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So now that you've organised your flight and visa, it's
time to pack! Here's advice on what to take and what to leave at home.
Essentials (and the less essential)
- your curriculum vitae
- copies of any published professional articles
- slides, photographs and maps of your home state for talks or presentations
you may be asked to give
- small souvenirs, i.e. craft/novelty items from the US to be used
as gifts for colleagues and friends
Other students and scholars wished they'd brought the following
items:
- a laptop computer and a printer
- videotapes, both digital and regular
- a ream of 8.5x11 paper
- my favourite soap
- Tex/Mex food stuffs
- but most of all - warm clothing
While others wished they had left these items at home:
- a coffee grinder (New Zealand's electrial specifications
differs to those of the US)
- too many "business" attire outfits
- ski boots
 Everyday
items and goods
Most everyday items may be purchased in New Zealand but you may not be
able to get the specific brands you are used to. You can always get your
family and friends to send emergency supplies of toothpaste, shampoo,
Doritos or chewing gum if desperately required.
Expensive goods
Pack items that are more expensive in New Zealand. For example, clothing
and shoes (including running shoes), glasses or contact lenses and saline
solution.
Inexpensive goods
Small electrical goods such as hair dryers, radios can be purchased very
cheaply so you could buy them here instead of bringing them over from
the US.
Electrical specifications
The electric plug size in NZ is different from the US but you can buy
adaptors here. The NZ voltage is 220 volts which may/may not be a problem
depending on what electrical items you are wanting to bring.
If your computers does not operate at 220 volts, you will need a transformer.
You will also need to buy the NZ telephone phone plugs and cords (if bringing
a printer) and an adaptor plug.
All these items are readily available here.
Clothing
The New Zealand climate is changeable with distinct seasonal variations.
Northern parts of the country, such as Auckland and Hamilton, experience
warmer temperatures than places in the south, such as Dunedin and Christchurch.
Central heating and double glazing are relatively uncommon. While the
outside temperatures may not be as low in winter as you will have experienced
in the US, the indoor temperature in New Zealand homes tends to be a lot
lower than you will have been used to.
People tend to wear more layers of clothes inside and not heat the house
as much. In other words, do not leave your winter clothes at home - pack
items such as polartec clothing, warm sweaters/jerseys, winter outer-wear
and waterproof coats/jackets.
Send items in advance
If you will be staying for a few months you could consider shipping some
goods prior to your departure to reduce your airline luggage and excess
baggage liability. If you are arriving in late spring early summer (November-January)
you can send your bulky winter clothes by sea rather than taking them
with you.
Shipping takes around 8-10 weeks.
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