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New Zealand Kit List

Makarora Valley, South Island

Recommended Items

Please note that remote rural property with no shops nearby; you must bring everything you need for the week with you.

Main bag – You will need a large bag or backpack; around 40-50 litre capacity. You need to be able to carry it comfortably for short distances (such as, from the bus to your tent). A waterproof liner inside the bag is a good idea – a large rubbish bag will suffice.

Day pack – Needed for carrying water, paper, pens, binoculars, cameras, etc during surveys. A rain cover is a recommended optional extra.

Sleeping bag – A warm sleeping bag is recommended – the temperature in April is averages 9oC overnight.

Sleeping mat and pillow – a compact inflatable camping mattress or yoga mat and small pillow.

Water bottle and/or hydration pack  – A combination of leak-proof drink bottles or bladder type hydration packs (for example, CamelBak) with a total 2L capacity.

Head torch – You will need a head torch for night surveys and walking around the site in the evening. It is recommended to use a head torch that has a rechargeable lithium battery rather than single use batteries.

Spare batteries and chargers –  For head torch, camera, phone, etc. Batteries are not available to buy on site. It is recommended to use rechargeable batteries where possible. If you are planning on bringing an external power bank, these cannot be put in your checked luggage.

Waterproof jacket – Showers or rain is possible at this time of year so bring a rain jacket.

Alarm clock – you can use your phone or watch to ensure you wake you up for your early morning surveys.

Travel towel – A light travel towel.

Notebook and pencils/pens – Essential.

Laptop computer – Essential. You will need this to complete the statistics section of the course.

Toiletries

Soap and shampoo – Please only bring biodegradable soaps to minimise impact on the environment.

Insect repellent – Natural insect repellents are preferred; non-DEET repellent is essential for handling wildlife.

Sunscreen – Minimum SPF 30 is recommended.

Menstrual pads/tampons – Please bring a supply even if you do not expect to use them.

Hand sanitiser – Just a small bottle. Please use prior to meal time.

Clothing

You should bring clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty!

Hiking boots – should be comfortable (worn in). A spare pair of lightweight closed shoes such as sneakers may be helpful in case feet get wet during river surveys. Closed shoes must be worn at all times on site except when showering.

Rubber boots – will be handy for river surveys.

Thongs –  for use in the shower.

Long baggy trousers/shorts – Any comfortable long pants (not leggings); jeans, work pants, cargos, or hiking pants are all good options. 2-3 pairs. A pair of shorts or zip offs will be useful for river surveys.

T-shirts and/or shirts – Pack 4-6. A mixture of short sleeved and long sleeved will ensure you are prepared for different temperatures (night and day surveys). Button up shirts are also fine if you prefer.

Fleece top – It will be cool in the mornings and evenings (~90C) so pack a jumper to make sure you are warm enough.

Socks – Enough for one week. Long socks are more comfortable with hiking and rubber boots.

Underwear – Enough for one week.

Hat and sunglasses – A broad-brimmed hat is recommended for adequate sun protection. A style you can pack into your day bag easily is ideal.

Pyjamas – enough for 1 week.

 Medical Kit

Although every expedition will have its own medical supplies and First Aid trained staff on site, you should carry your own personal medical kit. You MUST bring all prescription medications you need. Other suggested items are:

  • Antihistamine tablets
  • Antihistamine/hydro-cortisone cream
  • Paracetamol (Panadol) and/or ibuprofen (Nurofen)
  • Band-aids
  • Menstrual supplies (pads, tampons, painkillers)
  • Prescription medications – essential

Optional Extras

Binoculars – Useful for spotting waterbirds and other wildlife; 8 x 40 are the best to bring.

Camera – You will have lots of opportunities to take photos of the site and wildlife. Make sure you bring a suitable case (waterproof is ideal) and adequate batteries and/or charger. Please do not bring a drone.

Entertainment – You might like to bring cards, games, books, etc for travelling to the site and evening down time.

Snacks – There will not be any opportunity to buy anything during the week, so it is recommended to bring your favourite snacks with you.

While mobile phones will be useful for alarms and photo taking, it is expected that they will be in flight mode during learning sessions.

Wallace House, Old Bolingbroke, Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 4EX, UK
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