New Zealand packing list: essential items to bring
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Most packing lists tell you to bring a water bottle, flashlight, and sunscreen. Let’s be honest: You already know that! This isn’t one of those. This New Zealand packing list focuses on essential items that travellers often forget, yet they can make or break your trip.
Whether you’re planning multi-day hikes, soaking in wild hot springs, or road-tripping through remote regions, packing the right gear will make your journey smoother. These items don’t take up much space, but they solve very real problems, like staying warm in summer nights, managing bugs, or finding yourself in the middle of nowhere with nothing to eat with.
New Zealand packing list essentials most travellers forget
You can bring these from home, or buy them locally if you're spending a few days in a city. But if you're heading straight into the countryside or smaller towns, bring everything with you. Local shops might not stock what you need.
🥄 Detachable cutlery set
You won't always find cafés and restaurants, especially in national parks and along scenic highways. And in New Zealand, picnicking is practically a national tradition. A compact 3-in-1 detachable cutlery set (fork, knife, spoon) is perfect for eating on the go. It's lightweight, reusable, and saves you from tearing into a salad with your hands. Remember to pack it in your checked luggage, as it may not be allowed in your hand luggage in the airplane.
I've tried a few, and this one is definitely the best. They attach to each other, making sure you won't leave a piece behind.
💧 Electrolyte tablets
For hiking or long walks, water alone isn’t always enough. These tablets (dissolved in 250-500ml of water) replenish lost minerals and help your body retain hydration more efficiently. Bring a few with you if you plan on exploring New Zealand’s outdoors. They weigh almost nothing and can help you avoid fatigue or dizziness.
The most cost-efficient one is the Hydralyte. My favourite flavour is watermelon!
🚻 FUD (female urination device)
This small accessory has genuinely changed the way I travel in nature. If you're a woman, a female urination device (FUD) lets you pee standing up — no squatting, no touching questionable surfaces. It's especially useful when you come across the infamous ”long drop toilets”: a common type of toilet in remote or rural areas of New Zealand. These are basically deep pits with a seat; no flush, no running water, and often far from pristine. An FUD adds comfort and hygiene.
Try out this one from Jootuepo. Its design is perfect, preventing spills.
🧢 Hat or cap
The New Zealand sun is intense due to low air pollution and a thin ozone layer. Even on cloudy days, UV exposure is high. A wide-brimmed hat or cap will protect your face and eyes not just during summer, but year-round. It’s one of the simplest ways to avoid sunburn and fatigue.
🦟 Insect repellent
New Zealand may not have dangerous mosquitoes, but it’s the land of lakes — and sandflies. Especially on the West Coast and around Fiordland, bugs can be relentless. Tourists often forget to pack repellent and end up bitten and uncomfortable.
Bring one that works on both mosquitoes and sandflies (DEET or picaridin-based work best), like this one from Natural Wonders.
🥾 Hiking shoes
New Zealand’s beauty lies in its trails. Whether you're walking to waterfalls or hiking alpine passes, hiking-specific shoes are non-negotiable. Unlike gym shoes, they have grippy soles designed for slippery, uneven terrain. Opt for boots or trail shoes depending on your trip style. But do skip flat-soled sneakers.
My favourite hiking shoes brand is Hoka. I wear the model Challenger 7, one of the best in terms of price and quality.
🔌 Plug adaptor
New Zealand uses Type I plugs (two flat angled pins and a grounding pin), with 230V voltage. Universal adaptors work well, but avoid buying them at airports (they’re overpriced).
I recommend an universal adaptor, such as the one from Lencent, which you can later use in countries other than New Zealand.
🧺 Quick-dry towel
Wild swims are common here: glacial lakes, rivers, thermal springs… A microfibre towel dries fast, packs small, and is handy whether you're hiking, camping, or staying in budget hostels that don't provide towels.
🌙 Warm pyjamas
Even in summer, nights (especially in the South Island) can get cold. New Zealand has a maritime climate, meaning temperatures drop fast after sunset. Most houses lack central heating. Pack flannel or thermal pyjamas, even if you think you're a warm sleeper. You’ll thank yourself at 9 pm.
This plush pyjamas are exactly what I wear every night!
🌧 Waterproof jacket
On the West Coast, rain is frequent and heavy — some towns get over 200 days of rain per year. Even elsewhere, weather changes fast in New Zealand. A good-quality waterproof jacket with a hood is essential. Avoid windbreakers or “water-resistant” coats; go for something breathable but actually waterproof.
Time to pack
Packing light is smart, but packing wisely is what truly matters in New Zealand. These small but essential items can mean the difference between feeling frustrated or free, soaked or serene, exhausted or energised. What’s the one thing on this list you would have forgotten?
If you're planning your trip now, bookmark this New Zealand packing list. Your future self will be glad you did.
About the author: Thaíz Lara is the creator behind New Hermits, a New Zealand-based storyteller who believes in the power of story and soul-filled travel. After living in 5 countries and exploring 60, she has come to understand that the most meaningful journeys often begin within. Learn more about Lara.
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A minimalist New Zealand packing list of essential but often-forgotten items, perfect for hiking, outdoor adventures, and nature-connected travel.