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For the edition of Locals Approved Packing Lists Olivia McCaskill, a resident Kiwi, has assisted in providing a reliable account of a locals view for a realistic backpacking New Zealand packing list.

Olivia was born and raised in a small town in the Canterbury region of New Zealand, but has spent the last 5 years living in the beautiful capital of Wellington, she is due to travel Europe for 3 months this summer, exciting times!

Olivia is a self-confessed photography, fashion, health and fitness fanatic and blogs at The Black Peony, where she shares cool anecdotes about her thoughts and life. Thank you for your helpful insight Olivia!

 


Backpacking New Zealand Packing List


 

I spent a quick 2 1/2 weeks backpacking New Zealand during my RTW trip in 2010. I was absolutely mesmerized by the country’s beauty and it is definitely a place I’d love to explore more fully one day.

To maximize my short time, I jumped on one of their efficient and cost effective hop on hop off backpacking New Zealand tour buses and not only saw all the sights I wanted to see, I also had the chance to meet a great group of people.

Having traveled in January, summer time, I must stress how essential my jeans were during this trip as well as a pair of cute flats. As Olivia recommends below, this is definitely a place where tourist clothes just don’t fly.

Read below for great tips on backpacking New Zealand from The Black Peony’s Olivia beautifully compiled by TFG’s fashion blogger Chantelle Mallin. Enjoy!

 

 

New Zealand Clothing Style

 

New Zealand is largely a relaxed place, so pack informally for comfort! Canterbury, in the south island, is quite casual regarding dress – jeans and a tank top for girls and jeans and a t-shirt for guys, even when backpacking New Zealand.

The capital Wellington, on the North Island, has an awesome fashion scene with alternative and stylish wear, whereas in Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island, the scene is more conservative think cashmere and pearls.

If hitting the town in a city, it’s expected that you wear something nice, although heels aren’t a necessity, guy should invest in a pair of dress shoes to wear out at night and a girl should have some nice flats.

In the countryside the style is way more casual, its normal for farmers to hit the pub in ‘stubbies’ (farm shorts) and a checked top, be prepared to receive strange looks if you’re wearing anything too flash, tone it down and opt for simple jeans and layers, or shorts and skirts in the summer.

 

A word of local insight from Olivia – Be prepared ‘You’ll be pegged for a tourist if you wear those horrible beige cargo pants with sneakers.

 

New Zealand Weather

 

New Zealand has a mostly pleasant climate as most the country lies close to the coast, great weather for experiencing all the country has to offer,as NZ is in the Southern Hemisphere, the temperature decreases as you travel south. This makes it great when you’re backpacking New Zealand.

Always check the weather forecast before your trip. Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a travel capsule wardrobe.

In the summer the average temperature ranges between 20 – 30ºC / 68F-86F and in winter between 10 – 15ºC / 50F-60F, however the inland alpine areas of the South Island can have temperatures as low as -10ºC / 14F.

 

Use packing cubes to help you organize and even compress your belongings to maximize your space.

 

 

backpacking-new-zealand-packing-list

 

Tee | Top | Shirt | Blouse | Dress 1 | Dress 2 | Jeans 1 | Jeans 2 | Raincoat | Jacket | Sweater | Skirt | Boots 1 | Boots 2 | Hat | Bag

 

What to Wear When Backpacking New Zealand in Spring

 

Olivia says: Mild and sunny – cool in the morning with warmer day. Night time is generally cool. In Wellington spring is when it gets very wet.

 

Start by reading these general tips on packing for spring travel:

 

Backpacking New Zealand Packing List for Spring

 

Spring in New Zealand last between the months of September and November, the weather can range from cold and wet to warm and sunny, keep an eye on the weather forecast and try and pack for every outcome.

When backpacing New Zealand, spring is the perfect time to check out one of New Zealand’s historic blossom festivals, if sports are more your bag it’s a great season to hit the slopes and the waterways.

 

Find out the benefits of polarized sunglasses plus my top picks!

 

The best advice for backpacking New Zealand in the spring season would be to layer. Clothes can be added and removed depending on what the weather brings, jeans are a good choice, pair with a nice blouse or t-shirt add a denim jacket and cotton scarf to finish the look.

If you’re planning on hitting the town pack a cute skater dress, wear with opaque tights and a cardigan or pashmina in case the weather drops cool.

 

Read these tips on how to avoid boring all-black outfits when you travel!

 

Shoe wise, stick with a pair of printed ballet flats or brogues due to the impulsiveness of the weather; pack a pair of closed toe leather sandals just in case the temperature picks up.

Accessories your wardrobe with a pair of cat eye sunglasses to protect your eyes for NZ strong sun glares. Don’t forget a colorful raincoat, spring can get wet!

 

Here’s the most cute and comfortable ballet flats for travel!

