📷 Unsplash / Maarten van den Heuvel
The NZ Family Road Trip Packing Checklist
Heading off on a New Zealand family road trip or campervan adventure? We've packed (and forgotten) it all over the years, so we built this checklist to make sure you don't leave the sandfly repellent — or the kids' snacks — behind. Pop in your email below and we'll send you the printable PDF version to tick off as you pack.
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What's on the checklist
👕 Clothing
- ☐ Layers for everyone (NZ weather changes fast)
- ☐ Rain jackets — non-negotiable
- ☐ Warm fleece or jumper each
- ☐ Sun hats & beanies
- ☐ Swimwear (2 sets per person)
- ☐ Sturdy shoes + jandals/sandals
- ☐ Spare socks & undies (more than you think)
📄 Documents
- ☐ Passports / ID
- ☐ Driver's licence (overseas + international permit)
- ☐ Travel insurance docs (digital + printed)
- ☐ Booking confirmations
- ☐ Emergency contact list
- ☐ Bank cards + some cash
🚐 Car / Campervan
- ☐ Phone car charger + power bank
- ☐ Offline Google Maps (NZ downloaded)
- ☐ Reusable water bottles
- ☐ Rubbish bags & wet wipes
- ☐ Picnic rug & reusable bags
- ☐ Child car seats (check rental)
- ☐ Snow chains (South Island winter)
🎒 Kids' Entertainment
- ☐ Tablets + headphones (downloaded shows)
- ☐ Travel games & card decks
- ☐ Colouring books & pencils
- ☐ A favourite soft toy each
- ☐ Audiobooks / podcasts for the drive
- ☐ Travel journal & stickers
🩹 First Aid
- ☐ Plasters & antiseptic
- ☐ Paracetamol (adult + child)
- ☐ Antihistamine
- ☐ Sunscreen SPF50+ (NZ UV is fierce)
- ☐ Sandfly repellent (DEET 30%+ — essential!)
- ☐ Any prescription medicines
- ☐ Thermometer & tweezers
🍎 Snacks
- ☐ Muesli bars & crackers
- ☐ Fresh fruit & veggie sticks
- ☐ Trail mix / nuts
- ☐ Spill-proof drink bottles
- ☐ Treats for long drives
- ☐ Chilly bin for perishables
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