Packing

Pack lightly: Lay out only what you absolutely need, then take half the clothes and twice the money. The online Universal Packing List (http://upl.codeq.info) will generate a customized list of suggested items based on your trip length, the expected climate, your planned activities, and other factors. If you plan to do a lot of hiking, also consult Huts and Camping, p. 35. Some frequent travelers keep a bag packed with all the essentials: passport, money belt, hat, socks, etc. Then, when they decide to leave, they know they haven’t forgotten anything.

• Luggage: If you plan to cover most of your itinerary by foot, a sturdy internal frame backpack is unbeatable (.) Toting a suitcase or trunk is fine if you plan to live in 1 or 2 cities and explore from there, but it’s not a great idea if you plan to move around. In addition to your main piece of luggage, a daypack (a small backpack or courier bag) is useful.
• Clothing: Due to New Zealand’s unpredictable weather patterns and occasionally fierce winds, a rain jacket and heavy sweater are necessities. (Gore-Tex® is both waterproof and breathable.) No matter when you are traveling, it’s a good idea to bring a warm jacket, and sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Flip-flops or waterproof sandals are must-haves for hostel showers. While bars and pubs are often casual, nightclubs and some bars require neat dress including shoes (not sneakers) and pants other than jeans.
• Sleepsack: Some hostels require that you either provide your own linen or rent sheets from them. Save cash by making your own sleepsack: fold a full-size sheet in half the long way, then sew it closed along the long side and one of the short sides.
• Converters and Adapters: In New Zealand, electricity is 230V AC, enough to fry any 120V North American appliance. 220/240V electrical appliances won’t work with a 120V current, either. Americans and Canadians should buy an adapter (which changes the shape of the plug; US$5) and a converter (which changes the voltage; US$20-30). Don’t make the mistake of using only an adapter (unless appliance instructions explicitly state otherwise). Australians (who use 230V at home) won’t need a converter, but will need a set of adapters to use anything electrical. For more on all things adaptable, check out http://kropla.com/electric.htm.
• Toiletries: Condoms, deodorant, razors, tampons, and toothbrushes are widely available in New Zealand, but often slightly more expensive than those brought from home. Contact lenses are likely to be expensive and difficult to find, so bring enough extra pairs and solution for your entire trip. Also bring your glasses and a copy of your prescription in case you need emergency replacements.
• First-Aid Kit: For a basic first-aid kit, pack bandages, a pain reliever, antibiotic cream, a thermometer, a multifunction pocketknife, tweezers, moleskin, decongestant, motion-sickness remedy, diarrhea or upset-stomach medication (Pepto Bismol® or Imodium®), an antihistamine, sunscreen, insect repellent, burn ointment, and a syringe for emergencies (get an explanatory letter from your doctor).
• Film: Film and developing in New Zealand are reasonable (about $6-10 for a roll of 24 color exposures). Less serious photographers may want to bring a disposable camera or 2. Despite disclaimers, airport security X-rays can fog film, so buy a lead-lined pouch at a camera store or ask security to hand-inspect it. Always pack film in your carry-on luggage, since higher-intensity X-rays are used on checked luggage.
• Other Useful Items: For safety purposes, you should bring a money belt and small padlock. Basic outdoors equipment (plastic water bottle, compass, waterproof matches, pocketknife, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat) may also prove useful. Quick repairs of torn garments can be done on the road with a needle and thread; also consider bringing electrical tape for patching tears. If you want to do laundry by hand, bring detergent, a small rubber ball to stop up the sink, and string for a clothesline. Other things you’re liable to forget include: an umbrella, sealable plastic bags (for damp clothes, soap, food, shampoo, etc.), an alarm clock, safety pins, rubber bands, a flashlight, earplugs, and a small calculator. A cell phone can be a lifesaver (literally) on the road,.
• Important Documents: Don’t forget your passport, traveler’s checks, ATM and/or credit cards, adequate ID, and photocopies of all of the aforementioned in case they are lost or stolen . Also check that you have any of the following: a hosteling membership card ; driver’s license ; travel insurance forms; ISIC ; bus pass .