 

 

backpacking-new-zealand-packing-list

 

Tee | Top | Shirt | Blouse | Dress 1 | Dress 2 | Jeans 1 | Jeans 2 | Raincoat | Jacket | Sweater | Skirt | Boots 1 | Boots 2 | Hat | Bag

 

What to Wear When Backpacking New Zealand in Summer

 

Olivia says: It can get very hot in summer – up to 40+ degrees in the South Island, 30 degrees in Wellington. But it has also been known to get very cold. When a Southerly rolls in expect the temperature to plummet 10+degrees.

 

Start by reading these general tips on packing for summer travel:

 

Backpacking New Zealand Packing List for Summer

 

The summer season last between the months of December to February bringing high temperatures (20 – 30 degrees) and lots of sunshine, NZ in the summer can get hot!

The days are long and sunny, so when backpacking New Zealand, take advantage of the beautiful weather by packing fittingly, include a cool pair of distressed denim shorts and a light maxi skirt for on the bottom and loose t-shirts, tank tops and sleeveless blouses for on top.

 

Here are some gorgeous outfits on what to wear for a beach resort vacation!

 

Add a pretty printed tea dress to complete you’re travel wardrobe. Jandals (flip flops) and sandals are the perfect shoe choice, choose a natural colour palette so you can easily mix and match with your outfit choices.

Don’t forget to pack a printed bikini or swimsuit, summer is an excellent time for backpacking New Zealand, whether its visiting one of the beautiful beaches – ideal for swimming, sunbathing, boating and water sports in areas like the Bay of Islands or walking in the bush the country has plenty of outdoor activities on offer.

 

Here are the best swimwear trends of the season!

 

Accessories your summer wardrobe with a floppy sunhat, a pair of sunnies and some high SPF – the midday heat UV radiation is extreme.

It is known to drop cool in the summer when a ‘southerly rolls in’ – a front of air coming from the south, pack a thin jumper, palazzo pants and light jacket for if this occurs or for if the weather drops chillier at night.

 

Find out why we love these lightweight jackets for summer travel!

 

 

 

 

backpacking-new-zealand-packing-list

 

Tee | Longsleeve | ShirtBlouse | Dress 1 | Dress 2Jeans 1 | Jeans 2 | Raincoat | Jacket | Sweater | SkirtBoots 1 | Boots 2 | Scarf | Bag

 

What to Wear When Backpacking New Zealand in Autumn

 

Olivia says:Much cooler – it’s crisp and cool in the mornings with it getting warmer later in the day. As soon as the sun goes down it gets chilly.

 

Start by reading these general tips on packing for autumn travel:

 

Backpacking New Zealand Packing List for Autumn

 

The autumn season last between the months of March to May, the weather is still quite pleasant, even though the temperature does start to cool, many regions in NZ are known for their ‘autumn splendour’ including Central Otago and Hawke’s Bay.

When backpacking New Zealand, suitable fall clothing include light trousers, such as capris or palazzo pants, or longer shorts, pair these with neutral coloured t-shirts and light jersey long sleeved tops, if you want to include a dress go for a wool fabric and pair with tights, the temperature can cool at night so pack a cute jumper and a warmer jacket such as a leather or military cape.

 

Find out how to turn any one of your dresses into versatile dresses!

 

Coming up to the winter season the temperature will be slowly dropping, pack a scarf and felt fedora to protect yourself from the elements. Think of spring and layer, that way you can add and take off clothing depending on the weather.

In the autumn, New Zealand’s summer crowds have started to scatter, the season becomes a great time to hike the great walks and bike some of the many cycling tracks. When backpacking New Zealand in fall, pack a pair of leather boots or hiking shoes to enjoy these experiences to their fullest. It also a great season to taste some great produce at the countries various food markets and vineyards.

 

Ankle boots are so versatile, you can’t go wrong with them! Here are the best ankle boots for fall!

 

 

backpacking-new-zealand-packing-list

 

Tee | Turtleneck | Shirt SweaterDress 1 | Dress 2 | Pants | Jeans | Parka | Coat | Top | LeggingsBoots 1 | Boots 2 | Beanie | Bag

 

What to Wear When Backpacking New Zealand in Winter

 

Olivia says: Very cold – it is a crisp cold in the South Island while very wet in Wellington (think ice cold rain coming at you horizontally – am I selling Wellington to you? No?)

Basically, try and wear as many clothes as possible when backpacking New Zealand in winter. No one judges fashion when you’re cold. Remember that New Zealand’s winter is North America and Europe’s summer. Be prepared!

 

Start by reading these general tips on packing for winter travel:

 

Backpacking New Zealand Packing List for Winter

 

The winter months of June, July and August bring cool and colder weather to a lot of the country (between 5 and 15 degrees), the North Island can get really wet too, so it’s a definite that you pack with warmth in mind.

For backpacking New Zealand, pack items that will keep you snug and warm, opt for waterproof winter coats and thick merino jumpers, stick to long sleeved jersey and include a printed shirt to add a bit off colour to your travel wardrobe.

