What to Pack for New Zealand: Complete Packing List

What to Pack for New Zealand 2026: Complete Packing List

New Zealand packing is layers for all 4 seasons in one day — waterproof outerwear year-round, sturdy hiking boots, and adventure-ready basics.

Quick Pack List Summary

New Zealand packing is layers for all 4 seasons in one day — waterproof outerwear year-round, sturdy hiking boots, and adventure-ready basics.

New Zealand Packing List by Category

Essentials

NZ Type I plug adapter (3-pin slanted — same as Australia)

Passport + photocopies

NZD 200-400 cash for small towns + tips

Reusable water bottle

Compact umbrella

Crossbody bag

Travel insurance with adventure sport coverage

Clothing (Summer Dec-Feb)

Light layers + waterproof jacket — weather changes every 2 hours

Quick-dry hiking pants + 3-4 t-shirts

Sturdy hiking boots (broken in for Tongariro, Milford, etc.)

Lightweight fleece

Sun hat + UV-protective sunglasses (NZ UV is 40% stronger than Northern Hemisphere)

Strong SPF 50+ sunscreen (ozone hole)

Swimsuit for lakes + Pacific beaches (cool but doable)

Clothing (Winter Jun-Aug)

Warm down jacket + thermal layers

Waterproof boots + ski gear if Queenstown/Wanaka skiing

Wool hat + scarf + gloves

Hand warmers for outdoor activities

All-Season Essentials

Quality waterproof + windproof jacket — non-negotiable

Wool socks (Icebreaker brand made in NZ)

Microfiber towel for cliff-jumping + waterfalls

Headlamp for cave + glacier walks

Adventure Sports

Closed-toe water shoes for canyoning + rafting

Hiking poles for Tongariro Crossing

Dry bag for kayaking

Lightweight backpack 30-50L for multi-day tramps

Tech

Phone with NZ Trips app + Department of Conservation (DOC) app

Power bank for long road trip days

SIM/eSIM (Spark/2degrees NZD 30/month)

Camera with extra batteries (Milford Sound + glaciers worth it)

What NOT to Pack

Cotton hiking clothes — dangerous when wet in NZ’s rapid temperature drops

Excessive food/plants — strict biosecurity (NZD 400 fine for undeclared apple)

Hair dryer (provided)

Old hiking boots — clean thoroughly or border may charge cleaning fee

Pro Tip: NZ has strict biosecurity — clean hiking boots THOROUGHLY before flying (mud, seeds = NZD 400 fine). Declare all food + plants. Bring zero leather/wood/feathers. Honesty pays — undeclared items found = NZD 400 instant fine.

Planning your New Zealand trip? See our New Zealand travel guide, best time to visit, destinations index, or our Ultimate Bucket List.

New Zealand Packing FAQ

What clothes for New Zealand?

Layers + waterproof jacket year-round. NZ weather changes 4 seasons in a day. Quality merino wool base + waterproof shell essential.

Do you need hiking boots for NZ?

Yes for famous tracks (Milford, Tongariro, Routeburn) + glacier walks. Casual sneakers fine for cities.

How strong is NZ sun?

40% stronger than Northern Hemisphere due to ozone thinning. SPF 50+ reapplied every 2 hours. Sunburn can be severe in 30 minutes.

What plug for New Zealand?

Type I (3-pin slanted) — same as Australia. Different from US, EU, UK.

What’s NZ biosecurity?

Strict — undeclared food, plants, dirty boots = NZD 400 instant fine. Declare everything; clean boots before flying.