Go New Zealand Tours

A good quality backpack to pack all your essential items for the whole trip. Kathmandu or Macpac are very good quality.

A practical outdoor pack for just the essential items you need for day trips and day hikes.

Whether you’re taking a shower, hitting the beach, or heading to the gym, a quick–dry towel is a must-have to reduce hassles, eliminate wet messes and prevent smelly mildew. And since a good towel does more than just dry fast, it should also be absorbent, durable, and soft against your skin.

The ozone layer is thin in many parts of New Zealand, so in summer be sure to pack high-level sun protection even if you think you’re immune to UV rays.

With some of the most scenic trails anywhere in the world, you’ll need a decent pair of walking shoes that offer support on ragged paths. “Don’t just bring a pair of jandals (Kiwi for thongs),” says Daan. “If you plan to go for a bit of a hike you’ll need to bring sturdy shoes or boots with a good sole for some much-needed grip while exploring the New Zealand bush.”

There are now a multitude of great compact DSLR backpacks available which double as day packs so you can carry multiple lenses (a wide angle is crucial for those landscape shots) as well as essentials for your outing.

Pre-load a travel card with local currency and avoid having to carry a chunky wallet while you’re out enjoying physical adventures.

You might feel a bit strange using trekking poles for the first time but you’ll appreciate the support they offer when you’re on that rugged alpine trail to Mt Cook.

They pack down to nothing and can make the difference between a miserable, soggy outing and an unforgettable day out.

Camping, trekking, or just trying to find your way to the toilet in the dark without stubbing your toe on a tent peg, trust us, you’ll be glad you packed a head torch.

With turquoise glacial lakes and pristine ocean at every turn, stuff a pair in your day pack as you might want to cool off mid-trail.

Sandflies can be a real annoyance in New Zealand. Ward them off with some good quality repellent. Daan recommends going one step further by investing in bug-resistant clothing. “New Zealand’s sand flies can be notoriously hungry for a sip of your blood. A great alternative is buzzGUARD insect repellent apparel; clothing that keeps mozzies and other creepy crawlies away.”

Kiwis can be surprisingly strict when it comes to ID, especially when it comes to serving alcohol. Avoid disappointment at the vineyard cellar door by keeping it handy.

Pack a pocket-sized battery to keep your electronics juiced up.

It packs into a compact ball and keeps you snug. An insulated jacket is also infinitely more travel-friendly than a bulky fleece and is pretty fashionable too.

For your eyes protection against New Zealand’s strong sun

A good quality backpack to pack all your essential items for the whole trip. Kathmandu or Macpac are very good quality.

A practical outdoor pack for just the essential items you need for day trips and day hikes.

In and around Queenstown can be mighty chilly during winter and a skinny pair of thermals will prove invaluable on and off the slopes. When it comes to choice of fibre, Daan believes merino is a winner. “Merino base layers are soft against the skin and odour resistant so you can wear them for longer. Merino also wicks away moisture from your skin and provides temperature regulation. Mother Nature at her best.”

Daan believes that packing cells are life changers for travellers. “Packing cells keep your gear organised and ready wherever you go. No more desperate digging in your pack, no more lost socks, no more moments of pure panic just before the bus leaves,” he says. “Use compression packing cells if you need to reduce the volume of your gear. You can even buy anti-odour packing cells to keep your smelly boots away from your clean gear.”

Apparently we lose the majority of heat through our head. Keep it warm and your body will follow suit.

So much easier than attempting to ski or snowboard with a bulky camera, strap one of these diminutive bad boys to your helmet and capture all the action of your trip.

This compact, pocket-sized tool kit can prove priceless whether it’s tightening the bindings on your snowboard or popping the cap on a beer bottle.

If you own it, bring it. It’s far preferable to queueing in rental shops to pull on ski boots that have seen hundreds of sweaty feet before yours.

Previously mentioned but always worth reinforcing: the temperature may be freezing, but the sun can burn in winter, especially when reflected off snow. Pack zinc or seriously high factor cream.

Cold feet suck. Whether you’re trekking, boarding or just hanging out, pack a few pairs of thick socks to ensure you’re comfortable when the temperature drops.

It packs into a compact ball and keeps you snug. An insulated jacket is also infinitely more travel-friendly than a bulky fleece and is pretty fashionable too.

Kiwis can be surprisingly strict when it comes to ID, especially when it comes to serving alcohol. Avoid disappointment at the vineyard cellar door by keeping it handy.

Pack a pocket sized battery to keep your electronics juiced up.

For your eyes protection against New Zealand’s strong sun

Pre-load a travel card with local currency and avoid having to carry a chunky wallet while you’re out enjoying physical adventures.