What to pack for a trip to NZ

Deciding what to pack for a trip to New Zealand can take some serious planning, especially if you're doing lots of different activities or will be here for a while.

Plus, the weather can be unpredictable at the best of times, and you'll need to bring all the right gear if you want to spend time outdoors. They don't call us the land of four seasons in one day for nothing!

In this guide, you'll find the packing list I use to travel around NZ. All the quantities are based on my most recent two-week trip. I've also included gear recommendations, as I'm often asked for them. This is not intended to be a perfect list but rather an array of everything I take with me when I go away. Feel free to use it as a loose blueprint or customise it as much as you like!

About NZ weather & fashion

No matter what you choose to do, though, it's worth knowing that:

• Fashion in New Zealand is very relaxed and "come as you are". Unless you plan on going out for lots of expensive meals, you won't need to bring high heels, dresses or suits.

• If you can, try to travel as lightly as possible. You'll have less to carry around and less to store in your car, and save on any baggage fees if you plan on flying.

• The weather here is very unpredictable, and you'll need to pack layers like a rain jacket, thermals and a jumper (even in the summer)

• Our sun is incredibly strong and can reach up to UV 12 in the summer. Make sure you always travel with a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen, even if it's not sunny.

Your documents

• Your passport (make sure it's valid for at least 3 months from your departure date)

• Printouts of your documents + a spare copy at home (passport, travel insurance, credit cards, etc)

• A small wallet with all of your cards (I recommend having two separate credit and debit cards stored in different locations in case anything happens to you)

• Some cash, but you can get this from the ATM when you arrive

Your gear

• A backpack or suitcase (Osprey Fairview/Farpoint 40L)

• Packing cubes - invaluable!!! (Cotopaxi)

• A day pack (Tempest 20/Talon 22 - the Rolls-Royce of hiking bags)

• Hydration bladder (CamelBak 3L reservoir)

Clothes

The list below is my summer list. I add another fleece, thermal, joggers, hiking pants and extra socks in the winter.

Underwear & other bits

• Underwear for the length of your trip

• 3 pairs of regular socks

• 2 pairs of hiking socks (Icebreaker Hike+ medium crew socks)

• Sports bra

• Togs/swimsuit (Billabong)

Everyday clothes

• 3x t-shirts

• 2x tank-tops

• A long-sleeved top

• Denim shorts

• Jeans

• A dress (we went out for my birthday dinner, but I'd usually leave this at home)

Hiking clothes

• 2x tank tops (Lululemon)

• 2x t-shirts (Marmot Windridge and Icebreaker Energy Wind)

• 1x long-sleeved top (Icebreaker energy wind)

• 2x merino thermals (Icebreaker all day long)

• Leggings (Lululemon)

• Shorts (Marmot Elda shorts)

Outer layers

• 2x fleece jackets (Marmot and vintage LL Bean)

• Puffer jacket (Cotopaxi Fuego down jacket)

• Rain jacket

Footwear

• Casual shoes/sneakers (I wear Blundstones for everything)

• Hiking boots (Merrell MOAB 3s)

• Jandals/flipflops (Chacos)

Extras

• A beanie and a hat/cap

• Buff

• Sunglasses

Toiletries

• A lightweight microfibre or Turkish cotton towel

• Mini versions of your favourite products (although we have SO many shops in New Zealand, and you can easily pick up full-size versions here)

• Hair ties and tampons

• A bar of soap (perfect for washing your clothes in the sink if you're camping)

• Ziplock/sealable bags, perfect for keeping everything dry, packing lunch, etc

• First aid (painkillers, plasters, cotton buds)

• Insect repellent

• Sunscreen (although you can get that here, they're rated against our sun)

Tech and extra bits

• A good book

• Your phone chargers + NZ adapter

• A good quality power bank

• Camera gear (Sony A6400, tripod, Peak Designs camera clip, SD card reader)

• A laptop (essential for me as I work on the road, but it might not be for you!)

• A reusable water bottle