Kahurangi National Park, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Kahurangi National Park, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to Kahurangi National Park, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Kahurangi National Park, New Zealand

Based on the climate and weather in Kahurangi National Park, New Zealand, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Kahurangi National Park, New Zealand

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kahurangi National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Kahurangi National Park, New Zealand by month

January

January in this region is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kahurangi National Park. 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 things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you find the correct type. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

February

February in Kahurangi National Park is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kahurangi National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to find the right kind. Many adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

If you vacation in Kahurangi National Park during March, you are likely to find that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines 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 Kahurangi National Park. 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you get the correct kind. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

If you vacation in Kahurangi National Park during April, you are likely to 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 high 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kahurangi National Park. 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to find the necessary kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • 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

    An excellent option is this one

May

May in Kahurangi National Park is crisp and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kahurangi National Park. 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

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 surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to get the correct kind. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

June

If you visit Kahurangi National Park during June, you may find that it can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kahurangi National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money 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

July

July in Kahurangi National Park is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kahurangi National Park. 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 things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

August

If you go to Kahurangi National Park in August, you will notice that it is chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kahurangi National Park. 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 things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you choose the correct type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

September is cool and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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 stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kahurangi National Park. 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 luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to choose the right type. Most adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

October for Kahurangi National Park is crisp and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate 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 Kahurangi National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to get the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • 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

November

In November, Kahurangi National Park is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Kahurangi National Park, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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 Kahurangi National Park. 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 airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you get the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

December

December here is mild and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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 Kahurangi National Park. 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 these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • 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 pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

What to do in Kahurangi National Park, New Zealand

Kahurangi National Park is one of the most extraordinary wilderness areas in New Zealand. Expansive forests, unique flora and fauna, and soaring mountain ranges make Kahurangi National Park a favored destination among nature enthusiasts, hikers, and wildlife lovers. Situated in the country’s northwest region, this massive park stretches over 4,030 square kilometers and is home to some of the world’s most stunning landscapes. With lush greenery, amazing wildlife, and breathtaking views, there are a huge number of attractions to enjoy in Kahurangi National Park, New Zealand.

Here are the top tourist attractions in Kahurangi National Park that you cannot miss:

1. Heaphy Track:

The Heaphy Track, which is one of the most famous hikes in the country, is a 78.4km long hiking trail. This multi-day hike takes you through a variety of landscapes, including lush forests, magnificent mountains, and amazing coastal tidal flats. It’s perfect for those who appreciate nature and want to explore the beauty of the national park on foot.

2. Honeycomb Hill Caves:

Discover the underground world of Honeycomb Hill Caves. The caves are found in the Takaka Hill region of the park and are home to a variety of fascinating limestone formations. The underground chambers are quite stunning and provide a glimpse of the geological history of the park.

3. Mount Owen:

A signature attraction in Kahurangi National Park is Mount Owen, which stands at an elevation of 1,875 meters. Adventurous hikers can climb the peak to experience breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Mount Owen is a challenging climb, with steep inclines and unstable terrain. It’s important to be prepared with adequate gear and experience before taking on this challenge.

4. Cobb Reservoir:

Cobb Reservoir is an idyllic lake nestled in the heart of the national park. It provides an opportunity for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Surrounded by towering mountains and lush greenery, the reservoir is a great place to relax and take in the tranquility of the park.

5. Kahurangi Adventure Tours:

Kahurangi Adventure Tours offer a unique way to experience the park. Visitors can enjoy the many outdoor activities provided by the tour company, such as caving, kayaking, and rock climbing. Their expert guides are knowledgeable and friendly, and give you the best possible experience of the park.

Kahurangi National Park is an extremely diverse landscape, with something interesting around every turn. Its incredible beauty and impressive terrain have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone who prefers a more leisurely pace, there is something in the park that will appeal to you. Make sure Kahurangi National Park is on your itinerary if you want to experience the great outdoors in New Zealand.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Valle de Bravo, Mexico, Mexico, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, Canada, Down East, Maine, United States of America, Lakselv, Norway, Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará, Brazil, Thiruvayaru, India, Port Wakefield, South Australia, Australia, Casma, Peru, Camaragibe, Pernambuco, Brazil, Ringerike, Norway, and Tusayan, Arizona, United States of America.