Your Travel Pharmacy for New Zealand: Have You Got Everything?
Better safe than sorry: The Checklist for Your New Zealand Adventure
Here’s our checklist for your backpacker travel pharmacy. We’ll explain what to consider when importing medicines, which medicines should go in your suitcase, and what can stay home.
It’s important to know:
There are more than enough doctors and pharmacies in New Zealand. So you don’t need to worry. Still, it’s a good idea to have at least the necessary medicines in your backpack.
We hope this list will be helpful to you.
Have fun!
Intro
Better safe than sorry...
We weren’t particularly well-prepared before our Working Holiday trip to New Zealand. That became clear upon our arrival:
Right after landing, Anna had to lie down due to severe nausea. But she couldn’t because we had to catch our connecting flight. Ouch!
A travel pharmacy with the necessary medications would have been very practical.
We hope you can avoid this!
Step 1 - External Complaints
First off, the most important things you shouldn’t miss in your travel pharmacy. Because small injuries are simply part of a real travel adventure. And that’s somehow a good thing.
Injuries
Small injuries are common when traveling. It's good if you can quickly patch yourself up.
- Plasters in various sizes
- Blister plasters
- Disinfectant spray
- Disinfectant ointment
- Wound and healing ointment
- Gauze bandages and compresses
- Scissors and Tweezers
- Disposable gloves
Step 2 - Internal Complaints
For really severe pain or high fever, you should of course see a doctor. But you can fight many problems yourself. It makes sense to have the following on hand:
Throat & Airways
Coughs and colds also occur in New Zealand.
- Nasal spray or Nasal drops
- Lozenges for sore throat
- Your personal cold remedy (e.g., tea...)
Stomach & Digestion
Travel often changes your rhythm and diet. So take care of your tummy.
- for flights and bus rides
- Immodium Acute for diarrhea
- Electrolytes for diarrhea
- Charcoal tablets for poisonings
Fever & Pain
Ouch! Here's what you need when you're really laid up or in pain.
Note:
Don't forget your own medications + prescription
Step 3 - Pests
Nasty bloodsuckers making life hard? a0Ha! Not today!
- Insect repellent against insect bites
- Fenistil Gel after insect bites
- Possibly electronic sting healer
- Possibly tick card
Miscellaneous - Food Supplements
Do you swear by a specific supplement? Check if it's available in New Zealand first. Otherwise, it goes on the packing list. Popular supplements include:
- Vitamins like Vitamin B12, C or combination preparations
- Minerals like iron, zinc, or combination preparations
- Proteins for muscle building
Miscellaneous - Doctors and Pharmacies in NZ
Good to know: New Zealand is very well-equipped with doctors and pharmacies. So, you don’t need to drag a mobile clinic behind you. Nevertheless, a few items should be in your backpack so you can help yourself with minor issues.
Is the travel pharmacy enough?
No. Your travel pharmacy is for self-treating minor issues and doesn’t replace a doctor’s visit. When in doubt, it’s better to visit the doc one extra time. With the right travel health insurance, that’s no problem at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other KiwiQuesters wanted to know...
User question:
Can I take my medication with me?
User question:
How many tablets should I pack?
User question:
Is there anything else I should know about 'health'?
What else is there?
We wish you an amazing adventure!
Welcome to Team KiwiQuest!
Team KiwiQuest
