New Zealand’s name inspires pictures of mountains, glaciers, forests, pristine lands, and lots and lots of sheep.
The country is the adventure capital of the world. Hiking, skydiving, caving, bungy jumping, skiing — everything here is geared towards getting you outside and doing something incredible.
Backpacking New Zealand is one of the most popular activities in the world, with thousands of people making their way there on their round the world trip (backpackers sweep up those working holiday visas!).
Whether you’re a backpacker or just a budget traveler, New Zealand won’t let you down.
I’ve loved all my visits to New Zealand. The people are friendly, the country is beyond beautiful (I can see why the shot Lord of the Rings here), the wine is cheap, and you’ll meet a lot of travelers. It’s one of the best countries in the world. I’ve never heard anyone not love their time in the country.
You will leave here wanting to come back.
And, fortunately, as the land of backpackers, budget travel in New Zealand is easy to do if you know a few tips and tricks on how to save money.
Use this New Zealand travel guide to plan the adventure of the lifetime – and on a budget.
Table of Contents
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in New Zealand
1. Explore Fiordland
2. Heli-hike Franz Josef Glacier
3. Relax in the Bay of Islands
4. See the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
5. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Other Things to See and Do in New Zealand
1. Try bungy jumping
Any adrenaline seeker worth their salt will do the 500ft Nevis Bungy Jump outside of Queenstown. If that’s too high, there are smaller ones in Auckland and Queenstown. The price of adventure isn’t cheap, however, with a single jump at Nevis costing 275 NZD.
2. Go skydiving
Another popular adventure activity in New Zealand is skydiving. The best place for this is over Lake Taupo. It provides a stunning backdrop as you plunge to Earth from 15,000ft. A jump from 12,000ft will cost you around 279 NZD, while a jump from 15,000ft is 359 NZD. Franz Josef and Lake Wanaka are also popular spots for skydiving as well.
3. Visit Abel Tasman National Park
Located on the South Island, this national park looks like something you’d find in Asia, with its turquoise blue water, dense jungles, and warm temperatures. There are many multi-day hiking trails and beautiful sea kayaking throughout the park. Entry is free, though you will need to pay 15 NZD for a campsite if you plan on staying over. Huts are also available for 40 NZD per night.
4. Hang out in Wellington
New Zealand’s capital has great architecture, character, fantastic nightlife, restaurants, and cultural activities. I found it to be the most “artsy” city in New Zealand. There are a lot of cultural activities to do here so don’t be like other travelers and rush through — it’s worth a few days!
5. Go dolphin and whale watching
Whether you go from the Bay of Islands, Auckland, or somewhere on the South Island, the country is within the migratory route for many of these creatures and you’re bound to see lots of them no matter when you go (though October-March is the best time). Sperm whales, orcas, and humpback whales all call the region home. Expect to pay between 60-150 NZD per person for a tour.
6. Hit the slopes
During the winter months, the South Island (especially the area around Queenstown) has snow-covered mountains that offer some of the best skiing in the southern hemisphere. Prices will vary depending on where you go, how you get there, what equipment you rent, and how long you go for, but expect to pay around 140 NZD for a lift pass.
7. Unwind in Rotorua
Located on the North Island, Rotorua is famous for its Maori cultural shows and for its sulfur smell (which comes from the geothermal activity in the area). All around the city are sulfur mud pits that give the city a unique odor. But the upside is that there are a ton of thermal spas in the area to relax in! Also, don’t miss the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute which has all kinds of traditional Maori arts and crafts.
8. Get outdoors in Kaikoura
This is a coastal town several miles north of Christchurch. It is set on a peninsula, which makes it an awesome place to enjoy the mountain scenery while searching for whales and dolphins. Whale Watch Kaikoura is the best company to go whale-watching with here. They are a Maori-owned tour company that guarantee you see at least one whale on your trip (otherwise they refund you 80% of the cost). Additionally, there are is an interesting museum, a handful of historical sights, and the Maori Leap limestone cave.
