We’ll be on a walking/nature small group tour starting the first week in February, in Auckland, and ending in Dunedin. We’re both experienced hikers. We’re hoping to bring only carry on suitcases. We’re planning to include quick-drying shirts and pants to facilitate hand-washing in the hotel sink as needed, a warm layer, rain gear, summer essentials, including synscreen and hats!

What I’m stuck on is footwear. Hiking shoes, obvs., but then, what else? I’m from Oregon, where winter means something waterproof, and summer means sandals. Do I need my waterproof hikers or can I get by with non-waterproof? And, do I need more than sandals? Our town is pretty casual— even in upscale restaurants you’ll see jeans, hiking boots, Birkenstocks.

You’d think I’d never packed for a long trip before. Sheesh. I’m hoping for a tip or two to help me finalize my packing list.

Thanks in advance!

Are your hiking shoes waterproof? Any reason you can't wear them exclusively?

We hike a lot on our trips, and we get by with a pair of waterproof hiking shoes/boots and a casual shoe with a sturdy sole, like in the photo below, but we don't travel carry on only. In your shoes, I'd probably just live in the waterproof boots for the whole trip. It's nice to take off the boots at the end of the day, but shoes take up precious space.

Hiking in NZ can get pretty wet.

I can bring waterproof or not waterproof. Your info is exactly the kind I need. Thanks so much!

We also take waterproof pants, and of course a Gortex jacket. You just never know. I think I'd struggle to travel carry on only, and I'm a pretty light packer. Have a great trip, and fingers crossed for sunshine.

Yeah, we're doing a pre-pack this weekend. We've traveled for as much as 12 days with just carryons, but not 3 weeks. I'm kind of hoping the difference will be just a matter of lots of underwear. ;-) We may end up with 1 big bag, one carry on size. My husband is not bringing rain pants, but I am.

We are assuming we don't need to bring much dressy clothing?

Correct assumption, Kiwis are pretty casual. Casual and neat is all that's needed for a nice dinner out, etc. We've never dressed up in all our visits there.

We tend to pack for a week although our trips run 4-5 weeks. Easy to find washing facilities in NZ (unlike Switzerland).

Thanks so much-- I appreciate the details!