Recently updated on August 19th, 2025 at 03:53 am
What to pack for a trip to New Zealand depends on the season. Still lost? Don’t worry, we’ve put together a comprehensive New Zealand packing list!
With the climate in New Zealand known for changing rapidly, travel packing tips like layering and versatile clothing will make your journey smoother. In summer the warm golden rays stretch out late into the evening, in spring you can expect crisp cool days and in winter you’ll want to be cosy with plenty of layers. New Zealand is a country of stunning landscapes and diverse climates, making it essential to pack smartly for your adventures.
Keep in mind, summer days still might experience an unexpected cold front, or a tropical cyclone could blow in. It’s all part of experiencing the small and volcanic island nation in the Pacific Ocean. From lightweight cotton tops to windproof jackets, our guide will help you decide what to wear in New Zealand and what essentials to bring.
General New Zealand packing list (all year round)
Fly into New Zealand with confidence, making sure these essentials are always part of your New Zealand packing list:
- Comfortable clothes and casual clothes for daily activities
- Long-sleeved shirts and base layers for unpredictable weather
- Hiking pants or track pants for outdoor adventures
- Hiking shoes and sneakers / running shoes
- Socks, underwear, and bras
- Flip-flops or sandals for beach or kayaking days
- Windproof jackets and waterproof layers for wet weather
- Dry bag for electronics or important documents
- Sun protection, including UV sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Insect repellent for rural and forested areas
GET INSPIRED BY: New Zealand Panorama
Travel Essentials
Remember to pack these essentials along with your clothing:
- Passport, ID, and important documents
- Phone, camera, chargers, and power adapters
- Toiletries and personal hygiene items
- Lightweight backpack or daypack
- Snacks and refillable water bottle
Following travel packing tips like organising by layers will make moving between North and South Island easier. Worried about weight? Remember you can always pack light and travel light by choosing versatile items.
RELATED CONTENT: Australia and New Zealand packing list
New Zealand summer: December – February
If you’re planning a summer vacation in New Zealand, arrive prepared to make the most of the sun, sea and sand. As you weave your way around the North or South islands you’ll bounce between stunning white or black volcanic sand beaches and spectacular lakes all worthy of a dip to cool off in the warmer months.
During a New Zealand summer the temperatures range from 21-32 degrees celsius (70-90°F) so pack summer clothes like cotton shorts, tank tops, dresses, t-shirts and singlets for warm days, but also pack a long-sleeved shirt or base layer for cooler evenings. While summer days in New Zealand are hot, they are not humid, so the evenings are mild. In Auckland and on the North Island, bring a warm layer like a light jacket, polar fleece or thin merino sweater and a pair of jeans for cool nights. If you head to the South Island, you will need to take all of the above!
For hiking or exploring lakes and beaches, bring sneakers or running shoes and a dry bag for wet weather. It’s also worth packing a windproof jacket in case of sudden rain. Summer in New Zealand is generally warm and dry, but UV levels are high and harsher than Europe or US due to the ozone hole, so sun protection is essential. On those sunny and adventurous summer days, your New Zealand packing list should include a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Flip-flops or sandals are another great addition to your luggage.
GET INSPIRED BY: Southern Spectacular: New Zealand tour
New Zealand autumn: March – May
Similar to summer, autumn is a great time to travel to New Zealand. Between March and May the leaves turn golden hues making experiencing the country’s great natural landscapes all the more beautiful. This time of year it is popular to go hiking, cycling or kayaking in the great outdoors.
If your New Zealand vacation falls in autumn, temperatures generally range from 7-21 degrees celsius (45-70°F). When planning what to wear in New Zealand during autumn, focus on packing plenty of warm layers, such as merino tops or thermal shirts, plus casual clothes for city days. For outdoor adventures, hiking trousers, sturdy shoes, and a lightweight jacket will keep you comfortable on crisp mornings. If you are exploring the cities, bring sneakers or running shoes and an umbrella too – except for in “windy Wellington” where you will definitely want a rain jacket and not an umbrella!
