As I was packing to go back to New Zealand this weekend, I realized that I had never written a New Zealand packing list on worldofwanderlust.com. And given that New Zealand is one of the most popular destinations on my travel blog, I thought now would be a good time to share some top tips for packing for a New Zealand trip.
New Zealand has been good to me over the years. Whether it was a ski trip down south or two weeks living in a van, I always made the best memories here. Some of my trips were in the warmer months (like when I went to Marlborough wine country), but most were in the winter, like this one. So, I’m going to share my ultimate packing list to make sure you don’t miss anything important.
trekking boots
For me, there is no better trekking boot than Merrell. A few years ago, I was an ambassador for the brand, and as part of my work with the company, I got to try (and continue to wear) all of their best-selling hiking shoes. I was shocked at how long I let other brands torture my feet, and even though they have since discontinued their affiliation with that brand, I still only wear hiking boots from that brand. Some of my picks include the Siren Traveler Walking Shoes (available at Amazon.com.au, Amazon.com). If you’re looking for more everyday walking shoes, try our Classic Walking Shoes (available at Amazon.com.au, Amazon.com).
sunscreen
No matter what season you visit, New Zealand’s sun can be harsh and unforgiving. I always recommend at least using a facial sunscreen (shop my favorite low-cost brands on Amazon.com.au), especially if you’re going to the slopes in the winter, as many people forget to apply a light sunscreen for their face.
camera backpack
If you are going to spend money to go there, you should bring your camera! For me, travel and photography are inseparable. For the past 10 years, I’ve been documenting my travels and sharing them on my blog. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to see half of the places I know. However, traveling with expensive camera equipment can be stressful. I always travel with a camera backpack (purchased on Amazon.com.au) to make sure all lenses, cameras, and drones are safe.
waterproof jacket
It’s no secret that New Zealand experiences some pretty harsh winters. And for me, winter is the best time to visit the country (hello, ski trips!) That being said, I always pack a waterproof jacket for my New Zealand trips. My favorite brand for travel jackets is Barbour (available on Amazon.com.au).
head torch
Ever since my week-long hike in Ethiopia, I’ve kept a head torch in my travel bag as an absolute must-have. In fact, there are very few places I would travel without it. A head torch is useful for sunrise and sunset hikes in New Zealand. Because you don’t have to worry about losing light. Plus, it comes in handy in vanlife, whether it’s making dinner at dusk or communing with nature in the middle of the night (available on Amazon.com.au).
swimsuit
No matter the season, I always bring a swimsuit. Whether I’m visiting a tropical island or going on a ski trip in the middle of winter, I never forget my swimsuit. Traveling to New Zealand is no exception.
go pro
A GoPro (available on Amazon.com.au) has been a travel staple for me ever since I started writing a travel blog. I was invited to work with the brand in Hawaii, where they taught me how to get the most out of my camera, and ever since, I’ve always used it to capture adventurous activities like skiing, kayaking, and surfing.
portable charger
If you’re traveling around New Zealand in your van or plan to spend a lot of time outdoors in nature, a portable charger is a game changer. These days, we use our cell phones for almost everything: checking the weather, checking the time, cameras, calculators, and emergency flashlights. Without them we would be lost! A portable charger (purchased on Amazon.com.au) is the best way to keep your device charged.
stanley steel thermos
I actually bought my Stanley thermos on my first trip to New Zealand a few years ago (available on Amazon.com.au). Since then, I’ve vowed to pack this into my travel essentials. This is a great way to make sure you have enough caffeine for the day or heat up a hot lunch to take on a day hike. It’s always so convenient that I’d be lost without it.