Planning a trip to New Zealand in fall? From scenic road trips and wine country strolls to mountain hikes and thermal spas, this New Zealand autumn packing list has everything you need to be prepared for crisp air, shifting weather, and all kinds of outdoor adventures.
Weather Overview 🌡️
Fall in New Zealand runs from March to May, and since the country is in the Southern Hemisphere, it gets cooler as the season progresses.
- March: 13–23°C (55–73°F) – Mild with warm afternoons
- April: 9–20°C (48–68°F) – Cooler mornings and evenings
- May: 4–17°C (39–62°F) – Crisp, occasionally rainy
➡️ Note: Weather varies between the North Island (warmer and more humid) and the South Island (cooler, especially at night). Layering and waterproof gear are key!
What to Pack for New Zealand in Fall 🎒
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
Dressing Etiquette:
New Zealanders are casual and practical. Pack smart outdoor wear for hiking and sightseeing, but also include something stylish for wine tours or city dining in Auckland, Wellington, or Queenstown. Comfort > trends, but layers are a must!
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
🧳 Carry-on suitcase – Lightweight and durable
🧳 Checked luggage – Needed for layers and gear
🎒 Lightweight backpack – Perfect for day hikes
👜 Personal item – Keep essentials close
🧼 Packing cubes – Separate clean, wet, and warm items
👟 Shoe bags – Dirty boots = no fun
💄 Makeup bag – Bring a minimal, waterproof-friendly kit
🛁 Hanging toiletry bag – Makes hostel/hotel life easier
📁 Document organizer – Travel docs, IDs, SIM info
🛍️ Collapsible tote – Farmer’s markets + shopping
🧺 Laundry kit or bag – You’ll rewear layers
⚖️ Luggage scale – Especially for inter-island flights
🔒 Small lock – For hostels or lockers
🧢 Zipper pouch – Currency, chargers, earbuds
🧖 Quick-dry towel – Essential for hot springs or hostels
💤 Neck pillow – Comfort for long drives
😴 Sleep mask – Light-sensitive travelers, take note
👗 Clothes
🧣 Thermal base layers (2–3) – Must for the South Island
👕 T-shirts (3–4) – Layering basics
👚 Long-sleeve tops (2–3) – Merino wool or moisture-wicking
🧥 Fleece / softshell jackets (2) – Cozy and quick-dry
🧥 Waterproof jacket (1) – Windproof with hood
🧥 Insulated puffer (1) – Lightweight but warm
👖 Casual pants / jeans (2) – Good for cities and cool days
👖 Leggings or thermal tights (2) – Wear solo or layered
👗 Dresses (1–2) – Add tights and boots
🧥 Blazer or cardigan (1) – For winery tours or city style
🏃♀️ Activewear sets (1–2) – Great for hikes and outdoor fun
🩱 Swimsuits (1–2) – For Rotorua hot pools or ocean dips
👘 Swimsuit cover-up (1) – Easy poolside layer
🧤 Underwear (7+) – Don’t skimp
👙 Bras (3–4) – Mix of sporty and comfy
🧦 Wool socks (5+) – Keep feet warm and dry
🧦 Normal socks (3–5) – For everyday wear
🧤 Gloves (1 pair) – For chilly May mornings
🧣 Scarf (1–2) – Adds style and warmth
🎩 Beanie or wool hat – South Island must-have
💆 Skincare
🧼 Cleanser – Gentle for changing temps
🌸 Toner – Hydrating formulas work best
🧴 Moisturizer – Bring both day + night
🌞 Sunscreen – Still strong UV in fall
🧽 Makeup remover – Micellar water is great
🧴 Exfoliator – Use 1–2x per week
👁️ Eye cream – Prevent puffiness
💦 Facial mist – Great for flights and road trips
🧖 Sheet masks (1–2) – Self-care in the mountains
💄 Lip balm – Windy days = chapped lips
🩹 Spot treatment – For the occasional flare-up
💄 Makeup
🧴 Foundation or BB cream – Hydrating preferred
🖌️ Concealer – For red noses + under eyes
🌫️ Powder – Optional depending on skin type
🌺 Blush – Cream-based for a natural flush
🌟 Highlighter – Dewy skin = glowing photos
🌞 Bronzer – Use sparingly in the cooler light
👁️ Eyeshadow palette – Natural tones
✒️ Eyeliner – Waterproof in case of rain
👁️ Mascara – Waterproof is best
👁️ Brow pencil / gel – Tame with ease
💄 Lipstick or gloss – Tinted balm is perfect
🖌️ Makeup brushes – Keep it minimal
🌟 Setting spray – Lock it in
💇 Hair
💇 Hairbrush / comb – Travel-sized
🧷 Hair ties, clips, bobby pins – Musts for wind and hikes
🧴 Travel shampoo & conditioner – Hydrating formulas
🧴 Dry shampoo – For campervan or remote trips
🔥 Heat protectant – Cold air = dry ends
🧴 Styling cream or oil – Smooth windblown hair
💨 Travel hair dryer – Most places provide one
💇 Curling wand / flat iron – Optional
💧 Hair serum – Adds shine, prevents static
🎀 Accessories – Headbands, bandanas, clips
👠 Shoes & Accessories
🥾 Hiking boots – Waterproof and broken-in
👟 Sneakers / trainers – Everyday use
🥿 Flats or loafers – For cities and dining
🩴 Sandals – Optional for North Island
🧣 Belt – For dresses or layering
🧤 Gloves – For cooler regions
🧢 Cap or sun hat – Even in fall, UV is strong
🕶️ Sunglasses + case – Glare from snow, sea, and sun
💍 Jewelry – Small, packable pieces
⌚ Watch – Durable and waterproof
👜 Crossbody or day purse – Keep it hands-free
☔ Foldable umbrella – Be prepared for showers
🧾 Documents & Essentials
🛂 Passport – Must be valid for at least 3 months
📄 Copy of passport – Digital + paper
🛃 NZeTA Visa – Required for many nationalities
🪪 Driver’s license + International Permit – If renting a car
📃 Travel insurance – Medical + activity coverage
💉 Health insurance card – Carry a copy
📲 Boarding passes – Download or print
🏨 Accommodation printouts – Especially for remote areas
🚗 Rental car info – Must have printed if driving
🎟️ Tour tickets – Milford Sound, Hobbiton, etc.