9. Explore Wellington Botanic Gardens
Of all the beautiful gardens throughout the country, this is perhaps the most popular. There is a vast native forest, an international plant collection, a rose garden, and a landscaped area — complete with duck pond, sculptures, a playground, and a cafe. Created in 1868, the park spans a massive 61 acres. Admission is free.
10. Ride the Christchurch gondola
If you are in Christchurch, take the gondola ride up Mount Vaendish. The ride is 10 minutes and offers the best views of the city. There is a restaurant at the top if you want to grab a bite to eat while you enjoy the scenery too. Most people walk back down (you can also walk up if you don’t mind the exercise; it takes around 45 minutes). Tickets are 30 NZDround trip.
11. Enjoy Queenstown
The action capital of the country, Queenstown is one of the most fun cities I’ve ever visited. There’s a lot of outdoor activities and sports (bungy jumping is the most popular) to do in the area, amazing restaurants, and the best nightlife in New Zealand. Everyone who comes ends up staying longer than planned. Don’t skip Fergburger either — they have the best burgers in the country!
12. Watch a Maori cultural show
Maori culture is important to understanding life in this country; you’ll find Maori symbols and words throughout the country. See a Maori cultural show while you are there to get a better understanding of the life and history of the country’s native population. The most popular shows are in Rotorua and cost 110-145 NZD per person.
13. Explore Milford Sound
Milford Sound is such an amazing fjord it deserves its own mention. Located in Fiordland, Milford Sound is best known for the towering Mitre Peak and its surrounding rainforest environments. Waterfalls like Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls cascade down the mountainsides, and the fjord itself is home to seal and penguin colonies. You can often see pods of dolphins frolicking in the waters, too. Explore by boat, and check out the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory to see rare black coral and other underwater life. Cruises start from 69 NZD.
14. Visit Wanaka
Wanaka is a ski and summer resort town on New Zealand’s South Island, set on Wanaka Lake and framed by snowcapped mountains. From here you can explore the Southern Alps’ Mount Aspiring National Park, with its many glaciers, beech forests, and alpine lakes. Wanaka Lake itself is perfect for boating enthusiasts, including jetboaters, sailors, and kayakers. If you’re a skier or snowboarder, you’ll want to check out the Treble Cone and Cardrona ski resorts nearby. For some quirky fun, go to Puzzling World just outside town. It’s an outdoor maze and sculpture gallery that’s good for a laugh!
15. Travel to Hobbiton
Journey to Middle Earth with a visit to the Hobbiton movie set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. This is easily one of New Zealand’s most famous activities, so you can expect crowds. To see Hobbiton, you’ll have to take a tour. It starts with a drive through the owners’ 1,250-acre sheep farm with some epic views over the Kaimai Ranges. From here, you can explore Bag End, wander around the hobbit holes, and visit the Green Dragon Inn. If you’re a LOTR fan, you can’t pass this up. Tours start at 89 NZD.
16. Visit Stewart Island
Stewart Island is located 19 miles south of the South Island. Over 85% of the island is National Park, and most people come here for hiking and birdwatching. The island has just 28km of road, but 280km of walking tracks suited to short walks, day hikes, and multi-day excursions. Walk the three-day Rakiura Track for the full experience of Stewart Island’s natural beauty. Offshore, on Ulva Island, you’ll find a predator-free bird sanctuary with dozens of native species. Getting to Stewart Island means you’ll need to take a ferry or flight. Ferries take one hour and cost 79 NZD while flights from Invercargill take 15 minutes and cost 225 NZD return.
17. Relax on a scenic rail journey
New Zealand’s challenging landscapes demanded some remarkable feats of early railway engineers. While their rail network isn’t vast, thanks to their skill and determination, there are some incredible rail journeys on offer. Travel through remote national parks, along beautiful coastlines, and over rugged volcanic landscapes. The routes are the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, and TranzAlpine. I took the TransAlpine and loved every minute of it. You pass rivers, mountains, cross gorges, and vibrant green farmland. It was the highlight of my trip in New Zealand and one of the most peaceful experiences I had. I can’t recommend it enough. Tickets vary between 99-159 NZD (one way) depending on the route.
