Backpacking for New Zealand: The essentials for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island

Sac à dos pour la Nouvelle-Zélande : Les essentiels pour explorer les paysages époustouflants de l’île du Sud

New Zealand is a country rich in breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes. From Queenstown, the “adventure capital”, to the North Island with its incredible natural resources, this beautiful country offers travelers a plethora of activities. Whether you love hiking mountains, swimming in crystal clear lakes or exploring vibrant cities, New Zealand has something for you. But before leaving, it is important to prepare your bag well to be ready to explore every corner of this jewel of the Pacific.

The ideal bag for exploring New Zealand

The first thing has do is to choose a comfortable backpack suitable for a trip to New Zealand. It should be large enough to hold everything you’ll need during your trip, but compact enough to be easy to transport. The choice of bag will depend on the length of your stay, the type of accommodation (hotel, campsite, homestay, etc.) and the activities you plan to do.

For a trip of a few weeks to New Zealand, a 50 to 70 liter bag is generally sufficient. If you plan to go hiking, opt for a bag designed specifically for that, with adjustable shoulder straps and chest strap, and a compartment for a hydration bladder. If you are staying in a hotel, a wheeled bag may be more practical.

The contents of your bag

Once you’ve chosen your bag, it’s time to think about what you’re going to put in it. New Zealand is a country where the climate can be changeable, so it is important to have clothing for all situations.

Among the essentials, we find:

  • Hiking clothes: hiking pants, breathable t-shirts, merino wool underwear, walking socks.
  • Clothing for the cold: wool sweater, down jacket, gloves, hat.
  • Clothing for the rain: waterproof jacket, rain pants, waterproof backpack.

Don’t forget to take a first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, altitude sickness medication, insect repellent and sunscreen.

Finally, depending on the activities you plan to do, you may also need a swimsuit, a water bottle, sunglasses, binoculars, a headlamp and walking shoes.

Landscapes not to be missed in New Zealand

New Zealand is a country rich in breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes. From Queenstown, the ‘adventure capital’, to the North Island, this beautiful country offers travelers a plethora of activities.

Among the must-sees are the Abel Tasman National Park, Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, Abel Tasman National Park will offer you trails through lush forests and golden sandy beaches. Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are spectacular fjords, with sheer cliffs plunging into the water and waterfalls cascading down the slopes.

Also don’t miss Fox Glacier, an impressive glacier that extends almost to the sea, and Mt. Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand.

Prepare for New Zealand adventure

Prepare your bag for a trip to New Zealand may seem like a daunting task, but with a little organization it becomes child’s play. The main thing is to bring clothing suitable for all weather situations, not to forget your first aid kit and to adjust the contents of your bag according to the planned activities.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to explore New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes. Whether you love hiking, swimming or exploring vibrant cities, this country has a lot to offer. Don’t wait any longer, pack your bags and go on an adventure! Have a good trip!