Packing list for New Zealand, travel insurance for New Zealand, and taking your belongings

What to bring to New Zealand: highlighted

Highlighted items:

• Documents: passport that is valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure date, a visa or NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority)
• Money: a few NZ dollars can be handy, but you can also easily get them at the airport if you don't forget your debit card.
• Care: if you have a favorite sunscreen with a high protection factor, take it with you because the thin layer of ozone will not protect you. The same goes for lip balm (especially in winter). But, know that you can find the best sunscreen in New Zealand itself.
• Outdoor and handy: sunglasses and rain gear.
• Clothing: clothing for all types of weather, you know - four seasons in one day. If you want to be well prepared for everything, then packing a layering system is the best.
• Shoes: you will definitely be happy with hiking boots. For short trips, jandals (slippers in Kiwi) are handy. Medicines and travel kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers, tweezers and ORS (especially for the hiking days).
• Mosquitoes and sandflies: DEET is not an unnecessary luxury, although you can easily get it there.
• Technology and equipment: world plug type I.

What else can you take with you?

• A reusable water bottle with filter, because tap water is technically drinkable, but often tastes strange.
• Are you going hiking? Then don't forget your camping gear and walking sticks and clean everything well so that you can easily get through customs. It can also be useful to take things like plastic bags to take your used toilet paper back with you.
• A good sun hat or cap.
• A UV-protected swimming top if you plan to swim a lot in the summer.

What knowledge is useful when you go to New Zealand?

• A knowledge of map and compass reading is quite useful if you are going into the wilderness for a few days.
• Knowledge of the history of the country and the Maori culture.
• With a little knowledge of the beloved local birds you will quickly make friends!

Are there mosquitoes in New Zealand?

• There are annoying mosquitoes, but they are not a problem for your health.

Are there sand flies in New Zealand?

• Sand flies, also called “blackflies”, are a bigger problem. They do not transmit diseases, but they can drive you crazy with the itch.
• They are mainly found in bushy areas with running water, beaches and lakes and marshes.
• They are most active during sunrise, sunset and just before rain.
• Covering your body with (light-coloured) clothing and products such as DEET and Picaridin work best against sand flies.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in New Zealand?

• Mosquito repellents are easy to obtain in New Zealand. Popular products are Aerogard and Bushman.
• Chemist Warehouse and Woolworths are good places to get it.

Where can you get food and drinks in New Zealand?

• There are large supermarkets, many restaurants and you can also order food in the cities.
• Street food is almost non-existent, unless you find a nice market or festival.
• Just like in Australia, barbecuing is also very popular in New Zealand.

Can you buy a joint or weed in New Zealand, or take it with you to New Zealand?

• Cannabis is not legal in New Zealand and you can get a fine or even jail time if you are in possession of it.