Your Travel Pharmacy for New Zealand: Have You Got Everything?

Overview

• Intro
• Step 1 - External Complaints
• Step 2 - Internal Complaints
• Step 3 - Pests
• Miscellaneous - Food Supplements
• Miscellaneous - Doctors and Pharmacies in NZ
• Frequently Asked Questions

Nils (Team KiwiQuest)

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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

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.

• [amazon link="B000TGGEVY" title="Plasters in various sizes"]
• [amazon link="B075XJR3WY" title="Blister plasters"]
• [amazon link="B007A1396O" title="Disinfectant spray"]
• [amazon link="B00E5A7O64" title="Disinfectant ointment"]
• [amazon link="B007FASVMM" title="Wound and healing ointment"]
• [amazon link="B002RGCFWQ" title="Gauze bandages and compresses"]
• [amazon link="B00B189LPK" title="Scissors"] and [amazon link="B01N6Q904Z" title="Tweezers"]
• [amazon link="B0747P99PG" title="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.

• [amazon link="B00DIVPEGS" title="Nasal spray"] or [amazon link="B007FAR8EE" title="Nasal drops"]
• [amazon link="B001KP0GVW" title="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.

• [amazon link="B006ZL4G2G" title="Travel gum"] for flights and bus rides
• [amazon link="B00E4U8F2M" title="Immodium Acute"] for diarrhea
• [amazon link="B00E67C9FC" title="Electrolytes"] for diarrhea
• [amazon link="B00E5AAFCY" title="Charcoal tablets"] for poisonings

Fever & Pain

Ouch! Here's what you need when you're really laid up or in pain.

• [amazon link="B007XAIB56" title="Aspirin"]
• [amazon link="B007FASO5G" title="Paracetamol"] or [amazon link="B00GUYHJLS" title="Ibuprofen"]
• [amazon link="B00E4JO720" title="Possibly pain gel"]
• [amazon link="B077GQ756L" title="Possibly digital fever thermometer"]

Step 3 - Pests

Nasty bloodsuckers making life hard?a0Ha! Not today!

• [amazon link="B006ZL4HNY" title="Insect repellent"] against insect bites
• [amazon link="B00E4UHOII" title="Fenistil Gel"] after insect bites
• [amazon link="B003CMKQTS" title="Possibly electronic sting healer"]
• [amazon link="B071Y3CDJC" title="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 [amazon link="B075RCPZ3P" title="combination preparations"]
• Minerals like [amazon link="B00AUPRP8K" title="iron"], zinc, or combination preparations
• Proteins for [amazon link="B0057DVWYI" title="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...