Photo by Mikhail Nilov
Nigerians travel to New Zealand for different reasons. Some travel for studies. Some, for work. Others travel for tourism and some use New Zealand as a means to an end (to get New Zealand citizenship after 5 years and move to Australia). Whatever your reason for traveling is, after getting your visa, the next question on your mind is most likely, What do I need to pack when traveling to New Zealand from Nigeria?Â
If you are at this stage of your travel preparations, then this article is especially for you, as it explores the most important things you want to have in your boxes when moving to New Zealand from Nigeria. Let’s dig in.
What documents do you need to bring to New Zealand?
- Travel passport with at least 3 months validity beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand.
- Visa
- Flight ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in New Zealand. This could be in the form of a bank statement- just as you used when applying for your visa.
- Accommodation confirmation/ reservation
- Travel itinerary, especially for those traveling to tour NZ.
- Travel Insurance: This is not mandatory, but it is recommended.
- New Zealand Traveller declaration form:
New Zealand requires travellers’ to complete this not more than 24 hours before their arrival. Kindly visit the New Zealand Customs Service site to learn more.
- Letter of introduction:
If you are traveling on a work or visit visa, it is advisable to travel with a letter of introduction.
- Medical certificate- depending on your health status
- International Driver’s License, if you have plans of driving during your stay in New Zealand.
I also recommend traveling with your bank card and some New Zealand Dollars (NZ$). Please ask your bank which of their cards work in New Zealand.Â
What kind of clothes should you take to New Zealand (NZ)
Before we go on to talk about the kind of clothes to pack for your trip to New Zealand, let’s talk a bit about the climate in New Zealand.Â
New Zealand experiences 4 seasons: summer, autumn, winter and spring. Unlike the UK, Canada, or most Western countries, summer spans from December to February, autumn from March – May, winter from June – August and spring from September – November. Another remarkable thing about the climate in NZ is that it is not uniform across the country. Geographically, New Zealand is divided into North and South Island. The temperature is North Island is warmer compared to South Island. Even within an Island, you could experience different climatic conditions and in a day, you could experience different weather conditions.
It is safe to say New Zealand is a climatically interesting country😂.
Now you know what the climate in New Zealand is like, you would understand me when I say that the clothes you need to pack depends on when are where in NZ you are traveling to. Below is a list of clothes to pack. You can customize it to match your destination, travel plans (work, visit, study, etc) and budget- if you will be shopping.
Clothing:
- For layering: t-shirts- both long and short sleeve, thermal pants, sweater, waterproof jacket.
- For casual outings/ everyday wear: trousers, shorts, skirts, shirts
- Formal wear: Blazers, suit, formal trousers
- Outdoor gear: hiking shorts and pants, hiking socks,Â
- Swim wear
- Underwear
Accessories:Â Â
Sun hat/ wide brim hat, belt, sun glasses, socks, scarf, wrist watch, jewellry,Â
Shoes:
- Running shoes and hiking boots- best for navigating through some of Australia’s mountainous terrains.Â
- Flip flops, sandals
- Casual shoes, sneakers
- Dress shoesÂ
- Slippers
If you are concerned about the dress culture in New Zealand, it might be worth knowing that New Zealanders typically have a relaxed and casual approach to dressing. There are no customs or regulations that require people to dress in a specific way.
Toiletries, cosmetics and grooming items
You can easily get all of the things I am about to list below in New Zealand, but I always recommend coming with them.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
- Brush, comb, clippers
- Hair straightener, curling iron
- Razor, shaving cream
- Deodorant, body spray, perfume
- Shampoo and hair conditioner
- Face cleanser, toner, serum
- Soap/body wash
- Body cream, hand moisturizer
- Contact and contacts solution
- SunscreenÂ
- Makeup products such as lipstick, eye shadow, eye pencil, foundation, mascara, highlighter, concealer, etc.
- Lip balm- personally I cannot travel anywhere without a lip balm.
- Aboniki balm, shea butter: they help with the cold and nasal congestionÂ
Other things to pack when travelling to New Zealand from Nigeria includes food stuff, medication and first aid item, and household linens such as bedsheet and pillow case.
As a Nigerian traveling abroad, you could experience something called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Don’t fret, it is not something to get panicky about. You can mitigate the effects of SAD by taking vitamin D. As part of your prescribed medication, I recommend travelling with some vitamin D (please consult with your doctor as well). Remember to declare any medication that would last for over 3 months when filling out your New Zealand Traveller Declaration form.
Gadgets
Don’t forget your gadgets such as your phone, laptop, chargers, camera, power bank (there’s constant power supply in NZ, but you may need a power bank occasionally). It is advisable to pack these in your hand luggage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, packing for a trip to New Zealand from Nigeria can be less stressful if you know what to pack. With this packing guide, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Remember to pack smart and light, always consider the unpredictable weather, and don’t forget essential documents and gadgets. With proper preparation, you can focus on your adventures and create unforgettable memories in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
