Flights to Te Anau, Southland from NT$5,946

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a pleasant start to your time in Te Anau. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, travel docs, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are good options. If you hope to take a quick snooze, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance 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 tights or socks.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Te Anau quick and painless. Read through our handy tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.