How to pack for a New Zealand winter holiday

IT’S all about your mindset and the right gear. The cold has nothing on you when you’re toasty and warm in your winter threads. Here’s what you need to pack on your winter NZ getaway.

We’ve solved your packing woes.

IT’S all about your mindset and the right gear. The cold has nothing on you when you’re toasty and warm in your latest winter threads, and New Zealand will open up to you if you let yourself experience the beauty and adventure — entirely — that means outside in the cold.

To be comfortable and happy there are a few key items you should definitely bring along.

1) A sense of adventure. Enough said.

Who doesn’t enjoy a cartwheel on the beach?

2) New Zealand is a photographer’s mecca so make like a pro and bring your best camera and gear along to get the shots you’ll be showing off to friends and family.

Take photos like a pro.

3) Bring along a video camera if you want to capture movement and sound — which let’s face it — you will.

4) If you’re into Tweeting and Instagraming you’ll need your phone and chargers, and if not you’ll probably change your mind — as if you wouldn’t want to share New Zealand with the world?

5) Layers are the key to being happy in any climate. Pack T-shirts that are comfortable to layer over the top of and pack jumpers and jackets that sit snugly over each other.

6) Thermals are like honey to bees in a layering combo. The right base layer is crucial when it comes to ultimate warmth, so choose a good-quality thermal wear brand and spend your days outside happy and snug.

It’s cold so take your winter woollies.

7) Jeans are a staple wherever you go, so pack two pairs even if you’re planning to spend most of your time on the snow.

You can pretty much do everything in jeans.

8) Ironing on holidays is overrated, so pack gear that doesn’t crease too much.

9) Even if your plans only involve snowboarding, hiking and skydiving, pack something a little dressy — for just in case. With the huge amount of top-grade restaurants around you’ll probably want to go out even if you didn’t plan on it.

10) Go nuts with underwear and socks. You can wear the same pants and shirts day in day out … the same can’t be said for underwear.

11) A waterproof and windproof jacket will see you toasty and dry. The weather in New Zealand can change radically so you need to be prepared for every season.

12) Bring swimmers. New Zealand is known for its thermal pools and you’ll be kicking yourself if you forget your togs. In winter the thermal pools are even more special — there’s something magical about sitting in a hot natural bath looking out onto snow-capped mountains.

Don’t forget your bikini.

13) Sunscreen, especially if you’re spending your time mostly outdoors. Sunglasses too, especially if you’re skiing or snowboarding as the glare from the sun and snow together can be pretty intense.

14) The right gear for whatever you’re up to. This could be quality shoes for hiking or adventure sports, or proper snow gear if you’re hitting the slopes. Come prepared and enjoy everything New Zealand has on offer.

15) It may sound obvious, but although New Zealand is a hop and a ski away from the East coast of Australia, you still need your passport. Forget that and you won’t even get there. Which would suck. A lot.