backpacks for travelling nz

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Travel Backpacks

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• Code: 3208209
• Style: Backpack
• Brand: High Sierra
• Material: Man-Made
• Product Dimensions: 53(H) x 38(W) x 28(D) cm
• Packing Dimensions: 53(H) x 38(W) x 28(D) cm
• Capacity: 45 Litres
• Adjustable backpack straps
• Durable Fabric
• Internal mesh compartment
• MP3 pocket with headphone port
• Padded back panel

• Code: 3208228
• Product Dimensions: 48(H) x 36(W) x 27(D) cm
• Packing Dimensions: 48(H) x 36(W) x 27(D) cm
• Capacity: 35 Litres
• Laptop and tablet compartment
• Multiple compartments and pockets
• RFID protected

• Code: 3208227

• Code: 3213180

High Sierra backpacks are designed for life wherever you go with lifetime warranty*

*High Sierra backpacks carry a lifetime warranty to the original owner against defects in materials or workmanship under normal recreational use. This warranty does not include products with wheels, which have a 5-year warranty. This warranty covers only defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover normal wear and tear, accidents, normal fading, abuse, negligence and misuse or airline damage.

• Code: 3202226
• Product Dimensions: 48(H) x 37(W) x 16(D) cm
• 35L CAPACITY
• Laptop section
• Polyester material
• Tablet Sleeve

• Code: 3204576
• Style: Adventure Backpacks|Backpack
• Product Dimensions: 35(H) x 27(W) x 19(D) cm
• Capacity: 12 Litres
• Adjustable padded straps
• Durable and lightweight
• Exclusive to Strandbags
• Front pocket with organiser
• Padded Back Compartment
• Side Drink Bottle Pockets

• Code: 3208210

• Code: 3213991
• Brand: Flylite
• Product Dimensions: 47(H) x 32(W) x 28(D) cm
• Capacity: 26 Litres
• Fits standard 15" Laptop computer
• Inernal Organiser Pockets
• Trolley Slide

• Code: 3207316
• Product Dimensions: 56(H) x 35(W) x 22(D) cm
• Packing Dimensions: 56(H) x 35(W) x 22(D) cm
• Fits standard 15.6" laptop computer
• RFID Protected Pocket
• Secure ziptop closure
• Trolley system and wheels

• Code: 3203992
• Style: Backpack|Laptop & Tablet Backpacks
• Product Dimensions: 52(H) x 40(W) x 20(D) cm
• Capacity: 50 Litres
• Grab Handle
• Internal Padded Laptop Sleeve
• Ipad Pocket
• Multiple Compartment
• Padded and contoured straps for comfort
• USB Port for Charging While On The Go

• Code: 3203994
• Product Dimensions: 49(H) x 36(W) x 19(D) cm
• Capacity: 40 Litres
• Hidden Pocket for Added Security

• Code: 3203991
• Product Dimensions: 45(H) x 39(W) x 18(D) cm
• Padded laptop sleeve

• Code: 3203993

• Code: 3211434
• Brand: Samsonite
• Product Dimensions: 48(H) x 32(W) x 20(D) cm
• Capacity: 27.5 Litres
• Warranty: 3 Years
• Internal organiser pockets
• Water bottle pocket

• Code: 3204617
• Product Dimensions: 50(H) x 17(W) x 33(D) cm
• Fits standard 17" Laptop Computer
• Made from recycled material
• Smart sleeve
• Tablet Pocket

• Code: 3163783
• Style: Laptop & Tablet Backpacks
• Product Dimensions: 46(H) x 38(W) x 16(D) cm
• Capacity: 27 Litres
• Fits standard 16" Laptop Computer
• Front zip section
• Inside organiser
• Spacious main compartment

• Code: 3171762
• Product Dimensions: 45(H) x 35(W) x 24(D) cm
• 3 compartments
• Side pockets

• Code: 3213947
• Style: Anti Theft Bags
• Brand: Travelon
• Product Dimensions: 28(H) x 26(W) x 10(D) cm
• Slash Resistant Straps
• Tethered Key Clip with LED Light

• Code: 3163782
• Product Dimensions: 44(H) x 32(W) x 18(D) cm
• Capacity: 21 Litres
• Adjustable detachable shoulder strap
• Fits standard 15.4" Laptop Computer

• Code: 3215809
• Brand: Nere
• Product Dimensions: 52(H) x 40(W) x 44(D) cm

• Code: 3208930
• Brand: Evity
• Material: Leather
• Size: Medium
• Product Dimensions: 31(H) x 34(W) x 12(D) cm
• Warranty: 12 Months
• Back Zip Pocket
• Converts to a Shoulder Bag
• Front Zip Pocket
• Internal Zip & Organiser Pockets
• Secure Zip Closure

• Code: 3212736
• Brand: Guess
• Size: Small
• Product Dimensions: 27(H) x 10(W) x 21(D) cm
• Adjustable straps
• External pockets
• Gold Hardware

• Code: 3205957
• Product Dimensions: 32(H) x 29(W) x 12(D) cm
• Convertible Backpack Design
• Front and Back Zip Pockets
• Two Flat Shoulder Straps

• Code: 3214421

• Code: 3206169
• Brand: Marikai
• Size: Large
• Product Dimensions: 44(H) x 33(W) x 16(D) cm
• 100% Faux Leather Material
• 2 adjustable backpack straps
• PETA-Approved Vegan
• Top carry handle
• Zip Closure

• Code: 3213987
• Product Dimensions: 40(H) x 29(W) x 14(D) cm
• Capacity: 16 Litres

• Code: 3214430
• Product Dimensions: 36(H) x 28(W) x 10(D) cm
• Padded Tech Sleeve
• Spacious interior

• Code: 3207268
• Product Dimensions: 35(H) x 30(W) x 13(D) cm
• 2 front zip sections
• Anti Theft Secure Zip

• Code: 3206168

• Code: 3213989
• Product Dimensions: 43(H) x 31(W) x 19(D) cm

• Code: 3210415
• Brand: Colorado
• Product Dimensions: 39(H) x 30(W) x 10(D) cm
• 2 Compartments
• 2 Side Pockets
• Fits standard 14" Laptop computer
• Genuine Leather
• Padded top handle
• Zip Front Pocket

• Code: 3213986
• Product Dimensions: 48(H) x 31(W) x 15(D) cm
• Capacity: 22 Litres
• padded laptop compartment

• Code: 3213988
• Product Dimensions: 49(H) x 33(W) x 18(D) cm
• Capacity: 29 Litres
• Retractable trolley handle and wheels

• Code: 3204922
• Product Dimensions: 40(H) x 28(W) x 15(D) cm
• 3 zip compartments
• Front and side pockets
• Internal Zip Pocket

• Code: 3207256
• Product Dimensions: 41(H) x 30(W) x 12(D) cm
• Inside organiser for cards, pens & phone
• Smart sleeve to put over trolley handle
• Two front pockets

• Code: 3213990
• Product Dimensions: 35(H) x 28(W) x 13(D) cm
• Capacity: 13 Litres
• Chest Strap

• Code: 3215880
• Product Dimensions: 31(H) x 26(W) x 10(D) cm

• Code: 3215881

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Travel Backpacks

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Men's Aether 65 Pack - Black

Men's Talon 44 Pack - Stealth Black

Women's Ariel 65 Pack - Claret Red

Men's Talon 33 Pack - Cosmic Red

Men's Aether 65 Pack - Deep Water Blue

Men's Talon 22 Pack - Cosmic Red

Men's Talon 22 Pack - Stealth Black

Men's Talon 33 Pack - Stealth Black

Women's Tempest 20 Pack - Stealth Black

Heading off on an overseas adventure, or backpacking around the country? A quality bag is an essential for your travels. Travel backpacks offer one of the best and most versatile options when it comes to travelling. Travel packs are more mobile than a suitcase and provide you with more support than most duffle bags. Being designed for travel, they usually have multiple compartments offering different storage options for items like sleeping bags , water bottles , shoes and other important gear. If you are heading out, you may also want to take a travel wallet or money belt . Also, a cross-body bag can be handy while transiting, giving you easy access to things like books, phones, tablets and passports.

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Tosca So-Lite Carry-on Soft side Black 50cm-H Trolley back pack AIR4044TB

Tosca So-Lite Carry-on Soft side Paisley 50cm-H Trolley back pack AIR4044TB

TCA601 Oakmont Black 50cm Carry on Softside Trolley back pack luggage

TCA601 50cm Teal Oakmont 50cm Carry on softside trolley back pack luggage

Tosca Black 35 Litre School-College back pack or adult rucksack TCA936 Black

Tosca 48cm-H Navy School-College 35L Back pack or adult rucksack TCA936 Navy

RP235 Raglan Point 34cm-H Primary-intermediate school back pack

Tosca 48cm-H Multi School-College 35L Back Pack TCA936 Black-multi

TCA603 Oakmont Black Luxury Business Back pack

Tosca 42cm-H Teal Oakmont Luxury Business Back pack TCA603

Tosca Waxed canvas collection 36cm back pack WC-012-Brown

Tosca 42cm-H Intermediate or college multi compartment back pack TCA941-Grey-pink

Tosca 58cm-H Multi-compartment Back pack TCA940-Black-grey

Tosca 48cm-H Black Deluxe Laptop Back Pack TCA939

Tosca 48cm-H Black Deluxe Laptop Pack TCA938

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Travel Bags

22 products

Whether you are looking for that over the shoulder model, or the pack for the back, the range of colours, sizes and uses are explained in great detail right here at Gearshop . Keeping your bits and pieces close and secure is top of the list for travellers when away from home.

• Lowe alpine
• citysafe cs
• citysafe cx
• Size-122-ltr
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• Colour-black
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Notabag Recycled

The original tote bag-backpack hybrid by award winning German brand Notabag. A smart and practicle multi-use bag made with recycled material.

NOTABAG ORIGINAL

The original tote bag-backpack hybrid by award winning German brand Notabag. A smart, multi-use bag/backpack that is sleek and sustainable.

Notabag Crossbody

The perfect format for your everyday accessories. If you need extra space simply pop the buttons and unfold it to laptop size.

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Notabag Recycled Bag & Backpack

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Notabag Original Bag / Backpack

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Travelbag NZ

Welcome to Travelbag NZ. We spend our days sourcing stunning, sustainable products from around the globe to help you pack light every time.

Shop our Best Eco-friendly Products

Project Ten The Traveller Zip Up Medium Tote

Jetsetter Long Haul VIP Kit

Raw Nature Rose, Jasmine & Coconut natural Deodorant - 50gm

Linen Packing cubes - Gingham ( In Stock )

Combined laundry Sheets - 180 sheets

Buzz Patch Mosquito Repellent Stickers

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Affordable Sustainable Products | Shop the Sale

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Pack Light Every Time

Shop the Range

We can't get enough of stylish, functional and sustainable reusable bags. We have reusable bags to suit all needs from supermarket shopping, to keeping your lunch cool to shopping up large wherever you may be.

Sustainable Products for the Home

Tru Earth Eco Strips Laundry Detergent

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Reusable Drink Bottles

Rolla Bottle - 700mls

Dawny Insulated Cooler Bottle - 950ml

Dawny Insulated Cooler Bottle - 530ml

Que Collapsible Bottle 20oz - NEW

355ml Cooler Cup

Dawny Insulated Cooler Bottle - 1900ml (64oz)

Let customers speak for us

Love these bags! (Got 2) use them almost every day. Great for shopping, outings, farmers market, picnics, carting round all the kids gear! Plus they're just gorgeous🥰

This bag was the perfect beach bag for our recent trip to Fiji, lots of space and a great internal pocket for my wallet, phone etc. The fact that you could zip it up was a great bonus!

These are so convenient to use. The clear design helps to locate things quickly and stay organised for my travel. Love them!

This bag was perfect for our recent trip to Fiji! I wanted something waterproof that didn’t cost a fortune - I found exactly what I needed in this tote bag. It was perfect for all our flippers, snorkels and towels while in Fiji! Quick delivery and excellent customer service too!

Heading off backpacking in Europe for 2 months. Needed bags that could double as carry on plus shopping bags and had to have a zip. Also needed to fold up as compactly as possible. These fit the bill perfectly and they appear well made and yet light. Looking forward to using them. Any business that takes the time to write a note to new customers and pop in a couple of treats has our vote. Thanks Sue.

I bought this for my daughter prior to an overseas trip, and she is over the moon with it! in her words, it is "gorgeous"; she loves that it can take her larger sized bottles, but her favourite part is the sturdy hook for hanging it up. Thanks Sue - this product is awesome!

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Home » Oceania » New Zealand » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking New Zealand Travel Guide (BUDGET TIPS • 2024)

Kia ora, mate! I imagine you’re here because you’re on your way to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the mystical land at the bottom of the planet. Otherwise known as New Zealand, Aotearoa, or the land of the long white cloud… 

Known for its sheep, majestic mountains, All Blacks, beaches, campervanning, Maori culture, and Kiwis (the people, the fruit and the birds). This little set of islands will blow your mind.

New Zealand welcomes the adventurous, the brave, the broke, and everyone in between. It won’t take long for New Zealand to fill you up with fish ‘n’ chips and ease you onto the long list of travellers who will tell you that “ New Zealand’s the best country they’ve ever been to ”. 

Once you get under the hood of this magical land, there’s no turning back. Literally, you’ll probably end up buying a campervan and living in New Zealand forever… 

I backpacked New Zealand with a year-long visa and felt a bit like Bilbo Baggins: it was to be a hobbit’s journey! I’ve spent more than six months exploring this INCREDIBLE land and I am completely and utterly in love with it. 

I’ve bundled up all of my knowledge into this neat little koha: a one-stop New Zealand travel guide. It’s brimming with budget tips and travel hacks to make your time in New Zealand mean as! From cheap places to stay and epic hiking spots to the less exciting (but very important bits) like visas and insurance. 

So, grab a pen and paper (you’ll want to remember this stuff) and let’s go backpacking New Zealand together.

Why Go Backpacking in New Zealand?

Made famous by the dramatic, unearthly scenery in Lord of the Rings, New Zealand is more than just an unbelievable movie set. Travelling in New Zealand is every outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Made up of two islands, your adventures are infinite.

The two islands do stand in noticeable contrast to each other. It’s fair to say that everywhere in New Zealand is mindbogglingly beautiful (except Auckland – curse you Auckland). That said, travelling on New Zealand’s North and South Islands are two different experience. That’s what makes deciding where to stay in New Zealand a real struggle.

• North Island is much more populated (by New Zealand standards). There are a lot more developments and urban areas and while there are still many of New Zealand’s beautiful places, it lacks the uncut, untamed, and unabashed glory we’ve come to expect from Aotearoa.
• That’s what  South Island  is for. Near empty of people by comparison – and it only gets emptier the further south you go – South Island brings New Zealand’s best. Dramatic prehistoric scenery, endless oceans of sheep and cows, and the feeling of being outside of the world’s chaos: South Island is the tits.

It doesn’t stop there. Before I left backpacking for New Zealand, my cousin equated the landscape to biomes in a video game (weird, yes, I know, but bear with me). He was right.

Travel 100 km in New Zealand and the whole landscape changes. A rugged coastline turns into glacier country turns into Colorado-esque boulder playgrounds. New Zealand is a playground of wonderment.