To keep your essentials safe in the rain, pack a dry bag. If you travel to the South Island, you may wish to pack some extra warm essentials like a beanie, scarf and gloves.
RELATED CONTENT: 5 local New Zealand travel experiences you can do that give back to the community
New Zealand winter: June – August
What to pack for your trip to New Zealand matters if you visit in winter. The islands are famous for their tall mountain peaks, fjords and glaciers, so expect to see fresh snow on the peaks around the country along with gorgeous clear, crisp days down south.
Temperatures usually range from 1-15 degrees celsius (35-60°F) in winter. Expect to encounter more rain on the North Island (waterproof jacket is an essential item year-round), and while exploring the inland alpine areas of the South Island you might experience temperatures as cold as -10°C (14°F).
Winter travel packing tips recommend thermal underlayers, cosy sweaters, and insulated jackets. Add hiking gear like durable pants and waterproof boots, along with cold-weather staples such as gloves, scarves, and a beanie. If skiing, include your ski gear, but also bring casual clothes for exploring towns.
GET INSPIRED BY: 6 top wildlife encounters in Australia and New Zealand
In winter, the ski slopes at Queenstown are at their prime, so bring a full kit of ski gear if you are keen to hit the fresh powder. If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, then rug up with turtleneck sweaters, warm merino wool layers and big bulky coat and head to a wine region or winter festival.
In winter you will need a thick, warm jacket to wear when outdoors along with a warm hat, thick scarf and gloves. Funnily enough, you should still pack your bathers or swimsuit for a New Zealand winter as the volcanic country is full of thermal pools and hot springs that feel especially lush in the cooler months.
RELATED CONTENT: Contrasts of New Zealand
New Zealand spring: September – November
In spring expect to see magnificent native flowers in bloom during your New Zealand vacation. As the snow melts the waterfalls start to burst, adding spring rains for a vibrant season exploring the ‘land of the long white cloud’, as the indigenous Maori people call it.
During the bright spring months temperatures range from 4-18 degrees celsius (40-65°F). If you are keen to ski, the slopes are generally open until mid September. Around October the warmer weather kicks in and many Kiwis will go for their first ocean swim after winter – bring your bathers just in case.
Spring weather can be tricky, so following travel packing tips like layering depending the climate is best. Be sure to pack a waterproof jacket and a dry bag, as spring often brings a mix of sunshine and rainy days. Layer up with long-sleeved shirts and base layers, and depending on your adventures, comfortable clothes are a given. Heading out for a hike? Include hiking pants and hiking shoes. To stay comfortable outdoors, pack insect repellent, and always remember sun protection and UV care.
GET INSPIRED BY: Reasons to go to New Zealand
FAQs
What do people wear in New Zealand?
People usually wear comfortable, casual clothes in layers to suit New Zealand’s changing climate, from thermal snow gear to a tank top and flip-flops. Deciding what to wear in New Zealand really depends on the season and your plans. If you’re hitting the outdoors, pack practical adventure gear. If you’re exploring cities, casual clothes with a light jacket usually work well.
What should I wear when hiking in New Zealand?
Hiking in New Zealand requires practical and comfortable clothes that you can layer depending on the weather. Bring gear you can layer, such as breathable tops, thermals, and a weatherproof jacket, plus sturdy hiking trousers and boots.
Is New Zealand hot?
New Zealand’s temperatures vary significantly by season and region. Summers can be pleasantly warm, with temperatures averaging 21–32°C (70–90°F), but it’s rarely humid.
How cold does it get in New Zealand in winter?
Winter temperatures range from 1–15°C (35–60°F) in most areas, though alpine regions can drop to -10°C (14°F). If you plan to ski or explore snowy regions, your New Zealand packing list should include thermal layers, hiking pants, beanies, gloves, and a warm jacket. The winter sun can be quite dazzling, so pack your sunnies too!
Does it rain a lot in New Zealand?
Yes. New Zealand can experience wet weather year-round, especially on the North Island and in cities like Wellington. A windproof jacket or waterproof layer is a must.
We hope this guide helps you build the perfect New Zealand packing list. Will you visit New Zealand in winter, summer or in between? Let us know in the comments…