I am on the way for 2 months now (how time flies, blabla…) and have been able to put the things I took with me to use.
Over time some things appeared more or less useful and those insights I would share with you. And with everybody who googled ‘Packing List Au Pair New Zealand’ or ‘Backpacker Packing List’ to end up here.
Bose Soundlink Mini:
My most beloved companion. I got it as replacement to my Mivoc Sidekick (which in the last moment I removed from the bag) as a Christmas gift for myself in order to satisfy my hunger for HiFi.
And the small and heavy technical miracle serves an insanely good job. He goes down to 60Hz (depending on the environment it’s ear candy) clean and I do like that.
I love it.
Leatherman Skeletool:
Peeling onions or opening reluctant wrappings is an adventurous undertaking using the knives of hostels. But a sharp blade provides aid, IF you carry it with you. 😊 All the other utilities on it will surely be put to use in time.
Bluetooth Computer Mouse:
Not used it once. The touchpad on my * is fully sufficient.
*Lenovo Thinkpad:
Awesome thing. Full HD and an SSD. Is really quiet, the battery lasts a few movies and it does anything you tell it obediently.
Socks:
Well, it’s summer. But you could save some space and better invest in some comfortable jandals… Until now I have only worn like 18% of my socks. 😉
External hard drive/ digital storage:
You are just more confident when the movie collection of your travel mates is in front of you and you can just copy at will. And alongside some smaller USB keys for backup and two 32GB SD cards there are no worries about storage shortage in sight.
LEDLenser head lamp:
Like this you can climb Mount Victoria safely at night (while looking like a professional).
Mini towel:
It provides a sense of sureness in the everyday life and does a good job at protecting the highly praised speaker while traveling.
Diary:
When you can’t look up on WhatsApp what you have done the last days, this book rises in significance.
8L-ZipLoc-Bags:
Either at preparing devilled eggs or when compressing you clothes for packing, these always deliver a strong performance. Irreplaceable!
Clothing in general:
Being dressed is mandatory in New Zealand as well, but I like my shorts with big pockets best. Because boys aren’t allowed purses… My beanie, scarf and gloves might prove themselves worthy in another season. Most importantly: The count of underpants sets the time between laundry days.
Two credit cards:
Two sources of money. One for worry-less paying, one for worry-less withdrawals. Life is much more fun this way. 😀
Tablet:
Useless. At least for now. Not turned it on once.
Smartphone:
I know, back in the day I was some kind of freak with those. But it is impressive, how long a battery lasts in flight mode. 😊 And I don’t miss it a bit. You don’t carry an alternate world inside your pocket and thus, you can always easily and unlimitedly pay attention to your surroundings.
First Aid Set:
Grandma and mom can be relieved, I didn’t have to use it yet.
In-Ear-Headphones:
On the plane, they provide a much better sound quality than the cheap ones they offer you. Even as earplugs in louder situations you can put them to good use. But I ain’t such a wimp not to be able to sleep next to a crazy wild party next door. 😛
Edding:
Awesome. Either when making your mark on the hostel’s fridge or to label your food, it is a rather useful object. Goes to the category “vital trinkets”.
Multisocket:
Cellphone, Laptop and speaker charging at the same time! You still need one adapter still, but the others are all German plugs.
I won’t lose any words about my bags here.
