPN also comes in handy if you want to access certain films or TV shows that are not available in New Zealand. We personally use Surfshark, which we recommend getting if you’re looking for a budget-friendly VPN that meets your basic needs.
eSim
An eSIM can make your life a whole lot easier when you arrive in a new country like New Zealand. With an eSIM, you no longer have to waste your whole day trying to find a local SIM card or waste a lot of money on roaming. Instead, you simply download an eSIM, and you’re connected the moment you land in the Auckland Airport. How convenient is that? We personally use Airalo wherever we go, and it has yet to fail us!
Travel Credit/Debit Cards
New Zealand is essentially a cashless society, and almost every establishment accepts debit/credit cards. In fact, we didn’t use cash once during the entire two years that we lived in the country.
Your best bet for spending in the country is to bring a travel debit or credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees. Here are some of our recommended travel cards.
- Capital One Venture X: Our favorite travel credit card. Comes with a Priority Pass membership, $300 annual travel credit, and a 75,000 point sign-up bonus. Has an annual fee of $395.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Great travel card with a low annual fee. 60,000 point sign-up bonus, $50 hotel voucher, and 3x points on dining. Annual fee is $95.
- Revolut: Online bank account with top-notch exchange rates and free international transactions. Has a free account as well as premium memberships.
- Wise: The best way to make international bank transfers. Wise offers competitive exchange rates and is an extremely cost-effective way to transfer money. They also offer a free travel debit card similar to Revolut.
- Charles Schwab Investor Checking Account: Best debit card for ATM withdrawals. The account has no transaction fees or markups, and any fees that domestic and international ATMs charge are refunded.
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