South Island, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]
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Ready to pack for South Island, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to South Island, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to South Island
- Important essentials for South Island
- Activities for South Island
- South Island in January: weather and what to pack
- South Island in February: weather and what to pack
- South Island in March: weather and what to pack
- South Island in April: weather and what to pack
- South Island in May: weather and what to pack
- South Island in June: weather and what to pack
- South Island in July: weather and what to pack
- South Island in August: weather and what to pack
- South Island in September: weather and what to pack
- South Island in October: weather and what to pack
- South Island in November: weather and what to pack
- South Island in December: weather and what to pack
When to go to South Island, New Zealand
Based on the climate and weather in South Island, New Zealand, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
What to wear/what to pack for South Island, New Zealand
Already know when you're traveling?
Here are some general tips on what to wear in South Island, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
What to wear/what to pack for South Island, New Zealand by month
January
If you visit South Island during January, you might find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Extra socks
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Pants or jeans
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
Health
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent one.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel neck pillow
Our fave is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to get the right type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.
February
If you visit South Island during February, you may see that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Pants or jeans
Light and heavy skirts
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Light jacket or fleece
Dresses
You can find some great options here
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great choice.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel neck support pillow
Our fave is this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
March
If you visit South Island during March, you are likely to find that it is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Light jacket or fleece
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Light and heavy skirts
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These are essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly option.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Travel neck pillow
Our favorite is this one
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to find the correct type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.
April
If you vacation in South Island during April, you are likely to notice that it is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Fleece
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
Extra socks
Light gloves or mittens
Jacket or coat
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.
Travel pillow
What we like is this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
May
In May, South Island is cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for South Island, with several of the days of the month having rain. There is frost about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Jacket or coat
Light gloves or mittens
Extra socks
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
Fleece
Warm pants or jeans
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.
Travel neck support pillow
What we like is this one
June
If you are traveling to South Island in June, you will notice that it can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Warm pants or jeans
Heavy jacket
Sweaters
Lip balm
Our choice: here
Heavy socks
Such as:
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
thisGloves
Travel footwear storage
You will need multiple footwear options, so consider
travel footwear storage.A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
Health
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb one.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel neck support pillow
Our fave is this one
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you find the necessary type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.
July
In July, South Island is cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for South Island, with several of the days of the month having rain. There is frost most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Lip balm
Our pick is: this
Sweaters
Heavy socks
Such as:
Gloves
Travel footwear storage
You will need multiple footwear options, so consider
travel footwear storage.Heavy jacket
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
thisWarm pants or jeans
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great option.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Travel neck pillow
A great choice is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.
August
August can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost about half of the time. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Jacket or coat
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
Extra socks
Fleece
Warm pants or jeans
Light gloves or mittens
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great choice.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Travel neck pillow
What we like is this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
September
If you are traveling to South Island in September, you will notice that it is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Light gloves or mittens
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
Fleece
Extra socks
Warm pants or jeans
Jacket or coat
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good kit.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel neck support pillow
What we like is this one
October
October in South Island is cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Extra socks
Fleece
Jacket or coat
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
Light gloves or mittens
Warm pants or jeans
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly product.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel pillow
What we like is this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to find the right type. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.
November
November in this region is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Pants or jeans
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel neck pillow
Our favorite is this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you pick the correct type. Many adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
December
If you visit South Island during December, you will probably notice that it is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Pants or jeans
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Light jacket or fleece
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Light and heavy skirts
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good choice.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly option.
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in South Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Travel neck pillow
A top rated pillow is this one
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to get the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
What to do in South Island, New Zealand
New Zealand’s South Island is a picturesque destination, a place where visitors can explore rugged mountains, glaciers, lakes, and see unique wildlife. The South Island offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration, with plenty of attractions to suit every taste. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in South Island, New Zealand.
1. Milford Sound
Located in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in New Zealand. Visitors can take a boat tour or explore the hiking trails to enjoy the stunning views of the towering mountains and waterfalls.
2. Franz Josef Glacier
Located in Westland National Park, Franz Josef Glacier is a popular destination for visitors who want to experience the unique beauty of New Zealand’s glaciers. Visitors can take a guided heli-hiking trip that includes a helicopter ride over the glacier and a trek through its ice formations.
3. Mount Cook
Located in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain, standing at 3,724 meters tall. The mountain offers a stunning backdrop for hiking, skiing, and exploring the nearby glaciers.
4. Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park is a popular destination for visitors who want to enjoy the beautiful beaches and trails that the park has to offer. Visitors can enjoy the scenic kayaking tours, hiking, and camping activities while exploring the park’s natural beauty.
5. Queenstown
Queenstown is a popular destination for visitors who want to enjoy the best of New Zealand’s outdoor adventure activities. The town is known for its skiing, bungee jumping, jet boating, river rafting, and other adrenaline-fueled activities.
6. Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a popular destination for visitors who want to see New Zealand’s unique wildlife, including whales, dolphins, and seals. Visitors can take guided tours to see the marine animals, and enjoy other outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
7. The Catlins
The Catlins is a beautiful coastal region located on the southern tip of the South Island. The region has a unique landscape, including stunning waterfalls, beaches, and a rich range of marine wildlife. Visitors can explore the area’s natural beauty while taking part in activities, including hiking, wildlife watching, and coastal tours.
Whether you are a nature lover, adventure seeker, or simply looking for a scenic escape, New Zealand’s South Island is the perfect destination to visit. With a wide range of activities, attractions, and stunning natural beauty, visitors to the South Island will have an unforgettable experience.
About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
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