Packing List for Indian Students for Studying in New Zealand

New Zealand offers a unique blend of quality education, a safe environment, and a spirit of adventure for Indian students wanting to study abroad. The number of Indian students in New Zealand has risen to 2,664, reflecting the growing popularity of this island nation as a study-abroad destination. 

Students planning to study abroad must follow the packing list for Indian students in New Zealand. They need proof that they have a minimum of NZ$20,000 to support their initial year’s living costs.

Research Before You Start Packing for New Zealand

The students should remember that before packing the luggage, they must explore, research extensively, and enquire about their stay for the next 4-5 years. This research includes various aspects.

Understanding the Climate & Weather Patterns of New Zealand

There is abundant sunshine around the southern Alps, at least 1,800 hours a year. The average temperature in New Zealand is below 16° C in both the south and the north. 

There was a gradual increase in New Zealand’s temperatures by about 0.7°C during the 20th century. July is considered the coldest month, and January or February is the warmest.

Consider how Seasonal Changes Influence Your Clothing Choices

You must pack essential clothing suitable for all seasons. Carrying specific garments for a particular season will only add to your baggage.

As we have seen, the average temperature does not exceed 16° C; you can carry cotton shirts and T-shirts and 3-4 pairs of jeans for summer. Make sure to include comfortable footwear that will assist you in all seasons. 

Also, it is paramount to consider that New Zealand is more of an extreme winter country; you must have proper winter essentials, ensuring all the necessary winter and warm clothing and garments find space in bags.

Always check the weather forecast before you move to attain education abroad and plan your clothing accordingly.

Check the Baggage Allowances & Other Restrictions of Your Flight

It is essential to check various baggage allowances and restrictions per airport security and airline regulations. Keep the following in mind.

Choose Your Luggage Bag

Before leaving to study abroad, you must ensure basic things, such as selecting luggage to carry and packing only essential items and kits. Select a bag that fits the airline’s size and weight limits. Air New Zealand, for example, allows carry-on bags with total dimensions up to 118cm. 

Organize Before Packing

You must make a list and organize all the necessary items that should be packed in your luggage. Always avoid carrying additional or extra baggage, as that may cost you extra money and weight. Remember, items like loose batteries in checked luggage are prohibited or restricted.

Separate Items for Checked-in and Carry-on Luggage

Checked-in luggage for an economy class passenger can weigh up to 23kg, while carry-on is typically limited to 7kg for economy and 14kg for premium classes. If extra luggage does not qualify for the check-in baggage limit, you can buy a prepaid extra bag to repack before your flight.

Checked-in luggage includes all the essential items, like clothing and necessities. In contrast, carry-on luggage is considered a quick carry bag, which includes items like a laptop bag, a small duffel bag, a few toiletries, etc.

Checklist of Things to Carry While Traveling to New Zealand From India

Given below is the checklist of things that every Indian student must include in the packing list for New Zealand:  

Important Documents to Carry

• A valid passport or travel document- (ensure it's valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave New Zealand)
• An approved visa or an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority)
• Birth certificates
• Identity and citizenship documents
• Academic transcripts and certificates

Essential Clothing Articles (as per Weather & Seasonal Conditions)

You must include the below garments in your packing list for New Zealand:

• All necessary summer garments.
• All necessary, woollen garments.
• Carry extra pairs of inner garments, socks, towels, and bedding essentials. Also, keep a raincoat for rainy days.

Electronic Devices

• Pack your chargers and adapters for your devices.
• Ensure you have your laptop/tablet.

Vital Household & Hygiene Items

• Sanitary products as needed.
• A first-aid kit is a must to tackle emergencies.

Food Items

• Pack snacks like non-perishable items (ready-to-eat packets, dry fruits, and snackable for the journey and the initial days).
• Special dietary foods in case you have specific health-related nutritional restrictions.

Medicines and Prescriptions

• You can usually bring prescription medicine into New Zealand.
• You need a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor.

Local Currencies

• It would help if you had your national currency changed into the currency of New Zealand, that is, the New Zealand Dollar (NZD$)
• All major credit cards are accepted in New Zealand.

Toiletries

• You can take toiletries made of powders, liquids, aerosols, and gels on a plane.
• However, there are restrictions on the volume of these items allowed as carry-ons for international flights.

Stationary

Essential stationery like notebooks, pens, and a diary.

Other Required Essentials

• Ensure your travel insurance covers you, your belongings, and any cancellations.
• Sunglasses and hats are necessary for sun protection.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Here's a pre-departure checklist for students planning to study in New Zealand:

1. Important Documents
2. Accommodation Details
3. Financial Preparation
4. Health Check-Up and Insurance 
5. Essential items packed up
6. Learn about New Zealand
7. Emergency Contacts - Indian Consulate contact numbers

Things Not to Carry While Traveling to New Zealand

There are a few things that are prohibited from entering the national boundaries of New Zealand:

• Unauthorized or restricted drugs
• Certain firearms and weapons
• Luxury goods worth more than NZ$1000 (permit required)

How to Resist Urge to Overpack

Prioritize more essentials and consumables to combat overloading. Limit a week’s clothes and opt for mixed and matched outfits. Use travel-sized toiletries and prefer storing digital books, minimizing physical books. 

Remember that excluding extra baggage saves space, reduces stress, and allows flexibility. To help you make the right choice, we have collated tips for packing efficiently to study abroad.

4 Tips to Packing Efficiently

1. Packing for College in New Zealand:

• Due to high international shipping costs, pack essential items and determine what can be purchased or shipped later.
• Send a box to your university ahead of time with items that are not worth paying extra for on the flight.

2. What to Include in the Box:

• Necessary clothing.
• Bed sheets, towels, blankets, pillowcases.
• Copies of mass-produced books.
• School supplies.

3. Packing Electronics:

• Back up important information from your laptop, netbook, or pad computer onto an external drive or thumb drive and leave a copy at home.
• Pack the USB cable, charger, and headphones or earbuds for your MP3 player.

4. Planning a Shopping Trip:

• Consider taking essentials with you, such as a small waste basket or other small furnishings, to make your dorm room comfortable upon arrival.
• Ensure you have enough cash or credit to cover these expenditures.

Also Read: Packing List for Indian Students Going Abroad

In conclusion, preparing a comprehensive packing list is crucial for Indian students planning to study in New Zealand. 

It ensures a smooth transition to the top universities in New Zealand. So, pack wisely and embark on your educational adventure in New Zealand with confidence and enthusiasm.