New Zealand Packing List – The Pursuit Of Travel

It’s been 2.5 years since my gap year in Europe, and after 2 years of working at a startup in Silicon Valley, I decided the travel bug was too strong to ignore so here we are! I am taking off for 6 months traveling through New Zealand, Australia and Southeast Asia. Luckily it will be warm while in most of these destinations so my clothes skew towards summer clothes and I don’t have to bring as many layers. I absolutely loved my 44L Tortuga backpack that I used on my last 12 month trip, but decided I wanted to challenge myself to take even less on this trip. Given my love for Tortuga, I immediately researched a few of the backpacks from their newest lines and ultimately chose the 35L Women’s Setout. I am thrilled with the size and new shape. It holds a ton of stuff for only 35L. I also bought the corresponding packing cubes because DUH. Lastly, given that this trip is more outdoorsy and adventure focused than the European trip, I knew I wanted to bring a daypack with me as taking my cross body purse (personal item) was not a feasible option for long hikes. Luckily for me, Tortuga thinks of everything! I bought their Setout Packable Daypack. It’s 19L so it’s big enough to hold a water bottle, swimsuit, and a towel, but it’s unstructured so can pack completely flat or in a ball stuff in a corner of my bag. I can’t wait to try it out!

On to the packing list:

Clothes

1 pair of crop Lululemon’s
1 pair of regular length Lululemon’s
1 pair of jean shorts
2 light-weight dresses
5 Cute shirts (4 everyday shirts, 1 going out shirt)
3 sports bras
2 athletic shirts (1 to sleep in)
Nike Booty shorts (to sleep in)
1 pair of running shorts
5 pairs of underwear
5 pairs of socks, 1 pair of compression socks for travel days
one nude bra, one black bralette
2 pairs of shoes (running shoes, Birkenstocks)
Patagonia (for cold airplanes)
1 Swimsuit
Sunglasses
Rain coat
Running band

Electronics

Computer + Charger
iPad
iPhone + Charger
GoPro + Charger
Headphones (Apple)
Headphones (Bose)
Plug adapter
Portable charger
Fitbit + Fitbit charger
Backup hardrive (in case computer is stolen)

Toiletries

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Flosser
Any medication you take
Retainer
Deodorant
Makeup
Eye makeup remover
Face wash
Moisturizer
Razor
Conditioner
Shampoo
Brush
Sunscreen
Chapstick
Ibuprofen
Hair ties and bobby pins
Moleskin
Bandaids
Cough drops
Topical steroid cream for bed bug bites or regular bug bites to help with itchiness
Deet (for Southeast Asia)
Malaria Pills (for Southeast Asia)
Pills for travelers diarrhea (in case)

Miscellaneous

Passport
International Certificate of Vaccination (I needed this to show that I have received the Yellow Fever vaccination)
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees (I prefer the Chase Sapphire Reserve)
Backup credit card with no foreign transaction fees (I am bringing a Chase Hyatt card)
Charles Schwab debit card (they refund all ATM fees anywhere in the world!)
License (as an extra form of ID when I don’t want to take my passport)
Inflatable neck pillow
Extra Passport photos
Thumb drive with all documentation
Handbag (for personal item on planes as well as day-to-day use)
Tortuga Setout Packable Daypack
Travel Towel
Grayl Water Bottle + extra cartridge (Amazing water bottle that filters water so you can drink from anywhere)
Ear Plug
Eye Mask
Lock (for staying in hostels)
Pack of cards