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking New Zealand

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Lots of New Zealand’s attractiveness builds from its plentiful and well-guarded national parks. There is so much variety, however, that whether you’re hitchhiking or planning a road trip , you’ll need an itinerary… Or two! One itinerary to highlight the North Island, and the other to highlight the South Island.

You can easily combine both itineraries if you have a month or more to travel in New Zealand. Many travellers backpack here on a year-long work visa. If that is the case, you have plenty of time to explore New Zealand’s beauty.

2-Week Itinerary for New Zealand: The North Island – Te Ika-a-Maui

This itinerary will start in Auckland . If you’re a city person, you can definitely find plenty of things to do in Auckland – restaurants, nightlife, galleries, and nearby beaches galore.

This is also a great place to base yourself if you’re making the trip to the Bay of Islands (north), the  Rangitoto Islands  just off the coast of Auckland, or  Coromandel , slightly East. You can also make a trip to Hobbiton , the real live set they used to film the Hobbit wonderland in Lord of the Rings.

Then head to Rotorua , a geothermal hotspot (no pun intended) full of geysers, mud pools, and, yes, smelly sulfur. You can also engage with the indigenous Maori culture.

Further south you’ll find Taupo and the epic Tongariro National Park . This is a great spot to bike and New Zealand’s great walks.

Next stop: a stay in Wellington , the cool, hipster capital of New Zealand known for its food, drink, and art. If you’re a wino, drive through Hawke’s Bay Wine Country on your way to Wellington.

After visiting Wellington, loop back around to Mt Taranaki , a classic 2,518m volcanic cone. Then go to the Waitomo Cave s: damp, underground tunnels home to glowing worms! Before getting back to Auckland, surfers should stop at Raglan , the hippy beachside slow-town of North Island.

• Best Hostels in Auckland
• Best Hostels in Rotorua
• Best Hostels in Lake Taupo
• Best Hostels in Wellington

3-Week Itinerary New Zealand: The South Island – Te Waipounamu

Get ready to be wowed. If you’re backpacking New Zealand for nature, this South Island itinerary for you. Find a cheap place to stay in Christchurch , but then move on – Christchurch isn’t worth a long visit.

Make your way to Kaikoura on the coast. Kaikoura is popular for whale tours and helicopter flights! If you’re a wine person, drink up some Sauvignon Blanc at the Marlborough Sounds on a wine tour in New Zealand . Picton is a naint town to base yourself.

If these types of activities don’t fit your budget, fear not, we’re heading into nature soon. The best things in life are free after all?

Next Stop: Abel Tasman National Park . You’ll think you’re on a tropical beach (minus the temperature). Nearby you can drive to  Whaririki Beach (pronounced ‘Far-ri-ree-kee’) – squeezed between Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Park – and will take you through wonderful hippy-haven Golden Bay .

Drive through  Punakaiki , home of the  Pancake Rocks : a series of coastal cliffs that literally look like giant stacks of pancakes. Around these rocks are also several impressive blowholes.

Next is off to Franz Josef Glacier to witness the world’s steepest and fastest moving glacier. After that, continue on for a stay in bohemian Wanaka , also known for its famous tree in the middle of a lake.

Wanaka is close to senstown and it’s only a short trip between the two. When you’re ready to leave darling Wanaka (never), travel an hour down the road and stay in Queenstown . New Zealand’s adventure and backpacker capital there’s heaps to do in Queenstown: ski in winter, hike in summer, bungee jump or skydive all-year-round, and party every goddamn night!

Saving the best for last, get ready to make the Milford drive to Milford Sound . After being gobsmacked by Rudyard Kipling’s “ Eighth Wonder of the World ” over and over again, finish South Island in New Zealand’s own Deep South.

Travel to the Southern Scenic Route and the Caitlins to see some astounding forests and windswept coastline.

Now that we’ve covered the travel itinerary ideas, we’re going to discuss some of the best places to go in New Zealand. Read on for more backpacking wonders!

Backpacking Auckland

Most backpackers start in Auckland – it’s the starting point for a lot of people travelling to New Zealand. This North Island city holds the majority of New Zealand’s population and it’ll probably be the busiest place you visit in New Zealand.

Auckland Central itself is just like any other Western city, perfect for picking up any last-minute necessities but spend too long here and you will drain your funds fast. It’s busy and it’s certainly not the best New Zealand has to offer, but it is worth noting that there are some beautiful places to visit in Auckland in the surrounding area (away from the CBD).

A lot of tours kick off from Auckland, like the Hobbiton movie set tour . You’ll get to see Hobbiton holes first-hand, grab a drink from The Green Dragon Inn and drive through breath-taking natural scenery along the Waikato River. What would a trip to New Zealand be without taking a selfie in front of Bilbo Baggin’s green door anyway?

Visit the sky tower for some views over the city, or kickstart your adrenaline by jumping off the top! If you are willing to get out of the city, there is plenty to do. The forests to the west are way more inviting than the city vibes or head to the North Shore for some beach time!

Backpacking Rangitoto and Waiheke Island

There are a number of islands around Auckland to explore and it’s as simple as catching the ferry there! No need to book in advance; just pop down to the ferry terminal to buy your ticket. These two spots near Auckland are definitely worth the day trip:

• Rangitoto Island ($36 NZD return) – A volcanic island off the coast of Auckland, Rangitoto is uninhabited by people and a reserve to some of New Zealand’s native birds and bush. There are multiple hiking loops and plenty of cool caves to explore. Get to the top for sunset and enjoy panoramic views of Auckland and the sea horizon behind you. Make sure you take that last ferry back though or you’ll be stranded.
• Waiheke Island ($42 NZD return) – White sand beaches, beautiful vineyards, great walking trails, and incredibly blue water, this is the perfect place to spend a day. Eating out on the island is expensive, so I would recommend bringing a picnic or barbeque food, or cooking yourself and eating down by the beach. It’s the perfect next place to go in New Zealand after Auckland to detox those concrete jungle feels!

Backpacking Northland

Before you completely bail on Auckland and start heading south, there’s a whole region north of Auckland. It’s kinda like Game of Thrones in reverse. Auckland is a big dumb wall (that ruins hitchhiker’s days) and north of it, you have the land of eternal summer.

Although not strictly off of New Zealand’s tourist spots, it is fair to say that it’s lesser explored. There are fewer people up here and more empty space of some rather striking nature. It’s kinda like the South Island of North Island. There’s also more ice – I guess it is like Game of Thrones!

For a few of New Zealand’s top highlights in Northland (on and off the tourist trail):

• Whangarei – The last city you’ll get heading north with a gorgeous surrounding area – beautiful beaches and a bunch of small but sexy mountains (it’s not the size that counts).
• Bay of Islands – Easily the biggest tourist spot in the north of New Zealand but with good reason: it’s spectacularly beautiful with a lot of cool islands to explore.
• Waipoua Kauri Forest – Did somebody say a 3000-year-old tree? The kauri trees here are magnificent and the giant snails ain’t bad either (though he dead ones stink worse than Rotorua). Do note though, the ancient forest here is dying of the kauri dieback disease so follow all the guidelines .
• Far North – Pretty much anywhere you go this far north is going to be a much less touristic New Zealand backpacking experience.
• Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua – The almost northernmost point of New Zealand, there’s like a whole section I could write on this magical place. It’s arguably the most sacred place in all of New Zealand for the Maori people the air feels palpably otherworldly. Y’know, no spoilers: go find out the rest for yourself!

Backpacking Raglan

If it wasn’t for an even more awesome hippy town coming up soon (in the south), this would be the top sticky place in New Zealand to visit for backpackers seeking those Byron-style vibes. This cute little hippie/surf town caters well to New Zealand backpackers.

It is touristy but it draws a good kind of tourist – the earthy backpacking joint-rolling kind. Raglan is known for being one of the best surf and kitesurf beaches in New Zealand and it has a great chilled out vibe. Most people around here will definitely be surfing (probs playing backgammon too) and everyone is keen to teach you how.

Surfboard rental is kinda expensive at about $20-$30 NZD for a half-day but if you stay at a hostel in Raglan, they will often have discounted lessons and board hire available. Definitely try meeting someone through Couchsurfing  here; you will meet some wicked people who will probably have boards, boats, and kayaks that you can borrow!

Backpacking Coromandel

Only a two-hour drive from Auckland is the Coromandel Peninsula. There are loads of activities making this a wonderful weekend getaway.

The white sand beaches are pristine at New Chums Beach and don’t forget to hike up to the overlook for epic views. Hot Water Beach , while not very scenic, is a fun experience to soak in natural hot springs oceanside during low tide. The Karangahake Gorge is very scenic and has some short walking tracks.

The best stop and a must-visit in New Zealand is Cathedral Cove . Come during low tide and preferably at sunrise or sunset. There are only two hostels in Coromandel, however, there are several campsites on the peninsula itself for around $10.

Backpacking Rotorua

Rotorua – or the town that smells like farty-egg-feet as most people will refer to it –  is actually not as smelly as it is made out to be… Ok, that’s a lie. But it’s still definitely a must-visit place in New Zealand!

There is LOADS of geothermal activity here. This town is incredibly tourist orientated and backpacker-friendly – the main backpacker area of Rotura – the working side of town – is full of travellers! There are also heaps of New Zealand’s adventure activities in the area making it a rival to Queenstown… except Queenstown doesn’t smell like a fish’s butthole.

There are loads of places for you to stay, including hostels, hotels, Airbnbs and motels in Rotorua . However, as is often the case when backpacking New Zealand, they don’t always come cheap.

I would recommend CouchSurfing here since the hostels cost quite a bit. If hostels are your only option, Rotorua Central Backpackers is an awesome one in the centre of Rotorua.

While backpacking here, check out the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland for all things Geothermal. You can hire a mountain bike and take the trail to the park or pay for the shuttle service to take you there if you are in a less active mood. Entry to the park is around $33 NZD – slightly pricey but totally worth it and a must-do while backpacking New Zealand.

The Redwoods are incredible and you can easily spend a day wandering through the woods and swinging on vines pretending to be Tarzan. The Green and Blue Lakes are a must-see while here, as are the hot pools. You will need a car to reach many of these places in and around Rotorua but hitchhiking is a snap in New Zealand.

Backpacking the East Cape Road

Take a road trip in the spring/summer around the East Peninsula of the North Island. It is beautiful and relatively unexplored by travellers. Rugged coastline, mountainous scenery, beautiful sunrises, and a chance to experience being off New Zealand’s beaten track.

One of the must-do stops around the East Cape is the beautiful Te Kaha : a rural area with some of the most unique and friendly homestays! I stayed at the lovely  Maraehako Bay Retreat  for two nights.

Also in this area is the gorgeous Tatapouri : an incredibly small, local seaside town where you can feed Stingrays, tackle some of New Zealand’s epic swell with your surfboard, and enjoy the view from horseback or a deckchair. Some sights to see around the East Cape include the East Cape Lighthouse , which is also the most easterly point in New Zealand.

You can also visit the Tolega Bay area, home of the longest pier in New Zealand and super fun to jump off of. There are heaps of activities along New Zealand’s East Cape and the area is incredibly backpacker-friendly given its removal from the rest of the tourist trail; volunteering opportunities are high!

Backpacking Tongariro National Park

Skip ahead to see more of New Zealand’s wealth of national parks in a later section, but this one deserves special mention. This park is New Zealand’s oldest and is also a dual World Heritage site both for its geological significance as well as its spiritual significance to the Maori people.

Tongariro National Park on the North Island is one of New Zealand’s most famous Lord of the Rings filming spots. It is home to the famous ‘Mount Doom’ and of course, the Tongariro Crossing – a ‘Great Walk’ one of New Zealand’s best day hikes .

If you head to this area in winter, you’ll want to pack your ski boots as this area is home to Mount Ruapehu which is the top ski spot in the north island.

There are many LOTR filming locations around here as well as many alternative walks but not much else other than hiking (tramping) trails. Tackle the mighty Tongariro Crossing (19.4km ) and witness steam coming off the still-active volcano. If you’re brave enough, follow in Frodo’s footsteps and climb Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom).

Taupo is a good base for exploring the park. It’s a super beautiful lake and as an added bonus there are free hot springs to melt the weariness away after the walk! Head to the Spa Thermal Park.

Backpacking Mount Taranaki

The most picture-perfect volcano in New Zealand is Mount Taranaki ; on a clear day, it can be seen from hundreds of kilometres away. This area of the North Island has some pretty amazing sights to explore and epic hikes. Climbing Mount Taranaki is one of New Zealand’s harder hikes to do but the pay-off is well worth it.

For an easier hike than the summit, check out the Pouakai Tarns for a stunning picture of Mount Taranaki. Nearby in New Plymouth , the area around the Paritutu Rock is beautiful. Just up the coastline are two incredible places to explore during low tide.

The Three Sisters Beach and Elephant Rock , as well as the White Cliffs walkway, are some of the most scenic coastlines the north island has to offer. As with most major attractions in New Zealand , there are plenty of hostels in New Plymouth as well as other accommodations.

Backpacking Wellington

Backpacking around Wellington  was my absolute favourite city-adventure in New Zealand. This funky place is great to spend a few nights resting your achy legs from the crossing. Set on the bottom tip of the North Island, you can take the ferry across the strait or fly to the South Island pretty cheap from Wellington.

The city is super warm and carries a real alternative-friendly vibe. Hippies, travellers, LGBTQ folks, lovable guttertrash… Welly carries a genuine feeling of acceptance that usually feels more like a pretend mask in a lot of other “progressive” cities elsewhere.

If you have the time or have that wonderful working holiday visa for New Zealand, Wellington is easily a place to stay for a while. The surrounding nature is dope, the city has a lot of cool happenings going on, offers many amazing hostels, and even in the central hub of the city there still manages to be a warm village feeling. Bumping into a friend randomly in the middle of the city is a given.

Any complaints? Yeah, the weather sucks in winter. Icy rains and 40km/h winds – fun!

Things to Do in Wellington

There are so many awesome things to see and do in Wellington. So much so, I just had to give it a little bonus section! Here are a few of my top 5 picks of what to do in Wellington:

• Freyburg Pool and Fitness Centre – Excercise? Boo! Na, this place is the best! It’s right next to Oriental Bay and beach and it’s $5 for sauna privileges. You know what that means? Hot-and-cold, baby!
• Cuba Street – Any walk down Cuba Street is a solid day; street merchants, buskers, Wellington’s night markets are there. There is a lot of BoHo(ish) shops along Wellington’s Cuba Street and it’s just something of a hub and focal point in the CBD.
• Op-Shopping – Speaking of shopping in Wellington! The second-hand shops in Welly are kickass (actually, in New Zealand as a whole). Go find something colourful!
• The Rogue and Vagabond – A neat little bar that has live music most nights of the week. The nightlife in Wellington is sweet with a bustling music scene but The Rogue and Vagabond gets some really eclectic and off-beat stuff!
• Rent a bicycle – Wellington has this whole mountain city thing going one and mountain city’s have the whole ‘ bombing hills at 120km/h without a helmet ‘ thing going on. Getting back up is a bitch though.

Backpacking Tasman and Golden Bay

Starting off South Island now and it’s a strong start!

