Essential NZ Camping Packing List with Regional Variants
Checklist every campervan, tent crew, and tramper should run through before exploring Aotearoa. Tailored to alpine chill, coastal humidity, and West Coast downpours.
Shortcut: Save this list in KiwiCamping, tick items off in Notes, and adjust for the seasons using our weather guide.
Core items for all trips
- Navigation: KiwiCamping offline maps, paper atlas backup, compass.
- Shelter: weatherproof tent or camper setup, ground mat, mallet, repair kit.
- Sleep system: 3-season (or warmer) sleeping bag rated to around -5°C, liner, inflatable or foam mat.
- Cooking: gas stove (solid-fuel fires often banned), fuel canisters, lighter, biodegradable soap.
- Power: USB chargers, power bank, campsite RCD lead.
- Hygiene: microfibre towels, eco toiletries, compact first-aid kit.
- Sun & bugs: sunscreen (high UV), sun hat, DEET or picaridin repellent; optional head net for sandfly hotspots.
Additions for alpine, coastal, West Coast rain
Alpine: crampons or microspikes, avalanche gear, four-season tent, down parka. Keep our DOC hut guide handy if you are heading into high country huts.
Coastal: sand pegs, sun shelters, rash shirts, extra guy ropes, and breathable layers.
West Coast rain: heavy-duty raincoats, gaiters, quick-dry base layers, spare tarps. Store electronics in dry bags and rotate footgear daily.
Food, water, and storage
Plan three days’ worth of meals plus an emergency reserve. Use stackable crates, vacuum-sealed portions, and collapsible water containers. KiwiCamping lists potable water taps and supermarkets near each site. Add them to your trip plan for resupply days.
Carry insulated bottles in winter and hydration bladders in summer. If freedom camping, keep wastewater containers sealed until you reach a dump station.
NZ-specific extras
- Offline access: download maps and bylaws in KiwiCamping. Coverage can be patchy.
- Small cash/coins: honesty boxes at some DOC camps; some showers use coin meters.
- Sandfly defence: long sleeves/pants, repellent, optional head net in Fiordland/West Coast.
- Vehicle: snow chains in winter for alpine passes; spare fuses; tyre repair kit.
Biosecurity and environment
Clean tents, boots, and gear to remove soil/seeds before travelling to help prevent kauri dieback and other pests. Use dump stations for all wastewater. Drones require permits in National Parks. Check local rules before flying.
Navigation, comms, emergency
Download KiwiCamping for offline navigation, then pair it with PLBs, VHF radios, or Garmin inReach where coverage is thin. Carry printed DOC maps for multi-day tramps and share your itinerary using KiwiCamping’s trip sharing feature.
Emergency kit essentials: PLB, whistle, headlamp with spare batteries, emergency blanket, multi-tool, duct tape, and basic repair supplies. Review our self-contained guide to ensure your vehicle meets legal requirements if you rely on onboard systems.
Packing FAQ
- How do I pack light but stay warm?
- Layer synthetics and merino, add lightweight down, and choose multi-use items like a poncho that doubles as a tarp.
- What power adapters work at NZ holiday parks?
- Carry a 16A camping lead with RCD protection. Many parks supply adapters for hire. Note availability in KiwiCamping.
- Do I really need a PLB?
- Yes if you are leaving main highways or tramping. Coverage gaps are real. PLBs save lives.
Related reading: Best camping apps ↗ · Seasonality guide ↗ · Holiday park booking guide ↗