18. Take one of the Great Walks
New Zealand has thousands of miles of hiking trails but sitting above them all are the ten Great Walks that journey through the country’s most magnificent places and iconic locations. On the North Island, the Lake Waikaremoana Track takes 3-4 days, leading you through prehistoric rainforests and beautiful wildlife areas. The famous Tongariro Northern Circuit is a grueling 3-4 day excursion where you’ll see active volcanoes, emerald lakes, and epic waterfalls. The South Island has its own unique routes, as well, including the Milford Track, which winds its way through the fjords of Milford Sound. Keep in mind that due to their popularity, Great Walks must be booked in advance (and they can sometimes fill up months ahead of time).
19. Explore wine country
New Zealand’s wine regions extend 1,000 miles from sub-tropical Northland down to Central Otago, home to the world’s most southerly vineyards. The Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough, Marlborough, and Central Otago are signature New Zealand wine regions and home to a number of different vineyards. Smaller wine-producing areas include Auckland, Gisborne, and Waipara. If you’re keen on seeing the best of what kiwi vineyards have to offer, check out the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail – a wine-tasting adventure through the heart of New Zealand’s grape growing regions. If you don’t have your own vehicle, there are plenty of bus (and even bicycle) tours available.
20. Visit Mount Cook National Park
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home to some of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. Here you’ll find sky-scraping peaks, sweeping glaciers, and permanent snowfields. Although it encompasses 23 peaks over 3,000 meters high, this park is very accessible. State Highway 80 leads to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, which is situated beside the scenic Lake Pukaki. Far from city lights, the stargazing here is magnificent — Aoraki Mount Cook National Park forms the majority of New Zealand’s only International Dark Sky Reserve. Mountaineers regard the area to be the best climbing region in Australasia, while less skilled adventurers will find plenty of enjoyable hikes with stunning views of the area. Admission is free.
For more information on specific destinations in the country, check out these guides:
New Zealand Travel Costs
Accommodation – Hostel dorms cost between 20-30 NZD per night for a 6-10-bed dorm. Free Wi-Fi is common, though very few hostels include free breakfast. Most hostels have self-catering facilities but not all so be sure to check before you book. Private rooms begin at 75 NZD though most are closer to 100 NZD.
Budget hotels begin around 75 NZD per night. You can often find cheaper hotels and motels, however, they are usually far from the city center or don’t include a private bathroom.
Airbnb is widely available with private rooms starting around 62 NZD per night and entire homes/apartments costing at least 107 NZD per night.
There are also a ton of campgrounds throughout the country with rates around 15 NZD per night. Most Department of Conversation campsites need to be booked in advance online (in the summer they fill up months in advance). Couchsurfing is huge here, too.
Food – New Zealand cuisine consists mostly of seafood, lamb, fish and chips, meat pies, and specialties like Maori hangi (meat and vegetables cooked underground).
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around 20-25 NZD while a nice meal with a drink costs about 50-60 NZD.
A fast-food combo meal (think McDonald’s) costs around 14 NZD. Chinese/Thai/Indian can be found for 15-20 NZD while pizzas cost around 10-15 NZD. A takeaway meal of fish and chips is 12-15 NZD.
For drinks, a beer costs 9-10 NZD, a glass of wine is 12-15 NZD, a latte/cappuccino costs 5 NZD, and bottled water is around 3 NZD.
If you choose to cook your food, plan to spend around 75 NZD per week on basic foodstuffs like rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, chicken, and some meat. PaknSave, mainly located in big cities, is typically the cheapest supermarket.
Activities – Activities like bungy jumping, zorbing, multi-day guided hikes, and whale watching run the gamut and can cost between 100-600 NZD. There are a lot of outdoor activities and tourism here is constructed around getting people outside. Budget extra for activities as they will be your biggest expense while you are here. There are also lots of free hikes too if you’re on a budget.
For more specific price information, visit the city-specific guides.
Backpacking New Zealand Suggested Budgets
How much does it cost to visit New Zealand? On a backpacker budget, prepare to spend at least 75-85 NZD per day. On this budget, you will stay in a hostel dorm, take public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, do free hikes, visit the odd paid site (like museums), and cook your own meals. You’ll need to budget more if you plan to do bigger activities like bungy jumping. You can also lower this by Couchsurfing, camping, and cutting out drinking altogether.
