Your camping gear questions, answered.

Kia ora! Planning a trip and not sure what gear you need?

Start with a quick answer below, then follow the guide for the details. Whether it’s a family camp, your first tramp or a campervan trip, the right setup depends on where you’re going, the forecast and what you need to carry.

Family tents

What tent is best for family camping in New Zealand?

Start with the number of people and beds you need to fit, then allow room for bags and somewhere to sit when the weather turns. Then compare weather protection, how long the full tent takes to pitch and its packed size. Our family tent guide compares options for different New Zealand trips, or you can browse camping tents.

What size tent does a family of four need once bedding and bags are inside?

A six-person tent is a sensible place to start for four people, but a tent’s advertised capacity doesn’t tell you how much room is left for gear. Check the floor plan against your actual beds, including any stretcher, airbed or portacot, and leave space to move between them. See the layouts and trade-offs in our family tent guide.

Sleeping bags and mats

How do I choose a sleeping bag for camping in New Zealand?

Work from the coldest overnight temperature you reasonably expect, and compare the bag's comfort rating rather than relying on a number in its name. Check the fit, insulation, weight and packed size for the way you travel. Our sleeping bag guide explains the ratings and shows options for camping and tramping.

What sleeping bag should I use for winter camping?

Choose for the actual overnight temperatures and conditions at your campsite, not the season alone. Compare tested comfort ratings where available, allow a margin if you sleep cold, and pair the bag with an insulated mat. Read our sleeping bag guide before comparing the current range.

What should I look for in a sleeping bag for backpacking?

Warmth still comes first, but you’ll carry the bag, so compare its weight and packed size as well as its comfort rating. Check that the length and shape fit you without adding unnecessary bulk. Our sleeping bag guide compares campsite and tramping options side by side.

Is a down or synthetic sleeping bag better for New Zealand conditions?

Down usually packs smaller and weighs less for the warmth, which can matter on a tramp. Synthetic fill is often less expensive and more forgiving around damp family-camping gear, though it tends to be bulkier. Neither is right for every trip; our sleeping bag guide helps you weigh the trade-offs.

What R-value should I look for in a camping mat?

R-value describes how well a mat resists heat loss to the ground; a higher tested value means more insulation. The right choice depends on the ground temperature and the rest of your sleep setup, so don’t judge warmth by mat thickness alone. Thicker doesn’t always mean warmer. Read the mat section of our sleeping bag guide, then compare sleeping mats.

Camp cooking

What camping stove should I buy in New Zealand?

Choose for what you cook and how you travel. A compact one-burner system suits simple tramping meals, while a stable two-burner cooker gives a family more room for pots and pans at a campsite. Our camping stove guide compares the main setups and links to current options.

What gas does my camping stove need?

Use the fuel and connection specified for your exact stove model; not every canister fits every stove, even if they look the same. Check the manufacturer's instructions before buying fuel, especially if the stove needs a hose or regulator. Our camping stove guide explains the common fuel setups and what to check.

How much gas should I take for a camping trip?

It depends on your stove, the number of people, the meals you plan to cook and how often you need to boil water. Use the fuel-consumption guidance for your stove as a starting point, then allow extra for longer cooking times or changed plans. Our camping stove guide covers which canister or fuel suits your stove.

First-trip essentials

What gear do I need for my first camping trip?

Start with a tent, a sleeping bag and mat suited to the forecast, then add a simple cooking setup, food and water, layers, lighting and basic first aid. Check what your campsite supplies before buying or packing extras. Our beginner camping checklist breaks the kit down by job.

What should I pack for a day tramp in New Zealand?

Pack for the track and forecast: suitable footwear, water, food, warm and waterproof layers, navigation, a light and basic first aid. More remote routes need extra planning and emergency equipment. Use our beginner tramping guide to build a list for your route, then check track alerts and the forecast before you head off.

What should I pack for a first campervan trip around New Zealand?

Start with bedding, kitchen basics, food and water, weather-ready clothing and the equipment your vehicle needs for power and water. If you are hiring, check what the rental company already supplies so you don’t double up. Our campervan packing guide covers the first-trip checklist and campsite considerations.

Still unsure? Browse all our buying guides or ask the team.

Last updated: October 2026 | Reviewed by: Geoff Rawlings, founder of EquipOutdoors