 

Find out what are the best and warmest long underwear for women for traveling light on your travels!

 

Stick to fabrics such as wool, fleece and polyester, they’ll keep you snug, retain warm air and release moisture keeping you insanely warm and dry. Accessories with a classic wool beanie, scarf, gloves and fleece lined boots and don’t forget to layer to keep warm.

The winter season sees a lot of snow so if the perfect time to visit glaciers, mountains and other areas of picturesque beauty, in the West Coast there are several spots to enjoy a relaxing soak in a hot pool, escape the chilly weather and check Glacier Hot Pools in Franz Josef.

 

Find out the most stylish and best down jacket options for your cold weather travels!

 

Backpacking New Zealand Travel Essentials

 

New Zealand’s weather can be quite temperamental; it is often described as having ‘four seasons in one day’, it can change unexpectedly so be prepared for the sudden change in temperature.

For the summer pack a light jacket or pashmina shawl in case the weather does turn cool, rain is expected so include a waterproof jacket – leave the umbrella home if visiting Wellington, it’s guaranteed to break.

NZ has some of the harshest UV rays in the world so don’t forget a cute pair of sunnies, a sunhat and plenty of sunscreen! If visiting in the winter months, pack clothing that will keep you nice and warm – don’t forget to layer!

Make sure you pack a swimming suit, hiking boots and trekking gear, the country is notorious for its outdoor activities and you’ll not want to miss out. New Zealand is the country of extremes so try to bring clothing to cover all seasons and weather conditions.

 

New Zealand Shopping

 

If you’ve forgotten an item or just fancy updating your holiday wardrobe New Zealand has got it covered, check out the cool selection of fashion stores, designer boutiques, galleries and specialized shops including –

  • Glassons – NZ’s most visited women’s fashion store known for its fast fashion, vibrant stores and ‘winning’ value, check it out at Glassons.
  • Hallensteins – Is NZ’s icon menswear store, owned by the same company at Glassons, it is recognised for its ‘fashion and value equation’, Hallensteins stores are located around most metropolitan areas throughout the country, check it out at Hallensteins.
  • Cotton On – Is great for both guys and girls, Cotton On is a ‘cheap and cheerful’ Australian retail chain offering on trend fashion at affordable prices, check it out at Cotton On.

 

Many fresh and promising designers are making a name for themselves in New Zealand, if you fancy bagging a unique investment take a look at – Cybele www.cybele.co.nz –

Based in Auckland, Cybele is considered one of NZ’s foremost fashion brands, the garments are timeless and feminine yet have a bold directional edge, the collections are recognisable by their distinctive custom prints and patterns and used of innovative cuts. The brand is available throughout boutiques in New Zealand.

If you’re after a unique find or vintage is more your thing pay a visit to Vintage Heaven specialising in a wide range of retro and vintage inspired clothing and accessories located at 253 Wakefield Street, Wellington 6011.

 

Backpacking New Zealand Travel Tips

 

Olivia says: There can definitely be four seasons in one day, and it can snow, be sunny, windy and rainy all in the span of a couple of hours. But there are definitely days where it can be super calm and sunny and warm!

The number one tip when visiting New Zealand is to always check the weather – it can change pretty quickly so it’s best to be prepared.

New Zealand is a place where the outdoors are celebrated, being so compact its quite easy to get around and you’re sure to meet an insane amount of lovely people from all walks of life, why not check out on of the countries themed highways – the routes are easy to follow (follow the brown signposts) and take you through some of the most famous landscapes and view. The routes have been road tested and given the stamp approval by other travellers, some of the routes include:

  • Thermal Explorer Highway – Experience earth forces on a road that leads to volcanoes, ancient caves and bubbling mud pools.
  • Surf Highway 45 – Taking you from surf to summit -check out the cool surf between New Plymouth and Hawera, the track will also take you buy Egmont National Park and the magnificent Mount Taranaki.

 

Backpacking New Zealand Transportation and Accommodation

 

  • Transportation – If you’ve got limited time, book a hop on, hop off tour bus. You can get a pass upon arrival at one of the hostels. I used and recommend the Magic bus but you can also use Stray (25+) and Kiwi Experience (18+).
  • Accommodation: It’s always a good idea to book the first few days of accommodation before arriving to your first destination using a booking source like Hostelworld. Once you get there, it’s easy to book hostels as you go along. Many of the hostels found here are flashpacker style and are very modern with wifi access, kitchens, laundry facilities, and some even offer free meals!
  • Itinerary: It’s recommended to fly in and fly out of different destinations if you want to travel both islands. For example, fly in Auckland and out of Christchurch. This will maximize your time and money! If you want to add tours to your trip, you can use companies such as My Adventure Store tours.

 

 


What do you recommend when backpacking New Zealand? Please comment below!


 

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