Day Bag

NZ · AUS 2026 · July 1 – 13 · what to grab each morning

Daily Essentials

Every day
Phone (eSIM active) + charging cable Battery pack — charge it nightly Wallet — Venture X + local cash Reusable water bottle Sunscreen SPF 30+ + lip balm Warm mid-layer + packable rain shell Sunglasses
  1. Wed Jul 1 SFO → MEL redeye — UA60, 11:20 PM Transit
    Passport + boarding pass Neck pillow Eye mask Noise-cancelling headphones Extra layer for the plane Battery pack — fully charged
  2. Fri Jul 3 Arrive MEL 8:15 AM — jetlag day Recovery
    Light day bag Comfy shoes
  3. Sat Jul 4 Phillip Island — San Remo, koalas, Nobbies + Penguin Parade Outdoor
    Warm layers + beanie + gloves (penguin viewing is cold, outdoor, after sunset) Rug or blanket for the seated viewing Rain shell Battery pack (long day) Penguin tickets on phone Snacks + water for the drive
  4. Sun Jul 5 Melbourne — market, museums & Firelight Outdoor
    Day pack Camera Umbrella / rain jacket Walking shoes Layers
  5. Mon Jul 6 Fly MEL → SYD — JQ534, 11:05 AM Transit
    ID + boarding pass Check out by 10 AM Battery pack Layers
  6. Tue Jul 7 Sydney harbour — Rocks · Botanic Garden · Manly ferry Culture
    Walking shoes Camera Transit card on phone Layers
  7. Wed Jul 8 Bondi → Coogee coastal walk Outdoor
    Walking shoes 2 L water Hat + sunscreen Light snacks Camera
  8. Thu Jul 9 Sydney + SSO Opera House concert 7 PM Culture
    Smart-casual outfit for the concert Concert e-tickets on phone (arrive ~6:30) Battery pack
  9. Fri Jul 10 Fly SYD → AKL — QF141, 07:10 → drive to Hamilton Transit
    Early start — passport + boarding pass Warm layers (NZ winter) Snacks for the drive Battery pack
  10. Sat Jul 11 Waitomo Glowworm Caves 9:30 AM + Hobbiton 2:30 PM Culture
    Warm layer (caves are cool + damp) Rain shell Good walking shoes (Hobbiton ~2 h on uneven paths) Camera Tour tickets on phone Lunch + water in Matamata
    NO photography inside the glowworm caves — phone away during the boat tour
  11. Sun Jul 12 Zorb 11 AM + Polynesian Spa Wellness
    Swimwear + towel (Zorb requires your OWN towel; spa too) Dry bag for wet gear Dry change of clothes (for after the spa) Sandals / flip-flops Zorb booking on phone
  12. Mon Jul 13 Drive Rotorua → AKL 7:30 AM → fly home — UA916, 1:50 PM Transit
    Passport + boarding pass All chargers + battery pack Leave Rotorua early
    No CO detector was brought — the Rotorua stay was flagged as having no CO alarm. Nothing to pack; ventilate if a gas heater runs.