Survival Kits NZ — What to Pack for Any Emergency (2026)

Whether it's an earthquake, flood, power outage, or getting lost in the bush — a survival kit can be the difference between comfort and crisis. New Zealand's geography and weather make emergency preparedness essential.

The 3 Types of Survival Kits

1. Home Emergency Kit

For earthquakes, storms, and power outages. Keep enough for your household for 3-7 days.

• Water: 3 litres per person per day + water purification tablets
• Food: Non-perishable, high-calorie — canned goods, energy bars, dried food
• First aid kit: Waterproof, stocked with bandages, antiseptic, pain relief
• Torch & batteries: LED torch + spare batteries or rechargeable
• Radio: Battery or hand-crank — for Civil Defence updates
• Blankets: Emergency foil blankets or sleeping bags
• Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag

2. Car Emergency Kit

• First aid kit, torch, emergency blanket
• Jumper cables, tow rope
• Water and non-perishable snacks
• Hi-vis vest, road flares or warning triangle
• Basic tools and duct tape

3. Bug-Out Bag (72-Hour Kit)

Grab-and-go bag if you need to evacuate quickly.

• Water bottle + purification tablets or filter straw
• 3 days of food (freeze-dried or energy bars)
• Fire starter kit (ferro rod, waterproof matches, tinder)
• Emergency shelter (tarp, bivvy bag, or emergency tent)
• Multi-tool or survival knife
• First aid kit, torch, paracord, whistle
• Cash, copies of ID, phone charger

NZ-Specific Risks

• Earthquakes: Drop, cover, hold — then rely on your kit until help arrives
• Flooding: NZ's main natural disaster — waterproof your kit
• Tsunami: Coastal areas — know your evacuation route
• Volcanic activity: Central North Island — ash masks, eye protection
• Power outages: Rural NZ can be days without power after storms

Shop Survival Kits at Action Outdoors

Browse: Survival Kits. Call 09 820 8023.