Packing List for SUMMER in New Zealand

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Summer Clothes for New Zealand

The key to packing for New Zealand summer is versatile outfits! Just a pair of hiking pants or leggings can see you the whole week while changing your tops when needed. As for the quantities of clothes, we recommend packing enough for almost a week. You’ll find laundry facilities 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
• 6 Tops/T-shirts/singlets
• 1 Light long-sleeved top (protection from the sun)
• 1 Sweater/hoody/fleece/mid-layer
• 1 Waterproof and windproof jacket
• 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 Sunglasses.

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

Pyjamas were not included on this list, as you can always sleep in your sweatpants/leggings/shorts, tops or your undies, therefore, saving more space in your suitcase for Whitakker’s chocolate to bring home. Either way, feel free to add them if you prefer.

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Toiletries to Pack

We all have our own toiletry requirements and beauty regimes (or lack of one). Below are good things to remember but they won’t apply to everyone.

• Sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
• Insect repellent
• 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 or campsites, so take some if you are staying in one of those.

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

In Your First Aid Kit

Accidents 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.

For more stuff to stuff into your first aid kit, see our Health Tips For Travelling in New Zealand.

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Miscellaneous

And for all that extra stuff that doesn’t fit into a category, here are some other items to pack for New Zealand in summer.

• New Zealand travel adapter
• 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).

If Camping or Staying in Huts

If you plan on camping in a tent:

• Lightweight tent
• Sleeping mat.

and/or staying in huts:

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

For ideas on what to pack for camping in a campervan, see the 10 Essentials to Pack for a New Zealand Campervan Trip and Camping Essentials Checklist for New Zealand.

Day Pack and Backpack/Suitcase

Finally, you need to pack it all in a suitable backpack or suitcase and day pack.

Everyone has an opinion on whether a backpack or a suitcase is better for New Zealand. A suitcase is often more convenient if travelling by car/campervan and with no intention of doing a multi-day hike. A large backpack, however, tends to be better using other transport means and if you plan on doing a lot of walking with it. Find a more in-depth comparison in our guide, Backpack Vs Suitcase: Which Should You Take to New Zealand?

Make your day pack, i.e. the same one you’ll use as your carry-on luggage, one that’s suitable for hiking, if that’s what you plan to do. Otherwise, a casual day pack will do just fine.

© Destination Queenstown

10 Final Tips for Packing for New Zealand in December, January and February

If there are only 10 things you’ll remember about packing for your trip to New Zealand in summer (December, January and February), make it these tips:

1. Pack versatile outfits that can be mixed and matched throughout your trip.
2. Consider the weather conditions in New Zealand during summer and pack accordingly.
3. Bring a waterproof and windproof jacket as the weather can change quickly.
4. Pack a mix of woollen and cotton socks for different activities.
5. Don’t forget your hiking shoes and flip-flops for outdoor and indoor activities.
6. Sunscreen and insect repellent are a must-have for protection from the sun and bugs.
7. Pack a small first-aid kit with essentials like plasters, disinfectant wipes and painkillers.
8. Bring a reusable water bottle as tap water in New Zealand is safe to drink.
9. Pack a travel adapter, camera and chargers for your electronic devices.
10. Consider whether you need a backpack or suitcase for your luggage, depending on your travel plans.