Three days to go before we head off for New Zealand. Can’t remember how many separate trips this is to God’s Own – but it never ceases to amaze me how it’s always a mad panic to clear up the paperwork, sort out the technology and get packed.
Barbara and daughter Sarah (12) are with me for the first part of the trip, via Singapore and then walks on Abel Tasman Coastal Path and the Milford Track.
In between the track walks, we’ll catch up with friends at our favourite Bed and Breakfasts, and check out some of the latest New Zealand experiences – looking forward to a trip with Wanaka River Journeys and enjoying an overnight on Doubtful Sound.
Anyway, back to the packing – I’m taking my own advice to so many of our travellers, and thinking casual, lightweight, and dressing in layers. The hold luggage weight limit on Singapore Airlines is 30kg in economy, but we’ve a domestic flight Auckland to Nelson, where the limit is 23kg. So it’s the latter we’re working to.
Here’s the list:
• Pair of clean walking boots (socks packed inside)
• Comfortable pair of walking shoes (ditto)
• Underwear
• Lightweight trousers
• Lightweight shorts
• Polo shirts
• Rugby shirt
• Fleece
• Lightweight rain gear
• Swimwear
• Wash bag
• Pyjamas
• Bag with various electrical travel adaptors
• Bag of my favourite goodies (marmite, teabags!)
In my rucksack with me on the plane, I’ve got small bag with:
• Toothpaste, brush and mouthwash
• Camera
• Book – highly recommended “1788”, a cracking read about the first settlement in Australia
• Good old merino socks – I don’t know why, but my feet always get cold on long flights
• Change of polo shirt
• Passport, airline tickets, wallet
• I pad
• Paperwork and pens
In-flight report to follow soon!