Packing guide for a working holiday

Already time to leave! Well, we know that it can be stressful to leave home, especially to head to the other side of the planet, and to worry whether you have forgotten anything. Luckily once again:

We are here to help!

On this section, we have combined all the information that we thought could be of use to you. We have literally listed of all the mistakes we made to make sure that you didn't make the same mistakes.

To begin with, let's talk packing.

What to pack for one year in New Zealand

It is a critical part of your trip, if you don't do it right it can hold you back for a bit. And, let's be honest, there is nothing more frustrating than forgetting the fourth book of your Harry Potter collection. For us, there are four major things to do to get well organised:

Things to sort out before leaving your country.
Gathering the important paperwork to bring with you.
Pick and pack your bag.
Pack your carry-on (the luggage that you take with you in the plane).

What to sort out before leaving for a gap year?

Obviously, you will have to sort out your finances – every bill that you pay, weekly, monthly or annually. Make a list of them and either cancel them or make sure that you leave enough money in your bank account to pay them when you're away. If those bills are not on automatic payment, it could be a good idea to do it before you leave; it's one less thing to worry about.

We all love our tech items, especially cell phones. We offer a wide range of cell phones and phone plans to add to your Starter Pack. However, if you would like to keep using your own cell phone make sure to unlock it. Even if you stay with the same company, if you get a SIM card overseas there is a good chance that it won't work if your cell phone is not unlocked.

In the electricity section of our website you will find all the information needed to check if you will be able to use your items in New Zealand. Be aware that items like shavers have different voltage from one country to another, so even with an adapter it is not guaranteed that it will work. By the way, an adaptor is included in the Starter Pack.

Convert your driver's licence to an international one. It is always a good idea to carry an international driver's licence instead of your national one.

Finally, most important of all, get yourself a very useful Starter Pack. It guarantees you peace of mind, knowing that a great team will be here to assist you every step of the way. We offer you 16 services for one small price.

Important documents for a working holiday visa in New Zealand

Yes I know, no one likes paperwork... We'll keep it simple; here is a short list of what could be useful and why:

Your airline ticket, because you would like to get on the plane.
Your passport, because you would like to enter the country.
Your insurance policy card and/or booklet, because it is a requirement to your working holiday visa. Check our insurance deal now.
A bank statement showing the amount of money required by your visa. It's usually NZ$4200 for staying one year in New Zealand. If you want to be sure, take our FREE Visa Check and you will get all the conditions of your visa by email.
Your return ticket, because it is also a requirement of your visa. If you did not book it yet, just show that you have sufficient funds to buy one.
Your driver's licence and/or your international driver's license, because you will want to travel.

How to choose the right backpack

You will carry this bag from one side of the planet to the other, then all over New Zealand. DO NOT choose the cheapest bag on the shelf or else you could regret this decision. First, take a backpack and not a suitcase; it is way more versatile and resilient. Then think about the right size for you. Make sure that you will be able to carry it and that you'll fit everything you need in it.

Be aware that cabin crew, airline crew, customs, customs' dogs, bus drivers and you will handle your bag. Get one that can handle all that and won't crack open at the first grab.

Pack your bag. We know for a fact that it is very personal. Some of us travel light and some of us need to take their whole life with them. Some of us fold everything neatly, and some of us throw everything in their bag like a bunch of apes. Well, it is not our job to judge. We'll just give you a list of what we think you shouldn't forget.

Interview/work clothing and shoes – dress to impress.
'Going out' outfit. Ladies (or gentlemen), don't worry about the heels. You rarely see a backpacker going out in heels in New Zealand.
Warm fleece/jumper – the weather can change quickly in New Zealand.
Light waterproof coat
Swimwear – togs!
Comfortable shoes/hiking boots
Travel towel
First aid kit and any medication required
Padlock
Sun hat and sunglasses
Items of clothing you can't live without – be choosey!
Camera
Chargers (cellphone, camera, laptop, tablet, etc.)
Jandals, but you can always get those when you arrive
Oh and don't forget your toothbrush!!

Remember to stick to the 22kg that most airlines require. Any extra will be overcharged at the airport!

What to pack in a carry on bag?

Your carry-on is the luggage that you take with you in the plane.

This one is generally limited at 7kg. You'll take it with you in the cabin and you will probably use it as a day bag later. Again, take a good one. You don't want to buy a new one once you get here, do you?

Also be aware of what is allowed and what is not allowed in the cabin. Like most countries, New Zealand has rules about what may and may not be brought into the country. Prohibited and restricted items like drugs, weaponry, explosives and indecent material all fall into this category, as well as biological hazards. In general, personal possessions do not attract duties and can be brought in freely. But there are rules and regulations around every category. You can find more information in the NZ Customs website. Those rules apply to all your bags.

Again, we have made you a nice little list of what we think you need to have handy.

A bit of cash
A copy of your visa
Your Starter Pack
Passport – also take photocopies!
Your insurance card or certificate
Your bank statement proving that you have sufficient funds
Drivers licence – international or English translated
Credit card – emergencies only
Your medical prescriptions

Well... you seem to be ready now. We hope that you are excited to be nearly on your way. We can't wait to meet you. If you still have any questions for us use our contact page, we will provide an answer very quickly!