New Zealand tours - what to bring

Suggested Packing List 

December, January & February Tours (NZ Summer) 

Welcome to New Zealand Summer! The climate is dominated by two main geographical features, the mountains and the sea. While the far north has subtropical weather during summer, inland alpine areas of the South Island can be a lot cooler and regardless of the season, the weather can change unexpectedly! The temperatures also decrease as you head south. You always need to be prepared for sudden changes in the weather and cooler temperatures. 

Below you will find our suggested packing list. Please note that what you bring is a very personal decision and this packing list is just to be used as a guideline. You will also have access to laundry facilities at several campsites during your tour. We even provide the laundry powder, all you need is a few coins!

Clothing

• Underwear & socks (bearing in mind you will mainly be wearing sandals/flip-flops)
• Swimming costume/bikini/togs
• T-shirts/short sleeved tops
• Shorts
• Long sleeved shirts & long pants (for mosquito/sandfly protection & for cooler nights at camp)
• Warm jacket (polar fleece or wool)
• Lightweight puffer/down jacket (handy to have on any camping trip and light to pack)
• Waterproof jacket/raincoat with hood
• Sun hat or cap
• And last but not least, maybe something a little fancy for the odd night out in town

Footwear

• Comfortable trainers
• Jandals/sandals/flip-flops (great for getting in and out of your tent quickly and pretty much the No. 1 footwear for every New Zealander!)

TIP: Planning on hiking the Routeburn Track or Tongariro Crossing? You may also want to bring a pair of sturdy walking shoes or boots, though the tracks can be walked in good running shoes/all terrain shoes. A full set of thermal or woolen underwear either polypropylene or merino (top & bottoms) is also recommended, as well as a woolen hat & gloves (not the bulky ski type though, just something windproof which also provides a little warmth).

Other Necessary or Useful Items

• A small day pack that can be used for excursions and kept with you on your seat during travel time
• Sleeping bag (bring your own or hire one from us). if you are bringing your own, aim for a comfort range of 5°c. There may be a few nights on your tour that get to 0-5°c, but the rest will be around 5-10°c.
• Head torch/Headlamp
• Sun protection - hat and sunglasses and some good sunscreen at least 30+ SPF
• Small Travel Pillow (as we provide a mattress for your tent only)
• 1-2 towels (for showering and swimming)
• Personal toiletries (shower gel etc)
• Insect repellent
• Drink Bottle
• Adapter for electrical appliances
• Portable charger/power pack
• Reusable shopping bag (for grocery shopping etc)

October, November & March, April Tours (NZ Spring/Autumn)

In addition to the above items if you are travelling during Spring or Autumn then we recommend bringing the following items.

• A full set of thermal or woolen underwear (either polypropylene or merino, top & bottoms)
• Gloves (not the bulky ski type though, just something windproof which also provides a little warmth)
• Warm hat or beanie
• An extra long sleeved shirt and pair of pants

Anything that you forget can however easily be purchased in New Zealand - it may just be a few days before you get the opportunity to do so!