Everything I Packed to Bike Across New Zealand:

Packing for a bicycle tour can be a daunting task.

It can feel as though the weight of your entire bicycle tour (both literally and metaphorically) is completely dependent on the decisions you make prior to departure. What if you forget some item you might need while you are in the middle of the mountains, not near any cities, if something goes wrong? What trade offs do you want to make- fewer clothes to save weight, or more clothing so you can wash them more often? Perhaps a bivy compared to a two-person tent? Everyone’s packing list is unique to their personality, their needs, their preferred lodging, and the terrain and area in which they choose to travel. As you read my own packing list for a near 2 month trip across New Zealand and 1 month in Australia, remember that this list is specifically tailored to my journey, and should not be an exact guideline for what you pack for your own bicycle touring adventure.

First things first.

Let me tell you a bit about the type of touring I did while I was in New Zealand. This will hep you understand why I packed what I packed based on type of experience I crafted for myself.

Lodging.

I planned to camp the vast majority of days while in New Zealand, most often at DOC campsites (free/cheap) which only have toilets, a picnic table or two and non-potable water. I rarely stayed in the more expensive camping parks (that have electricity, a kitchen, showers, potable water) because I had almost everything I needed with me. Whenever I made it to a city, I often stayed in a hostel for a few nights if I couldn’t find a host on Warmshowers or Couchsurfing. This is how I keep my living expenses low while traveling abroad!

Food.

I spend most of my money carrying groceries to easily snack on the side of the road, with the occasional cafe meal or dinner burger when I’m feeling a bit special. I purchased little alcohol, and usually ate rice and beans for dinner, bread with cheese, granola bars and apples during rides/for lunch, and instant coffee paired oatmeal with peanut butter for breakfast. Packing a variety of groceries means more space is needed in my bags, as well as a semi-sophisticated cooking kit.

Style.

There are two schools of thought for touring: maximalism, and minimalism. I am a maximalist, whole heartedly. I prefer to have everything I could absolutely need at my disposal, and that’s saying a lot, because I have a lot of needs (I get sick easily, and am a content creator). You’ll find what’s right for you, maximalism or minimalism (neither is inherently better or worse than the other!)

Staying in Cities.

I knew I was going to spend about 5-10 days in Queenstown, Wellington and Auckland, and a month in Melbourne and Sydney post-New Zealand bike tour, and wanted a capsule wardrobe to accommodate. The weather in New Zealand is quite variable, even in the summer, so you’ll want a decent set of clothing for all the weather. Aside from that, I had some extra so I could live the city girl life when I was off the bike.

See more: A Run-Down of the Four Bikes I’ve Used Bicycle Touring

*A note as you read the list below. I have added affiliate links for some of the items that I have used. Please click on the links if you are interested in purchasing the item, and click accept cookies! This is how I, as a creator, can earn commission from recommending you my favorite items (if you just type the brand name into your search bar, I don’t get any kickbacks for recommending them to you). So if you want to support me, make sure you click those links if you’re thinking of buying those products. Thank you in advance! <3

The Packing List:

Clothes:

• Two cycling kits from Ornot (two bibs, two jerseys)
• Ornot sun shirt
• Ornot leg and arm warmers
• Five pairs of socks, five pairs of underwear
• Two sports bras
• Sports bra tank top
• Convertible pants
• Pajama shirt & shorts
• One long sleeve cotton shirt, one merino wool long sleeve shirt
• One white button down shirt
• A pair of summer shorts
• Two tank tops
• Cropped t-shirt
• Packable rain jacket
• Packable rain pants (these proved not necessary)
• Packable thermal jacket
• Jewelry (it’s my luxury item for when I am in the city)
• Cycling gloves
• Tifosi sunglasses

Shoes:

• Gravel SPD shoes
• Hiking sneakers (for the beautiful hikes in New Zealand)
• Slides

Bike bags:

• Outer Shell (use promo code LIVINGBYBIKE for 10% off your purchase!)
  • Half frame bag
  • Stem caddy
  • Seatpack
  • Voile straps
• Ortlieb
  • Fork Pack
  • Back-Roller (these are not well suited for mountain biking trails)

Camping gear:

• Two person tent
• Insulated sleeping pad
• Sleeping bag 30 degree F
• Cooking pot with burner (+ propane)
• Brush, eco-friendly soap, and microfiber cloth to clean cooking pot
• Matches/lighter
• Water filter
• Collapsible lantern
• Two mugs (one for me and Jima)
• Trowel
• Headlamp

Electronics/gadgets/gizmos:

• Two battery packs- small one for on the go use and big one for multiple nights in a row spent camping
• Bike GPS
• DJI SE mini
• Ipad
• Headphones
• Kindle
• Phone (with e-sim card)
• LaCie harddive
• GoPro + mini tripod, water handle, extra batteries
• Multi outlet cords
• NZ wall plug

Toiletries:

• Toiletry bag
• Toothpaste, toothbrush, floss
• Mini first aid kit (bandaids, athletic tape, wet wipes, napkins, hand sanitizer, gauze, scissors, mini sewing kit)
• Tylenol
• Inhalers/my daily medicine
• Nail clippers
• Facial lotion
• Insect repellent
• Microfiber towel
• Sunscreen
• Deodorant
• Period cup & wash
• Bar shampoo/conditioner
• Hand lotion

Bike gear/tools:

• Ass-Savers Fenders (use promo code livingbybike_10 for 10% off your purchase)
• Three water bottles
• Foldable bike lock
• Extra tire sealant
• Spare tube
• Dart kits for tubes
• Tire levers
• Frame pump (with pressure reader)
• Multi tool, pocket knife, mini pliers
• Zip ties
• Toothbrush (for wiping down chain)
• Chain lube

Miscellaneous:

• Lightweight day backpack
• Packable grocery bag
• Bungee cords for last minute item strapping

Thank you for reading my packing list for bicycle touring around New Zealand!