What To Bring
New Zealand's varied terrain means you'll need gear to suit different
climates and activities. Don't get caught out! Here's a list to run
through before you leave home:
- Backpack and daypack
- Passport with appropriate visas (keep a photocopy separate from the original in case it's stolen)
- Money belt or neck pouch (to keep your money, passport and credit cards secure)
- Travel insurance policy (make sure it covers you for adventure activities)
- Credit cards, travellers cheques
- Prescription medication
- International drivers licence (through AA/RAC) and regular drivers licence
- Copy of motor insurance policies and proof of no claims being made (if you are buying a car and want insurance)
- International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
- Hostel membership card (BBH, VIP or YHA)
- Letter of reference from bank, former employers and landlord (if you're planning a working holiday)
- Camera
- Pocket knife (one with scissors and corkscrew attachments is ideal)
- Travel diary and address book
- Sleeping bag and inner sheet
- Small torch (especially useful in campgrounds)
- Alarm clock (so you don't miss early morning flights and buses)
- First-aid kit
- Reading book (lots of hostels have book swap shelves so only one is necessary)
- Hiking boots (essential for New Zealand's Great Walks)
- Electrical adaptor
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Sun block and hat (New Zealand has one of the shortest burn times and highest skin cancer rates in the world)
- Insect repellent (to ward off mosquitoes and sandflies, especially in the South Island)
- Swimsuit and towel
- Warm clothes for the mountains
- Create a free blog site - great for sharing stories and photos with friends and family
- Bring your own music - Bring twice as much as you think you’ll listen to, and don’t be afraid to turn it up and sing along at the top of your lungs!
- A good dose of courage to take the plunge off bungy platforms and out of planes!