What to Pack for Queenstown

Keeps you dry and comfortable during active adventures. Quick-drying synthetic or lightweight merino works well.

Light insulation for cooler evenings and wind protection during outdoor activities.

Essential protection against Arctic/Antarctic conditions. Sealed seams and a powder skirt prevent any moisture ingress.

Lows of 3°C require serious outer insulation. A rated expedition parka is the difference between comfort and genuine danger.

Wind, snow, and cold combine at ground level — insulated waterproof trousers protect legs even when sitting on snow.

Up to 30% of body heat is lost through the head. A good hat is the highest-impact warmth item per gram of weight.

Waterproof insulated gloves protect hands during outdoor activities and cold evenings.

Seals the gap between jacket collar and hat — a tiny item that eliminates the most common heat-loss point in cold conditions.

Merino wool socks regulate temperature, wick moisture, and resist odour — critical for multi-day cold-weather trips.

3°C minimum or Antarctic expedition conditions demand boots with serious insulation and a fully waterproof shell. Don't compromise here.

Arctic and Antarctic surfaces ice over completely. Slip-on ice cleats prevent dangerous falls on glazed paths, boardwalks, and landings.

A thin liner inside insulated boots draws moisture away from skin and extends the thermal life of your wool socks.

Give your feet a rest from heavy boots. Cabins, lodges, and expedition ships all benefit from lightweight indoor footwear.

Aurora photography needs ISO 1600–6400 with 2–25 second exposures. A crop sensor works, but full-frame handles noise far better in low light.

A fast wide-angle lens captures more sky and admits more light — essential for short-exposure aurora shots. Slower than f/2.8 will struggle noticeably.

Non-negotiable for aurora photography. Long exposures need a perfectly stable platform. Carbon fibre handles cold better than aluminium (less thermal contraction).

Cold kills batteries fast — a full charge at −15°C can die in 20–30 minutes. Keep spares in your inner jacket pocket to warm them back to life.

Pressing the shutter directly causes micro-vibration and blurred aurora images. A remote gives razor-sharp results on long exposures.

Bring far more storage than you think you'll need. A great aurora display fills cards fast, and cold can trigger read errors on cheap cards.

Moving from cold outdoor air into warm interiors causes immediate lens fogging. Anti-fog wipes and blotting cloths are essential kit.

White light destroys night vision instantly. A red-mode headlamp lets you adjust settings, swap batteries, and navigate without losing dark adaptation.

Place inside your camera bag to keep batteries and electronics at operating temperature. Don't put directly against equipment — insulate with a sock.

New Zealand may use a different plug standard. A multi-country adapter with USB-A and USB-C ports handles all devices in one unit.

Cold drains phone batteries rapidly. A large power bank keeps devices charged on all-day expeditions far from power outlets.

Essential for navigating polar nights, dark mornings, and aurora trips. Use lithium batteries — they last up to 7× longer than alkaline in the cold.

Rechargeable hand warmers are far better than chemical ones for extended aurora watching — they're reusable and maintain consistent heat for 6–8 hours.

Protects your phone from snow, rain, and spray. Essential on boat trips, zodiac landings, and snowmobile tours. Also prevents battery drain from direct cold.

Long transport legs and lodge evenings benefit from entertainment. Download offline maps (Maps.me, Google Maps) and guides before departure.

Many countries require 6 months of validity beyond your final travel date. Check requirements for every country on your itinerary before departure.

Medical evacuation from a remote polar location costs tens of thousands of dollars. This is absolutely non-negotiable for Antarctic travel.

Keep photocopies of your passport, insurance, and bookings in a different bag from the originals. Also email digital copies to yourself as backup.

Some remote areas in New Zealand don't reliably accept cards. Carry small local currency for markets, tips, taxis, and emergencies.

Remote polar destinations may be days from the nearest pharmacy. Bring twice your required supply in case of delays, and split it across different bags.

Include blister plasters, pain relief, stomach medication, antiseptic wipes, and any personal prescriptions. Add altitude or sea sickness meds if relevant.

Snow and ice reflect UV intensely, increasing burn risk even in cold weather. Polar sunlight at low angles still delivers significant UV-A/B exposure.

Cold, dry Arctic air is extremely dehydrating. Eye drops prevent discomfort from dry air, wind, and low humidity aboard transport.

Many polar regions have strict environmental regulations. Use biodegradable soap, shampoo, and sunscreen to minimise ecological impact.

Cold weather increases calorie burn by 20–30%. Carry snacks for long days, transport delays, and pre-dawn aurora chases when meals are hours away.

Keep cameras, clothing, and electronics completely dry during kayaking. A large bag for your pack, small bags for phone and valuables.

Cold water splashing during kayaking rapidly causes hand numbness in polar conditions. Neoprene gloves maintain warmth and grip on the paddle.

Essential for skiing — UV reflection off snow combined with wind at speed makes goggles non-negotiable. Look for 100% UV-A/B blocking.

Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays. Apply to all exposed skin including under the chin, inside nostrils, and behind ears.