10 Best Insect Repellents for New Zealand [2024]

1. REPEL Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Spray

Completely DEET-free (which is better for you and especially children) this insect repellent is one of the most-reviewed eco-friendly insect repellents on Amazon and is a popular insect brand sold in New Zealand. This REPEL spray uses lemon and eucalyptus oils (OLE) to repel sandflies, mosquitoes and other bugs. It smells great and is not too greasy, which means that it should not stain your clothing over time.

Check out REPEL Insect Repellent Spray here.

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2. Badger Anti-Bug Sprays and Balms

Available in limited stores in New Zealand, this one is usually best to bring from home. Badger’s sprays and balms are made with organic ingredients – the active ingredients being the organic oils of soybean, castor, citronella, cedar, lemongrass, rosemary, geranium and peppermint to keep the mosquitoes and sandflies at bay. What we love the most, however, is how some of their packaging is in an aluminium bottle or tin which is easier to recycle in New Zealand (just make sure you take off the lid). Check out more ways to be green on your trip here with the 31 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in New Zealand.

Browse the Badger store on Amazon.

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3. PARA’KITO

A brand found in New Zealand pharmacies and on international websites like Amazon, PARA’KITO makes products to repel insects without having to spray yourself. Choose from stylish to subtle wristbands and clips that use refillable pellets made from natural essential oils that are DEET free, no animal testing, phthalates-free, paraben-free and dermatologically tested. For more travel health advice for New Zealand, check out our Medical & Health Insurance category.

Browse the PARA’KITO store on Amazon.

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4. SallyeAnder No-Bite-Me Insect Repellent Soap

It’s true, we tend to put on our insect repellent when it’s too late. If you’re the forgetful sort, then you might find insect-repelling soap, like SallyeAnder No-Bite-Me Soap more useful. Repel sandflies, mosquitos, fleas and ticks with this insect-repellent soap that’s paraben-free, DEET-free and alcohol-free. It is so safe it can even be used on infants. The list of active ingredients is quite impressive making a powerful insect repellent: eugenol and oils from cedar, lemongrass, geranium, mint, thyme, clove, and rosemary.

Check out the SallyeAnder No Bite Me Soap store on Amazon.

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5. TerraShield Outdoor Blend Essential Oil

Using one or two drops on your legs, arms, neck, etc., this essential oil blend is a powerful barrier and is totally natural. Use TerraShield Essential Oil with a diffuser to protect a whole room or small area, such as around your campsite, and pack it in your day pack to use on the go. The essential oil is safe for the whole family, but if your skin is particularly sensitive, you can dilute the oil with other oils such as coconut oil.

Check out the TerraShield Essential Oil on Amazon.

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6. Insect Repellent Clothing

Of course, wearing clothing that covers your skin is the most eco-friendly way to protect yourself against insect bites with less waste involved. But what about repelling mosquitoes away from your body altogether to spare your exposed hands and ears? Meet clothing made with insect-repellent technology! Combining UV and insect protection, clothing with patented technologies like “No Fly Zone” and “Bug’s Away”. The clothes typically keep their bug-repellent capabilities for around 50-60 washes.

A recommended insect-repellent clothing brand is ExOfficio, which does both men’s insect-repellent apparel and women’s insect apparel on Amazon. For more useful gear to pack for New Zealand, check out our New Zealand Packing List: What to Pack for New Zealand.

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7. Natural Mosquito Repellent Sticker

A good one for the kids, natural mosquito repellent stickers are as easy to use as simply sticking one of the stickers to the little one’s T-shirt, shorts or bag. The active ingredients in these clever stickers include citronella and lemon. Of course, the stickers are DEET-free.

Check out Natural Mosquito Repellent Stickers from Mosquito Guard on Amazon.

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8. Raw Nature Roll-On Insect Repellent

One that the NZ Pocket Guide team use to prevent sandfly bites in New Zealand, as well as mosquito bites in the nearby South Pacific Islands, Raw Nature is an effective roll-on insect repellent that comes in a cardboard tube! The active ingredients are citronella, rosemary and cedarwood, which is a winning combo to deter sandflies. What’s more, as a New Zealand brand, you’ll find this one in New Zealand gift stores, pharmacies and online stores.

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9. Blue Moon Elise Insect Repellent Soap

Another nifty anti-bug soap and as easy as taking your morning or evening shower, Blue Moon Elise Soap is well worth considering, especially for camping. Just replace your normal soap or body wash with a soap bar made with citronella and lemongrass.

Check out Blue Moon Elise Soap on Amazon.

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10. Antihistamine Pills

Although the main purpose of taking antihistamines is to remedy allergic reactions, they are also known to help prevent getting bitten in the first place! However, if you have any doubts about taking antihistamine tablets, it’s always best to consult with your doctor first.

Check out Amazon’s range of antihistamine mediation. 

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Alternative Ways to Avoid Sandfly and Mosquito Bites

Finally, there are alternative ways to avoid mosquito bites without relying on insect repellents and similar products. Wearing long-sleeved clothing, avoiding the summer season, and making sure you keep on moving if you’re doing a hike, for instance, are all alternative precautions to take. It’s worth checking out our 10 Ways to Stop Sandfly Bites for more options!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Insect Repellent in New Zealand

What are the questions most people have about insect repellents in New Zealand? Find out in this section and see if your question is answered too.

Do You Need Insect Repellent in New Zealand?

You do need insect repellent in New Zealand if you want to avoid bites from sandflies and mosquitos. Although mosquitos and sandflies don’t carry any diseases in New Zealand, the bites left can be extremely itchy and uncomfortable, giving you good reason to use some sort of protection against insect bites.

What is Wrong with DEET Repellents?

Although DEET repellents are effective against mosquito and sandfly bites, they can be harmful to the skin if there are concentrations of 30% or more. They especially shouldn’t be used on children or infants. DEET is also toxic to bird and aquatic life, although you’re unlikely to affect wildlife with DEET insect spray unless you leave your rubbish in nature, we find that certain oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) repellents are a much safer yet still effective alternative.