Hiking is one of my favourite ways to explore New Zealand and get acclimated to its phenomenal scenery.
But if you live in New Zealand, you’ll already know how variable the weather can be. Sunny one moment, cloudy the next. Don’t even get me started on sun showers and freezing cold temperatures atop rocky peaks!
When I go hiking, I bring (almost) all of the same tried-and-true things every single time. It just works. Bringing the same gear cuts down the time I spend thinking about what to take and means that I never forget any of the essentials. Obviously, this will change depending on the time of year you’re hiking (summer vs winter), but it’s a good starting point.
But I feel like it’s my job to tell you that you don’t NEED any of the gear below to go and spend time outdoors. There is so much overconsumption in the outdoor community and anyone who tells you that you need 10+ pairs of hiking boots, backpacks and different outfits for every hike is LYING. Sure, there’s a few outliers like backcountry tramping and mountaineering that require specific gear, but for day hikes? No way. The latest expensive branded gear should not be a barrier to getting outdoors.
I also feel like it’s wrong to not acknowledge that being able to afford things that make hiking more enjoyable is an immense privilege. When is started hiking, there was no way I’d be able to buy some of the products I have now and I am incredibly lucky to have been able to save up and purchase jackets, hiking boots and backpacks over the years. But none of it is a ‘must have’.
If you’re starting out or unsure where to begin, do a couple of hikes with your old school backpack, worn in trainers and favourite comfy outfit. Take some water, a snack, a charged phone and start small with 5km trails in your local area. And most importantly, remember to have fun.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If there is a product that you already need, already want to buy or were going to purchase anyway, I’d love for you to consider purchasing through one of my links. If you decide to use them and make a successful purchase, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no additional cost to you. Thank you for being here ❤
My essentials
- A day bag – I love the Osprey Tempest/Talon range
- Your drink bottle or hydration bladder (take at least 2-3 litres of water for longer day hikes) I swear by the 3L CamelBak bladder!
- Waterproof pack liner or waterproof pack cover
- Lunch and snacks (my pockets are always full of Fruit Bursts)
- Your phone (make sure it’s fully charged before you leave home!)
- A rubbish bag (or place to store your trash)
- A basic first aid kit
- Sunscreen
- A head torch (especially for sunrise or sunset hikes!)
- A whistle in case you get split up from your group (usually a good day bag will have an attachment)
- A map (I like to use AllTrails)
My favourite clothing and footwear
Remember, the weather conditions in New Zealand can change VERY quickly, so always pack extra layers so you’re prepared.
- Hiking boots with ankle support (trust me, you’ll thank yourself). I personally think that Merrell MOAB are the Rolls Royce of boots.
- Sandals for after the hike: Chacos are hard to come by in NZ but I looooove them.
- A good base layer: you can’t go wrong with IceBreaker
- A long-sleeved top or t-shirt, depending on the weather
- Lightweight fleece
- Leggings, hiking shorts or hiking pants, depending on the season or
- A wind and waterproof jacket with a hood (ALWAYS pack a rain jacket no matter the weather)
- Waterproof over trousers (optional but amazing for winter hiking)
- Hiking socks
- Gloves
- A hat or beanie (some people pack one and wear the other, but I usually choose one depending on the season)
- Sunglasses
- An extra base layer
- An extra pair of socks
- A buff for extra warmth
Some extras I take from time-to-time
- Your camera – especially if you love photography! I’m a beginner, but purchased the Sony A6400 in 2023 and LOVE it
- A power bank & charging cord
- Togs (swimming gear) and a microfibre towel for wild swimming
- Emergency high energy snacks just in case
For more info on staying safe on NZ trails, visit the DOC website!
Notes to Home 