Packing for Your New Zealand Vacation

International travel can be very exciting, especially when traveling to an amazing destination like New Zealand. However, packing the wrong items can hinder your enjoyment of your vacation. Because of this you need to plan what you bring with you, what you leave behind and what you buy on your journey.

Research Airline Restrictions

When you are planning a vacation to New Zealand you need to check with all of the airlines that you will be flying with to see what restrictions they have about what you can carry on and what can be checked. Since many people go to New Zealand for adventure and ecotourism adventures, New Zealand vacationers often times need to pack items like scuba gear, diving knives and other bulky items. If this describes you, then you need to understand how to pack these items appropriately for air travel, what labeling is required and what precautions you need to take to prevent damage to your materials.

Customs Is Watching You

Another consideration that you will need to make when planning what to pack for your New Zealand vacation are the restrictions held by New Zealand customs. You will need to check with the New Zealand government to determine how much cash you are allowed to bring into the country, what items you are allowed to bring into the countries, what restrictions New Zealand customs places on prescription and OTC medications and if there are restrictions on miscellaneous items, like electronics.

Pack Only What You Can't Get in New Zealand

With all of the security issues now associated with air travel, especially international air travel, you need to pack as lightly as possible. This means that you will only pack the items that you cannot get in New Zealand, and this includes prescription medications. As you plan your vacation make arrangements for your doctor to forward your prescriptions to pharmacies in the New Zealand cities you plan on visiting. Also leave behind shampoo, razors and other toiletries, as you can buy these inexpensive items in New Zealand.

Clothing and Special Items

While there are many items that you can live without on your New Zealand vacation or that you can simply buy once in New Zealand, you do need to pack clothing for your trip. Try to select clothing options that are (1) appropriate for what you will be doing in New Zealand, (2) appropriate for the temperatures and weather conditions that you will be facing and (3) are versatile. Depending on the time of year that you visit New Zealand you will most likely need seasonally appropriate clothing, a jacket, hiking boots, tennis shoes and deck shoes. If you have too much to carry on the plane, think about shipping some of the items ahead of you to your hotel.