My Travel Wardrobe to New Zealand

Capsule wardrobes do work well for travel, but it’s not until you start packing you start panicking, thinking you haven’t packed enough clothes. I often do wonder in these moments if I’ve packed too little. My travel wardrobe to New Zealand was a good lesson for me to pack for comfort. While I was away I realized often, less is more.

Travel Wardrobe New Zealand

First day in Queenstown. It was fresh… I put my jacket on as soon as we boarded our cruise

What threw me was the weather and the reports of possible snow in the areas we were to stay in.

We have warm clothes for a Brisbane winter, not a New Zealand winter. Despite the weather predictions, it didn’t snow on our holiday – except when we went to the Snow Farm and Cardrona Hotel.

My outfit at the Snow Farm. Do check the buttons can do up on your jacket when you pack it.  I look a bit sloppy, but no one was around and I didn’t care.

Layers work best when going to a cooler climate. My faithful black puffer jacket served me well again on this trip. I’ve had it for more than a decade and it is still going strong.

travel wardrobe to New Zealand

I probably packed too many bottoms. I’m not a fan of track pants unless absolutely necessary but I did buy two pairs from Jay Jays before we went on our trip. There were days where I was grateful for their fleece lined comfort due to the single digit temperatures outside.

New Zealand Travel Wardrobe

Travel Wardrobe to New Zealand

There are PLENTY of articles on the net sharing how to pack the ideal capsule wardrobe for travel. This post is really the after-post sharing what worked in my capsule and what didn’t.

Travel Wardrobe New Zealand

I didn’t wear my leopard print faux fur coat as often as I thought. I think it was mainly because my black coat was more versatile.

travel wardrobe New Zealand

I was glad I took 3 scarves to create different interest in my outfits though. I made sure the pieces I did take, worked together.

travel wardrobe new Zealand

I took one pair of Frankie 4 Black Boots and they didn’t come out of my suitcase. Lesson learned with this one as we did a lot of walking and my Frankie 4 Nat Sneakers and Hiking Boots (which I bought in NZ) were sufficient.

Here is what I packed for a 12 day holiday to New Zealand in early spring.

Travel Wardrobe New Zealand

This dress is a bargain and currently on sale for $49.95 from Swiish. Great to put away for next winter. 

My Travel Wardrobe to New Zealand

Tops
2 Cardigans
4 long sleeved tops
2 Dresses
1 ¾ Puff Coat
1 Puff Jacket – for the snow
1 Leopard Print Fur Coat

Bottoms
2 Pairs of Jeans
1 Pair of Leggings
2 Pairs of Trackpants

3 Scarves

Shoes
White Frankie 4 Nat Sneakers
Black Boots (didn’t wear)
Hiking Boots – bought in NZ

I didn’t get outfit photos everyday so there are some pieces I’ve listed which haven’t been photographed.

Some tips I could offer if you’re planning to travel and create your own travel capsule wardrobe:

  • Choose a colour theme. Mine was black, white, navy, rust and mustard, with scarves to match (stripes, leopard print and polka dots).
  • Invest in a black puffer jacket which will serve you for YEARS and can fold into nothing.
  • Shop at your destination if it’s going to be cheaper – we found a lot of snow gear expensive to buy in Brisbane – even at Factory Outlets. When we landed in Queenstown, we headed straight to Mountain Warehouse to get essentials we needed for our day at the snow. You could hire the items, but the cost at Mountain Warehouse due to their end of season sale was the same or nearly cheaper than hire fees.
  • Choose flat shoes for walking holidays. I love my Frankie 4 Nat sneakers. My hiking boots bought from Mountain Warehouse were a good investment too.
  • The Wanderers Santorini Bag and Travel wallet making travelling easy. I use them every day now too.
  • Choose accommodation with free washing facilities.
  •  Leave a little space for some new purchases.
Travel Wardrobe in New Zealand

This was the only top I bought for half price in Wanaka from Sol Clothing. Brand is Seduce NZ

Do you find a capsule wardrobe works well for travel? Ever panic and overpack?