Flights to Whakapapa, Tongariro National Park from NT$71,260

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a worry-free start to your time in Whakapapa. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a cruisy experience if you pack the right gear. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean pair of socks and a good book. Secondly, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, your important medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to bring your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and opt for easy-to-remove footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

A little pre-planning before your flight will help make your trip to Whakapapa a piece of cake. We've compiled some handy tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned.
• Want to bring along your favorite perfume or cologne? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.