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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Queenstown And Wanaka, New Zealand

Summer Attire Dec-Feb

Light, breathable clothing: T-shirts, shorts, light trousers, or skirts work well for daytime. Swimwear: For lake swimming or hot pools. Lightweight fleece or sweater: Evenings can be cool, especially after sunset.

Protection Essentials

Winter Attire Jun-Aug

Warm Base layers (thermals): Merino wool or synthetic materials are excellent choices. Consider a Merino wool thermal base layer set for warmth. Mid-layers: Fleece jackets or a packable Down jacket.

Ski & Snow Gear

  • Heavy waterproof and windproof outer jacket: A Ski jacket works well if you plan to ski.
  • Waterproof ski/Snow pants: If you plan to spend time on the ski fields or in deep snow.
  • Warm hat, insulated gloves, and scarf: For protection against cold temperatures.

Footwear Essentials

Everyday Wear

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers for general town exploration. Flip-flops/sandals for summer or hostel showers.

All-purpose comfort

Trail Footwear

Hiking boots: Recommended for trails, especially longer hikes. Waterproof shoes for wet weather.

Traction & support

Winter Footwear

Warm, Waterproof boots: Important for winter, especially with snow or ice.

Warmth & dryness

Essential Documents

Travel Papers

Carry important documents for smooth travel.

  • Passport: Original document, valid 3-6 months beyond planned departure.
  • Visa/NZeTA: Printed or digital copy of your approved New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) or visa.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Hard copy and digital copy, including emergency contacts.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): If you plan to drive and your driver's license is not in English.
  • Vaccination Records/Health Documentation: If applicable for specific health conditions, and for prescription medications.
  • Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations: Accommodation, flights, tour vouchers, car rental agreements.
  • Emergency Contact Information: List of family/friends, embassy/consulate details, and accommodation contact.
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Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

New Zealand uses Type I power outlets, which have three flat pins, often angled. Voltage: 230V, Frequency: 50Hz. Bring a Universal travel adapter with Type I compatibility. Check your devices for voltage compatibility; most modern electronics are dual voltage and only need a Plug adapter.

Mobile Phone & SIM Options

  • GSM Network: New Zealand uses the GSM network, so most international phones are compatible.
  • SIM Cards: Purchase a local SIM card from Spark, Vodafone NZ, or 2degrees. Prepaid tourist plans are available.
  • ESIM: Many modern phones support eSIM, for activating a local plan before arrival.

Camera Gear

High-quality camera (DSLR/Mirrorless): For capturing Queenstown's stunning landscapes. A Wide-angle lens is useful. Action Camera (e.g., GoPro): Important if planning adventure activities, like a GoPro HERO12 Black.

Power Up & Backup

Essential Apps

Navigation & Weather

Google Maps/Apple Maps (download offline maps of the Queenstown area). MetService NZ: For accurate local weather forecasts.

Outdoor & Booking

Department of Conservation (DOC) App: For information on tracks and huts. Activity Booking Apps: Klook, Bookme, or direct operator apps.

Travel & Finance

Ride-sharing Apps: Uber (available in Queenstown). Banking Apps: For managing finances and checking transactions.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

Your health and comfort matter. Pack a well-stocked Personal first aid kit and any specific medications you need.

Kit Essentials

  • Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze, medical tape. Pain relievers (paracetamol/Ibuprofen).
  • Antihistamines (for insect bites/allergies). Imodium (anti-diarrhea) and antacid (for indigestion).
  • Blister treatment, small scissors and tweezers. Consider a compact Adventure medical first aid kit.

Prescription & Hygiene

Carry all prescription medications in their original packaging. Bring a copy of your prescription or a doctor's note, especially if traveling with controlled substances. This helps avoid issues at customs.

Over-the-Counter & Personal Care

  • Over-the-Counter: Cold and flu remedies, throat lozenges. Motion sickness tablets (if prone to travel sickness).
  • Personal Hygiene: Travel-sized toiletries, Hand sanitizer, moisturizer.
  • Water Purification: Not needed for tap water in Queenstown. For backcountry, a Portable water filter may be considered.

Altitude & Motion Sickness Remedies

Altitude Comfort

  • Queenstown itself is not at high altitude.
  • Some mountain passes or scenic flights may cause minor discomfort for those sensitive to changes in pressure.
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Motion Sickness Preparedness

  • Motion sickness can occur on winding roads, jet boats, or scenic flights.
  • Bring remedies if you are susceptible to motion sickness.
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Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Essentials

Quality Daypack (e.g., Osprey Talon 22), Hiking poles for steeper trails, and a waterproof pack cover.

  • Comfortable, broken-in Hiking boots.
  • Quick-drying layers and Hiking socks.
  • Personal first aid kit.
  • Reusable water bottle.

Skiing & Snowboarding Gear

Goggles (e.g., Oakley Flight Deck Snow Goggles), Helmet (can be rented), base layers, and Ski socks.

  • Skis/board, boots, poles (easily rented in Queenstown).
  • Wetsuits for water sports (rafting, canyoning) are almost always provided.
  • High-quality mountain bikes are also readily available for rent.
  • Cycling shorts and Cycling gloves.

Water Activity Gear

A Quick-dry towel and a Dry bag for electronics.

  • Swimwear.
  • Quick-drying shorts or trousers.
  • An action camera for filming your adventures.
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Rent vs. Buy Decision

Advantages of Renting

  • Saves luggage space and weight.
  • Access to well-maintained, current equipment.
  • Convenient for trying new activities without a large investment.
  • Easy pick-up/drop-off at local shops.

Considerations for Buying/Bringing

  • Familiarity with your own gear.
  • Ensures comfortable fit (e.g., hiking boots).
  • Personal camera equipment.
  • Personal first aid kit and medications.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

Beyond the basics, a few extra items can greatly improve your travel comfort and security.

Essentials for a Smooth Journey

Practical Essentials

Region-specific essentials for Queenstown: Warm layers, even in summer, evenings can be cool. Layers always work well. Sense of adventure, an open mind for thrilling activities.

Reusable Items & Hard-to-Find Products

  • Reusable water bottle (to refill from safe tap water, reducing plastic waste).
  • Reusable shopping bag (plastic bags incur a fee or are not always available).
  • Reusable coffee cup for your daily flat white, reducing disposable cup use.
  • Items difficult or expensive to purchase locally: Prescription medications, specific brands of sun protection or insect repellent.

Sustainable Travel Items

Water Bottle

Carry your own bottle to refill with Queenstown's tap water.

Shopping Bag

Bring a reusable bag to avoid plastic waste fees.

Coffee Cup

Enjoy local coffee in your own reusable cup.

Eco-friendly

Consider eco-friendly toiletries to minimize impact.

Destination-Specific Items

Photography & Layers

  • Camera: The scenery is exceptional. You will want to capture it.
  • Warm layers: Even in summer, evenings can be cool. Layers always work well.
  • Sense of adventure: Bring an open mind for the wide range of thrill-seeking activities available.

Hard-to-Find Items

  • Prescription medications: Ensure you have enough for your entire trip.
  • Specific brands of sun protection or insect repellent you prefer.
  • Specialized outdoor gear: While rentals exist, if you have particular preferences for your own hiking boots or technical clothing, bringing them is a good idea.

Packing Smart Tip

Keep all your important documents in a secure, easily accessible, and Waterproof travel document organizer.

This protects them from damage and makes them easy to find.