Asia & Pacific · Best Dec–Mar
New Zealand packing list for families
A New Zealand trip can include a lake swim, a glacier view, and a sleet shower in the same week. Smart layers and clean, sturdy shoes are the heart of this family list.
Photo by Peter Hammer on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on New Zealand
- New Zealand is strict about biosecurity. Clean the dirt off hiking shoes before you fly and declare any food, or plan to toss it at the airport.
- The weather around Queenstown can change several times in one day, even in summer. I pack layers for each child instead of one heavy coat, plus a rain jacket that lives in the day bag.
- Sandflies are the surprise around Milford Sound and the West Coast. Long sleeves at dusk and a good repellent make the boat cruise and short walks far more pleasant.
Best timeDec–Mar
PlugsType I, bring an adapter
MoneyNew Zealand dollar
PassportYes
Your packing edit
New Zealand
This time of year
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Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing6
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Merino base layersKristina's pickWarm when it is cold, comfortable when the sun comes out.
Packable down jacketMountain mornings and lake cruises turn chilly fast.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Waterproof hiking shoesTrails are often wet, and clean shoes clear customs easily.
Beach & pool8
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Adventure1
Bug spray
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Motion sickness bandsMountain roads like the drive to Milford Sound wind a lot.
Documents & tech3
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType I, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Alpine
Snow, cabin red, navy, oatmeal
For the grown-ups
- A great ski jacket
- Fair Isle or cable knit for après
- Warm boots for town
For the kids
- Bright ski jackets they're easy to spot in
- Cozy pajamas for the lodge
- Fleece layers
For photos
- Red and navy against white snow
- Matching knit hats
Month by month
New Zealand weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 72°F 22°C | Summer: warm, long days with late sunsets, though mountain weather still shifts quickly | Peak summer season, with lake swims, long evenings, and busy Queenstown streets |
| February | 72°F 22°C | Summer: warm, long days with late sunsets, though mountain weather still shifts quickly | Peak summer season, with lake swims, long evenings, and busy Queenstown streets |
| March | 67°F 19°C | Autumn: crisp mornings, settled days, and golden trees around Arrowtown | |
| April | 60°F 16°C | Autumn: crisp mornings, settled days, and golden trees around Arrowtown | Autumn color in Arrowtown, usually at its best in mid to late April |
| May | 53°F 12°C | Autumn: crisp mornings, settled days, and golden trees around Arrowtown | |
| June | 47°F 8°C | Winter: cold, with snow on the peaks and ski fields open; roads can ice over | Ski season at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, roughly mid-June into September Queenstown Winter Festival kicks off the ski season in late June |
| July | 46°F 8°C | Winter: cold, with snow on the peaks and ski fields open; roads can ice over | Ski season at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, roughly mid-June into September |
| August | 50°F 10°C | Winter: cold, with snow on the peaks and ski fields open; roads can ice over | Ski season at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, roughly mid-June into September |
| September | 56°F 13°C | Spring: changeable, with snow lingering up high and fresh green valleys | Ski season at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, roughly mid-June into September |
| October | 60°F 16°C | Spring: changeable, with snow lingering up high and fresh green valleys | |
| November | 65°F 18°C | Spring: changeable, with snow lingering up high and fresh green valleys | Lupins bloom around Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie Basin, usually Nov–Dec |
| December | 70°F 21°C | Summer: warm, long days with late sunsets, though mountain weather still shifts quickly | Peak summer season, with lake swims, long evenings, and busy Queenstown streets Lupins bloom around Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie Basin, usually Nov–Dec |
Questions families ask
New Zealand with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit New Zealand with kids?
The best time is Dec–Mar. Summer: warm, long days with late sunsets, though mountain weather still shifts quickly
What's the weather like in New Zealand?
Typical daytime highs range from about 46°F (8°C) in July to about 72°F (22°C) in January. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for New Zealand?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for New Zealand?
Type I, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for New Zealand with kids?
New Zealand is strict about biosecurity. Clean the dirt off hiking shoes before you fly and declare any food, or plan to toss it at the airport.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.