Things to Buy When You Arrive in New Zealand Before Starting Your Road Trip
A quick stop at a supermarket or pharmacy near the airport can make your South Island trip easier and more comfortable. Here is what we recommend picking up first.
Why shop when you arrive?
Lots of people land in New Zealand and hit the road almost straight away. That works, but you will have a better start if you grab a few things first. A quick stop at a supermarket or pharmacy can make the trip much easier and more comfortable. Most of the items below are easy to buy near Christchurch Airport before you head out on your South Island road trip.
Sunscreen (very important in New Zealand)
The sun here is stronger than many visitors expect. The ozone layer is thinner and UV levels can be high even when it does not feel hot. You can burn quickly, especially around lakes and on the water. Buy a good SPF 50+ sunscreen and use it every day. Put it on before you leave in the morning and reapply if you are outside for long. Lip balm with SPF is a good add-on. This is one of those things that really does matter.
Bug spray for sandflies
Sandflies are small biting insects that are common around lakes, rivers and on the West Coast. They are not dangerous but they are annoying and their bites can itch for days. A small insect repellent in your bag is worth having. Use it when you stop at lakes or in bush areas. You can buy it at supermarkets and pharmacies. If you forget, you will remember after your first evening by the water.
Reusable water bottle
New Zealand has very good drinking water. Tap water is safe in almost all towns and many campgrounds have taps. Most towns also have places where you can refill a bottle. A reusable bottle saves you buying plastic and means you always have water in the car. Simple and useful.
Groceries for your first night
If you are camping or just want to avoid hunting for food after a long flight, buy something for your first night or morning. Fruit, bread, snacks and breakfast supplies (cereal, milk, coffee) are easy to get at any supermarket. You do not need to go overboard. Just enough so you are not stuck with nothing when you arrive at your first stop.
SIM card or eSIM
Having mobile data makes a big difference. You can use maps, check the weather and look up campsite apps when you need them. Coverage is not perfect everywhere but it is good enough along the main routes. Common providers include Spark and One NZ. You can often pick up a SIM at the airport or in town. If your phone supports it, an eSIM is handy and you can set it up before you fly. Worth doing on day one so you are not stuck without data when you need it.
Headlamp or small torch
Very useful when you are camping or setting up camp in the evening. Hands-free light makes cooking, packing and finding things in the tent much easier. A small torch is fine if you prefer. Either way, you will use it more than you think.
Road trip snacks
Long drives between towns are normal on the South Island. Having something to eat in the car means you are not dependent on finding a cafe at the right moment. Muesli bars, nuts and fruit are easy to pack and keep. Nothing fancy. Just enough to keep you going when you are still an hour from the next stop.
Flip flops or lightweight sandals
Handy for campground showers, lake stops and quick breaks. You do not want to be walking across a shared bathroom floor in bare feet. Lightweight sandals or flip flops take almost no space and you will use them every day if you are camping.
Coffee supplies
If you are camping, picking up coffee, milk or instant coffee is useful for mornings. You can always buy a flat white in town, but having something in the car means you can get going without hunting for a cafe first. Small thing, but it makes the start of the day easier.
If you book the Adventure Package
If you book the Jimny Rentals Adventure Package with your vehicle, a lot of camping essentials are already included. You get a rooftop tent, cooking equipment, a fridge and camp chairs. So you only need to buy food and personal items like sunscreen and toiletries. That keeps your first shop short and simple.
Where to shop near Christchurch Airport
Several supermarkets sit close to the airport. Woolworths, New World and Pak'nSave all have branches you can stop at before you head out. They are good places to stock up on food, sunscreen, insect repellent and the rest before you start your South Island road trip. Check opening hours if you land late. For pickup details and directions, see our Christchurch pickup page. For more on what to expect when you hire, our FAQ has answers to common questions.
Jimny camping on the South Island
Ready to start your trip?
Pick up your Jimny from Christchurch or Queenstown, grab these basics, and you are set. Have a look at our vehicles and South Island road trip planner to plan your route.