The northernmost areas of the South Island of New Zealand where the smokeables are dank and plentiful and the sun is emotionally-available most of the year. This area of New Zealand is spectacular and easily one of the highlights for me.

Tasman Bay begins with  Nelson which is a pretty city but a bit ‘East Coast Australia’ feeling for me. It’s popular with travellers though meaning you’ll find some good choices of backpacker accommodation in Nelson . Once you get a bit further north up to Motueka though, it starts to get real nice.

There are some sweet places to stay in Richmond just a short 15-minute drive from Nelson. Perfect to crash without breaking the bank!

A top destination in New Zealand for Kiwis wanting to live the permaculture life (and travellers wanting to volunteer in it), with that comes the hippies and with that comes the endless swathes of smoke. Jokes aside, the area is gorgeous: gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park and some stunning beaches. Kaiteriteri is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches but touristy; check out Kina Beach for something quieter (with the $5 campsite next door).

Golden Bay just gets stickier. It’s a bubble and I mean that in the best way possible. There’s one road in and out over the mountains and it’s safe to say that some people haven’t crossed those mountains for a couple of decades.

Head to Takaka , a timeless little town, if you’re looking to get embroiled in New Zealand’s doof scene (hippy festival) or just wanna connect with some travellers of the grungier variety. They generally congregate down by the river . Don’t worry: they’re easy to find.

Backpacking the West Coast

The West Coast region of South Island is full-fucking-power Aotearoa – there are no there words for it. It’s one of the most dramatic coastlines I’ve ever seen and I know that word is really overplayed but there simply are no other words I feel match it.

For me, it’s one of the best drives in New Zealand. It doesn’t actually feel like you’re in the 21st-century anymore. You legitimately feel like a moa – the OG kiwi bird – might step out in front of your car and kamikaze-roadkill itself at any time.

Giant ferns leap out over densely forested cliffs, the weather is harsh and unforgiving (it ain’t called ‘The Wild West Coast for nothing), and every bend on the highway opens up to some new “ Ooohh “. Oh, and those sandflies will eat you alive – bring mosquito protection! Legend has it that the coasters of the sparsely-populated West Coast have developed a natural immunity to these foul devils…

If you can do the whole thing from  Westport in the north through to  Haast and beyond to  Wanaka , you’ll get a true sense of how special travelling New Zealand is. West Coast – an unmissable place to visit in New Zealand, no questions.

Travellers can find an array of truly r emarkable Airbnbs in Westport with breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of the West Coast region.

Must-Sees of the West Coast Region of New Zealand’s South Island

Some must-visit spots on New Zealand’s West Coast. There are heaps more than this… Hell, if you can handle the hormonally-moody rain complete with mood swings (a protective rain jacket is mandatory packing) and the blackened legions of flying itchy-bitchies, you could get lost in the West Coast’s jungles for a bit.

Failing that, however:

• Karamea – Actually north of the West Coast proper and comparatively less-frequented. There are beaches, caves, hot pools, and a backdoor entry into the  Kahurangi National Park.
• Punakaiki – Not much going on here but it is home of the Pancake Rocks and blowholes – a famous New Zealand attraction.
• Franz Josef and Fox Glacier – Ahh, now this is the true tourist spot on the West Coast of New Zealand and one of the busiest areas you’ll come across there (even comparatively to Greymouth – the largest town). I’m actually not a fan. The glaciers weren’t super impressive, and the prices in the area are all mega-jacked. HOWEVER, if you have the spare cash for a helicopter tour and hike on the glaciers , then you’re in for a treat. A glacier is way more impressive from on top of it rather than a few kilometres away…
• Hokitika Gorge – Super beautiful in its own right but the river (and river mouth) is an excellent place to go in New Zealand to find  pounamu  – that type of jade every single bloody Kiwi wears around their neck like they’re in a secret club. (I want in!) Just remember how sacred pounamu is. If you find one, then your pounamu has chosen you and that’s your pounamu.
• Blue Pools – Let’s just say that that’s no misnomer.

Backpacking Wanaka

Sweet darling Wanaka, oh how I adore you. If you were an Italian maiden, I’d serenade you from beneath your balcony (and then eat poison and die).

Consider Wanaka like a good Queenstown. Okkk, some people love Queenstown but it’s super touristy and just a bit… backpackery (I know, I know, but you know the vibe I mean).

However, half an hour drive away is Wanaka, full of eccentric loveables, surrounded by the same gorgeous mountains of Queenstown, and still with a twinkling lake (complete with that famous tree). I would say that for anyone that Queenstown just feels like a bit much, stay in Wanaka.

There’s no shortage of that uncut Otago region nature around Wanaka to explore Hiking Rob Roys Peak is a good start; it is crazy beautiful once at the peak.  There is also no shortage of lake activities in Wanaka: joints by the lake, joints on a cruise on the lake, joints while kayaking on the lake. Hell, joints while abseiling down a waterfall!

The backpacker hostels in Wanaka are pricey (welcome to accommodation in New Zealand), however, there are some campsites around town… that are also kinda pricey. If you need to save some cash, Couchsurfing or sneaky camping is the way to go.

Backpacking Queenstown

Backpacking Queenstown – Oh, the home of adrenaline! Queenstown is known around the world as adventure capital and it does not disappoint. The list of things to do when planning a trip to Queenstown is never-ending. With so many travel and tour companies operating here, it’s certainly the place to go for adventure travel in New Zealand.

A snow destination in winter with delicious icing-sugar powdered slopes, or in summer, it’s the place in New Zealand for every other adventure activity you could think of: massive bungee jumps, hiking, white water rafting, climbing and mountaineering, and it’s a top spot to go skydiving too! It’s also a total backpacker hub.

There’s heaps  of nightlife in Queenstown, substance-galore, and no shortage of tourists of the ‘ young, dumb, and full of red-hotted ideals ‘ variety. If that’s what you’re seeking, Queenstown is the perfect destination in New Zealand for it. It’s also an easy place in New Zealand to find a backpacker job; a lot of people just spean a season of their working visa in Queenstown.

Even the cheap hostels in Queenstown are expensive, and the council has pretty rigidly clamped down on freedom camping of any description. A good alternative is staying out of town somewhere cheaper ( Franklin, Arrowtown , or there’s a free campsite at Cromwell ) and hitching in.

Drinking and eating in Queenstown can be as cheap or as expensive as your taste makes it. The famous Ferg Burger is a must-do while not breaking the bank! Or you could head to Searle Lane Bar and enjoy cheap drinks and Pizza at happy hour! Oh, and for any nights out, pre-greasing the wheels is a must.

Backpacking Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

The tallest mountain in New Zealand is…Mount Cook! And no, you cannot hike it. Well, you can, but you’ll need some heavy-duty adventure gear , a strong sense of stupid-bravery, experience (it’s a knife-edge point), and probably a parental permission slip too.

It doesn’t matter though because Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is another marvel when it comes to hiking in New Zealand , with some of the best tramping to be found. This national park is centre to the stunning Southern Alps mountain range that defines the South Island of New Zealand. The drive into Mount Cook National Park winds along the lake with several viewpoints and it’s a very sexy approach.

Once in the park, there are two valleys to explore, the Hooker Valley and the Tasman Valley . The Tasman Lake was once a massive glacier that has receded several kilometres in just the last decade. The Hooker Valley Track is a wonderful easy 3-hour walk to Hooker Lake; glacier melt floats in the lake beneath the watchful peak of Mount Cook.

For one of the best hikes in New Zealand, head up to Mueller Hut. This popular day hike takes around five hours or plan ahead and book a night stay in the hut. These are the best views of Mount Cook and staying for sunset to see the last light on the tallest mountain in New Zealand is truly something special.

It is cold, so come prepared but staying the night in complete silence mixed with thunderous booms from nearby collapsing glaciers is incredible to experience. There are no hostels around Mount Cook, but many of New Zealand’s beautiful lodges in the village or paid camping is available in the park. Or head over to Lake Tekapo ; stop and check out the Church of Good Shephard if you head that way!

Backpacking Milford Sound and the Fiordlands

An absolute must-do while backpacking New Zealand is visiting the stunning Milford Sound. Part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site , Milford Sound is the best known and most visited fiord and with good reason. As Rudyard Kipling called it, “the eighth Wonder of the World”.

The Fiordlands of New Zealand is one of the wettest places on earth so, again, that rain jacket is a must. Moody, serene, and devastating all at the same time, Milford Sound is something you gotta see to really feel the scope – no written word and captured image can do it justice…

There is a number of ways to see the sounds. You can stay in the small town of Te Anau as a base: there are plenty of campsites, freedom camping spots, and camper parks here plus some hostels. Self-drive down and take in the incredible views; the drive is just as beautiful as the destination.

For getting out on the sounds, booking a cruise is the tourist-standard but a kayaking adventure is going to be way more adventurous! Or shit, just book a dive in the inky waters and go see it from below: Milford Sound offers some of the best diving in New Zealand as a whole!

There are also a couple of other spectacular multi-day tramps (and more of New Zealand’s Great Walks).

The  Milford Track  (pre-booking the walk is almost a guarantee) is one of the most authentic ways to experience the sounds. Waterfalls, rainforests, and glacier-carved valleys are all there on this four-day hike.

Alternatively, the  Kepler Track is another multi-day hike that will take you on a different journey to see a less-touristed side of the Fiordlands. One way or another, you gotta walk in this area. It’s too damn pretty!

Getting Off the Beaten Path in New Zealand

It’s totally possible – a few steps into New Zealand’s overwhelming natural wonder just about anywhere is going to give those adventure feels. At the same time, it’s New Zealand so you never quite get that feeling of being lost in an unknown and foreboding land – it’s a good mix!

If you’re looking to break away from New Zealand’s tourist spots, the aforementioned far north and New Zealand’s ‘Deep South’ are both excellent starts. I love that New Zealand has a deep south – it totally is too! Endless oceans of sheep, a slightly drawlier accent, and a lot of farmer life. That said, the people are still wonderful.

A few of the best spots in New Zealand’s deep south are the Catlins Region and the Southern Scenic Route  along the souths’s coastline. It’s hard hitching but well worth it for the payoff in the feeling of beautiful desolation and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Once you hit Bluff (the almost-southernmost point of New Zealand) you can catch a ferry to Stewart Island/Rakiura – Aotearoa’s under-appreciated third island. There’s like one settlement here and then nothing but unabashed and untouched nature. It’s also the best place to go in New Zeland to see wild kiwis (of the actually feathered variety).

Dunedin is another city in the south that often gets overlooked by backpackers. It’s an interesting city with Scottish architecture, an odd mix of conservative people and best-brand-weirdos, and a bustling student life. There’s a whole local party scene with the students and a dope fire-dancing scene too – the best I found in New Zealand!

Arthur’s Pass on South Island is another must-visit in New Zealand. Not strictly tourist-free but such a wild piece of Jurassic mountainous nature that it doesn’t matter. Head to Castle Hill in the area for some of New Zealand’s best bouldering (it’s a goddamn proverbial playground)!

That, of course, is all the highlights of the South Island because that is the majesty of South Island – one giant rugged adventure! I’d say, however, if you’re more looking to get off the beaten path in New Zealand in a cultural sense, volunteering is the way to go.

Volunteering with Workaway , WWOOFing, and everything else is extremely common in New Zealand; honestly, there’s something around just about every corner. Any step into this life is not only a perfect way to backpack New Zealand on a budget, but it’s also a great way to see the local life. Even just talking to strangers and expressing interest will often find you a host.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

When it comes to what to do in New Zealand, the options are endless. It’s not a large country but is absolutely bursting with wonder and amazement. These aren’t all of New Zealand’s must-dos by any stretch, but they are the pick of a few of my faves.

1. Tramp Like a Kiwi

You have so many options for hiking in New Zealand – legitimately endless. The wealth of huts to stay in on trails – both free and paid – make this only easier. Figure out what to take hiking , pack your pack, lace your boots, and go have an adventure!

2. Go Bungee Jumping

This is the country bungee jumping was invented in, after-all. With so many beautiful places to jump, you’d be a fool not to jump off a bridge! (Plus, this is New Zealand, so really you should feel safest here.) Queenstown is the go-to destination in New Zealand for yoyo-like fun but there are plenty of other jumps around .

3. Meet the Maori People…

Are truly spectacular. On a personal note, this isn’t like the Aboriginals of Australia where a wall of division is immediately obvious (rightfully so given their despicable persecution).

The Maori people are incredibly open to travellers: bigass smiles and endless flows of conversation. Generally, I found they were also delighted to teach people about their culture, and language, or just talk some shit so go meet them!

4. Find a Wild Kiwi: Gotta Catch ’em All!

Again with the Australia comparison, spotting a kiwi bird in the wild in New Zealand is the equivalent of a wild platypus in Australia. It’s the holy grail and a total rite of passage so you better get (non-violently) hunting! Stewart Island is the top point of interest to check out in New Zealand but there are other hotspots too.

5. Splurge on a Glacier Heli-Hiking Excursion

Why nooot? I can’t say that this is cheap, but it is one of those once-and-a-lifetime experiences. Besides, maybe you’ll see a yeti!

Oh yes, the doof scene is cranking in New Zealand and the music is hella tight. From wobblin’ psy to breaking D’n’B to some real funky glitchy bangers, hippies are boogieing everywhere (and the scene is super open to travellers). The Golden Bay area is the prime hotspot but parties in New Zealand are everywhere. Twisted Frequency Festival over New Year’s Eve is the supreme cliff-jump into the rabbit hole.

7. Cycle along Central Otago

All you bikers out there have to get to this area to cycle along the Otago Central Rail Trail through beautiful landscapes and old mining towns. Balance the fitness with numerous historic pub stops or vineyards! And just as a side-not. the Otago region just so  mwah!

8. Kayak the Milford Sound

I’ve just gotta make a second shout-out to Milford Sound because it is one of the most spectacular things to see in New Zealand. This part of New Zealand has beautiful waterfalls , staggering cliffs and peaks, and dark cobalt waters. It rains most of the year, so enjoy the moody vibes if you don’t get a sunny day. Head out there on a kayak and your eyes peeled for seals and dolphins!

9. Drive around New Zealand in a Campervan

New Zealand and van travel lifestyle go together almost as well as New Zealand and an overwhelming sense of inner peace! This actually isn’t as expensive as it sounds, and the best way to see New Zealand is by campervan!

You will need to have at least $3,000 to buy a van but after you’re done backpacking around New Zealand, you can hopefully sell the van close to the amount you paid for it. Plus, a van will allow you total freedom in New Zealand and the ability to camp more versus staying in expensive hostels and hotels.

The other option is to rent a van, which in the long run (if you stay long enough) is actually the more expensive option. However, if you’re looking for a shorter-term van adventure, I’d recommend using the iconic JUCY rentals . (more on this to come!)

10. Live in New Zealand

Many countries are able to get a year-long work visa for New Zealand . This means you can work for several months, and travel afterwards with the money you saved up! If the opportunity to live in New Zealand is there, it’s one of the best things to do; it’s a truly magical place and a new home to many expatriated travellers who finally felt they’d found the place to settle.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Accommodation is not cheap in New Zealand; even hostels are expensive! In the ‘high season’ (summer and in some areas, winter) they will set you back by upwards of $35 NZD per night for a shared dorm. Only stay in backpacker hostels around New Zealand when absolutely necessary or your daily budget travelling in New Zealand is going to fall apart.