For a more mid-range budget, expect to spend at least 195 NZD a day. On this budget, you can stay in a hotel or Airbnb, take the occasional taxi or Uber to get around, do some larger activities like bungy jumping or whale watching, eat out for most meals, and enjoy a few drinks.
A “luxury” budget of around 395 NZD a day or more will get you a nice hotel, any activities you want, wine tours, private guides, delicious meals out, and the best the country has to offer. You can also rent a car or take a scenic train journey. This is just the ground floor for luxury. After that, the sky is the limit.
This chart can give you a rough idea of day to day costs (prices are in NZD):
New Zealand Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Costs in New Zealand can skyrocket quickly if you aren’t careful. Eating out is expensive and all those adventure activities can really add up. In New Zealand, you have to pick and choose your battles or you’ll blow through your budget within the first couple of days. Here are all the high impact ways you can save money in New Zealand:
- Learn to cook – I know this is going to sound crazy but: the food scene in New Zealand isn’t that mind-blowing. Yes, there are nice cafes, some hip gastronomy, and really delicious meals but nothing blew my mind. There’s good food but there’s not great food. At least not great enough when you are trying to save money. If you want to really save, cook your own food. When it comes to buying groceries, the cheaper supermarkets are Pakn’Save or Countdown.
- Choose wisely – Tours cost a lot of money in New Zealand. A few of these are enough to bust any budget and send you home before you had planned. Pick the ones you really want to do and save the rest for another trip.
- Hit happy hour – The backpacker bars have cheap happy hours. Hit them up and drink for cheap.
- WWOOF it – WWOOFing is a great way to work for your accommodation and food. In return for working on a farm or B&B, you get free food and board. It’s a popular activity with travelers because it lets you stay in a place cheaper and longer. You can do it for a few days or a few months. Keep in mind, most farms will require you to have some experience, as too many inexperienced workers have caused trouble in the past.
- Get a temporary job – If you’re running low on money and still have plenty of time left in New Zealand, check Backpackerboard.co.nz for temporary yet well-paying gigs.
- Clean in exchange for your room – Many hostels let you trade a few hours of cleaning and making beds for free accommodation. Ask when you check in if this is possible — it might just save you some money!
- Car share – Car shares are a popular transportation option for travelers looking to lower costs — all you need to do is chip in for gas. You can find rides on websites like Gumtree or Craigslist. Apps like CarpoolWorld and Thumbs Up NZ are also great resources. Additionally, you’ll see people asking for rides on hostel bulletin boards.
- Transport vehicles – Campervan and car relocation services will provide you with a free vehicle and gas as you drive it from one destination to another. This can be a great way to save a lot of money if you’re flexible with timing. Check Transfercar.co.nz to see what’s available.
- Couchsurf – While there are not a ton of options available in the country, there are hosts in all of the major cities. If you don’t mind sleeping on a couch or floor, this is a great way to save some money and meet locals.
- Hitchhike – Hitchhiking is easy in New Zealand and it’s one of the main ways to get around. There are plenty of people who will pick you up. Additionally, you can just ask around at any hostel and find a ride. Everyone is doing the same circuit. I got from Wanaka to Queenstown to Fiordland that way.
- Take a free walking tour – There are a few free walking tours in New Zealand, like Auckland Free Walking Tour in Auckland, that offer visitors insights into each city. If you want to get beneath the surface of New Zealand then this is a great place to start.
- Get a campervan – Campervans litter New Zealand, especially on the nature-heavy South Island where people hike and camp because they serve as accommodation and transportation all wrapped up in one. For budget-conscious travelers, that’s a win. Be sure to download the awesome Campermates app, which lets you find nearby campsites, gas stations, and dump stations.
- Find cheap activities – The bookme.co.nz website provides last-minute discounts on activities (and pub crawls) throughout the country. Most of the activities are last minute, but if you’re flexible in when you want to do things, you can save up to 60% off attractions! I can’t recommend it enough.
