New Zealand Tour Questions

[dswarthout]

I'm going to be touring New Zealand from Jan thru March 2004. I have several questions about camping gear and about what sort of foods are available there. I'm planning to bring a small camping stove, an MSR Whisperlite, along but am worried about whether I will be able to get it aboard Air New Zealand in my luggage in the post 9/11 world. Anyone have experience with this?

Also, I plan to bring a small first-aid kit which includes a few over the counter drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti-histamines. Will this present a problem?

My absolute favorite backpacking and trekking food is a product called Familia, a Swiss-made oatmeal & fruit cereal. Does anyone know if this is available in NZ?

Thanks for any light you can shed on these questions.

Dave Swarthout
Homer, Alaska
USA

 

[MidBunchLurker]

I'm planning to bring a small camping stove, an MSR Whisperlite, along but am worried about whether I will be able to get it aboard Air New Zealand in my luggage in the post 9/11 world.

You shouldn't have any problems with stoves. Gas and fuel canisters aren't allowed on planes though.

Also, I plan to bring a small first-aid kit which includes a few over the counter drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti-histamines. Will this present a problem?

You shouldn't have any problems flying with this. My rule of thumb for drugs and meds when travelling is rather to take too much as you never know about availability wherever you might end up.

 

[daveornee]

Originally posted by dswarthout
I'm going to be touring New Zealand from Jan thru March 2004. I have several questions about camping gear and about what sort of foods are available there. I'm planning to bring a small camping stove, an MSR Whisperlite, along but am worried about whether I will be able to get it aboard Air New Zealand in my luggage in the post 9/11 world. Anyone have experience with this?

Also, I plan to bring a small first-aid kit which includes a few over the counter drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti-histamines. Will this present a problem?

My absolute favorite backpacking and trekking food is a product called Familia, a Swiss-made oatmeal & fruit cereal. Does anyone know if this is available in NZ?

Thanks for any light you can shed on these questions.

Dave Swarthout
Homer, Alaska
USA

"Specific requirements exist for the carriage of camping stoves/fuel containers and firearms. Carriage of these items will require passengers to prepare the items or arrange documentation in advance of travel date. If you are unsure whether you can take something on the aircraft, please ask your travel agent or Air New Zealand for details of the exact requirements."

I know that stoves are a significant challenge. Even new stoves have been tested and have residual fuel.
I recommend that you get this issue settled before you try packing a stove.
If you can't get it done before you leave, you should be able to buy the stove upon arrival. You should "shop" ahead so that you can just drop in a buy.

The quote in the first paragraph of my reply came from URL: http://www.airnz.co.nz/travelinfo/baggageinformation/dangerous_goods.htm