Packing list for the solar eclipse in New Zealand – Jeff Pfaller Photography

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Packing list for the solar eclipse in New Zealand

by Jeff Pfaller

Here’s a suggested packing list for seeing the solar eclipse in New Zealand. It’s winter time and there could be a range of milder temps to colder. Snow and ice are a possibility, along with rain. Trails and walkways could be steep, rocky, or slippery, plan on walking 5ish miles per day.

Traveling and Commuting

  • Plane Tickets
  • Passport
  • NZeTA Registration
  • Travel Insurance (if purchased) and emergency contact info
  • Credit/Debit Card / Cash (New Zealand and US dollars)
  • Medications / Prescriptions in their original containers in your carryon
  • Toiletries
  • Snacks and activities for the flight
  • Backup printouts of important docs
  • *Mask and Digital copy of COVID Vaccination Record (These aren’t required anywhere we’ll be visiting, but bring them if you prefer)

Clothes for 8 days 

  • Sturdy, water resistant hiking boots
  • Thermal underlayer (top and bottom)
  • Hiking pants (bring extra in case they get wet)
  • Hiking shirts, short sleeve or breathable long sleeve (bring extra in case they get wet)
  • Fleece or Sweater
  • Warm socks (ideally quick dry, bring extra in case they get wet)
  • Rain jacket
  • Rain pants
  • Winter jacket
  • Winter gloves
  • Winter Hat
  • Scarf / Neck Gaiter
  • Underwear
  • Comfortable clothes for the hotel / restaurants
  • Swimsuit (optional)

Photography Gear

  • Phone
  • Camera body
  • Camera lens
    • 20mm-100mm focal length for non eclipse days
    • 200mm plus for the eclipse)
    • Bring a fast lens (low f-stop) for astrophotography
  • Extra camera batteries
  • 64GB SD Card (ideally, bring multiple cards)
  • Camera and Phone battery chargers
  • Tripod
  • Plastic grocery or small trash bag
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Lens cleaner
  • Solar filter
  • Protective solar glasses (I will have a pair if you don't want to bring your own)
  • Star tracker (optional, but make sure you know how to use it)
  • Smart telescope (optional, but great for timelapses)
  • Remote shutter (optional, but highly recommended)
  • Extra photo storage (optional, but a good idea)
  • Polarizing filter (optional)
  • Binoculars (optional)

Other Gear

  • Camera bag or backpack
  • Type I Power Adapter
  • Water Bottles
  • Headlamp
  • Sunglasses
  • Chapstick
  • Sunscreen
  • Tissues / Wet wipes
  • eSim plan for your phone (Airalo is what I use, get $3.00 off with my referral code JEFF5432)
  • Laptop or tablet for editing (optional)
  • Trekking poles (optional)
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