A Guide to Packing for Travel to New Zealand by Amanda Williams

If you’re headed to New Zealand for the first time, you’ve probably begun to think about what sights you’ll see, which

The Southern Coast of New Zealand

adventure activities you’ll try, and maybe even where you’ll stay. But have you begun to consider what to pack? If you haven’t, or if you have and realized you have no clue, here are a few practical suggestions.

Good walking/hiking shoes

New Zealand is known for its outdoor activities. The country has vast expanses of national park lands, and is home to some of the most well-known and most beautiful hikes (or “tramps” in Kiwi-speak) in the world. If you plan to partake in any of these, you’ll definitely want a great pair of hiking shoes. But even if you aren’t planning on hiking the Milford Track or Tongariro Crossing, good walking shoes are a must, as New Zealand really is best experienced outdoors.

Clothing you can layer

New Zealand does experience seasons, but the variety and severity of them depends on which part of the country

Island Bay

you’re in. Since New Zealand has just about every climate you can imagine – from rainforest to desert – expect varying weather patterns at all times of the year. (Seriously, it can go from summer to winter within 100 miles and a few hours.) Packing clothing you can easily layer is always a safe bet.

A rain jacket

If you’re going to spend any time in Wellington or on the west coast of the south island, a good rain jacket is essential. They call the capital “Windy Welly” for a reason, and it can get downright nasty with driving rain and gale-force winds, especially during the winter months. NZ’s west coast is characterized by wet, foggy weather – here, rainfall is measured in meters. Forget about an umbrella (nobody in New Zealand uses them anyway, it seems) and invest in a good waterproof coat instead.

Sunscreen

The ozone layer over New Zealand is very thin, meaning that when the sun shines, boy does it shine! Pack some high-SPF sunscreen, even if you aren’t highly prone to burning. I swear, the sun shines brighter and hotter in NZ, and you won’t want to be nursing a sunburn when there’s so much else to see and do.

A good camera

It probably goes without saying that a camera is always useful while traveling. A good one will definitely come in handy in New Zealand, which has some truly exceptional landscapes – mountains, valleys, beaches, cityscapes, you name it. There’ll be a beyond-postcard-perfect scene around just about every corner, and you won’t want to miss a single one.

A sense of adventure

Last, but not least, be sure to bring along with you your sense of adventure. New Zealand is home to some pretty wild

Bungee Jumping in New Zealand

adventure sports, from bungy jumping to river surfing to zorbing. Set aside any fears of heights or high speeds, and let the adrenaline junkie within emerge. If danger isn’t your forte, there’s still plenty to discover in New Zealand – Maori history and culture, international cuisine, an intense rugby culture, and much, much more.

Does Kumuka go to New Zealand?

Kumuka offers family, and specialist tours in New Zealand.  For an example check out the amazing 9 day New Zealand Southern Light tour.

About the Writer
Amanda is a 20-something college grad with a journalism degree under her belt, which she plans to use to rid the world of bad grammar and “there, their, they’re” confusion. After studying abroad in New Zealand, Amanda has decided she’d love to move there one day so she can wear jandals, eat hokey pokey ice cream, and continue pretending she understands the rules of rugby. When not working or blogging, Amanda can usually be found dreaming of her next travel adventure, wherever that may be. Follow her at http://www.dangerous-business.com or on Twitter @DangerousBiz http://www.twitter.com/DangerousBiz.