Packing List for Oceania

Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific offer every kind of landscape and climate, from red deserts to tropical reefs and cool southern fjords. Packing well means thinking in layers, choosing breathable fabrics, and keeping things practical. This guide covers what to bring for comfort, safety and easy travel across the region.

Exploring Oceania's Cities

From tropical Apia to coastal Perth and cool, creative Auckland, Oceania’s cities blend island warmth with urban energy – we recommend you pack for rain and shine, to enjoy the relaxed days and lively nights in comfort.

Clothing:

• Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
• Lightweight layers for variable weather
• Jeans, shorts, or breathable trousers
• T-shirts, shirts, or casual tops
• Smart-casual options for dining out or special events
• Light jumper or jacket for cooler evenings
• Compact umbrella or rain jacket

Accessories:

• Daypack or crossbody bag
• Sunglasses and a hat or cap
• Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
• Reusable water bottle
• Travel adapter and charger
• Toiletries
• Reusable shopping bag (plastic bans are common)

Beach and Diving Adventures

Whether lounging on Fiji’s sandy beaches or diving at the Great Barrier Reef, the hot and tropical climates means sun protection is a must.

Clothing:

• Swimwear and rash vest
• Lightweight cover-up or beach shirt
• Shorts and singlets or T-shirts
• Flip-flops or reef shoes
• Light jacket, jumper or sarong for evenings

Accessories:

• Reef-safe sunscreen and SPF lip balm
• Sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat or cap
• Beach towel or a quick-dry towel
• Snorkel gear or swimming goggles
• A small dry bag for valuables
• A waterproof phone case for beach trips and boat rides
• Reusable water bottle
• Insect repellent for tropical evenings

See our trip to French Polynesia for an unmissable beach and diving adventure.

Discovering Australia's Outback

From the Blue Mountains National Park to the iconic Uluru, Australia’s outback offers unmissable wildlife and cultural experiences for any traveller. The dry heat of the day is deceptive to the evening temperature drops, so layering is essential.

Clothing:

• Breathable long-sleeved shirts
• Lightweight trousers or shorts
• Wide-brimmed hat or cap
• Sturdy hiking boots and durable socks
• Lightweight fleece or jumper for evenings

Accessories:

• A small backpack for day hikes
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
• Headtorch and spare batteries

Check out our Sydney and Outback Adventure

Traversing New Zealand's Fiordland

Fiordland is stunning but wild. We recommend packing for every season, expect rain at any time, and layer well so you can stay warm and dry while exploring one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.

Clothing:

• Waterproof jacket
• Warm layers: fleece, jumper, or thermal base layer
• Quick-dry hiking trousers or leggings
• Breathable long-sleeved tops
• Beanie and gloves (especially in winter)
• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
• Spare socks and lightweight indoor shoes

Accessories:

• Reusable water bottle
• Waterproof daypack cover or dry bag
• Walking poles (depending on the steepness of the trail and personal preference)
• Insect repellent as sand-flies can be persistent
• Small towel and toiletries
• Camera or binoculars for wildlife watching

Explore Fiordland with our New Zealand in Style trip

General Essentials

These are a few things you’ll need, no matter where in Oceania you’re exploring.

• Travel documents: Passport, visa (if required), travel insurance details
• Medications: Any prescriptions, motion sickness tablets (for boat trips/ cruises), and a basic first aid kit
• A driving license if hiring a vehicle
• Money: A combination of local currency and a travel-friendly debit/ credit card
• Charging cables and plug adaptors – Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa and the Cook Islands all use Type 1. French Polynesia mainly uses Type E.
• Portable charger
• Upon arriving you can buy a local SIM card or ESIM for data and calls

Packing smart means you’ll be ready for anything, from city streets to remote trails and tropical shores. Keep your bag light, choose versatile layers that suit the climate, and enjoy discovering the beauty and contrasts of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.