What to pack

What to take and what to leave behind.

Luggage

Pack as little as possible. Remember, you will be carrying your luggage from place to place and re-packing throughout the trip. You will be sharing a room with other participants and space will be limited. All hotels will have laundry services for cleaning clothes.

We ask that you bring only:

• One suitcase
• One piece of hand luggage
• One spare small suitcase or duffel bag
• Laptop

Checked-in luggage for international flights should only weigh 32kg and hand luggage 23kg.

Day pack

You will be doing a fair amount of sightseeing, so bring a small backpack. You will use your backpack to carry maps, books, guidebooks, water bottles, sunglasses, etc.

Use your day pack as your carry-on and pack a change of underwear/socks for the flight. It will come in handy if the airlines lose your luggage enroute.

Flight items

The following items can make your plane trip much more enjoyable:

• Earplugs - to counter airplane cabin noise
• Waterbottle (with water) - airplane cabins are very dry and drinking water will prevent dehydration
• Chewing gum - helps with depressurization
• Snacks (processed not fresh)

Electrical equipment

New Zealand's electricity is supplied at 230/240 volts (50 hertz). Power outlets generally only accept flat three or two-pin plugs. If your equipment is not compatible with the voltage or power outlets, you will need an adapter/converter.

Most hotels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. Most hotels provide hairdryers and irons.

Laptop

Computer and internet access will be available at most hotels and cyber cafes in the main centres. You are responsible for charges related to connecting to the internet from your hotel room.

If you intend to work on your project during the programme, bring a laptop. Two batteries are useful, in case there is not enough time to recharge one.

Check with your school's technical person or a computer store to see if you need an adapter plug for the voltage or power outlet.

Laptops can go through airport security safely. Customs may ask you to open and start the computer for them as a test for explosives.

Get a carrying case that is comfortable to wear, as a laptop becomes heavy when carrying it around for long periods of time.

Cameras

Cameras and film will pass safely through airport security.

We recommend 400 speed film for the New Zealand winter weather. The extra f-stops allows you to take better pictures in low light.

For digital cameras, bring a memory stick so that you can copy your photos onto your computer. Bring extra camera batteries.

Toiletries

If you have a favourite shampoo/deodorant/soap, bring it with you. Although comparable brands will be available, you may not be able to buy your favourite brand in New Zealand.

Air pressure can cause things to explode or leak, so you may like to put some items into ziploc bags.

Clothes

Prepare for the climate

Remember you will be traveling in New Zealand winter. It is similar to Seattle in winter -- cold and damp.

Weather is in the 40-50°F range, with nights dropping to around 32°F. The weather is unpredictable and the temperatures can vary greatly between islands. The best technique is to dress in layers.

Rain and wind will be the biggest weather factor that you will need to deal with. A good rain and windproof jacket will be the most essential item you can pack.

For more information about New Zealand's climate, visit the Meteorological Service website.

Note the climate in Hawai'i is very different than in New Zealand -- balmy and warm. Near the coast, average highs are a around 80°F (27°C).

Dress code

In general, New Zealand is a casual country both at work and at home. The recommended attire for both school and government visits is smart casual -- dress pants/chinos, and a shirt (rather than a t-shirt). Men do not have to wear ties to these visits. Jeans, sweat shirts and sneakers are not suitable attire for programme visits.

It is important that you wear comfortable clothing and shoes as there will be some long days.

Outdoor activities

You will be walking outdoors in the South Island. You will also have a free day in Queenstown to hit the slopes (skis can be rented). Bring layers of clothes. Start with long underwear and warm socks, then add a sweater, and a gortex-type jacket (i.e. rain and windproof).

Clothes list

For a list of clothes to pack, see the packing list.

Participant Tips

"Bring sufficient contact solution - it was very expensive in New Zealand."
Jennifer Jones, 2003

"I recommend luggage with wheels, ankle supports for hiking and motion sickness pills, even if you don't usually get car sick."
Elisa Herrera, 2003

"Bring 3 warm sweaters, 3 turtlenecks, notecards to write thank yous on. I must stress that it is cold indoors."
Lynn Moss, 2003

"I brought my scarf and hat and gloves there and was glad I did."
Merrell Frankel, 2002

"I was glad I brought a wool coat, one business jacket, and comfortable slip on shoes for the pōwhiri's. I was sometimes cold---but not frozen."
Annette Varcoe, 2002

"Shoes were a challenge. I brought athletic shoes, black walking shoes and black pumps. I wish I'd included my birkenstocks."
Terry Stahl, 2003

Gifts

Gifts for schools

Gifts should be fun, educational classroom materials about the United States, particularly in class-sized sets, e.g.:

• your home state
• your school
• crafts
• culture
• industry memorabilia (e.g. Hollywood)
• historical memorabilia

Look for items that travel well:

• lightweight books or picture books
• posters
• lessons
• book marks
• pins/decals
• bumper stickers
• postcards

Gifts will be discussed in further detail during chatroom sessions and via the listserv.

Gifts for individuals

Gifts should also be given to people who assist you during the programme. Some examples are:

• calendars
• Christmas tree ornaments from your region
• pins/decals
• any other small lightweight items
• American candy/cookies (processed not fresh)

Participant Tips

"American coins were a big hit at the first school we visited, but we only had our change with us and wished we had brought more. They really love pennies!"
Annette Varcoe, 2002

"Some cool gift ideas included photos of your students, school, community, cloth maps, book marks, small American flags, American flag stickers, small books, erasers."
Jennifer Jones, 2003

"I hit the stores the day after the 4th of July, when things were 50% off, and I got stores to give me free patriotic bags to substitute for gift wrap."
Annette Varcoe, 2002

"I should have brought some of my local children's literature"
Merrell Frankel, 2002

"Oriental Trading Company is a great place for little flag pins, pencils, temporary tattoos, etc...
I [also] brought maps of New York and PA - they're free from the Triple A office."
Annette Varcoe, 2002

Food

You cannot bring fresh food into New Zealand.

You will need to declare any other processed or packaged food that you might want to bring with you. These policies are strictly enforced, so if you are unsure declare it. If you do not declare any fresh food you carry, you may incur an instant fine.

For more information about what you can and cannot bring into New Zealand visit the New Zealand Customs Service website.

More on packing advice

Reference websites	Reference websites
Universal Packing List website	One Bag website

Next:	Packing list