A trip to New Zealand has been on my bucket list ever since I began traveling internationally in 2012. I dreamed of visiting this Pacific Island nation and looked forward to exploring its gorgeous landscapes and learning more about the people and culture.
Finally, my dreams came true. My boyfriend Ehren and I were able to plan a trip to New Zealand during our summer: July. Things became a bit tricky upon learning July is New Zealand’s winter. Luckily, the north island’s winter is more temperate and rarely sees snow. The best comparison I could think of is Portland in January, maybe a bit warmer.
This is a packing list for the North Island of New Zealand during winter. Our trip was 9 nights, 10 days, and would feature a variety of activities:
- Museums, shopping
- Hiking, exploring
- Dining out
- Chilling, casual
The weather ranged from sunny to windy and rainy. Weather in New Zealand can change dramatically day by day. The average temperature was mid 50s. 50s and sunny felt different than 50 and rainy, so my best advice is to pack warm clothing and options for layering.
Here’s a list of what I packed (asterisk items are what I call “life-savers!”)
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TOPS:
(1) Light cargo jacket
(1) Rain jacket* (Recommendation: don’t go cheap here! Thicker is better, something with a hood, and something that will cover the top of your legs as well if possible)
(1) Zip up fleece* (Great for layering and extra warmth)
(4) Knit sweaters (One included for sleeping/lying around the house in the evenings)
(1) Turtleneck
(1) Cardigan
(1) Jean jacket* (Perfect for casual chic, boutique shopping, museums)
(2) Tank top blouses
(7) T-shirts* (great for layering!)
(3) T-shirts for sleeping
(1) sleep shorts
(1) Dress
BOTTOMS:
(1) pair of black cargo pants
(1) pair of jeans
(2) pairs of leggings* (One thick one for cold weather. These were lifesavers!)
(1) pair of black pants (Good for dressier days out)
(1) pair of black tights
SHOES/SOCKS:
(1) pair of flats (good for plane, but sadly, nothing else)
(1) pair of ankle boots* (Waterproof is key if you can!)
(1) pair of gym shoes (Something you can use hiking/walking)
(2) pairs of warm socks* (These are essential to keeping your feet warm. The more you pack, the better!)
Miscellaneous other socks
Undergarments
OTHER ACCESSORIES:
(1) Belt (for cinching the dress)
(2) hats (One a Britxon safari hat, one a knit beanie*)
(2) Scarves (One for keeping warm*, one for fashion)
(1) Pair of gloves*
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Makeup
- Jewelry
- Hair straightener
- (3) books to read
- Journal
- Earplugs* (Perfect for planes and for noisy mornings in the city)
- Headphones
- Pens
- Passport
- IDs/Credit Cards/Cash
- Copies of all bookings/travel documents, credit cards
- Phone charger
- International adapter
- Bluetooth speaker (fully charged, as it was not compliant with New Zealand outlets)
- Toiletries
- Digital camera
- Columbia backpack* (Great carry on and wonderful for hiking/outdoor adventuring)
- Satchel purse
ITEMS NOT NEEDED:
- Hair straightener (New Zealand is a casual country and high fashion didn’t seem important)
- (2) books – one was enough
- Dress – I wore it one night out to dinner with the tights, but could have done without it
- Digital camera – I just used my iPhone the whole time
- Belt
ITEMS I NEEDED BUT DIDN’T BRING:
- Sweatpants (Luckily, my boyfriend packed an extra pair and I was able to use them the entire trip for sleeping/relaxing around the house)
Overall, I felt very well prepared and knew that if I forgot anything that I would be able to purchase it abroad.
Have you ever been to the north island of New Zealand in winter? If so, do you have any must have items?
I hope you find this list useful. My number one piece of advice is layers, layers, layers, followed by: bring a pair of sweat pants or two!
Brave New World Traveler 