If you’re looking for a paid room, sadly hostels still remain the cheapest option. You may occasionally stumble across a cheap New Zealand Airbnb , but it’s still a limited selection. So how about saving money on accommodation in New Zealand?

Couchsurfing is widely used and a great way to meet new people and locals while backpacking in New Zealand. It does require some pre-planning though; the rock up in town and see what is around is not the best method for Couchsurfing.

Working for accommodation (and probably food too) is another excellent option in New Zealand. If you know you are going to be hanging around an area for a while, check with local hostels homestays if they offer some sort of bed and board thing. Workaway , again, is another great platform, as is WWOOF for farm-based work, or Facebook groups and even the local town notice board (legit).

Camping in New Zealand – free or otherwise – is the other cheap accommodation option. Tents, cars, and the vanlife is all a dream in New Zealand but it’s not a cut-and-dry though so I’ll cover camping in a different section coming up .

You’ll find Kiwi’s are incredibly generous when it comes to opening their doors to you and hitchhiking or meeting folks sometimes can end up in a bed or place to stay. Yeah, travelling costs in New Zealand are high but the country and people are also super kind to the homeless dirtbag. Generally, in New Zelaand, it always somehow works itself out.

Camping in New Zealand – Freedom or Otherwise

Ok, so here’s the deal: New Zealand is (sometimes) seen as a golden freedom camping destination and that’s becoming less and less true. A lot of campsites these days are not free or purely for self-contained vehicles i.e. has toilet, greywater, and sceptic waste functionality.

As a whole, travelling in a non-self-contained campervan in New Zealand is still possible, but you’ll either be paying or aiming for free campsites (apps are good for sifting through the campsites) or paying. So, is freedom camping dead in New Zealand?

Na, not by any stretch.  Even outside of just parking in a mate’s driveway, rules (formal or informal) do change by region so it’s still possible in many areas. For example, the Otago region cracks down hard on freedom campers courtesy of Queenstown’s popularity but up in Golden Bay, they tend to turn a blind eye… mostly.

What about sans-car? Well, it’s still illegal pretty much anywhere outside of designated areas, but that doesn’t mean it’s hard to get away with. Generally in a nice hidden spot, you’ll be fine; just be discreet, pack up early, and  leave no fucking trace or I will Freddy Krueger your dreams.

It is worth noting that you’re always risking a heavy fine, but that’s the bureaucratic side of things. Most Kiwis I met were all guns-ho a’blazing about a vagrant hitchhiker enjoying Aoteroa’s land to the fullest. Hell, most of them would point me to the best local park to sleep in.

The long and the short? If you want to save on accommodation prices, pack some suitable camping equipment ! It’s a total necessity.

The Best Places to Stay in New Zealand

I made no solid plans for New Zealand. In fact, my research of the country pretty much consisted of binge-watching The Lord of The Rings and Hobbit films. And then the reality of the cost of travel in New Zealand hit me.

New Zealand is booming as a backpacking destination, courtesy of those famous setpieces for Lord of the Rings. Despite the backpacker boom, New Zealand is expensive . There are no two ways about it; Kiwis say it, Saudi Arabian princes would say it, Indians definitely say it!

That doesn’t mean you can’t travel cheap in New Zealand because you definitely can. I was able to travel on less than $10 a day, but you gotta get dirty!

A more realistic daily budget in New Zealand (for those that prefer their meals not to be harvested from the trash can) is about $20-$30 a day with the appropriate budget backpacking tools-of-the-trade . This is going to mean a mix of skipping accommodation, volunteering, hitchhiking, cooking, and going easy on the goodies – drink, drugs and activities. With those tricks loosely applied, you’ll still have some budget-leeway for the good stuff.

Instead, at a more New Zealand backpacker holiday level (hostels, meals out, shopping, and whatevs else you crazy cats get up to),  $60-$80 is more realistic. Yikes!

Looking at individual costs:

• Food prices in New Zealand  are expensive. You can cook budget meals definitely, but eating out always hurts and there’s no cheap and local everyman street food (except arguably fish ‘n’ chips). Aiming for less than $10 a meal when eating out is a necessity for budget backpackers.
• Accommodation prices in New Zealand suck smelly Rotorua egg-farts. You’ll find cheaper hostels in New Zealand, but you’ll never find a cheap one. You really never want to be paying more than $20/night for a dorm .
• Transport costs between New Zealand’s cities are not wholly unforgivable, but they’re still expensive. Inside the cities is ok though. As a point of reference, the three-hour bus ride from Auckland to Rotorua will cost you between $20-$35 .
• Living the vanlife will help the costs, but the fuel prices in New Zealand are super yukky so it only goes so far. Usually, petrol prices hover around $1.30-$1,50/litre .

The good news is that, while there are a lot of expensive activities in New Zealand, there are also plenty of free ones. Hiking, going to the beach, bathing in hot springs, and visiting amazing scenery is just the tip of the glacier.

A Daily Budget in New Zealand

Money in new zealand.

At the time of writing (May 2023), 1 NZD = 0.62 USD . You can work this out as roughly $10 NZ being $6 US for the simple maths.

The money in New Zealand is super colourful and uncomplicated to manage. It’s covered with enough pretty birds and vibrant colours that holding a stack of New Zealand dollars makes you feel like you’re attending a rainbow parade!

Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs in New Zealand are pretty much everywhere: just watch out for international fees. Travel with a travel-specific debit or credit card to avoid these! If you’re working in New Zealand, you’ll be getting an NZ bank account regardless.

Travel Tips – New Zealand on a Budget

I said that backpacking New Zealand on a budget was totally doable, right? Well, it is! But you’ll have to be creative. After a pretty long stint in New Zealand travelling with no money, I’ve put together these kickass tips for travelling New Zealand . It’s the simple life.

• Camping – A dire necessity but see the next section.
• Couchsurfing – Although you can get by with a tent, Couchsurfing is a wonderful safety net for budget travellers in New Zealand and a lot of fun too!
• Volunteering in New Zealand – Always a strong recommendation, especially in New Zealand. Days spent with dirty hands and full bellies are my spiritual Nirvana.
• Hitchhike – You already know how I feel about hitching, however, it’s also a brilliant way to save on transportation costs in Australia. I couldn’t have travelled New Zealand without it.
• Cook your own food – Carry a top-quality backpacker stove on your backpacking trip to New Zealand, especially if you’re camping. When you do have a kitchen available, cook up a storm!
• Busking – Much like hitchhiking and volunteering, New Zealand is where the busking madness began for me. Knowing how to busk and then a solid day’s can definitely cover a decent chunk of your daily cost of travel in New Zealand.
• Food giveaways – Are around and quite open to travellers (eg. The Free Store in Wellington ). Alternatively, the Krishnas are bloody everywhere in New Zealand – haribol ! From Auckland to Wellington to Dunedin they are always doing cheap meals, food giveaways, and probably yoga classes too.
• Dumpster Diving – it ain’t the fanciest, but it really does the job. You’d be surprised how many people throw away perfectly eatable food or trendy clothes.

Why You Should Travel to New Zealand with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

December to February marks the high season (and summer) in New Zealand. These are the busiest months for the beaches, hiking, and outdoor exploration. There are plenty of festivals and events going on too. This is also the most expensive time to visit New Zealand.

The ski towns (Wanaka and Queenstown in particular) also experience high season in winter (June to August) .

The best to visit New Zealand is during shoulder season, so March to May , and September to November . The weather is still great (although noticeably less great the further south you are), and you’re going to get fewer crowds and better deals.

Outside of the ski towns, winter in New Zealand is a cheap time to visit as well, though the beach towns will be cold and sleepy. Northland and the Tasman/Golden Bay area stay pretty damn nice all year round though.

What to Pack for New Zealand

Make sure to pack right for New Zealand ! On every adventure, there are six things to never go travelling without:

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Oh, and bonus entry: pack sandfly protection and  lots of it.

I almost feel silly writing about safety in New Zealand, considering New Zealand is consistently ranked as the  most peaceful country in the world . Crime rates are extremely low and everything from sleeping in parks to hitchhiking is extremely safe!

Therefore, when we talk about how to stay safe in New Zealand while backpacking there, we are instead referring to the unpredictable weather that can hit when you’re out doing adventurous things. Don’t underestimate nature, keep updated about the weather (that shit turns quick), and invest in proper hiking footwear , relevant attire, and camping gear if you plan to be out in the National Parks a lot.

Secondly, the sun is  strong in New Zealand – it turned my bloody hair blonde! The clear, unpolluted atmosphere and relatively low latitudes produce sunlight stronger than much of Europe or North America. Always stay sun-protected.

Thirdly, crime is low but dicks be dicks – I got my phone stolen in Raglan… two days after returning someone else’s lost phone – Karma is a lie! Stay smart, especially on beaches, and travel with a money belt to protect yo’ cash and goodies!

Oh, and watch out for the sheepies while driving.

Past that, there’s nothing much outside of the standard safety advice for travelling anywhere . New Zealand ain’t Oz: there are no snakes, like one spider, and even the derros waiting to roll you at the dodgy train stations are friendlier about it!

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in New Zealand

Sex? Well, yeah, duh.

Kiwi girls are some of the most beautiful, friendly, and down-to-earth chicks you’ll ever meet when backpacking. Typically they love to have fun, drink, and party, and it goes the same with the lads. If you be looking, you’ll find a date no sweat.

As for drugs?

It’s all there too, from deliciously dank bud to knockin’ psychedelics to catapulting stimulants. It’s all illegal, so be smart where and when you buy and take it, but everything is available (if expensive). New Zealand even has a pretty major crystal meth problem so that’s fun! Bonus safety tip: stay away from meth (‘ duh, no shit sherlock ‘ moment of the century).

Booze and cigarettes are expensive as you would expect in New Zealand. Cigarettes, however, are  shockingly expensive: bring as many pouches of tobacco as customs will let you. And when it comes to a night out, you gotta pre-drink.

As a general rule though, there is a kickass party scene in New Zealand and holy shit the boogies are tight! Outdoors, indoors, club, pub, festival, or hippy throwdown, the music just ALWAYS seems to be bangin’. That’s not something Kiwis half-ass.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting New Zealand

There may be no spiders, but there are still coastline-shattering earthquakes. Travelling without insurance is risky: do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure! Take a guess at how cripplingly pricey a medical bill In New Zealand will cost?

Much of The Broke Backpacker team travels with World Nomads and have been for some time now. They’re easy to use, professional, and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

The two easiest airports to fly into are Auckland on the north island and Christchurch on the south island. Wellington also gets some international flights but not as many as Auckland. Since New Zealand is an island (well multiple) you will have to fly here!

Auckland will most likely have the cheapest flights, and it’s easy to catch a domestic flight from there to most any other airports in New Zealand. It’s also worth noting that a domestic flight from Wellington to Nelson can cost as much – or sometimes less – than the ferry crossing.

Entry Requirements for New Zealand

The rules change a lot depending on where you’re from but luckily the official site for visa information for New Zealand is magnificently designed. Suck it, India: that’s a proper user experience!

I told you New Zealand was easy right? Well, a  Visitor Visa is applied for online (for most nationalities) and is to be obtained before arrival. Entering as a visitor, you must have sufficient funds to cover your stay in New Zealand and onwards travel  and you may be asked to present proof of said funds and onwards travel. Those things are always a ‘potential scenario’ though.

Alternatively, you can apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority and then once you arrive at Auckland’s International Airport (it has to be Auckland for the NZeTA), you can apply for a proper visa.

A New Zealand Visitor Visa can last up to as long as nine months, but it is highly contingent on the variables, especially where you’re from. After the allowed term, you can apply for another visa or even move to a student or working visa if you’re looking at living in New Zealand.

So, what’s the cost of a visa for New Zealand? Again, it’s extremely nationality-dependent so you’ll have to do your own research . It is worth mentioning though that a number of countries get visa waiver in New Zealand so also check when you’re working through that oh-so-elegant UI.

Get 15% OFF when you book through our link — and support the site you love so dearly 😉

Booking.com is quickly becoming our go-to for accommodation. From cheap hostels to stylish homestays and nice hotels, they’ve got it all!

Ok, so here’s the deal. Travelling around New Zealand kinda sucks… or does it? (Foreshadowing.)

The best way to get around New Zealand is definitely by car… sorry! There are multiple rental companies within New Zealand and depending on your budget, there are endless options in regards to the type of vehicle you can rent. You can also buy a vehicle and then sell it at a later date (probably to another hapless New Zealand backpacker).

There are buses in New Zealand, but they’re kinda hopeless (outside of public transport in cities which is more than serviceable). The intercity buses (conveniently named InterCity) are expensive: for example, $38 NZD, or the price of an expensive hostel, is the average cost to travel from Auckland to Wellington. Furthermore, for getting to the breathtaking points of interest in New Zealand (i.e. the reason you presumably came), you’re shit outta luck!

You can generally find shuttles and other transport for the major attractions, however, as you probably guessed, they’re expensive. So, about that car…

You can book a rental car for your trip to New Zealand before you even arrive so that it is waiting for you at the airport. Easy as! Booking ahead is crucial to ensuring you get the lowest price and your choice of vehicle.

Make sure you also purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more. It’ll come out cheaper than you’ll pay at the rental desk.

So, about that foreshadowing, hey?

Travelling by Campervan in New Zealand

It’s the best way to travel New Zealand! This also extends to car camping to a lesser degree, but travelling by campervan in New Zealand is just the dream. I met more van-nomads in there than anywhere else in my travels. Paired with a longer stay or a working holiday in New Zealand, buying a van is just da best.

Backpacker cars and vans are seasonal. When a rush of backpackers arrives in early and mid-summer, the buying frenzy is on and prices go up. Likewise, just before winter, backpackers are trying to offload their vehicles, sometimes finding themselves without a buyer, and begging for a quarter of the price they purchased it for – off-season travel wins again!

When you’re buying a car or campervan, your best option is finding a car on TradeMe . Facebook groups and backpacker forums have tons of cars but finding a good one is like finding a needle in a haystack. Prices can range from $2,000 NZD for a station wagon, $4,000 NZD for a whiz banger campervan, or up to $8,000 NZD for a high-end self-contained campervan. While a campervan is more comfortable for sleeping, a station wagon is a great alternative.

Make sure to get a vehicle pre-inspection, ensure it has a valid WOF, and run a vehicle history report to make sure it is not stolen or money is owed. When the time comes, say goodbye to your baby and sell her on (maybe even with a little profit).

A huge part of the attraction of backpacking New Zealand is exploring the truly gorgeous landscapes and making spontaneous stops.  There is so much freedom in a vehicle and the portable home – and skipping on accommodation – is going to make for much cheaper travel in New Zealand.

Campervan Hire in New Zealand

If you are short on time or just want to make an epic few-week road trip around New Zealand, you can simply hire a campervan! Budget allowing, it’s the best way to get around New Zealand – no contest.

So who to book with then? There are tonnes of van rental companies in New Zealand, however, I recommend JUCY rentals . They operate in a lot of places but their van game in Australia and New Zealand is  strong . Plus, they’ve been around for yonks!

