Are you considering traveling around New Zealand in a campervan? Or do you want to list your campervan for sale? We’re here to tell you that you shouldn’t take so long debating about it. Traveling to New Zealand is one of the best trips anyone can ever have in their lifetime. And the best way to see the country is through traveling in a campervan. This is a guide with all of the essential tips and tricks that will allow you to prepare a successful Campervan Trip in New Zealand.
Yes, preparing a camping trip for your campervan can feel a little overwhelming, and you may be anxious about all the things you need to get in order. But, a little research might help you calm down the nerves and get your thoughts in line with your travels.
Our guide for preparing for a campervan trip to New Zealand has all the essential information that you need to know about making your trip a success. Take a look.
8 Tips to Prepare a Campervan Trip in New Zealand
- Book Your Campervan Early
Campervans are a smart way to get around New Zealand. Therefore, they can get booked out very fast, especially if you’re traveling during the peak season. The trick is to know your seasons and book your campervan early.
For instance, NZ’s busiest tourist season is during the summer months that run from December to February. Also, there are different sizes of campervans available, so you should choose one depending on the number of people in your troupe. Ensure the campervan you rent comes with everything you need including cookware and towels.
- Get An Offline Map
For convenience, ensure that your campervan has WiFi. However, there are certain areas in NZ where connectivity may be an issue. Even though NZ has some very well-sign-posted routes, it doesn’t hurt getting some offline maps ready just in case you encounter any problems.
Hence, download your map fast via Google and pull it out any time you get to places such as Milford Sound or Southland, where connectivity is problematic. The map is also useful if you need to reach a particular spot for your trip.
- Download Campermate
Make sure that you download this app to your phone before you start your travels through New Zealand. The app helps provide you with any information you may need while you explore NZ.
For instance, it will help you get information about grocery stores near you, the best camping spots, freedom camping spots, and even fuel stations and water pumps. The app will also help you plan your trip and routes early, and it can work while you’re offline. It’s a free app, so you don’t have to worry about making extra purchases.
- Consider Some Costs
While traveling to New Zealand, you should be aware of the costs that you might incur. Here are some of them:
- Van Insurance:When it comes to the best van insurance, you want to go for the highest plan because it will give you peace of mind if you encounter any accidents on the road.
- Camping Site Costs: Even though you may have access to amenities such as freedom camping, you may need to plug in your campervan to access electricity. You will pay for this maybe every 3-4 days, depending on your usage, so ensure you plan for these costs early enough.
- Plan Your Itinerary
If you’re planning to travel around New Zealand, you should have a plan for it. Ensure you have a good idea of where you’re going. This will allow you to save a lot of time on the road and enjoy the scenic views without rushing.
Remember, you might want to stop and take pictures along the way or sample some local cuisine. Having an itinerary will ensure that you do all these things with no rush.
- Check What’s in Your Van
Your van should come with most of the extras that you need for your trip. These include camping chairs, bed linen, an outdoor table, towels, and cooking pots. Besides, if you’d like to sell your campervan, ensuring that it has all these extras onboard will fetch you a quick customer.
- Consider These Driving Tips
Here are a few things to remember while driving a campervan in New Zealand:
– Lock your fridge and cupboard door. If you don’t, your pots, pans, and cutlery may fly off as you maneuver through twists and turns.
– Ensure you aren’t plugged into a power source before you drive away.
– Get enough petrol for your trip. If you’re on your way to discover secluded areas, make sure you have a full tank because there may not be petrol stations anywhere near for a while.
- Have Emergency Cash
Always have an emergency fund ready. Your emergency cash should have enough change so you can pay for stuff quickly when needed. For instance, some camp sites will require you to pay a certain amount in cash at designated spots. You don’t want to risk the fine for not paying up.
Conclusion
Traveling on a campervan to New Zealand is an exciting way of sightseeing around the country. You can enjoy the freedom that comes with camping and lingering in destinations to ensure that you enjoy your trip. However, excellent preparation is necessary if you want to avoid surprises and make the most of your trip.
