New Zealand Packing List: What to Pack for New Zealand 🥾 [2024]

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What Clothes to Pack for New Zealand

Whatever the season, the key is to pack versatile outfits and lots of layers! New Zealand has a very changeable climate where, even in summer, you could wake up with sunshine and end the day with rain and chilly weather. A rainjacket and mid-layer are essential at least to have in your day pack so you can throw them on if needed.

As for the quantities of clothes, we recommend packing enough for almost a week. When needed, use the laundry facilities, which are found in most accommodations.

The below list is per person, applying to every member of your group (or just yourself if travelling solo), including men, women and kids.

• 1 Leggings/sweatpants
• 1 Hiking pants
• 1 Shorts (summer)
• 6 Tops/T-shirts/singlets
• 1 Light long-sleeved top (protect yourself from the sun in summer)
• 1 Thermal underlayer (top and/or bottoms for winter, spring or autumn)
• 1 Sweater/hoody/fleece/mid-layer
• 1 Waterproof and windproof jacket (make it a warm jacket for winter)
• 6 Socks (a mix of woollen and cotton)
• 6 Underwear
• 2 Bras (if applicable)
• 1 Hiking shoes
• 1 Flip-flops
• 1 Swimwear
• 1 Suncap/sunhat
• 1 Beanie (winter)
• 1 Scarf/neck-warmer (winter)
• 1 Sunglasses

The above list is the bare essentials for a trip to New Zealand. Some travellers might prefer to take an extra city outfit (jeans/sundress/shirt/casual shoes). However, you will not look too out of place in outdoor gear in a city – the New Zealand fashion sense is pretty casual.

Pyjamas were not included on this list, as you can always sleep in your sweatpants/leggings/shorts, tops or undies. However, feel free to add them if you prefer.

Packing for the Season

Note that the packing list for each season is slightly different, so check out our seasonal packing lists for New Zealand:

• Packing List for Summer in New Zealand
• Packing List for Autumn or Spring in New Zealand
• Packing List for Winter in New Zealand

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Toiletries to Pack

We all have our own regimes (or lack of) when it comes to hygiene and beauty. Below are good things to remember but they won’t apply to everyone.

• Sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
• Insect repellent (summer)
• Aftersun/moisturiser
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Deodorant
• Hairbrush/comb
• Hair bobbles/bands
• Feminine hygiene products
• Razor
• Make-up
• Q-tips
• Tissues
• Contact lenses/glasses
• Prescription medication

You may have noticed that we didn’t include soap in this list because it’s usually included in most accommodations except hostel dorms, campervans or campsites, so take some if you are staying in one of those.

Note all of the above (except prescriptions) can be bought in New Zealand supermarkets and pharmacies.

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Medication and First Ait Kit

Accidents or unexpected illnesses can happen, so be prepared with a small travel first-aid kit. Take it in your day pack.

• Plasters/bandaids
• Disinfectant wipes
• Gauzes with clips/tape
• Tweezers
• Hand sanitiser
• Paracetamol/ibuprofen
• Antiseptic cream
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Antihistamine
• Imodium

Again, you can get medication in New Zealand supermarkets and pharmacies. For more stuff to stuff into your first aid kit, see our Health Tips For Travelling in New Zealand.

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Other Essentials

And for all that extra stuff that doesn’t fit into a category, here are some other items to add to your New Zealand packing list.

• New Zealand travel adapter
• Camera/action camera
• Phone
• Electronic device chargers (extra batteries are a good idea)
• Passport
• Driving license + IDP (if driving)
• Flight ticket + return ticket (or sufficient funds)
• Visa + supporting evidence (if required)
• New Zealand dollars (enough for the first few days)
• Credit/debit card
• Reusable water bottle/water bladder (tap water is safe)
• Food containers (if self-catering)
• Shopping bags (if self-catering)
• Travel towel (if camping or staying in hostel dorms)
• Travel games/entertainment (especially if travelling with kids)

For some cool but admittedly not essential stuff to take with you to New Zealand, see 14 Genius Travel Gadgets for New Zealand.

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Camping Gear

If you plan to stay in a tent, camp in a campervan or do a multi-day hike where you’ll stay in a backcountry hut, there are some other things worth packing for New Zealand.

Camping in a tent

• Lightweight tent
• Sleeping mat
• 4-Season sleeping bag
• Torch/flashlight
• Camping stove (get gas canisters in New Zealand)
• Camping cooking utensils

Check out our Camping Essentials Checklist for New Zealand for a more comprehensive list. Plus, see DOC Campsite Pass: How it Works & is it Worth it?

Camping in a Campervan

• 4-Season sleeping bag (if bedding is not included and/or you’re camping in winter)
• Torch/flashlight

For more ideas, head to the 12 Essentials to Pack for a New Zealand Campervan Trip.

Staying in Huts for Hiking

• 4-Season sleeping bag
• Torch/flashlight
• Camping stove (get gas canisters in New Zealand)
• Camping cooking utensils.

For more advice, check out New Zealand Hut to Hut Hiking: What is it Like to Stay in a Hut? and DOC Backcountry Hut Pass: How it Works & is it Worth it?

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Packing for Longer Trips

New Zealand is a popular destination for long-term trips, especially as the visitor visa allows most nationalities to stay for up to three months. In addition, many travellers choose to come to New Zealand on a gap year using the working holiday visa or as an international student.

The good news for packing for a long-term trip to New Zealand is that all of the information above applies! Some of the following items are worth adding to your packing list:

• Laptop
• Passport-sized photos (for an 18+ ID, for instance)
• Photocopies of your passport
• Copy of your work visa + supporting evidence (for example, the working holiday visa requires evidence of sufficient funds, onward travel ticket and travel insurance – more information at Arrival Advice: Passport Control and Immigration)
• Travel insurance
• Smart/casual outfit (for work/job interview)
• Multi-plug

Remember, you can get a lot of gear in New Zealand, so you can still pack lightly for a long-term trip. For more advice, head over to The Ultimate Packing List for an Extended Trip in New Zealand.