Check em’ out and enjoy the shenanigans.

Hitchhiking in New Zealand

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes . This is where it all began for me. What started out as hitchhiking in New Zealand filled me with adventurous fire and led to many other journeys hitching (Japan, India, Israel, to name few).

You know who else hitchhiked in New Zealand too? My dead grandma! (…When she was alive, of course.) This is back in the bloody 1940s or something so, man, hitching across Aotearoa’s magnificence is a two-thumbs-up recommendation and a blessed land for the beginner.

It’s easy – developed Western country rules – and people are ridiculously kind. Kiwis that you never in a million years thought would pick you up will, sometimes accompanied by an offer of a bed or dinner. Better yet, they’ll be heartwarming meetings and lead to the weirdest of most wonderful adventures.

There’s not much country-specific knowledge required for New Zealand: I’ll just point you to our Hitchhiking 101 Beginner’s Guide as a crash course for the newbies or a refresher course for the vets. Cities like Auckland (the fucking wall) or Wellington can be a total pain but still manageable and even in the south-of-the-south, someone will eventually pick you up (though wait times can drag).

In summary? Do it.

Onwards Travel From New Zealand

Since New Zealand is surrounded by water, you’ll be catching a plane onwards, and the choices are pretty straightforward.

Travelling to Australia is a no-brainer (unless you just came from there). It’s another backpacker dream destination PLUS it’s right next door (and usually so far away)!

Australia is another superb working holiday destination as well. Bless that obscenely high minimum wage!

Heading off backpacking to Southeast Asia is the other likely candidate. It’s close by and it’s  way cheaper. If you’re getting sick of paying a small fortune for a bowl of porridge for breakfast, consider Southeast Asia.

Any other suggestions? Yeah, one more and it’s a cool one.

Since you’re in the area, consider travelling to any of the Pacific Islands and continue exploring Oceania /Australasia/still-kinda-Asia. Though still touristy – especially with lads and laddettes from Down Under – they aren’t so heavily backpacked. Plus, after backpacking New Zealand, you may just have a strong affinity for Polynesian cultures,

There are a lot of Pacific Island nations but as some brainfood:

• Tahiti (French Polynesia)
• Papua New Guinea

I’ve already made reference to this numerous times but oh, man, most definitely. New Zealand is a land built for volunteering and backpacker work . Much like its sister country Australia, travellers from all over the world view New Zealand as a dream working holiday destination.

Expected localist crap and employers taking advantage of backpackers aside (which is minimal, to be fair), travelling and working in New Zealand is spectacular. The minimum wage is high – albeit slightly lower than Australia (but you can just consider that paying a premium to be in a better country) – and there are plenty of employment opportunities right around the country. And usually somewhere ridiculously gorgeous!

In fact, when I meet travellers on the road who are planning on visiting Australia for work, I generally just tell them to go to New Zealand instead. I haven’t heard a complaint yet!

The most common types of backpacker work in New Zealand tend to be agricultural; following the picking trail with the seasons is very common. Hospitality gigs (cafes, bars, hostels) are also easy to get as is work in the tourism industry.

Most backpackers in New Zealand tend to find seasonal work in the tourist hubs – Queenstown and Rotorua, in particular – or major cities like Auckland or Wellington. That said, farms are everywhere as are orchards, and there always seems to be some work floating around. Even in the beach towns of Raglan and Takaka (which tend to be extremely localist as anyone from a beach town will tell you), I met plenty of travellers with a job.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Volunteering in New Zealand

But why work for cash when you get work for free! Yay for indentured servitude!

If you’re going without a work visa and aren’t a fan of pulling the sneaky, volunteering is a classic choice in New Zealand. A free bed and meal(s) is pretty much always a guarantee, and if your host isn’t offering that, you’ll generally find someone within a 30 km radius who is.

Of course, it’s not just about the bed. The experience of volunteering while on the road is rather rewarding. All these years later and I STILL remain friends with some of the hosts I volunteered for plus I got some cool experiences to boot (like milking a goat!).

I already mention Workaway and WWOOF as the gold standards in New Zealand (as are more old-school means), however, a few Workaway alternatives rear their head including our bonafide favourite: Worldpackers!

Worldpackers is another volunteering platform we’ve reviewed and adore. They don’t always have as many volunteering gigs in sheer number, but they do offer very substantial and authentic experiences plus a hold host of nifty community features that the fiercely impersonal Workaway lacks.

Hell, join the Worldpackers community as a Broke Backpacker reader (with the code BROKEBACKPACKER ) to get a sweet discount on the signup fee – 20% off the annual subscription price. Churr, bro!

Work Visas in New Zealand

So, about how to actually work in New Zealand? Many nationalities have access to a Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand. This will allow for a stay of up to 12-months, and you can work! (Legally.)

There are a few extra stipulations over a normal tourist visa, however:

• Full medical insurance for the length of your stay.
• For people ages 18-30 only.
• Have at least $4200 NZ in funds available.

Again, the New Zealand Working Holiday visa fees and fine print vary by your passport’s nationality. There’s a lot of extra details to research, so some adulting will be required.

Y’know… Before you go to New Zealand and forget your adult responsibilities.

If you’re finding all of this a bit complicated,  Global Work and Travel  may be able to alleviate some of the VISA complications for you. They offer working holidays and internship opportunities in many locations throughout New Zealand, both of which require the working holiday VISA.

In fact, they’ll support you throughout the entire process; from VISA guidance to finding you the perfect placement. You’ve got to be between the ages of 18 to 35 though…apologies if this isn’t you!

Internet in New Zealand

New Zealand allows you to be as connected or disconnected as you want. In the main towns, you’ll find no problem to grab four bars of signal. However, wander out in the sticks and your signal will disappear pretty quick.

The cheapest and easiest way to stay connected in New Zealand is with a local SIM card. You can buy one at the airport or just wait until you’re in town. You can expect good coverage in any built-up areas but don’t expect too much consistency outside of that, particularly in rural areas and particularly on South Island.

The major providers of SIM cards in New Zealand are:

Honestly, they’re all pretty comparable price and coverage-wise. I do recommend Spark though because they have a  crapton of public phone boxes around the country which act as WiFi hotspots for Spark customers. You get a 1 GB allowance per day, they’re seriously everywhere (like tuk-tuks in Asia), and one time while downloading Spotify playlists at a booth, I met some random legend and he offered me a ride.

WiFi is pretty common throughout New Zealand, and most hostels and homestays will offer WiFi. Free WiFi is offered at certain hotspots around cities, on buses, and in some cafes and bars, but you will often have a limit on time or download usage, so don’t expect to Skype for long! Outside of busy urban areas, free WiFi becomes harder to find.

Maybe food isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of travel in New Zealand, but actually prepare to be amazed (at both the taste and your empty wallet).

New Zealand has both fresh seafood and produce markets throughout the country to get your breakfast on. You can find all sorts of dining experiences from simple yet hearty traditional Maori food, to a thriving coffee and craft beer scene (not to mention the world-famous New Zealand wine), to just the many damn delicious places to eat around New Zealand.

• Maori hangi  – This involves meat and vegetables slow-cooked in an underground oven.
• Fry bread  – It’s bread that’s fried. Is it good? Do the 3 extra kilos I put on from fried bread alone give you a clue?
• Boil-Ups  – A popular dish in Maori communities. These are cooked by boiling different ingredients together like a soup.
• Seafood  – From lobster and fish to sea urchin, New Zealanders consume a lot of seafood!
• Paua – A large sea snail seafood delicacy.
• Whitebait Fritter:  A delicacy in New Zealand and currently demands the highest price of any fish in the country.
• Fish ‘N Chips  – So, the Kiwis didn’t exactly create fish ‘n’ chips but man they know how to cook ’em! Find yourself some kumara chips (sweet potato) for some extra awesomeness.
• Kiwi Burger  – Beetroot and fried egg along with your standard burger patties.
• Pavlova  – A desert in New Zealand made with meringue, whipped cream, and fruit. The cause of WWIII will be the ongoing dispute between Australia and New Zealand as to baked the first pavlova.
• Manuka Honey:  Highly sought-after honey internationally due to its acclaimed medicinal purposes.
• Vegemite  – It’s Australian but if you’ve come this far, you need to try it. If anyone tells you Marmite is better, punch them in the dick.

As Peter Jackson once described, “ New Zealand is not a small country, but a large village. ” It’s so true. Kiwis are always ready to help you out wherever possible, whether it is telling you about the best place to sit and watch the sunset while you devour fish ’n’ chips, or driving you out of their way to get you to where you need to go (often with a parting gift of something dank).

New Zealander’s pride themselves on their laid-back camaraderie for life and collective openness to strangers. It’s fair to say that it’s just a Kiwi thing. When travelling in New Zealand, I rarely, if ever, felt the cynicism towards tourists that I’ve felt in so many other places in the world; only a sincere desire to share their home

On my travels in New Zealand, I have been consistently amazed at just how kind the Kiwis can be – strangers will open up their homes to you or just check to see if you need some help. Sometimes, I didn’t even have to hitch; people would just pull over and offer me a ride as I was walking out of town.

The Maori people, though obviously Kiwi and very much fitting in with the above statements, still retain their cultural identity, and it is a beautiful one. Family comes first but family is more than just your blood.

The Maori culture stands as something truly amazing to explore and learn about. If the opportunity arises to spend some time with them and make some Maori friends, take it. It”s 100% worth the experience.

New Zealand and all of its many peoples – from the colonial-heritage Kiwis to the Maori descendants to the many migrants that now call it home – feel harmonious. Things are not perfect, and neither is their history, but when put in comparison to nearby ex-colony neighbours, New Zealand’s history is one much-less stained with blood and decrepit behaviour.

Non-Maori Kiwis on average possess a much higher level of respect for the indigenous people of their home. They want to share it, and it is heartwarming to behold. Put it this way:

Once while hitchhiking through the far north of New Zealand hitchhiking, a middle-aged woman driving her Down Syndrome child back to Auckland picked us up – two shoe-less, smelly, dirtbag-hippies. In her car, she was playing an educational CD teaching the Maori language.

That would never happen in Australia.

Useful Travel Phrases for New Zealand

So, English is the spoken language in New Zealand (officially) If you’re reading this, you’re presumably golden. That said, the Maori do very much have their own spoken language (on top of English) and it’s not uncommon for a white Kiwi to know a few words… usually about three.

The left side is a few Maori words; the right side is some choice New Zealand slang:

• Kia Ora  – Have life (Maori greeting and commonly used everywhere)
• Whanau (far-noe)  – Extended family (cultural significance)
• Kai  – Food (it’s been adopted as Kiwi slang)
• Koha  – Donation/a gift of what you can provide
• Aotearoa  – New Zealand, ya dumb-bum!
• Mean  – Awesome/sick
• Choice  – Mean
• Jandals  – Flip-flops/thongs
• Churr/Churr, bro  – Right on/cheers/thanks
• She’ll be right  – It’ll be fine
• Beached as – This.

A Brief History of New Zealand

While the Dutch explored New Zealand first, the British were the ones to colonise New Zealand in the 1800s. Prior to that, New Zealand – or Aotearoa- was only inhabited by the Maori people, a Polynesian people who settled sometime between 1320 and 1350.

The Maori culture is rich, vibrant, and fairly unique having developed isolated from other Polynesian cultures over many years. For many years, the Maori tribes engaged in regular warfare and combat was a vital part of their culture along with a deeply-ingrained mythology, dance, art, and numerous other things (shout-out to the poi spinners).

The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 was supposed to lead to coexistence between the two peoples – indigenous and colonisers. Unfortunately, Maori came under increasing pressure to sell their land for settlement.

This led to conflict and in the 1860s, war broke out on the North Island. While the North Island experienced a series of wars, the less-populous South Island remained relatively peaceful with only one Treaty-related armed conflict.

Around the same time, many aspects of life on the South Island allowed New Zealand to flourish. The Otago region was experiencing a major gold rush, and Dunedin became the country’s wealthiest city. Sheep farming was established on extensive grasslands and railways were built with towns springing up or expanding.

In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to give women the right to vote. State pensions and state housing for workers were also offered first in New Zealand and in 1907, New Zealand became independent.

New Zealand in Modern Times

In modern times, New Zealand has borne the brunt of conflicts similarly to much of the rest of the world, namely WWI, WWII, and the Great Depression. Despite this, New Zealand stands as an incredibly prosperous country and, rather pridefully, is considered one of the most peaceful on the planet.

Although Maori relations have struggled periodically over the years, noticeably throughout the 1970s and latter half of the century when protest movements began to arise among Maori people over land rights and recognition of the culture, many of these grievances have been settled.

There are ongoing concerns and nothing is perfect, but in the greater scope of the world’s history, the largely positive relationship between New Zealand and it’s first people is not only heartwarming but also worthy of respect.

There is a lot of beauty in New Zealand and a lot of things to see. Even more, there is a lot to experience. From the Maori culture to the Kiwi smile, there is a lot to pay attention to while backpacking around New Zealand more than just sunsets and touring Hobbiton .

Don’t let New Zealand pass you by.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Hiking in New Zealand

If hiking is your thing, you will quickly realize why Kiwis throw on their gators and massive hiking boots to hit the mountains any chance they get.

The most popular hikes in New Zealand are the Ten Great Walks . These hikes have world-class infrastructure, comfortable huts, and are all good hikes for beginners. Hut reservations are required in advance, and bunks cost between $32 and $140 NZ per night depending on the hike.

Check out this post for a comprehensive guide on Nine of the Ten Great Walks of New Zealand .

While these are the most popular, don’t be worried if you didn’t score a reservation. There are even better treks in New Zealand! Getting into the backcountry, or tramping as the Kiwis call it, has advantages of smaller crowds and more serious hiking.

For experienced hikers, you cannot go wrong with your pick of:

• Travers-Sabine circuit to Blue Lake
• The Copeland Track
• Or potentially one of the absolute best hikes in New Zealand, the Cascade Saddle

If venturing into the mountains is not your thing, it is still worth checking out some of the incredible day hikes around New Zealand.  The best day hikes in New Zealand for beginners are:

• Diamond Lake

For a more advanced hike, check out:

• Mount Taranaki
• Mueller Hut
• Avalanche Peak

One way or another, everywhere you go in New Zealand, there’s a walk worth doing. It’s safe to say that some of the best hikes in the world are in New Zealand. Make sure you spend at least a little time getting lost in New Zealand’s spectacular national parks.

Joining an Organised Tour in New Zealand

Solo travel in New Zealand is the name of the game. That said, if you are short on time, energy, or just want to be part of an awesome group of travellers, you can opt to join an organized tour. Joining a tour is a great way to see a majority of the country quickly and without the effort that goes into planning a backpacking trip. However, not all tour operators are created equal – that is for sure.

G Adventures is a solid down-to-earth tour company catering to backpackers just like you, and their prices and itineraries reflect the interests of the backpacker crowd. You can score some pretty sweet deals on epic trips in New Zealand for a fraction of the price of what other tour operators charge.

You’re almost ready to go soak in the natural beauty of amazing scenery, snow-covered mountains, active volcanoes, strangely friendly people, and maybe a few major cities. If you’ve still got some questions, here are some answers about the New Zealand backpacking experience.

