New Zealand What to Pack

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Most Viewed What to Pack in New Zealand

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Packing List   Christchurch

Packing List, Christchurch

 10 Reviews  Make sure you bring plenty of warm clothing in our colder months of May through September. These months tend to be wetter than usual and often include a cold southerly wind which will make the... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Get set for the great outdoors!

by mfc10

If you really want to enjoy New Zealand's natural beauty, you will spend at least a bit of time tramping the myriad trails the country has to offer. You should therefore bring a small backpack to carry snacks, water, a camera,... Bring a pair of confortable walking shoes or trekking boots and if going to the Southern Alps and Fiordland areas, do not forget to carry at all times good wind- and waterproof gear, as the weather changes very rapidly. In some spots, it does rain a lot (Milford Sound gets ~ 5,000mm/year!!!). A 28-200 mm lens is likely to be a good compromise for taking pictures of landscapes and details of Maori wood carvings. As you may spend most of your time photographing the outdoors, 100 or 200 ASA film should fulfill your needs. If you are serious about photos, you will not regret bringing a small tripod - the opportunities are endless! New Zealand has plenty of...

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A warm jacket/raincoat is a must!

by daria81

Even if you're going to NZ in summer, be safe and bring a raincoat and a warm jacket/fleece. I thought it would be warm enough in November but I'm very glad I took a fleece jacket and raincoat. You will have to constantly put them on and take them off tho! You might want some insect repellent if you're going to Milford Sound, especially if you're sensitive to insect bites - the sandflies will not leave you alone.

Respect the Sun's Powers at all times!

by kiwi

Walking shoes, you will do a lot of walking. SUNSCREEN is a must. However I have found it best to buy in NZ. Selection and price are good down here. After all we do have to live with the hole in the ozone, so sunscreen is a fact of life. Some schools provide it for their students.SUNGLASSES!! The UV rays are so strong down here you need sunglasses. Protect your eyes and they will feel much better. Without sunglasses your eyes get irritated and tired. I wear them at all times even on dull days. Plenty of film!! Good to buy dutyfree upon entering the country.

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Everything is here right under your nose!

by shelnlin

Depending on which season you decide to come to New Zealand. I suggest that you bring one average sized bag and a small backpack to carry items such as your passport etc... You can always purchase another bag if necesary along the way from a Luggage shop, a retail outlet or even at a Street market! Kiwis generally get about in casual clothes, there is no real need to dress up unless you are attending something formal such as a Wedding, Christening, or a Funeral, but even going to such events some people dress up in Smart casual clothes. Formal clothes are best saved for occassions such as a Ball, Formal dinner or a Special event. In the winter time be sure to have a good jacket or raincoat, and in some places a vest is a must under shirts. It can get pretty cold at times. Carry an umbrella with you too just in case. Skin care brands such as Chanel, Givenchy, Gueralain, etc... are not...

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what is needed...

by dragontml

wear comfortables shoes, a raincoat would be useful. can be found easily in bigger cities can be found easily in bigger cities it's best to bring your own if you do plan to camp. almost every hostel which I stayed, eveyone had a sleeping bag...cause duvets is chargable at some hostels.

sandflies are BAD

by asmasen

i raingear and swimmingsuit, the weather can change very quickly, so be preapared something for the use on itching bites, sunscreeen, the ozonlayer is not too thick over here, the sun burnes you very quickly something to take great panorama pics with warm clothes for the night if you are going to the south island sandfly bites are really really bad, if you are travelling on the westcoast of the south islands, use repellent!

Every season in one day

by steve28

depending on you mode of travel will depend on what luggage and bags you use.If backpacking then a rucksack in the best option but if going posh then a case will suffice You need to realise that the weather here changes rather rapidly so always be prepared especially when doing some of the wonder 3 day walks Most toiletries can be purchased but are slightly higher price than in the UK. I would definately recommend DEET with at least 50% to keep the sandflies at bay All can be purchased in fact lots of chemists do very good offers on films

Essentials

by Sharrie

The only thing you have to bring to this very scenic country, especially if you're traveling on the northern part of the South Island is DEET, OFF! or REPEL! Sound offensive? Well, this is the only part of the world I've ever been to where it has a special small creature call the SANDFLIES & they travel in swarm! Sandfly can also be found in inland areas & coast areas. Generally, it lives in bushes, trees or grasses. The size of a mosquitos, its bite is extremely irritating & will leave an ugly scar for weeks! As for mosquitos, they are also rampant in Rotorua, especially near the lake in the evening. The 5-star hotel I stayed in do not have air-conditioning. So, the night can be a very long one unless you've Shieldtox with you! On one particular night, there was almost 40 of them in my room (I counted after I've terminated them!)!!!!! So, my advise: don't go in the Summer as it's too...

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MAF are strict

by rozehill

Pack everything you think might be inspected in a separate bag, in hand luggage or at the top of your suitcase .. all luggage is x rayed!Try not to travel with food. If you must, have it handy and declare it Clean outdoor footwear and equipment, including camping and sports gear before you pack them Keep any certificates you might require on hand also see tip in "warnings or danger"

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Packing List

by Terra_H

Backpack, probably. There are tons of great hikes to take in NZ. Weather-whoa boy, where to start? Because NZ is an island (which many people either forget or conveniently ignore) the weather can change in a heartbeat. You should ALWAYS pack for ANY weather. (I'm not kidding!) Follow the guidelines of DoC and you should be fine. People die all the time there, though, from not being prepared. The best First Aid kit you can afford would be good if doing any hiking. It depends on where you're going to be. A lot of the huts don't have electricity, so if you're going on a long hike, you may not be able to recharge batteries. Just take extras and take PLENTY of film. If you like to take pictures, there's plenty of that to be done here. (In a year, I accumulated enough pictures for 10+ albums-no joke) Again, the weather may not cooperate, but you can buy some really great stuff gear-wise in...

Top 3 Hotels in New Zealand

Copthorne Hotel Commodore Christchurch Airport  Christchurch

 6 Reviews and 293 Opinions  Prior to the earthquakes, I have always stayed in town at some renowned hotel chains. When I was... 

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SKYCITY Grand Hotel Auckland  Auckland

 7 Reviews and 434 Opinions  The rooms and hotel in general were nicer than expected, and service was good. While this hotel may... 

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Browns Boutique Hotel  Queenstown

 1 Review and 170 Opinions  Within stroling distance from the main town. Welcoming and homely. A warm cozey room admist the cold... 

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Questions and Answers

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Q:  Last time in NSW/Australia it was quite easy to find good parking-places for my small motorhome, partly INside the villages, but... 

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A: With "official parkinglots" I mean rest-area along highways and other roads, such "Rest and revive-places" that are announced along the bigger roads ! I also saw some of... 

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