Australia and New Zealand are two of the most exciting places to visit in the world. That they are side-by-side, in one corner of the planet, makes it all the more special. When planning for what is undoubtedly a trip of a lifetime, you must prepare for it with care. Both Australia and New Zealand are unique, and thus a packing list for your Down Under vacation is a mix of standard items as well as some special ones.
Before starting to pack, you need to book your tickets, and more importantly, decide how much time you’ll spend in the region. There is something for every budget in these countries, but they are quite vast, and if you want to explore them properly, keep a few weeks, if not a month aside for this trip. In New Zealand, you will have the option to take amazing mini-breaks to discover enchanting wine trails or hike up mountains. Whereas in Australia, you can laugh all day long during the annual Melbourne Comedy Festival or witness the wonders of underwater life in the Great Barrier Reef. Once you have your destinations in place, it is finally time to pack!
Sun Screen
We cannot emphasize this more, and that is why it is the very first thing on the list. The sun Down Under is harsh and can harm and burn your skin rapidly. You not only need to carry a reliable sunscreen with you, but also apply it without fail, during the day time, even if you are roaming around in the city, and are not at the beach.
Sunglasses, Hat, and Walking Shoes
These three essentials will not only further protect you from the sun, but also are ideal for discovering the many secrets of both Australia and New Zealand. The two countries are primarily known for their natural excursions. You can expect to walk quite a bit in the wilderness and witness some of their most beautiful treasures. Having a sturdy pair of shoes is thus crucial. But if you are a complete beach body and are only going to be hitting the waves, you can simply carry a pair of slippers or sandals. Make sure your sunglasses are polarized and offer UV protection like these Costa Del Mar men’s sunglasses.
Cameras
Yes, plural. You need a few different types of cameras with you to make the most of your trip to New Zealand and Australia. A good phone camera lets you take instant photos whereas a lightweight, mirrorless camera can take some fantastic photographs of the region’s astounding landscapes. However, if you are an adrenalin junkie, and want to make the most of all the activities on hand, bring along a GoPro to capture yourself paraglide, sky jump, kayak, or slide down a gorge.
Bug Spray
Be warned, for you are going to come across some truly weird and sometimes frightening creepy crawlies when Down Under. It goes without saying that when traveling in the rough, always lookout where you step, as there can be snakes. However, when indoors, there are places where you’ll end up surrounded by lots of mosquitoes, and having a bug repellent can be quite useful.
Clothes
It does get a little tricky when planning to holiday Down Under, especially in terms of the clothes you carry. For the winter months in New Zealand, you need thermals and jackets, whereas summers in Australia are scorching hot, to the extent, you’ll find many locals moving around shirtless. So, check the weather beforehand. However, remember that the seasons Down Under are the opposite of what we have in the Northern Hemisphere.
Featured Photo by Manny Moreno on Unsplash