Is solo backpacking in New Zealand worth it?

Damn it, yes! Don’t get me wrong, if you bring a buddy with you, you’re going to share an amazing adventure. But if you go it alone, you’re opening up your world to infinite possibilities that will well and truly change your life.

How is backpacking New Zealand without a car rental?

Look, it can be done, but it’s far from the same experience. My best advice is to practise some patience because you could either be waiting a while for those (expensive) buses or waiting a while to score a hitchhike to save money. But hey, a backpacking trip in New Zealand should involve plenty of adventure.

How much should I budget for backpacking New Zealand?

With around $70, you’re going to be able to travel comfortably – depending on your travel style. If you practise plenty of budget backpacker tricks, you can save money. Likewise, if you’re a boogie bugger, a New Zealand trip will eat your budget.

Can I go to Mordor?

It’s not recommended. But if you take a Sam, you might make it… Anyway, why would you want to leave Hobbiton? You have good food, a warm hearth, and all the comforts of home. Okay, I’m done with the Lord of the Rings stuff now.

We’re almost at the end, ready to hit the road, hoist that backpack, and go to New Zealand – the adventure capital. Before you do, any last thoughts for the New Zealand travel guide?

Yeah, one more important thing.

Be Good to New Zealand

Travelling gives us a lot of opportunities. Sometimes, it’s for the betterment of ourselves and the world. At other times, it’s to just act like a twat.

Too many drugs, drinks, or just plain ego, we all mess up. I’ve messed up.

Some days we wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Other days we just miss home.

However, it’s still important to remember to take responsibility for yourself and your actions on any backpacking trip, and New Zealand is no different. It’s a privileged, rich, and Western country, sure, but it’s still important to treat the land and the people that belong to it with kindness.

Smile, be kind, show an interest in the culture: no one forced you to be there. You’ve chosen to enter someone else’s home as a visitor – be respectful.

Take off your shoes, don’t use up all their toilet paper, and be good . Nothing says it better.

Now You’re Ready to Go To New Zealand!

That’s it, all the info you may need… more or less. Truly, backpacking in New Zealand is an unforgettable experience.

This outro is an update for our New Zealand budget travel guide written by me, two-and-a-half years since I travelled in New Zealand. I still miss it.

New Zealand taught me a lot of things. It taught me how to travel and how to travel well. I now believe in the goodness of people and the beauty of life. New Zealand taught me to love life.

A lot has changed since those simple dirtbaggin’ days in Aotearoa. I’ve changed, the world has changed, and travel changes, but New Zealand hasn’t – not so much. It’s still one of the most gorgeous places on this beautiful and complicated planet.

I don’t go so much in for the hippy-dippy spiritual stuff anymore, but New Zealand deserves it. It’s a truly special home, and I genuinely believe there is healing in that land. There is magic there.

If you’re going Backpacking New Zealand, budget travel or a holiday, I bid you the very best time. Keep this travel guide handy and see the best of New Zealand. If you choose to settle, you wouldn’t be the first.

Hell, maybe I’ll see you there one day. Love and light to you. Did I really just say that?

Dammit, New Zealand.

• Backpacking Fiji
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• The Best Ultralight Backpacks

Updated: February 2020 by Ziggy Samuels at ZiggySamuels.com .

Updated May 2023 by Laura Hall .

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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17 Comments

The price of those great walks have gone up recently, but they are still totally worth it. Hiking has to be of my favourite things to do in New Zealand… there’s something about the views and feeling so peaceful.. and the endorphins ?

Hello! Your article says that Auckland is New Zealand’s capital but actually Wellington is. Auckland is our largest city and was once upon a time the capital city, but Wellington has been the capital city since 1865 so it’s a pretty established thing! Thanks 🙂

Yes, Wellington is definitely New Zealand’s capital. We apologise for the fault in the writing. Those responsible have been sacked. (Not really.)

A vacation turned to be an adventure and good memory when you spending it with your family. Camping is not a new concept but the availability of new camping gadgets has made this fun activity more interesting.

Local kiwi here. Read this post out of curiosity most of it is pretty good but Auckland is NOT the capital and the majority do not live there. Only about 1/5 of the popularion do. Wellington is of course course the capital.

Thanks for the corrections 🙂

If you have 16 days what places would you suggest? We would like to do a little of everything.

I’m heading to New zealand for the first time next weekend as a girls trip and am so excited! Thank you for the amazing tips.

By any chance, did you travel to the Cook Islands?

Regards, Parth

I’m afraid not, not this time…

I wanted to go to New Zealand with my girlfriend due to work opportunity. It seems as an exotic place to visit.

About to try a backpacking trip in NZ and you have inspired me.

About to sign up 🙂

Cheers Sharon…

The idea of backpacking in New Zealand never crossed my mind, however not it is on my mind. What was your best experience in there?

Hi great post! Just wondering what backpack did u use? I’m currently having a hard time picking up backpack.

I have a Berghaus Freeflow as my hiking backpack and an Osprey Aether as my main travel backpack 🙂

thankyou!!! super helpful and hopefully will be using this info in the near future

Looks incredible. Saving this post for when we go. So many awesome activities. I don’t know why we haven’t explored NZ yet. We’d love to buy a camper and travel both islands for a while. Cheers for sharing Janey.

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30 Tips for Backpacking in New Zealand 🤙 [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, everything you need to know about backpacking in new zealand.

New Zealand does things big: big landscapes, big activities, big hearts from the friendly locals, and generally big stuff . Backpacking in New Zealand is going to be one of the biggest adventures of your life. No doubt you have some questions.

To answer all your questions about work, travel and living in New Zealand, we just happened to put together the BIGGEST guide to backpacking in New Zealand. From the moment you start preparing for your trip to leaving New Zealand , we are here to help you every step of the way.

A good place to start getting your head around the very notion of travelling long-term in New Zealand is by lapping up this whopping list of 30 tips for backpacking in New Zealand. Then you’ll see just how easy it is to start travelling, start opening your mind, and start having the time of your life…

Watch These Tips on Video!

Can’t be bothered reading? Watch the 30 Tips for Backpacking in New Zealand video!

1. Get Yourself a Working Holiday Visa

Let’s begin by emphasising that there is so much to do here in New Zealand that you’ll want to stay as long as possible! The Working Holiday Visa usually allows holders to stay for 12 months with the ability to work. Replenish your finances as you go so you can stay for the entire 12 months if you want!

There are 45 countries that are eligible for a Working Holiday Visa. Find out if yours is one of them in What is a Working Holiday Visa ? And if you really can’t leave, there are options to extend your Working Holiday Visa .

More about the Working Holiday Visa: Check out our step-by-step guide on how to apply for a working holiday visa online at Working Holiday Visa Online Application Guide – Part 1 , Part 2 and Part 3 .

2. Stay in Hostels

What makes New Zealand one of the best backpacking countries in the world is its wealth of budget accommodation. Hostels or “backpackers” are extremely common in New Zealand, usually around the price of NZ$25-$50 per bed per night. Hostels are safe and a great way to meet other travellers . If you need more convincing, just check out Why Stay in a Hostel?

New Zealand is lucky to have an array of hostels, from the spacious and convenient to the downright quirky . Check out all our favourites in our Hostel Recommendations section, which we update yearly.

Hostels also make a good place to work in exchange for accommodation, which you can read more about in the 10 Lessons You’ll Only Learn When Working in a Hostel .

You’ll also find some cool and quirky hostels. Check out the 10 Most Unique Backpacker Hostels in New Zealand .

3. Travel in the Shoulder Season

New Zealand is ‘crankin’ in summer, as the Kiwis say . Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is December-February, but expect things to get busy from October to March. We recommend travelling in the shoulder season between April and September . (The weather is not that bad, just check it out in The New Zealand Seasons and Climate ).

Despite what the majority of tourists think, you don’t need the heat of summer to enjoy New Zealand. Hiking, mountain biking, white water rafting, skydiving, whale watching, bungy jumping: it can be done all year round , so why reduce your travel time to the peak season?

You’re also much more likely to find better deals in the shoulder season , especially on transport like car/campervan rental and backpacker buses .

For inspiration on where to travel to during a particular season, have a look at 5 Places to Visit in Spring , Summer , Autumn and Winter .

4. Work in Summer; Travel in the Shoulder Seasons

This point complements the above. Not only does working in summer give you the money to free yourself for travelling in the shoulder season, but there are a lot more work opportunities across New Zealand during summer . The horticulture and viticulture (fruit, veges and wine) industries seek more seasonal workers throughout the summer for fruit picking – check out Working a Fruit Picking Job in New Zealand . The advantages of working in horticulture and viticulture also work towards extending your working holiday visa for many backpackers.

The tourism industry is also booming in summer which, in turn, brings more seasonal tourism and hospitality work ! The exception to the rule is ski season work in winter, which we elaborate on in What it is Like to Work on a New Zealand Ski Field .

Oh, and by the way, have you checked out our Job Listings ?

Of course, with determination and an active approach, getting a job in New Zealand is possible any time of the year. Follow our tips on How to Quickly Find a Job in New Zealand .

5. Travel South to North

There’s always that one guy who says: “Travelling North to South is the way to travel New Zealand”. False! The best tip to avoid the crowds and generally get better deals is by travelling from south to north. The rule of thumb when arriving in New Zealand is to start travelling from Auckland, as that’s where New Zealand’s largest international airport is. However, a quick flight from Auckland to Queenstown or Christchurch will increase your chances of breaking away from the funnel of tourists travelling north to south . Our guide on Which Airport to Arrive in New Zealand will give you a list of all your potential starting points.

Another bonus is for those who want to rent a vehicle. Car and campervan rental companies have an influx of vehicles being dropped off in their South Island depots, so tend to charge less or even provide more car relocation opportunities with pick-ups in the south and drop-offs in the north! Something to think about!

To see what to expect when arriving at Auckland Airport, check out our complete guide to Arriving at Auckland Airport, New Zealand .

6. Pick the Best Transport Option for You

This is something every backpacker has an opinion on, saying: “Car travel is the best”. Or: “Buses are the best”, etc. There are pros and cons to each mode of transport when on a gap year in New Zealand and you should really take each one into consideration to choose the best transport for you and your situation . The time you have in New Zealand, the locations you want to get to, and the sort of experiences you are looking for all heavily rely on the mode of transport so have a look at the following transport sections for travelling New Zealand:

• Renting a car/campervan
• Buying a car/campervan
• Buses and bus tours
• Plane, train and ferry .

And if you don’t know where to start, check out our article, What is the Best Way to Get Around New Zealand? If you’re staying long-term, check out   Transport for a Working Holiday in New Zealand: How to Get Around .

Featured Bus Tour: Backyard Roadies

You can’t get more local than Backyard Roadies who formed out of the pandemic showing locals their awesome New Zealand “backyard”. Well, it’s time to show international travellers the highlights too on their variety of New Zealand tours ranging from 10 to 21 days! To add to the “Kiwi” vibe, Backyard Roadies is not only 100% New Zealand-owned and operated, but they go the extra mile to make their guests feel like locals, spending more time at each destination than most other tours. With small groups and a mix of male and female guides, Backyard Roadies offers fun, safe and great-value tours for all.

Learn more about their tours and become part of the Backyard Roadies family over at backyardroadies.com .

7. If Buying a Car, Don’t Get Scammed!

New Zealand is a great country to road trip – the roads are well connected (even if some of the highways are literally gravel roads ). However, it is pretty notorious for having a few shoddy cars knocking about .

Instead of buying the first car you see, follow these steps:

• Buying a Car in New Zealand Step 1: Car Inspection
• Buying a Car in New Zealand Step 2: Test Drive
• Buying a Car in New Zealand Step 3: The Paperwork

Want to buy a car but don’t know where to start? Try the 5 Ways to Find a Car for Sale in New Zealand .

8. Use the Backpacking Facebook Groups

The backpacking community in New Zealand often really want to help each other , offering advice on the best places to visit , getting together for group meals in hostels , and offering each other lifts around the country.

Facebook Groups dedicated to backpackers travelling in New Zealand are a great place to find people to travel with , buy and sell cars and camping gear, and ask questions to other travellers. Join the Facebook Group, Backpacking New Zealand , to get all these benefits. Give it a go!

While you’re at it, how about liking us on Facebook for more of our travel tips for New Zealand?

9. Always Have Layers of Clothing With You

“ Four seasons in a day .” This is a phrase you will hear a lot in New Zealand and for good reason! The weather changes so rapidly and unexpectedly that you’d be a fool not to carry extra layers around with you. For hikes, pack some wind/waterproofs, some thermal base layers, and a T-shirt, for instance. For more advice, check out How to Prepare for a Great Walk in New Zealand . Otherwise, being outdoors for just a couple of hours will likely warrant carrying a hoody or a jacket with you .

Check out What to Pack for a Gap Year in New Zealand to gear up for New Zealand! Or, for short-term trips, check out What to Pack for New Zealand .

10. Hike Until Your Shoes Wear Out!

New Zealand is a land of varying landscapes and Middle-earth scenery. No matter where you go, there is a hike to immerse yourself in the beauty of New Zealand . What’s more, it’s an ideal free activity ! So when you are in a town or a national park and you want to save a bit of money, you can always rely on a hike in New Zealand .

The Department of Conservation (DOC) maintains most of the walking tracks in New Zealand which are well sign-posted with (sometimes questionable) walking times. Whether it’s a short and easy stroll through a picturesque landscape or an epic multi-day hike, have a look at The Top 50 Hikes in New Zealand  to find a variety of hikes in New Zealand.

Oh yeah, and to actually avoid your hiking shoes wearing out, have a look at How to Choose a Good Pair of Hiking Boots .

If you are doing something slightly more adventurous like a multi-day hike , it’s worth checking out a track description on the DOC website or picking up a map from an information centre or i-SITE .

11. Work for Accommodation

A great way to save money so you can afford to stay in a place you love for longer is to work for accommodation . This is common practice in New Zealand, the most popular being working in a hostel or WWOOFing. WWOOF ing is a term used in New Zealand for working 2-4 hours a day, five days a week in exchange for a bed and food . Have a look at our guide, Everything You Need to Know About WWOOFing in New Zealand to learn more.

There are a few other ways you can work for accommodation, from housesitting to au pairing, which we talk more about in the 5 Ways to Work for Accommodation .

Not only does working for accommodation save you money , but it allows you to hang out with locals and stay somewhere long enough to make lasting connections with people .

A great place to start is by reading our How to Find Work for Accommodation in New Zealand .

12. Be Savvy When You Hitchhike

Hitchhiking is common practice here in New Zealand. It’s legal and there are many friendly locals and travellers who don’t have a problem giving you a lift somewhere if you stick your thumb out. However, there is always an element of risk with hitchhiking, so if someone seems dodgy, it’s perfectly fine to wait for the next one. The New Zealand Police advise that hitchhikers should not travel alone. That can also apply when picking hitchhikers up – it’s safer to pick people up when you already have others in the car with you.

New Zealand is a safe country , all you need is a bit of common sense. Have a look at Is New Zealand Safe? for more tips on staying safe.

Of course, there are other cheap public transport options to give you peace of mind, as detailed in the 5 Cheapest Ways to Travel Around New Zealand .

