What's in our Packs?
Packing is a fun part of the process, but again can be overwhelming. We definitely had a hard time knowing where to start but once we jumped in and started it all took shape pretty quickly. We recommend starting the process early on, because it will give you ample time to think about what you will need and to purchase the things you don't have.
This list will definitely change depending on how and where you plan to travel. We decided to buy a camper van and live in this, so this changed what we needed. It is important to keep in mind that you will have to carry everything you bring which is why less is key. We have made a specific list of what we brought and added links to some of the products to give you an idea of the bare essentials we have found most beneficial!
Dan's Pack:
Clothes:
3 swim trunks (double as shorts)
3 athletic shorts
1 casual shorts
2 casual shirts (one short sleeve, one long sleeve)
3 pants (1 waterproof, 1 water-resistant, 1 casual)
6 shirts
1 hooded sweatshirt
1 under-armor base layer Shirt & Leggings
2 week supply of socks/underwear
1 wool socks
Hat and gloves
Sunhat
Shoes:
Sturdy work Redwing boots
Gear:
Cell phone & chargers
Samsung tablet & charger with Case
GPS with NZ/AUS maps chip
Victorinox Peeler & Paring knife
Microfiber towels (2 xl and 1 medium)
Travel first aid kit: Meds (Ibuprofen, pepto bismol, dramamine), Bandaids, sting relief, tape, gauze, water filter, rubber gloves)
Bible
Rope
Kim's pack:
Clothes:
3 shorts (1 casual, 2 athletic)
2 swimsuits
4 pants (1 water resistant, 1 waterproof, 1 casual, 1 cotton leggings)
3 thin, wind/water/sun resistant hiking shirts
2 casual shirts
4 t-shirts
1 Under Armour base layer shirt & leggings
1 fleece sweatshirt
1 hooded sweatshirt
2 weeks socks/underwear
4 bras
3 sportsbras
1 wool socks
1 pair compression socks for plane ride
Waterproof rain jacket with removable inner layer
Hat/gloves
Sunhat
Shoes:
Keens hiking boots (these are a nice hybrid shoe)
Gear:
Cell Phone & Charger
Camera & charger w/extra battery
Essential oils: Peppermint, Lavender, Lemon, Thieves, Stress Away
Lenovo ThinkPad laptop &charger
Sunglasses x2
Sunscreen spf 70 (bring extra, very expensive in NZ and you will need it)
Cribbage/cards
Personal care products:Travel size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, Toothbrush/paste, Floss, Deodorant (with compact/hanging toiletry bag)
Medications: Small supply of antibiotics, anti-diarrhea, stool softeners, pain relievers, antibacteria cream
Bible
Harmonica
​
​
What was included in our van:
Bedding (we bought new to have a fresh start)
2 Cocoon Sleeping bags (rated for 0 Degree Celsius weather)
2 foam mattresses
Curtains
Kitchen Gear:
frying pan, pot (with cover), Colander, cooking utensils, silverware, 3 mugs, plates/bowls, 2 gas stoves,dish towels,
Sink
Fresh water/grey water containers
Broom/dustpan
Rubbish bin
Tubberware containers
Table and 2 camping chairs
Toilet
Gas container
Duct tape
Batteries
Chilly Bin
Papers/brochures of highlights of NZ
Lord Of The Rings books
CD's
Car Port USB
​
What we have bought for gear along the way:
2 person Tent ($5 at Salvation army!!)
2 yoga mats/sleeping pads
A set of 12 board games
Propane Fuel for stove
Bedding for van: Duvet, duvet cover, sheet set, pillows, fleece blanket
Rain cover for backpack (recommend buying prior, very expensive in NZ and you will use it!)
CDs
Personal care products (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant)
Car Insurance (We went through AA and very reasonable)
​
Initial food we brought from home:
-we brought these for emergency supply but they are much cheaper in the US than in NZ if they are something you typically enjoy while camping.
-Granola bars/snacks for initial travel.
Be aware that there are limits to the amount of food you can bring into NZ. Also they are very strict in terms of nothing fresh such as fruits, vegetables, or meat. Read more at NZ Prohibited & Restricted items.
​