- Skip the backpacker buses – While fun, things like the Kiwi Experience, Stray, or Haka are expensive so it’s best to avoid them if you are on a tight budget. If your budget isn’t so tight and you do want to check them out, be sure to sign up for their mailing lists. There is always a sale on them.
- Enjoy nature – Remember that nature is free! New Zealand, home to the great walks of the world, has tons of free outdoor activities. While the adventure sports, wine tours, glacier treks, and boat cruises can eat into your budget, there are plenty of free hiking trails and walks to keep you busy!
- Bring a water bottle – The tap water in New Zealand is safe to drink so bring a water bottle with you to save money. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can always be sure your water is clean and safe!
Where To Stay in New Zealand
The hostel scene in the country has vastly improved since I first came here in 2010. There’s much more variety and quality now. It’s a much better time to be a traveler there and many of the hostels have stepped up their game in this competitive environment. Here are the ones where everyone should stay during their trip:
- Nomads (Queenstown)
- Haka Lodge (Queenstown)
- Rainbow Lodge (Taupo)
- Kiwi Paka (Waitomo)
- Urbanz (Christchurch)
- Trek Global (Wellington)
- Mountain View Backpackers (Wanaka)
For more hostel suggestions, here’s a list of my favorite hostels in New Zealand!
How to Get Around New Zealand
Public Transportation – Most towns and cities in New Zealand have buses, and Auckland and Wellington both have rail services. One-way fares start around 3 NZD and increase depending on what zone you’re traveling to (most cities and towns in New Zealand are sprawling). Check to see if there are transit cards available. For example, Wellington has a Snapper card which will save you nearly half your fare, and the same goes for Auckland’s AT HOP card.
Backpacker Tours – One of the most popular ways travelers get across New Zealand is by backpacker bus. These buses offer a hop-on/hop-off service that allows travelers both the flexibility to go at their own pace and the convenience of having activities and accommodation organized for them. New Zealand has two major hop-on/hop-off buses:
Kiwi Experience tours range from 2-28 days and cost between 85-1,799 NZD while Stray Tours range from 10-24 days and cost between 1,000-2,400 NZD.
Trains – New Zealand has three train lines: Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, and TranzAlpine. These are scenic train rides complete with viewing platforms, audio commentary, information packets, and big windows for taking photos. However, they’re not the most convenient for getting around, as they have quite limited schedules.
Tickets range from 99-159 NZD depending on the route.
Buses – Buses are the best and cheapest way to get around New Zealand. Buses stop in every town, and there are frequent departures from even the smallest cities. Visit InterCity for fares and routes. The earlier you book in advance, the cheaper your ticket will be. Avoid last-minute bookings if possible.
Flying – Flying in New Zealand isn’t that cheap, as there are only two companies that dominate the entire market: Air New Zealand and Jetstar — and on most routes, it’s just Air New Zealand. While you can find some cheap fares on shorter routes or by booking a few months in advance, unless you are really pressed for time or traveling from island to island, I’d skip flying.
One-way routes from Auckland to Queenstown start at 180 NZD, Queenstown to Christchurch from 215 NZD, and Auckland to Christchurch from 125 NZD.
Campervans and Car Rentals – This is a popular way to travel New Zealand, especially on the nature-heavy South Island, where people hike and camp. There are five main rental agencies:
Your daily rate will change depending on where you pick the vehicle up, if you are dropping it off at a different place, how long you are renting it for, how far in advance you book, and when you book (going during the high season? Prices seem to double!). Check out this post for more information and price comparisons.
Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking is easy in New Zealand, and it’s one of the main ways to get around. There are plenty of people who will pick you up. Additionally, you can just ask around any hostel for a ride — everyone is doing the same circuit. Check out these apps for more information:
When to Go to New Zealand
New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning when most North Americans are dealing with snow and freezing temperatures, Kiwis are enjoying their beaches. Overall, the climate here is temperate. Summer is from December-February, and it’s the most popular time to visit the country. (Kiwis also take their holidays during this time, so things get busy!) Days are long and sunny, nights are mild. The average daytime temperature is 68-77°F (20-25°C).
