Summer in Aotearoa is like nowhere else on earth. With our mountains, rivers, bush, beaches, we’re quite the adventure playground. And when the weather’s good (which hasn’t been very often this year!), we Kiwis love nothing better than heading off to surf, camp, hike, or just laze on the sand.

Now, we might be pretty laid back about most things, but we’re definitely not exempt from mishaps. Illness and injury can happen when and where you least expect it - in fact, that’s often when they’re most likely. 

A comprehensive checklist to keep the whole whānau healthy and safe this summer. Here’s the Bargain Chemist pick of travel health NZ essentials.

Survive the Harsh NZ Sun

Our UV index is much higher than most countries in summer, which means sun protection is non-negotiable. It can take just 15 minutes for your skin to burn, especially between 10 am-4 pm from September to April, when UV is at its peak. There aren’t many legit excuses for not wearing it. So - invest in a product you like, and apply it every day at least 20 minutes before going outdoors (yes, even if it’s cloudy). Remember to reapply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or bathing. 

For kids: Cetaphil Sun Kids Water Resistant Liposomal Sunscreen is hypoallergenic and free from fragrance or parabens. Spreads easily and contains soothing aloe vera, glycerin, and vitamin E. 

For wearing with makeup: Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Tinted Moisturiser SPF 50 is both a high protection mineral sunscreen and a moisturiser and with a sheer tint. Great under makeup or alone.

For blokes: NATIO Men Plus Age Protect Face Lotion SPF 50+ has the added benefit of supporting healthy skin while shielding from sun damage. Because men care about wrinkles, too!

For the whole family: Le Tan SPF 50+ Coconut Sunscreen Lotion provides broad-spectrum protection sunscreen in a budget-friendly 500ml pump - and smells like a tropical holiday!

For the one who forgot: Sunburn remedies such as Plunkett's 99% Pure Aloe Vera Soothing Gel can help relieve sore, hot skin.

Beat the Biting Bugs  

Sandflies, mosquitoes, and midges love nothing more than humid weather and exposed skin. Some people are more susceptible to bites than others (apparently something to do with body chemistry) but in any case, we’re all at risk of being bitten on those balmy summer nights. While most bites are generally harmless, they’re no fun - so take a few precautions before heading out.

Some tips:

• Cover up. Mosquitos are most active in the evening, so wear loose, light fabric that covers your arms and legs.

• Apply repellent. Bug repellent is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep those pesky biters at bay. Plant-based Goodbye SANDFLY Bug Repellent + Bite Soother contains the essential oils tea tree, eucalyptus, manuka, pine, and lemongrass to ward off the most common bugs, and it’s safe for kids too. There’s also good ol’ Aerogard Tropical Strength Aerosol Spray, or for those sensitive to DEET, Skintec 25% Picaridin Insect Repellent is DEET-free and offers up to 12 hours protection against mosquitoes.

• Treat bites quickly. Weleda Burns & Bites Cooling Gel contains arnica and aloe vera to soothe sore, itchy skin (good for sunburn too.) And don’t scratch! 

Summer Essentials for Mishaps 

Whether you’re on the road, on the beach, or in the bush - you’re going to need a decent first aid kit. Especially if you’re in the company of people prone to adventure-related misfortunes!

• Wound care: Minor cuts and scrapes can happen indoors, outdoors, and basically everywhere in between. Keep a stash of plasters, bandages, and dressings on hand to deal with any ouchies. 

• Blister treatments: Hot days and sweaty shoes are a recipe for blisters. Band-Aid Advanced Footcare Blister Cushion and Compeed Blister Plasters are made with hydrocolloid technology to support healing while protecting the skin. 

• Ice pack: From bee stings to bruises, ice can be an invaluable first response to injuries. An Instant Ice Pack is a must in summer when you’re away from a freezer. Simply hit or squeeze the bag to activate.

• Pain relief: Sprains, strains, and other aches and pains put a real dampener on summer fun, so pop some paracetamol and ibuprofen in the kit. Kid-friendly options include Pamol All Ages and NUROFEN Child 5-12yrs. 

• Rehydration sachets: Whether it’s too much sun, cricket, or partying, summer is prime time for dehydration. Keep a pack of electrolyte solution on hand, like Hydralyte Electrolyte Ice Blocks or Electrolyte Powder Apple Blackcurrant.

• Allergy relief: New Zealand’s crazy weather can prolong seasonal allergies, causing hayfever and sinusitis to drag on long past spring. Hives and other itchy skin conditions can also flare up with heat stress, insect bites, and certain plants. Throw a pack of hayfever and allergy relief tablets in the kit, just in case. 

Keeping Your Gut Happy on Holiday

The combination of holiday feasting, travel, and heat exposure can sometimes upset the normal function of your digestive system. Summer is also the season for tummy upsets due to food that has been improperly stored or cooked.

Prevention is the key to a happy gut while on holiday, and that’s where probiotics come in. Probiotic supplements support the ‘friendly’ bacteria in the gut, which are involved with digestion, immune function, bowel regularity, and many other bodily processes. UltraBLIS Probiotic BLIS K12 Lozenges are great for travel because they’re shelf-stable and don’t require water: just dissolve in the mouth.  Life-Space Broad Spectrum Probiotics are also fridge-free and provide 15 strains of beneficial bacteria to support a healthy digestive system.

The Kiwi summer is also when you’re most likely to overindulge on turkey or trifle (or sausages). 

 Clinicians GastroEzy Chewable Tablets help to support stomach comfort after eating, as well as healthy acid balance and stomach lining.

Have we missed anything? Let us know! Or just pop into your local Bargain Chemist for a chat with our friendly team. And have a wonderful summer!

Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare

professional.