If you don’t know where to start with your New Zealand packing list, then you’re in the right place.
A couple of months before my working holiday, I remembered thinking to myself, how on earth do I start packing for New Zealand if I don’t know how long I’m going to be on the road?
Should I only bring the travel essentials to NZ? Or should I pack more in case I can’t get them while on the road?
Then there was the issue of different seasons because the New Zealand packing list for summer would be totally different from that of a winter NZ packing list, right?
Right, and wrong.
You can do up a packing list for New Zealand that will take you from summer to winter easily if you remember the basic principle behind New Zealand’s weather – you can experience up to four seasons in a day in NZ.
The other principle I follow is to pack for as long as you can go without washing your clothes, which can vary from one week to two weeks, and then pack accordingly.
As long as you have a one-week packing list, you’ll easily have a 2-week packing list, and so on.
Keen to know what was on my packing list for New Zealand?
It’s going to be extensive but you can definitely use it as a reference as you do up your own New Zealand packing list!
Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links and I may get a small commission if you purchase through my links below, at no additional cost to you.
What To Bring For Your New Zealand Packing List
This is my New Zealand summer packing list as a female with the consideration that I will also be travelling into the winter season.
I pack for hikes and for exercising as I enjoy working out while on the road.
You can omit those if you don’t need them.
You will also notice I don’t bring as many winter clothes because I opt to layer and I pick up winter clothes from sales or op shops as winter draws closer. (I share a few more such tips later!)
The Basics
- Underwear x 7 – One for every day of the week, plus you never know when there could be an emergency!
- Sleeveless tops or T-shirts x 3
- Long-sleeved shirts or button-up shirts x 3
- Long pants including one quick-dry for hiking x 2
- Lightweight shorts x 2
- Long flowy skirt or wrap dress x 1 – For those dressier evenings out and for that nice outfit shot!
- Lightweight sleeping outfit x 1
- Microfibre towel x 1
- Sports bra x 2
- Activewear leggings x 1
Packing For The Weather
- Swimsuit x 1
- Wide-brimmed sun hat x 1
- Water-resistant rain jacket with wind protection x 1
- Fleece jacket x 1
- Lightweight puffer jacket x 1 – I swear by my Uniqlo one, but if that’s not available in your country, just get a lightweight down jacket and use a compression bag.
- Scarf x 1 – I love this scarf which doubles up as a blanket and has hidden pockets for my belongings.
For Your Feet
- Socks x 5 pairs
- Hiking shoes x 1 pair – You can buy this in New Zealand as they have many well-known hiking brands with frequent sales. But you can also bring your own if you’re a seasoned hiker.
- Sandals or flip-flops x 1 pair – Great for light hikes that have water elements like streams, use in public showers or the beach! I love my Teva sandals for this.
- Dressy shoes x 1 pair – Again, for those nights out or special places! These ones are foldable, lightweight and great for travelling.
- Sneakers x 1 pair – Optional if you’re open to wearing your hiking shoes and sandals out!
Other Miscellaneous Items
- Bandana or neck gaiter – To protect your neck from the sun and on dustier trails.
- Collapsible hiking sticks – Optional but useful if you’re hiking a lot.
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Ear plugs
- Sunblock with at least SPF 50
- Insect repellent
- Outlet adaptor for New Zealand
- Waterproof day pack – For shorter hikes and for going out during the day
- Drivers’ license – You can use your country’s driver’s license for up to 12 months after you enter NZ. If your license is not in English, you need to carry an official translated version or an international driving permit.
- Luggage lock
- Refillable water bottle – It’s alright to drink water from the tap in NZ, and most places would fill your bottle for you if you ask. Opt for a collapsible one to save space in your luggage or backpack.
Remember also to include your own toiletries, electronics, medication and personal documents, like copies of your passport and travel bookings!
What Not To Bring In Your New Zealand Packing List
- Money belt – Nothing screams a newbie traveller more than a money belt.
I prefer hiding cash and cards in different compartments of my luggage (with my underwear, make-up, and inside of shoes) so it’s less conspicuous and predictable.
- Merino – You can easily buy merino wool items in New Zealand at affordable prices. Don’t worry too much about finding these items in your home country before you arrive.
- Camping and adventure gear – You can easily get this on sale at shops like Kathmandu or in a second-hand shop (known as an op shop).
If you have time, you can even buy them off leaving travellers from Facebook Marketplace (yes, this is very popular in NZ!), and TradeMe.
You can even rent from adventure companies as most companies are aware that travellers don’t often have the right gear or the space to bring them along in their backpacks.
How To Choose A Good Backpack
While it is important to know what to pack for New Zealand, it’s equally important to know WHAT you want to pack it IN.
I’ve personally travelled both with a backpack and luggage.
I feel that ultimately backpacks provide the most travel flexibility.
Especially in a country like New Zealand where you’ll often have to walk quite a bit to your accommodation from the last bus or transport stop. Particularly in the South.
I use an Osprey Farpoint 40l for anything below a 2-week holiday packing list, and a combination of that and a duffel or the Osprey Renn 50l for something longer.
Here are the points of consideration I use when choosing a good backpack:
- Capacity – It’s tempting to get a bigger backpack but I almost always regret bringing too much!
- Comfort – Does it feel okay on me? I always test it out first, which is why I try to go in-store to try it and then get it online!
- Cushioning – The presence of padded straps to cushion my skin when the bag weighs down on me
- Core – Does it protect my back? Does it have a back panel for back protection?
- Complements – Does the backpack allow me to add on a day pack or components if I need to increase its capacity?