Fall is from March-May and it’s one of the best times to visit. The crowds have dispersed, prices are lower, and the weather is pleasant. Some areas still have very warm temperatures, like Auckland.
Winter is from June-August, and it’s a great time to visit if you’re into snow sports. Queenstown and the Central Plateau are winter playgrounds during this time, but especially in June and July! Temperatures on the South Island can drop as low as 50°F (-10°C).
Spring (September-November) is also a nice time to visit, especially on the South Island. There’s really no bad time to visit, depending on the sort of things you’d like to do.
Since New Zealand is so expensive, the shoulder season is one of the best times to visit.
How to Stay Safe in New Zealand
New Zealand is a safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. There is a relatively low crime rate and the healthcare system is excellent. Take the normal precautions as you would at home, like being aware of your personal belongings at all times, and never leaving your drink unattended in a bar.
If you’re doing any hiking or other adventure sports, always check the weather in advance and bring water and sunscreen.
As earthquakes and tsunamis do occur in New Zealand, consider downloading the Hazard App from the Red Cross. It has all kinds of advice and tips for natural disasters and also sends out warnings and notifications should a disaster occur.
If you do experience an emergency, dial 111 for assistance.
Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your important documents, like your passport. Forward your itinerary along to friends or family so they’ll know where you are.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:
New Zealand Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Intrepid Travel – If you want to do group tours, go with Intrepid. They offer good small group tours that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint. And, as a reader of this site, you’ll get exclusive discounts with them too!
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
- EatWith – This website allows you to eat home cooked meal with locals. Locals post listings for dinner parties and specialty meals that you can sign up for. There is a fee (everyone sets their own price) but this is a great way to do something different, pick a local’s brain, and make a new friend.
- bookme.co.nz – You’ll get some really good last minute deals and discounts on this website! Just select what area you’re traveling in, and see what activities are on sale.
- treatme.co.nz – The locals use this website to find discount hotels, restaurants, and tours. You can save up to 50% off things like catamaran sailing lessons or three-course dinners.
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
New Zealand Gear and Packing Guide
If you’re heading on the road and need some gear suggestions, here are my tips for the best travel backpack and for what to pack!
The Best Backpack for Travelers
Size: 45-47L
Straps: Thick and cushy with compression technology that pulls the pack’s load up and inwards so it doesn’t feel as heavy.
Features: Removable top lid, pocket at the front, hydration compatible, contoured hip belt
If you want something different, refer to my article on how to choose the best travel backpack for tips on picking a pack and other backpack suggestions.
What to Pack for Your Trip
Clothes
- 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I like them; a good alternative is khaki pants)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 bathing suit
- 5 T-shirts (Unbound Merino is my preferred company. If you’re a member of NM+, you can get 15% off your purchase)
- 1 long-sleeved T-shirt
- 1 pair of flip-flops
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 6 pairs of socks (I always end up losing half)
- 5 pairs of boxer shorts (I’m not a briefs guy!)
- 1 toothbrush
- 1 tube of toothpaste
- 1 razor
- 1 package of dental floss
- 1 small bottle of shampoo
- 1 small bottle of shower gel
- 1 towel
- Deodorant
Small Medical Kit (safety is important!!!)
- Band-Aids
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibacterial cream
- Earplugs
- Tylenol
- Hand sanitizer (germs = sick = bad holiday)
Miscellaneous
- A key or combination lock (safety first)
- Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding)
- Plastic bags (great for laundry)
- Universal charger/adaptor (this applies to everyone)
- LifeStraw (A water bottle with a purifier)
Female Travel Packing List
I’m not a woman, so I don’t know what a woman wears, but Kristin Addis, our solo female travel guru, wrote this list as an addition to the basics above:
Clothing
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 sarong
- 1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily)
- 1 pair of leggings (if it’s cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt)
- 2-3 long-sleeve tops
- 2-3 T-shirts
- 3-4 spaghetti tops
- 1 light cardigan
Toiletries
- 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease-free in between washes)
- 1 hairbrush
- Makeup you use
- Hair bands & hair clips
- Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products)
For more on packing, check out these posts:
New Zealand Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on New Zealand travel and continue planning your trip:
