Embarking on a working holiday in New Zealand is an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and friendly locals.
Whether you plan to work on a farm, explore the great outdoors, or experience city life, having the right gear and essentials is essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
As I plan for my upcoming working holiday next year, here’s what I plan to pack for my trip!
TL;DR: What I’ll Be Bringing to New Zealand [Checklist]
| Bag Type | What’s inside my bag |
|---|---|
| 40L Hiking Backpack | Clothes Inner thermal wear Long sleeve shirts Fleece jacket or sweaters Down jacket Waterproof and windproof outerlayers to protect against wind. Scarf and hat Gloves Heat packs Very good thermal wear for skiing/snowboarding Lightweight, breathable T-shirts, Tops Shorts, FBTs Jeans, pants, leggings Hat and sunglasses Toiletries and Medication Medicine box Personal utensil kit Thermal flask Collapsible hangars Quick drying Towel Soap and shower gel Swiss army knife First aid kit with supplies Medicine box Sunscreen Insect repellent Moisturiser Pads and menstrual cup Swimwear |
| Day Pack | 1L Water Bottle Laptop Airpods Laptop Charger, phone charger Charging cables and power adapter Camera (Optional) Phone Portable charger Wallet Passport Flight itinerary details 1 Set Change of Clothes (In case of lost luggage) Jacket (for when it gets cold in the airplane) Sweets, snacks, Lip balm, and eyedrops Tissues / Wet Tissues Hair tyes |
| Small Hand Carry Luggage | Hiking Essentials Multi cooker Thermal flask Small first aid kit 2 sets utensils Toothbrush and toothpaste, soap Meadows non stick frying pan Portable charger |
Luggage Overview: What Will I Be Bringing
From my experience living abroad in Berlin for 6 months, I realised that a huge suitcase may be a hassle to carry around. Hence, I intend to bring a 35L Hiking Backpack, a small carry-on back, and if there isn’t enough space, a small handheld luggage.
1. 40L Hiking Backpack
This would be my main carry-on bag, where I pack in all my clothes, winter wear, toiletries, slippers, medicine first aid kit, and more!
While I traveled in Europe for 6 months a couple of years back, I brought with me 2 luggage: 1 big and 1 small luggage bag with wheels that was incredibly difficult to travel with. I remembered dragging the small luggage across the cobbled streets of Venice, being extremely self-conscious about the noise it made. Later, I swapped these out for a 40L hiking backpack that I got from Decathlon, and I’ve been using that since!
Where to Buy: Hiking Backpacks for Women
2. Day Pack
If you’re checking in your luggage, a day pack is useful to bring onboard a plane, especially on long flights.
In my Day Backpack, I will pack in the following essentials:
- 1L Water Bottle (Once, I did not bring water on a budget airline 10-hour flight and was dehydrated at the end of it. Never again!!)
- Laptop
- Airpods
- Laptop Charger
- Phone
- Portable charger
- Wallet
- Passport
- Flight itinerary details
- 1 Set Change of Clothes (In case of lost luggage)
- Jacket (for when it gets cold in the airplane)
- Sweets, snacks, Lip balm, and eyedrops
- Tissues / Wet Tissues
- Hair tyes
- Charging cables and power adapter
Here are some day-pack options with roomy compartments that I intend to get prior to my trip:
2.1 MAH Tour Backpack
Source: Shopee
I have the grey Tote Bag version of this bag which i used to death. I loved that there are roomy compartments in the bag, and that there is a separate section for my laptop. I appreciate bags that are not too bulky too, so I might consider getting this for the trip! However, if you’re looking for a more multi-functional bag that can double up for day trips, this may not be ideal as there isn’t proper compartments for your clothes, or a dedicated shoe/ slipper compartment.
Price: $47.40 – $55.31
Where to Buy: MAH Tour Backpack
2.2 Light Travel Day Pack 32L
Source: Shopee
With the considerations above, I found this day pack on Shopee that seems to fit the bill! I love the amount of space it has and the ability to compartmentalize things into different sections. While it may aesthetically look a bit more squarish and bulky than I would like, it may be a more practical buy if I’m looking for a day pack that can double up for short trips.
Price: $39.90
Where to Buy: Light Travel Daypack (32L)
3. Small Luggage (Optional)
Source: Shopee
As I will be going to New Zealand during the winter season, I anticipate myself to carry more clothes than usual. Furthermore, after some research, I’ve also found out that buying camping equipment and cooking supplies can be rather expensive in New Zealand.
As such, I may be bringing some things over from Singapore, such as a cheap frying pan (I’ve linked up a set with detachable handles for those looking for something that is easy to carry ), a hot plate, and/or an electric cooker. As such, I allocated a small luggage to carry these items, and any spillover items that I’m not able to fit inside my main bag.
Price: $108 – $149
Where to Buy: Black / White Luggage Bag with Wheels
2. Clothing Essentials
New Zealand’s climate is known for its four distinct seasons, and the weather can change unexpectedly throughout the day. It’s crucial to pack clothes that allow for layering and adaptability to different weather conditions. Here’s a breakdown of the clothing essentials you should consider for your New Zealand working holiday.
Layering for New Zealand’s Four Seasons
New Zealand experiences mild summers, cool autumns, cold winters, and unpredictable springs. It’s essential to pack clothes that can be layered to adapt to these changing seasons. Consider items such as:
| Season | Clothing Items |
|---|---|
| Summer | Lightweight, breathable T-shirts, Tops, and FBTs |
| Spring | Long sleeve T-Shirts, Jeans and a Jacket. Pants, leggings and shorts. |
Autumn, Winter | Inner thermal wear Long sleeve shirts Fleece jacket or sweaters Down jacket Waterproof and windproof outerlayers to protect against wind. Scarf and hat Gloves |
Clothes for Odd Jobs and Farm Work
Source: Unsplash
Many working holiday jobs in New Zealand involve physical labor, often in dusty or dirty conditions. While you can wear regular clothes, keep in mind that they may get damaged or stained during work. Consider packing:
- Old, comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or damaged.
- Sturdy work boots or a pair of shoes that you dont mind getting dirtied.
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
3. Hiking Gear for Outdoor Adventures
New Zealand is renowned for its stunning hiking trails and outdoor adventures. Whether you plan to tackle multi-day hikes or day trips, having the right gear is crucial for your safety and comfort. Consider packing:
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction (Mid or high-cut hiking boots recommended so that they can be used with snow cleats for hiking in cold weather conditions)
- Hiking socks made of moisture-wicking material.
- Waterproof and breathable hiking pants
- Layered clothing for varying weather conditions during hikes.
- A warm hat, gloves, and a scarf for colder temperatures.
- A durable hiking backpack with a rain cover
- Camping gear
- Tent
- Sleeping Bag
- Camping Stove
- Torchlight / Lamp
- Thermal flask / Water Bottle
- Hiking pole
- Portable gas canister
- Cooking equipment – e.g Frying pan
- Utensils
- Lunch Box
Footwear
Having appropriate footwear is essential for your working holiday in New Zealand. Consider packing a variety of shoes to cater to different activities and environments.
Here’s what I would pack:
- Hiking shoes
- Comfortable sneakers/walking shoes
- Sandals or slippers
4. Other Important Miscellaneous Items
Electronics
- Laptop / IPad
- Camera
- Power Bank
- Charging Cable
- Adapters
Personal Hygiene Products and Utilities
- Personal utensil kit
- Thermal flask
- Collapsible hangars
- Quick drying Towel
- Soap and shower gel
- Swiss army knife
- First aid kit with supplies
- Medicine box
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Moisturiser
- Pads and menstrual cups
- Swimwear
- Hat and sunglasses
Packing for your work holiday to New Zealand
Source: Unsplash
Remember, this is just a guide, and you can customize your packing list based on your preferences and specific needs. The key is to pack light and prioritise the essentials to ensure maximum comfort and convenience during your working holiday in New Zealand.
Preparing for a working holiday in New Zealand requires careful planning and packing. By following this comprehensive packing list, you can ensure that you have all the essential items to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable. Remember to pack smart, prioritise versatility and functionality, and leave room for souvenirs and memories.
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