Packing for the West Coast: A Campervan Glacier Trip Checklist

Quick summary: Packing for a campervan glacier trip means preparing for rain, sun, sandflies and snow, sometimes on the same day. The West Coast is wet, mild and green, the glaciers are cold and bright, and the sandflies are legendary. This checklist covers what campervan and motorhome travellers need for the glaciers and the coast: clothing for every kind of weather, protection from sandflies and glare, and a few extras that make life in the vehicle easier.

At a glance
Rain	A good waterproof jacket and quick-drying clothes
Cold	Warm layers, a hat and gloves for flights and evenings
Sun	Sunglasses and sunscreen, essential on the snow
Sandflies	Insect repellent, long sleeves and closed screens
Feet	Sturdy walking shoes and something waterproof
Vehicle extras	Towels, a power bank, a dry bag, pegs and a washing line

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What clothes should you pack?

• A waterproof, breathable jacket with a hood, the single most important item.
• Warm layers, such as a fleece or merino top, which stay warm when damp.
• Quick-drying trousers and tops, rather than cotton or jeans.
• A warm hat and gloves, for flights, snow landings and cold evenings.
• Swimwear, for the hot pools.

What should you bring for a heli-hike or snow landing?

Operators usually provide boots, crampons and waterproof jackets for heli-hikes. Bring warm layers, comfortable trousers, a hat, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen. On snow landings, the glare from the snow is intense, so sunglasses are essential even on cloudy days. See heli-hiking.

How do you deal with sandflies?

Sandflies are small biting insects common on the West Coast, especially near water and at dusk. Their bites itch for days. To keep them at bay:

• Use insect repellent, reapplying often.
• Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening and near water.
• Keep the vehicle’s screens and doors closed, especially when cooking or with lights on.
• Choose breezy spots when you stop, as sandflies prefer still air.

What should you keep in the RV for wet days?

• Extra towels and a way to dry wet gear, such as pegs and a washing line.
• A dry bag for cameras and phones on walks and boat trips.
• A power bank, as DOC campsites have no power.
• Books, cards or games for rainy evenings.
• Waterproof covers for daypacks.

What footwear do you need?

Sturdy walking shoes or light boots with good grip for the valley walks and rainforest tracks, which can be muddy. Sandals or quick-drying shoes are useful around the campsite and for beach walks.

What else is worth bringing?

• Binoculars, for wildlife and the glacier views.
• A good camera, with spare batteries, which drain quickly in the cold.
• A torch or headlamp, for evenings at campsites and the glow-worm dell in Hokitika.
• A reusable water bottle.

For the rest of your planning, see our guides to weather and spare days and driving the West Coast.

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Frequently Asked Questions