- Cover – Always, always, always get a bag with a rain cover or buy a separate rain cover if it doesn’t have one. Don’t risk it with the weather when you’re in NZ.
Weather In New Zealand
New Zealand’s weather varies widely, from warm subtropical temperatures up in the far north to colder temperatures in the deep south, as low as -10°C (14°F).
There are four seasons in New Zealand and it bears remembering that the seasons work differently there compared to what you might be used to:
- Summer: December to February
- Fall: March to May
- Winter: June to August
- Spring: September to November
However, because most of the country is close to the coast, temperatures don’t swing that wildly.
There’s also a common saying that you can experience up to four seasons in a day when in New Zealand. The sun can be up and you can be expecting a warm day, but all it takes is a cool, icy gust to change things up.
That’s why it’s important to have wind-resistant jackets in your New Zealand travel checklist while packing for New Zealand, no matter the season!
New Zealand Packing List: Tips & Tricks
These are tried and tested tricks from my time spent living out both a suitcase and a backpack (on separate trips) to New Zealand:
- Don’t Stuff Your Bags – You want to always make sure you have space to pack souvenirs, food, or more clothes you might buy on the way.
And trust me, trying to stuff an already-full backpack when you’re running late for a flight is NEVER a good idea.
- Less Is More – I have never regretted bringing too few clothes. 100% of the time, however, I have always regretted bringing too many clothes.
You won’t need that extra pair of pants, and no, you are not gonna need ten pairs of underwear. Put them all back.
- Go With Rolling, Not Folding – This is a personal preference, but rolling has saved me a lot more space than folding and it’s always a lot neater to pick out clothes from my backpack or luggage when it is rolled.
You can always choose to organise your rolled clothes in packing cubes. I never go without them. Better yet, get the compressible packing cubes!
- Always Bring And Apply Sunblock – I don’t care if you’re only out in the sun for 15 minutes and it doesn’t look sunny. You need sunblock as long as you’re out in the day in NZ.
Take this from someone who has worked 8-hour days in the NZ sun. Even 15 minutes out on a seemingly cloudy day can get you a tan or worse a burn.
I use this one for my body and this sunblock for my face so it stays one even when I sweat.
- Go To An Op Shop – Op shops are the local term for secondhand shops in New Zealand and they sell almost everything.
Forgot to bring a cap? Need an extra hoodie? Or finding it too chilly and could use a scarf? Your nearest op shop probably has one for a few bucks. Or even just a dollar.
FAQs for New Zealand Packing List
What Should I Prepare For A Trip To New Zealand?
Considering how the weather changes quickly in New Zealand, regardless of season, you should make sure you have these New Zealand travel essentials:
- Warm outerwear like a puffer jacket
- Waterproof and windproof raincoat
- A hat or cap
- Sunblock
- Waterproof boots or shoes
What Should I Wear To New Zealand?
You don’t have to worry too much about what should you wear to New Zealand – kiwis can be quite relaxed and chill when it comes to dress codes.
If you find yourself heading to a fancy restaurant, aim for smart casual at least. For ladies – a dress, or a blouse with pants and a skirt. And for men, a collared shirt with long pants. Covered shoes would be best in these instances.
How Much Cash Can I Carry Into NZ?
You can bring as much cash as you’d like to carry into NZ, including NZ dollars or foreign currency.
The only caveat is that if you carry more than NZ$10,000 or its equivalent into the country, you will need to declare it to Customs at the airport.
Save yourself the hassle of carrying too much cash and use multi-currency accounts or cards like Wise.
How Much Do You Need For 3 Weeks In NZ?
For 3 weeks in New Zealand, you’ll need approximately $3,000 or less if you are willing to rough it out on a budget.
New Zealand is undoubtedly expensive and your accommodation, food and petrol (if you are driving) add up. But it is not impossible to travel on a budget.
Are Clothes Expensive In New Zealand?
Clothes can be expensive in New Zealand. You can easily find global brands like H&M, Zara and COS if you prefer shopping from known brands.
Or if you’d like to shop local and budget, I personally shop at Glassons, Cotton On or my local op-shop (thrift store) to get around clothes being expensive!
Can You Wear Shorts In New Zealand?
A hundred per cent yes, you can wear shorts in New Zealand!
Being a country known for its great outdoors and hiking, you’ll often see many travellers and even locals wear shorts regularly (even in winter!).
However, some fancy places and night spots might require you to wear long pants so always make sure you have at least a pair in your luggage.
Do You Have To Wear Shoes In New Zealand?
The surprising response to this is, no you do not have to wear shoes in New Zealand if you don’t want to! It’s not uncommon to see Kiwis barefoot while out and about.
Some sources say it stems from Maori culture where being barefoot provides a sense of connectedness to the ground while others say NZ weather is great for going shoeless.
I say, if you want to go shoeless, just go for it – really, no one’s going to care!
I hope this entry has helped you as you decide what should go on your New Zealand packing list for your upcoming trip!
It’s definitely nerve-wracking packing for somewhere you’ve never been to before, not knowing what to expect.
Personally, I like to apply the method of putting aside items I want to pack about a week before. And when the week goes on, I remove one item a day.
Packing ahead helps prevent me from throwing in random things in a frenzy, and also helps me think about whether I really need that extra pair of shoes, for example.
Whatever you decide to pack, or how you’re going to pack it, just remember you’ll need to lug it around and back eventually, so only pack what you need, or else you might find yourself offloading as you go along.
Good luck with the packing and let me know if my tips helped!
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