13. You’re Only in New Zealand Once!

Another awesome thing about backpacking in New Zealand is that you have excellent cheap accommodation options , there are plenty of ways to keep the costs down on food , and there is cheap transport available . This means you can save money for those bigger activities you’ve always dreamed about doing!

There are many activities you can only do in New Zealand, whether it’s skydiving over Mt Doom from the Lord of the Rings or exploring inside one of the world’s fastest-moving glaciers. Check out the whole list in the 10 Things You Can Only Do in New Zealand . Remember, it is likely you are only in New Zealand once. This is YOUR gap year. Don’t let every big price tag hold you back. Budget well and you will be able to afford to make your gap year epic .

For more awesome things to do in New Zealand, check out the 10 Epic Activities to Do in New Zealand or even the Top 40 Things to Do in New Zealand for Backpackers !

14. Book Direct!

Want to save some cash when booking hostel nights, transport or activities? Of course, you do! Booking direct means booking straight with the hostel company, transport company or activity provider. Not only do they tend to offer a cheaper price than their booking agents (because they have to give commission to agents that sell their products), but if you do see a price cheaper than what’s advertised directly with a hostel/activity chances are the company will match that price if you book direct.

Booking direct does not only benefit you , but it benefits the company that is offering you a great time in New Zealand and helping you along with your gap year.

To give you an idea of typical prices in New Zealand, we have put together What is the Cost of Backpacking in New Zealand ? and What is the Cost of a Working Holiday in New Zealand ?

For more tips on budgeting during a gap year, check out the 20 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in New Zealand .

15. Get Used to Being Less Connected

Yep, decent WiFi hotpots are extremely hard to come by in New Zealand . Although some hostels offer free WiFi or access to the internet, don’t expect super speeds every time. New Zealand is a bit behind on Internet connectivity, but we like to think of this as a good thing . That’s more time away from your phone and more time connecting with other travellers face to face . Plus, there are so many other activities and amazing life experiences in general that will occupy your time.

However, there are times when things get desperate, so if you need some emergency WiFi, take a look at How to Get Internet and WiFi in New Zealand .

One more thing, NZPocketGuide.com loads super quickly and looks pretty sexy on a phone so we’re always a good mobile data option.

Spend less time on your phone and more time meeting new people; take a look at the 10 Ways to Meet People When Travelling Alone in New Zealand .

16. Declare, Declare, Declare!

New Zealand’s ecosystem largely relies on us pesky humans not bringing unwanted pests and diseases into the country that could damage it. For this reason, there are strict biosecurity rules you must adhere to when arriving in New Zealand, otherwise, you may face a NZ$400 fine and/or get your risk item taken away from you.

To avoid this awkward scenario, declare, declare, declare !

During an international flight to New Zealand (or even on an online form 24 hours before), you are given a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) to fill out. Tick the boxes if you have, for instance, any food, sports gear, animal products or plant products packed in your luggage. If you are unsure, just tick the relevant box anyway . Once at the airport, the Immigration Officer and Biosecurity Officer will ask if you have anything to declare. This is when you mention that you have some cheese you can’t live without, or hiking shoes, or whatever. Chances are it will be completely fine and you can keep your items, but only if you declare it first!

For more information, check out our guide,  Arriving in New Zealand: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & the Arrival Process .

17. Travel Alone

Unless you have that other half that you just can’t shake… But travelling alone means you can really make your gap year in New Zealand your own . You don’t have to worry about making sure your partner or travel buddy is having fun and expense of your own. Plus, there’s no better confidence booster than travelling to the other side of the world on your own.

That’s not to say that you will experience this whole trip to New Zealand alone. Many backpackers are in the same boat as you travelling alone so are keen on socialising. Then working holidaymakers often make long-lasting friendships with people once they settle down for work or WWOOFing . For more tips, take a look at the 10 Ways to Meet People When Travelling Alone in New Zealand .

Not enough to convince you? Then take a look at the 10 Reasons to Travel Alone in New Zealand .

And ladies, don’t worry, travelling alone in New Zealand is safe as well. Check out The Complete Guide to Solo Female Travel in New Zealand .

18. Get a Kiwi Access Card or an NZ Driver License

In New Zealand, there are only three valid forms of photographic ID to prove your age:

• Your Current Passport
• A New Zealand Driver’s Licence (Read our guide on How to Converting Your Driver’s License to a New Zealand Driver’s License )
• Kiwi Access Photo ID Card (Read our guide on How to Get an ID Card in New Zealand ).

No matter how hard you try, your driver’s licence from home or international driver licence will not work. Using one of the three valid forms of ID is a strict rule in New Zealand used in any place that sells alcohol, from supermarkets to breweries to nightclubs. For more information, check out What ID is Valid for Buying Alcohol in New Zealand ?

Because taking your passport out with you all the time can be a bit risky (and it’s not always an easy thing to replace), we recommend getting yourself a Kiwi Access Card if staying in New Zealand less than 12 months , or a New Zealand Driver License if you intend to stay more than 12 months . (It is illegal to drive without a New Zealand Driver Licence after staying in the country more than 12 months).

Once you have got your ID sorted, here are some drinks to try in the 10 Drinks You Have to Try in New Zealand .

19. Have an Open Mind

This is a good approach to take with both work and travel in New Zealand. Some of the best experiences come out of trying things you never expected to do or visiting places you never knew existed! Say “Yes!” to new things!

When it comes to finding work, you will find work much faster if you have an open mind to trying a completely new and random job. Who knows what you’ll learn along the way. Check out the 5 Reasons to Be Open-Minded When Choosing a Job in New Zealand .

Having an open mind is just one of the 20 Lessons that Only Backpacking in New Zealand Can Teach You .

20. Stick to Your Travel Budget

There are so many temptations in New Zealand: good food, good drink, exceptional activities, that sticking to a budget means you need some good discipline ! Once you have that in check, there are many easy ways to stay on a budget when travelling. Take a look at the 20 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in New Zealand .

Check out our tips on how to save money on the little things like food in the 10 Tips to Save Money on Food , and if you are travelling on one of the other backpacker buses, How to Budget for a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Trip Around New Zealand .

We recommend you start a working holiday in New Zealand with at least NZ$5,500 (plus flights, plus travel insurance ) to start travelling before topping up the travel funds through work. For more budgeting advice to get you started on a gap year in New Zealand, check out How to Save Money for a Gap Year in New Zealand .

We have heaps more budgeting tips in our Budget section .

21. Eat Well and Cheaply!

Staying healthy gets a little more challenging when travelling on a budget, but a balanced diet is key! Being active and changing your lifestyle usually means you need to eat more healthily than when you were at home. Don’t rely on instant noodles every day , fruit and veges are essential! So you know what to expect for buying food in New Zealand, take a look at Food Shopping in New Zealand .

To liven up your recipes take a look at:

• 10 Easy Meals to Cook in a Hostel
• 5 Easy Pasta Recipes for Backpackers
• The Best Camping Meals , Inc. Camping Food List

Plus, we have more meal ideas popping up regularly on our Food section .

It’s also very common in hostels and flats for people to enjoy potluck dinners together. Get some inspiration at the 5 Potluck Dinner Recipes for Backpackers .

22. Get an EFTPOS Card

What the hell is EFTPOS? In other words, this is a debit card or that card you pay for things with. EFTPOS stands for Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale . New Zealanders mostly pay for things using EFTPOS rather than carrying cash. For backpackers, opening a bank account in New Zealand and getting an EFTPOS card is a good idea if staying in the country for longer than a couple of months in order to not pay constant exchange rates and to manage your money better . Check out How to Open a New Zealand Bank Account .

The likely times that you will need cash are limited to some regional public transport and maybe the odd food stall… Either way, the New Zealand bills are pretty sexy – just have a look at Who are the People on the New Zealand Banknotes?

Plus, if you intend to work, you’ll need to apply for an IRD number (tax number) which you can only do if you have a New Zealand bank account.

For more information on taxes in New Zealand, have a look at our New Zealand Work Tax System Guide and the What is GST?

23. Adapt to the New Zealand Job Market

Working in New Zealand is not only the best way to fund your travels but its a great way to open yourself up to a new culture. (There’s more where that came from in the 10 Reasons to Work Abroad at Least Once in Your Life ). Finding a job in New Zealand is likely to be a lot different from home. Nevertheless, it is easy once you know how to adapt to the New Zealand job market. Luckily for you guys, we have all the tips for finding a job quickly in New Zealand, from making a New Zealand CV to impressing employers in an interview. Take a look at the articles below:

• Create a killer CV using How to Create a New Zealand CV
• Find a job on our Job Listings Page , as well as using these tips in How to Quickly Find a Job in New Zealand
• Finally, impress your future employer by following How to Nail a Job Interview in New Zealand .

Once you have bossed a year working and travelling in New Zealand, make your new CV / resume the best it can be with How to Use a Gap Year as Valuable Experience on Your CV / Resume .

24. Get Off the Beaten track

Sure, you’ve heard of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, but really, they are just dots on the map compared to the array of destinations on offer in New Zealand. Very often, the best experiences are found in the places you have never heard of . Here are a few destinations to get you started:

• 20 Places Off the Beaten Track in the North Island
• 20 Places Off the Beaten Track in the South Island

Take a look around our North Island Destinations section and South Island Destinations section to inspire yourself with more locations to visit around New Zealand.

25. Load Up on Free Activities

Sure, you’ll spend some of your money on activities. But, let’s be honest, you’re going to spend most of your time doing the free stuff!

Hikes, to natural hot pools, crazy rock formations, waterfalls, museums, galleries, events…You’re spoilt for choice with free activities. We challenge you to get bored in New Zealand!

To get started on some free (or cheap) things to do, have a look at the 50 Best Free Things to Do in New Zealand .

Don’t forget that hiking makes a great free activity in New Zealand. Check out The Top 50 Hikes in New Zealand  to get inspired.

26. It’s Ok to Be a Tourist

We get it, some activities might be off-putting because it seems “too touristy”. Chances are, if an activity is popular, then it’s popular for a reason. For example, too many times, backpackers go to Milford Sound and just stay at the shores when the cruise has “tourists” on it. So stopping being a hipster and shamelessly enjoy being a tourist once in a while.

A good place to start is with these:

• 10 Token Tourist Photos You Have to Take in the North Island
• 10 Token Tourist Photos You Have to Take in the South Island

You can also find an ongoing selection of things you can’t miss in our 101 Things to Do in New Zealand: The Ultimate List !

27. Plan According to Your Travel Time

Whether you are here for a whole year and have given yourself a few months to travel or are only in New Zealand for two weeks, don’t try to visit absolutely everywhere! It’s just not possible. New Zealand might look like a small country but getting around by road takes time . Roads are usually winding, uphill, downhill and even gravel.

Spend a few days in a place to really make the most of the activities and see the sights before moving on. Otherwise, you may find yourself on the road constantly trying to cover some ground, while not experiencing very much at all.

Speaking of New Zealand’s roads, take a look at How to Drive in New Zealand .

28. Compare Phone Network Providers

Your phone habits for your time in New Zealand are likely to be a lot different from home. That’s why we recommend putting some thought into what phone network provider to go with. There are five main phone network providers in New Zealand; have a look at all of them before picking up the first free SIM card you see in your hostel. More information can be found in What are the Best Phone Networks in New Zealand .

As you are only going to be in New Zealand temporarily, choose a prepay option rather than getting stuck in a contract. A flexible prepay combo or bundle will allow you to change the amount of data, minutes and texts you want throughout your time in New Zealand. Believe us, you’ll probably have a lot more contacts in New Zealand by the end of your trip than when you started.

We also suggest you look at the overseas calling options and price list – this is often a lot cheaper than buying loads of data for data-sucking video calls.

More information can be found in The Guide to Cellphone Networks in New Zealand !

29. Be a Savvy Consumer

You now know how to stick to your travel budget thanks to Point #20, but when it comes to buying goods and using services, there may be a few differences in New Zealand from your home country. Be aware of the Goods and Services Tax , which you can read more about in the Tax System in New Zealand: What is GST?

Although it’s not incredibly likely that you’ll use a dodgy seller or service provider (except your banker, but that’s expected), it’s smart to know What Are Your Consumer Rights in New Zealand ?

A few extra tips to help you be a savvy consumer is to get cheaper fuel from gas stations away from big cities , compare food prices by the kg , pick up supermarket loyalty cards (worth it considering there are only three major supermarkets), and if a deal seems too good to be true it probably is .

If desperate for deals have a look at Outlet Shopping in New Zealand: Grab a Bargain! and Duty-Free Shopping in New Zealand .

30. Don’t Be Scared to Move on

You’ve got out of your comfort zone, travelled across the world, found yourself a new job, friends and a home in New Zealand. Soon enough, you’ll start to feel comfortable again – too comfortable to move on to the next destination to live and work in. It can feel a bit daunting to do it all again, but you’ll find yourself much more satisfied doing several short-term jobs rather than a 10-month stint in just one place. Just remember how easy it was to start anew!

If you need the inspiration to start travelling again and see the rest of this amazing country, just check out our Inspiration section !

Make the Most of NZPocketGuide.com!

As New Zealand’s biggest travel guide , we’re here for you every step of the way. Have a look at our NZ Guide to every single city, region and national park to see where your wanderlust will take you.

Our Travel Tips section gives you answers to all those questions you may have about spending an extended amount of time in a new country.

When it comes to planning the next leg of your trip, our Activities section is sure to inspire you and give you ideas on how to make the most of your gap year. Must-dos, free things, hikes, adrenalin, water sports, wildlife, location-specific activities, art, food, nightlife… We have it all covered and are updating every single week!

Looking for places to stay? Check out our Accommodation section. We cover hostels, campsites, holiday parks and give tips for finding long-term accommodation.

Working Holidaymakers make the most of the Work in NZ section packed with tips, work visa advice, and what to expect from popular backpacker jobs.

Finally, we have hundreds of backpacker jobs listed on our Job Listings page!

For a more personal touch, check out New Zealand’s Biggest Gap Year , the blog section of our website where we take on 365 days doing 365 activities in New Zealand. And if all that doesn’t answer your questions about backpacking in New Zealand, be sure to join us for our live Q&A session on YouTube where you can ask us questions.

More About Backpacking in New Zealand

That’s it for our huge list of tips for backpacking in New Zealand. If, for some bonkers reason, you need more guides in your life, set your eyes on these:

• New Zealand Travel Advice: How to Plan a Trip to New Zealand
• 10 Authentic Places to Visit in NZ + How to Experience Them Like a Local
• 15 Tips For a Super Smooth Arrival in New Zealand

By the way, if you’re doing more “holidaying” than “backpacking”, then you might find our  30 Tips for Travelling in New Zealand more useful.

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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18 Best Travel Backpacks, According to Frequent Flyers

By Gabrielle Porcaro

As someone who frequently travels, I've slung duffels, totes , and travel purses on my arm, but nothing compares to using the best travel backpacks. Depending on the length of your trip, a suitcase can either be too bulky or not big enough, so you'll need the vital second bag to make sure all your clothes, tech, and gear securely arrive at your destination. Plus, traveling with a backpack can be more supportive for your back, freeing up your arms and hands to pull out directions on your phone or to hold an iced coffee. Backpacks can also be surprisingly roomy, so everything you need (or want) on your trip fits as comfortably as possible. The good news is there are a wide range of excellent options to suit any and all of your needs. Below, we found the most travel-friendly options and tapped Glamour editors and some of our frequent-flier friends to share the best travel backpacks.