🗺️ Itinerary – For travel days without signal
📍 Offline maps – Google Maps, Maps.me
💳 Credit & debit cards – Widely accepted
💰 Emergency cash – Some rural towns are cash-only
📇 Emergency contact list – Carry hard and digital copies
🖊️ Pen & notebook – Notes, journaling, filling forms
📘 Phrasebook – English is spoken, but Māori culture is valued
🔑 House keys – Keep secure
👛 Wallet – RFID-safe if possible
🩹 First Aid
🩹 Bandaids – For blisters on hikes
🧴 Antibiotic ointment – Small wounds
🧻 Antiseptic wipes – Clean cuts or hands
🩺 Gauze pads + tape – If camping
✂️ Small scissors – TSA-friendly
🦶 Blister pads – For long walks
🌡️ Thermometer – Compact one is perfect
✂️ Tweezers – For splinters or ticks
💊 Health & Hygiene
💊 Prescription medications – Bring originals + copy
💊 Pain relief – Ibuprofen, paracetamol
🤧 Allergy meds – Autumn pollen
💊 Motion sickness – Curvy roads in NZ
💊 Stomach meds – For unexpected foods
💊 Vitamins / supplements – Keep up your energy
🩸 Feminine hygiene – Local brands available but limited in rural areas
🧴 Hand sanitizer – Always a good idea
🧻 Disinfecting wipes – Planes, buses, hostels
🦟 Bug spray – Sandflies are real
💊 Birth control – Bring your supply
👁️ Eye drops – Refresh in windy weather
👓 Contacts & solution – Bring enough
🪞 Travel mirror – Optional
🪥 Toothbrush + paste – Eco-friendly travel options
🧴 Mouthwash & floss – Refreshing extras
🧴 Body wash – Some stays don’t provide it
🧴 Deodorant – Solid stick or roll-on
🪒 Razor + cream – Optional
💅 Nail file + clippers – For hangnails
🌸 Perfume – Rollerball or solid scents
🧻 Pocket tissues – Toilets in nature are basic
📱 Tech & Electronics
📱 Phone + charger – Power up for maps, photos
💻 Laptop or tablet – Optional for digital nomads
📸 Camera + memory card – Autumn scenery = unreal
🔋 Power bank – Don’t run out of battery mid-hike
🔌 Charging cords – Don’t forget any
🔊 Bluetooth speaker – Chill road trip vibes
🔌 Universal adapter – NZ uses Type I
📶 SIM card / pocket Wi-Fi – Affordable and helpful
📖 E-reader – Load books ahead of time
🎧 Headphones / earbuds – For transit or chill nights
📱 Waterproof phone case – For waterfall or beach stops
🎧 Entertainment
📚 Books or Kindle – Perfect for lakeside reading
🎬 Downloaded shows – Wi-Fi can be patchy
🎧 Podcasts – Great for road trips
📓 Travel journal – Capture your adventures
🃏 Card or travel games – Fun with new friends
📰 Local magazines – Learn about Māori culture & Kiwi life
🎒 Extras
🥜 Snacks / bars – Stock up for long hikes
💧 Reusable water bottle – Tap water is excellent
🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – Groceries, wine, souvenirs
🧴 Travel laundry detergent – Rewear your layers
🧵 Mini sewing kit – For wardrobe emergencies
📢 Safety whistle – Solo travelers, hikers
👃 Lint roller – For dark layers
🦶 Footrest pillow – Long-haul flights
👟 Shoe deodorizer – Especially post-hike
💤 Natural sleep aid – For jet lag
✈️ Travel Tips
✔️ New Zealand drives on the left—prep accordingly
✔️ SIM cards are cheaper locally (Vodafone, Spark)
✔️ Pack for all seasons—even fall can surprise you
✔️ Don’t rely on Wi-Fi—download offline essentials
✔️ Leave room for wine, wool, and honey souvenirs
🛂 Visa Tips
📝 Apply for NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before flying
📧 Proof of onward travel may be requested
📸 Have printed confirmation of accommodation
🧳 Be ready to declare outdoor gear at customs (clean hiking boots!)
✅ Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip
🧥 Waterproof jacket
🥾 Hiking boots
👕 Layered tops + thermal base
📱 SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi
💰 Credit card + backup cash
🧦 Wool socks
🧴 Lip balm + hydrating skincare
🎒 Daypack
🧖 Swimsuit
👍 Good-to-Have Items
💧 Hydration tablets
🎧 Noise-canceling earbuds
💤 Sleep mask
🛌 Travel blanket
📶 Local SIM or eSIM
🧺 Extra tote for souvenirs
☕ Insulated coffee mug (Kiwi cafes love BYO!)
🧣 Travel steamer
🧼 Multipurpose soap
