New Zealand feels like it’s made for campervan road trips, wouldn’t you agree? Let’s see, you have rolling green hills, snowy mountains, and some incredible coastlines, what more could you want! Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a full-blown road trip, a campervan gives you the freedom to go wherever the day takes you. Before you hit the open road, here are a few simple tips to help you make the most of your Kiwi adventure and travel with confidence.
1. Make sure to book your van early
If you’re flying in from Australia or another country to take a campervan trip around New Zealand, you first need to book your campervan early! And, we’re not talking about the week before, but from when you decide to take the trip. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, booking early allows you to secure the ideal campervan for your trip, and you would likely have more options to choose from for those dates too because you made your enquiry so much sooner.
If you try to book a campervan a few days before your trip, they might all be booked out, or you may be forced to look at one that is above your price range, which isn’t ideal. So, make sure to lock in a camper early.
2. Know what comes with your van
Campervans are kitted out with the basic essentials, and their inventory differs depending on the van you choose. So, before you hit the road, it’s always a good idea to get a good understanding of what your campervan has in it and if you need to pop by your local convenience store to grab some essentials. Here’s what you need to check:
- Kitchen equipment
- Garbage disposal
- Water
- Bathroom essentials
- Gas to cook with
- Electricity
- Outdoor tables and chairs
3. Don’t rush your itinerary
New Zealand has a lot to see, and it can feel overwhelming to try to fit it all into the time you have for your road trip. So, when it comes to creating your itinerary, we encourage you to take it slow and carefully plot out your route and stops so you can make the most of your trip.
A great way to see as much as you can is to plan a route that passesthe majority of the sights you would like to see. That way, while you’re on the road, you can be flexible and choose where you want to go because the places aren’t too far from one another.
4. Download apps to help
You’re probably already on to this, but using apps to get around and find the best places in New Zealand is the way to go! Apps like Campermate and WikiCamps are ideal if you want to camp, while Google Maps or Apple Maps are convenient apps to get from A to B. You can also download TripAdvisor to find where to eat or what other attractions are best in the area.
5. Download offline maps
Following on from suggesting apps, realistically, you aren’t always going to have a signal. So, you may want to download offline maps, whether it’s on Ways, Apple, or Google Maps. This will just ensure that if you enter an area where you lose signal, you’ll at least be able to find your way around. In addition to offline maps, we recommend a power bank or something to keep your phone charged. It won’t help much if you have offline maps available and then your phone dies.
6. Always carry cash
While most of New Zealand will offer you access to card machines and other forms of cashless payment, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. In some areas, especially more remote areas, people might still work with cash or prefer it. So, it’s always helpful to have some cash on you just in case there are no other alternative payment methods.
7. Make use of free camping areas
A great way to cut down on costs when you campervan around NZ is to try to use the designated free camping areas that can be found around the country. These sites are generally just plots of land in a park, and they don’t always have amenities, so come prepared. They do give you a place to park and crash for the night for free, so that’s a bonus.
Looking for a campervan?
Travelling around New Zealand won’t disappoint! If you’re looking to hire a campervan for a NZ road trip, see Travellers Autobarn’s campervan range in New Zealand. They have a range of vans that might suit exactly what you’re looking for.
Final thoughts
A campervan trip through New Zealand is one of the best ways to soak up its natural beauty! Take it slow, plan just enough to stay organised, and be open to the little surprises along the way. Every winding road, quiet lake, and scenic lookout adds up to a journey you’ll never forget. So get ready, pack smart, and enjoy the ride.
Photo Credit: Narongsak Nagadhana / Shutterstock.com
