What I wish I'd packed differently for 38 days NZ/Australia

Packing for five weeks across two countries and multiple climates is tricky. Here's what worked and what I'd change.

Bring but you'll barely use:
Warm layers for New Zealand. It was August (winter) and yeah Queenstown was cold at night but you're mostly moving during the day. One fleece and a packable down jacket was plenty. I overpacked sweaters.

Bring more than you think:
Rash guard for water activities. Used it for surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, Whitsundays boat day. Got sun-burnt through a regular shirt at Spot X and learned that lesson.

Just buy it there:
Sunscreen and insect repellent. Australia and NZ brands work better for their conditions and it's heavy to carry. Bought a big bottle in Auckland and refilled a small one.

The game changer:
Merino wool everything. Expensive upfront but I did the whole trip with 4 merino t-shirts. They don't smell, dry overnight, work in heat and cold. Worth it.

Shoes:
I brought hiking boots, running shoes, and sandals. Honestly could have done the whole trip in trail runners and sandals. The walks in Abel Tasman and Mt Cook aren't technical. Several people just wore their sneakers.

Toiletries:
Most accommodations had shampoo/soap. I carried full-size bottles for nothing. Travel size or just use what's there.

The thing I forgot:
A small dry bag for beach days and boat trips. Borrowed one from someone else half the trip. Would have been useful for phone/wallet.

Power:
Australia and NZ use different plugs than each other. I knew about NZ (same as UK) but forgot Australia was different. Bought an adapter in Sydney.

Overall I packed for 6 weeks in a 50L backpack and had room to spare. You really don't need much.