Backpacking New Zealand

What to pack is a question that comes up a lot - below is a basic run down of the essentials.

Feel free to comment on this page and add your wisdom! I will update as soon as I can.

Checklist

Warm / waterpoof clothing is always a good idea, even during the summer as the weather in New Zealand is fairly changeable. Remember that NZ has plenty of shops and that clothes are pretty cheap, so only take what you need. Stuff like work clothes are best bought from shops like the Warehouse - when needed, and you will end up pickling up t-shirts as souveniers - eg after bungy jumps.

Most bars and restaurants are pretty casual, so theres no need to pack really smart stuff - smart casual is the rule.

Waterproof Jacket
Zip off walking trousers (fast drying, light, multiuse)
1 Pair of Jeans
Shorts (plus Swimwear if needed)
Fleece top
Sandals
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Wash Kit
Sunglasses
Sunblock
T-shirts (at least one wicking one)
Socks / Underwear (Dont take too much - hostels always have washing machines)
Travel Towel
Notebook and pen
Insect Repellent
Mobile Phone
Headtorch / Torch
Travel Adaptor for chargers
Spare Glasses or Contact Lenses
Casual Shirts
Digital Camera, cards, spare battery and charger
iPod (or eqivalent)

This list is based aroud being pretty light - I personally add a Small Tent, Bivi Bag, Sleeping bag, Cooking Kit and a Sleep Mat, but I plan to do a lot of walking and tramping, and already own good kit. It can be rented if you are not going to be a regular tramper.
Baggage Allowance

Standard Baggage allowance for all flights not Stopping in the US is 20kg.

Hand Luggage

Normally a 7kg limit is placed on hand luggage, but many airlines also permit a laptop (with bag) to be carried (limit 5kg) in addidtion (increased security in the UK may be a problem right now) - there are other exceptions so its best to check on the options on the airlines website.