New Zealand weather patterns are very unpredictable, and are constantly changing from day to day and even hour to hour. It can rain or snow at anytime of the year. Even if your hunt is planned for late summer or early autumn (March/April), we recommend you bring one full set of warm hunting clothes, including some type of insulated underwear. We also suggest that for a Feb/Mar trip, you bring a set of lightweight (summer) clothes. A warm, winter layer should be packed for June, July and August hunts. After saying this, our weather is usually very mild and we do not experience the extreme cold temperatures like those encountered throughout North America. The best way to dress is in layers, and to avoid the heavy and bulky items.
- 1 or 2 pair hunting trousers – light / medium weight
- 2 shirts – one light and one medium weight
- 3 pair of woolen socks
- 2 silk or poly material base layer jerseys
- 2 pair of base layer shorts
- 1 set of insulating underwear – preferably wool or poly
- 1 light weight jacket
- 1 warm hunting jacket
- 1 set of high quality lightweight/breathable raingear – jacket and pants
- 2 pair of gloves – 1 lightweight or leather, the other waterproof
- Warm or insulated hat or cap
- Well broken in boots – CLEAN (a good support boot (Meindl/Kenetrek/Lowa style)
- Binoculars (preferably 8 or 10 power, the guides are outfitted with excellent spotting scopes)
- Rangefinder
- Small day pack
- Lightweight flashlight and / or head lamp
- Camera with 4-6 rolls of film or digital card, with your 110/220v charger
- Sunglasses
- Rifle with at least 40 rounds of ammunition, preferably the one you shot very well
As per personal items – it is recommended that you bring at least 2 times the required stay days for prescriptions and daily-required medicines for the duration of your trip to New Zealand. These should also NOT be packed in your luggage, but taken as carry-on to avoid lost baggage delays. Also, it is a good idea to bring an extra – pair of glasses, contacts and daily cleaner, and other ‘essential’ items for your trip. Also, consider sun screen, allergy medicine, and any other type of ‘seasonal’ item which you may require during your trip.
Also a point to remember, you will be hunting from a lodge and the staff will wash and dry your clothes overnight if necessary. Pay extra attention to your airline baggage allowances and limitations. Excess baggage charges are very costly and are not needed on your New Zealand trip.
Also, hair dryers, irons, and 220v/110v power converters are available at the lodge. If your charging equipment reads 110v-220v & 50-60 Hz on the UL label, you will only need a plug adapter to use your charging equipment in New Zealand (other than at our lodge), which can be purchased at the airport in Los Angeles.
Download printable “Gear list” here