What to look for in a travel backpack

When shopping for luggage items like a travel backpack, the comfort and capacity of the bag is key. You want it to feel easy on the body, which means wide straps or a hip belt to distribute weight, which comes in handy if you're running to catch a plane or carrying it through a crowded subway. Bonus points if the straps are they adjustable and padded. Consider the material: Is it lightweight, soft, and made of durable material like water-resistant fabric? As for size, think about the use of the backpack. There are weekender bags and carry-on size options you can use for long weekends or smartly packed weeklong vacations and styles for short day trips, hikes, or shopping excursions.

The best travel backpacks, at a glance

• Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack , $210
• Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack , $33
• Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack , $78
• Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack , $30
• Best for Commuters : Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack , $95
• Most Stylish : Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack , $150

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack - Del Día

Here's a simple, sleek backpack with plenty of built-in organization. “My twin sister and I have traveled the world together, and this bag came in particularly handy on our trip to South America when we both needed more room besides our carry-on luggage. What I loved about this piece is it's essentially a suitcase with straps. The wrap zipper fully opens up, allowing you to see and organize your goods into the compartments. Crafted in repurposed nylon, the exterior is one of a kind, and the colors made it easier to spot one another through the crowds,” says Glamour contributor Gabrielle Porcaro .

Capacity: 42 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: Repurposed nylon body; suitcase layout; weight-distributing harness system
• Cons: Can easily show dirt

Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

As a runner-up, consider this the Swiss Army knife of backpacks. Hidden in this compact, durable bag are 20 pockets and compartments to accommodate and organize everything from clothes to an umbrella to power cords. A practical standout feature of this travel backpack is an external USB port with set-in charging cables to charge your phone (just remember to charge your power pack before heading out on your trip). Another noteworthy aspect is the U-shaped 3D breathable mesh straps designed to relieve stress from shoulders and reduce a sweaty back.

Capacity: 52 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: So many pockets for organizing; USB charging port; comfortable
• Cons: Chunky, technical look

Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack

Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L

Lululemon gets a lot of love for its Lulu leggings and activewear, but don't sleep on accessories like its laptop bags . A classic backpack with a modern design, the Everywhere Backpack has a clean appearance that will effortlessly match your look. Inside it's spacious and has a padded pocket that fits a 16-inch laptop. On the exterior is a front zipper pocket for keys, antibacterial wipes, headphones…whatever you need handy while on the go.

Capacity: 22 L / Waterproof : Water-repellent

• Pros: Internal laptop sleeve; side water bottle pockets; lightweight
• Cons: No luggage strap; not a ton of pockets

Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack

Coofay Carry On Backpack

This affordable, multifunctional pack is lightweight but can hold a lot and easily fit under an airline seat as a carry-on. “I loved the space and compartments of this bag. It's durable and packed a lot of room for so many things. The luggage handle strap is also a bonus if you're hauling a roller bag,” wrote one Amazon reviewer . Bonus: It has a shoes and a wet pocket compartment.

Capacity: 17 L / Waterproof : Yes

• Pros: Separate shoe compartment, 29 color options; USB port design
• Cons: Short luggage strap

By Sam Reed

By Stephanie McNeal

By Sophia Bush

Best for Commuters : Everlane the ReNew Transit Backpack

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Whether you're a college commuter or in the office most days, this is an excellent option for everyday travel or work trips. It's a go-to for Condé Nast associate director of box business operations Haley Welch . “The separate laptop compartment makes organizing seamless, as does the front and upper zipper compartments, which is great for a Kindle,” she says. She likes that the chic and minimal look effortlessly mixes with every outfit, from comfy travel joggers and hoodies to a work-appropriate suit or dress.

Capacity : 27 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros : Internal and external water bottle holders; zipper pocket on top; made from renewed materials
• Cons : Only holds a 15-inch laptop

Most Stylish : Best Tumi Voyageur Just In Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack

Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack

For anyone looking for a dressier option for their everyday commute or regular work trips, Tumi has a gorgeous style. Don't let the sleek appearance fool you; the zipper reveals a very roomy interior but still folds flat. A two-way zipper makes it easier to grab whatever you need from the inside with a smaller front pocket as well. There’s also a very convenient add-to-a-bag sleeve to secure this nicely over your suitcase handle, making it one to use on daily and international excursions. It's so stylish it can double as a cute work bag for office days.

Capacity: 15"H x 12"W x 4 1/2"D. (Interior capacity: large) / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros :Packable; folds down flat; lightweight
• Cons: Doesn’t fit a ton

Best for Organization : Snoffic Travel Backpack

Snoffic Travel Backpack

If remaining organized is of the utmost importance while traveling or in everyday life, look no further than this Snoffic backpack. This wallet-friendly pick has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon and under $35 price tag. “I was able to pack a week's worth of summer clothes in it, which included two summer dresses," says one Amazon reviewer . Not only does this bag offer ample space and waterproof material, but it also includes two clear toiletry bags (also waterproof) to help you reduce your zip-lock baggie usage. Plus, it comes in a wide range of pretty shades.

Capacity : 40 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros : Nicely priced; roomy; includes two toiletry bags
• Cons : Boxy shape

Best for Pockets : Athleta Excursion Backpack

Athleta Excursion Backpack

This pick, courtesy of Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs , is one that can hold every little trinket or gadget you own. “I thought this backpack was going to my go-to for hiking, but it’s actually my go-to for pretty much everything. I love how sleek it is, and yet, despite its slim appearance, it manages to fit my 15-inch laptop, my secondary screen, charger, headphones, e-reader, and mouse. It has handy organizational features, like an inner key ring, zippered outer pockets for me to stash my lip gloss and phone, and not one but two mesh pockets that fit my water bottle and an umbrella. Its handles are also made of a breathable fabric—so useful when I’ve worked up a sweat while out and about.”

• Pros :Lightweight; ripstop material resists snags and tears; mesh back panel for added support
• Cons: Larger on top shape

Best Minimalist Design : Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

“On my last flight I saw not one, not two, but multiple travelers with this style hanging from their backs. As someone who regularly takes Dagne Dover bags on trips, I understand the popularity. The neoprene material is strong, soft, and stretchy, which causes the bag to flex to your body and whatever you put inside. It's forgiving, allowing you to fit in and possibly overstuff everything you need for a trip. It also washes well, ensuring it will always have that chic appearance even after some wear and tear,” says Porcaro. Dagne Dover also makes excellent diaper backpacks like this parent-approved Indi Diaper Bag .

Capacity: 16 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Packs a lot; machine washable
• Cons: Neoprene is a bit heavier than other material; material creases easily

Best for Airplane Travel : Augustnoa Classic Noa

Augustnoa Classic Noa

“So many features drew me to this bag: the eco-friendly (plus water-friendly) material, smart design, and luggage sleeve—a must for any travel carry-on piece. There are ten pockets and compartments to organize essentials, something I took full advantage of when using. As an active person trying to hydrate more, I also appreciated the side pockets that securely held my water bottle (I bent over, and it didn't budge). It also includes a removable drawstring bag, something I always forget to pack for morning workouts and overnight travels,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 21 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: Pockets on straps; laptop and tablet sleeve; two water bottle holders
• Cons: Pockets in the back and on straps are small

Best Roll Top : Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

Expandable storage is always a plus with any travel bag. This backpack, from super cool brand Roark, has an adjustable top to allow more room. The roll-top also has a magnetic entry, allowing for easy and secure access on the move. Interior and exterior pockets, including one for your tablet or laptop, sunglasses, and a hidden pocket for your passport, are specific details that make this a unique backpack. Ergonomic air mesh padded straps, a quilted back, and chest straps prevent this from adding any discomfort to your travels. The appearance calls for adventure, but it equally works in cities.

Capacity: 27 L / Waterproof : 100% Nylon

• Pros: Streamlined look; quilted back; magnetic closure top
• Cons: Could use more internal pockets

Best Large Travel Bag : Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

Patagonia Black Hole® Duffel 55L

The beauty of this bag is it says it right in the title—it's a black hole. With a 55-liter capacity, there's no doubt it will hold everything you need for a long weekend or even a long weekend trip. Ultra-comfortable to carry, it's perfect for hiking excursions, camping trips, or multi-city European backpacking adventures. Durably made with 100% recycled fabric, this fits in the overhead bin; if you want to check it, you can trust it will return to you just as you left it.

Capacity: 55 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

• Pros: Large, carry-on size, top and side handles; removable shoulder straps
• Cons: Rugged design

Best for Laptop : Herschel Kaslo Dayback Tech Backpack

Herschel Kaslo Dayback Tech Backpack

If you're looking for a laptop backpack , this is a top choice. Hershel backpacks are a go-to for marriage and family therapist and mom of two boys, Whitney Steller. “I have had this for almost six years, and the quality is amazing. No rips or anything and the straps are still comfortable. “The classic grade school look was also a draw and the fact that it fits perfectly under a plane seat. This style, in particular, is eco-friendly, made from post-consumer water bottles, and has a padded compartment to fit up a 15-inch laptop.

Capacity: 20 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Optional strum strap to help disturbed weight; padded compartment for laptop
• Cons: No luggage sleeve

Best Y-Pack : Topo Designs Y-Pack Backpack

Topo Designs Y-Pack Backpack

This is an awesome option for anyone who ends up leaving a trip with more than they brought. “The adjustable Y-shaped strap can be tight and secure or loosened to allow for more room, which is the reason why this is a piece of heavy rotation for me. It always shocks me how much I can fit/shove into the main compartment yet still slide my laptop out of the back sleeve. No matter if it’s filled with a hoodie and various pouches holding makeup, power cords, and snacks; it's easy to access. I like to use the zip pocket on the top to store antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, headphones, and anything else I want easy access to once I arrive on the flight,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 23.8 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Drawstring closure offers more space; zip pocket on top for easy access; durable material great for travel and the outdoors
• Cons: G-hook buckle closure can sometimes be tough

Best Waterproof : SealLine Skylake Dry Pack

SealLine Skylake Dry Pack

The beauty of this piece is that it rolls up for easy packing within a suitcase or larger travel backpack. The fact that it's created from an extremely lightweight material also ups the packability and wear factor. Jen Ator, a personal trainer, used this on her honeymoon in Thailand. “Not only was it super sturdy and waterproof, but it fits everything we needed during day trips.” She also pointed out how handy the exterior pocket was for easy access to essentials like a phone to snap a picture of her and her husband.

Capacity : 18 L / Waterproof : Yes

• Pros: Lightweight; stowable
• Cons: No interior pocket

Best Convertible : Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Adaptability is vital when traveling, and this Thule convertible backpack offers various ways to hold it. If you're in a tight space, de-boarding, or want to give your shoulders a break, there is a longer shoulder strap and top handle to hold. Inside the backpack, you'll find compartments that look like your favorite easy-rolling carry-on suitcase, making it easy to keep everything with you secure and organized. Another standout feature is the exterior crush-resistant SafeZone compartment that's perfect for storing sunglasses or a phone.

Capacity: 21 ¾"H x 14"W x 8"D. / Waterproof : Water Resistant

• Pros: Crust resistant, two-way zip closure, RFID-shielded pocket;
• Cons: Expensive

Best for City Travel : PAK Large Nylon Backpack

PAK Large Nylon Backpack

“As a backpack I recently added to my collection, I was impressed by how many features were hidden in what seemed like a pretty basic bag. First, it’s worth noting how seamlessly this slid on and off my back, making it a breeze to sit on the subway or grab my wallet to buy coffee. At first glance, I was confused about the zipper on the bottom of the front pocket, but when I realized it was a coat sling, which, as someone who runs cold and always has an extra layer, is something I will use again and again. Another made-for-me feature is an extra large pocket for water bottles since it’s a personal pet peeve when they aren’t wide enough for standard sizes. Having only worn this around the city for daily life, I appreciate that the shape and look of the pack are city-ready and more polished. When I take this on international trips, I look forward to using the hidden theft-proof compartments,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 13.5”L x 7” W x 14” H / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Easy access pocket in the back, Coat sling, Large side pockets
• Cons: Not super large

Best Customizable : Roam Continental Backpack

Roam Continental Backpack

Anyone who is a fan of customization will appreciate this pick. Buyers can choose the color they want on the front, back, side, and straps to create a bag that is uniquely theirs. This is favorite of Glamour commerce editor Jenifer Calle , who has been using it for years. “It fits enough for weekend trips and vacation travel. I particularly like that the side zippers fit my Owala water bottle and there are plenty of zipper and pockets to hold my wallet, keys, chargers, lip balms, and more” says Glamour’s Calle.

Capacity : 26 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

• Pros : Customizable; 100-day trial period; soft material; luggage sleeve
• Cons : Expensive

By Malia Griggs

By Kelsey Clark

By Paula Lee

By Hannah Singleton

Auckland Airport now allowing liquids, laptops to stay in bags during security on international departures

Travelling internationally from Auckland Airport has just become a whole lot quicker and more convenient thanks to new technology accelerating the sometimes lengthy queues at security.

From Wednesday, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening.

It means Auckland is following the lead of Christchurch and Wellington Airports, which have been able to leave those items in their carry-on baggage since December.

It's allowed through Computed Tomography (CT) scanning machines that create higher quality 3D images in real-time that allow aviation security officers to better assess the contents of bags.

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"Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through our airports and reducing risk of flight delays," said Transport Minister Simeon Brown.

"This is a great example of innovative technology being used to reduce barriers and deliver better outcomes for New Zealanders. Maintaining strong security measures at our airports is critical, and this technology ensures this."

It comes after Auckland Airport was under fire last year for long queues to get through security, with warnings New Zealand's reputation could take a hit if the airport didn't improve its services. Auckland Airport accounts for 75 percent of Aotearoa's international departures.

The technology will be rolled out to more passenger screening points across the country.

"CT scanning machines will be rolled out at domestic airports across the country between now and December, reducing pressure on aviation security lines and enabling travellers get to their gates faster," Brown said.

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Auckland Airport security overhaul: Laptops and liquids can stay in carry-on for international flights

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Passengers travelling on international flights from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new scanners.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown said it would create a more efficient and seamless travel experience for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement.

This would also reduce the risk of flight delays, he said.

New Computed Tomography (CT) scanning machines now being used at Auckland Airport’s international screening point will be rolled out to more passenger screening points across the country.

The machines will be rolled out at domestic airports across the country between now and December, reducing pressure on aviation security lines, Brown said.

The CT scanners create high quality 3D images in real-time that allow aviation security officers to better assess the contents of bags. They have already been introduced in some other countries.

The volume of liquids, aerosols and gels, carried by travellers on an international flight still applies, and should be carried in individual containers of 100ml or less, with the total number of containers that are 100ml or less must not exceed one litre.

International travellers departing from Christchurch and Wellington Airports have been able to leave laptops and liquids in carry-on since December.

Auckland Airport is the departure point for the majority of New Zealand’s international flights with about 75 per cent of New Zealand’s international departures.

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