Being prepared is what makes for the happiest camper, so before you set off in your campervan to explore New Zealand’s beautiful mountain ranges, lakes, and landscapes for the first time, there are a few things you should consider. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on everything you need to know before you hire a campervan when travelling from and around Auckland, New Zealand.
1. Always book your campsite in advance
Before you set out on a road trip around New Zealand in a campervan, try contacting the various campsites you plan on visiting to reserve a campsite for yourself in advance. If possible, set up all your bookings in one go. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, it ensures that you have an available campsite to use, avoiding arriving at a campsite with no space, and secondly, you’ll get to choose what campsite you want. New Zealand is famous for its lakes and mountains. The earlier you book, the better your chances are of getting a site right on the lake or with a view of the mountains.
2. Download maps offline or use an app
If it’s your first time travelling in New Zealand, using an app to navigate and give you directions is wise. Also, make sure that you download maps offline. There might be one or two areas that limit the signal you get. You may not be able to navigate without a signal, so having maps available offline is essential.
3. Plan your route well and have an itinerary
There’s nothing worse than wondering aimlessly about what you’re going to do with the rest of the family. Setting a plan and having an itinerary will help you avoid these unnecessary situations. With a plan, you at least know that you have something to do but can choose to change it if you find something else.
Planning your route is also recommended. Some campsites have pretty treacherous roads to get to them, which might surprise you if you don’t do your research beforehand. To avoid this, consider the fastest routes to your destination and the terrain your camper can handle while planning your route.
4. Travel with an e-sim that has hotspot capabilities
Like we mentioned earlier, signal issues can be a real problem when it comes to navigating through remote areas in New Zealand. One way you can solve this issue slightly is by purchasing an e-sim that has hotspot capabilities or getting a satellite device like Starlink, which will provide you with connectivity wherever you are.
5. Adhere to New Zealand driving rules
This principle applies to visiting any other country; when you’re in New Zealand, adhere to the rules of the road. Some of the basic road rules in NZ include:
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road
- Adhere to the speed limits displayed on the signs around the country
- When approaching a one-way bridge or street, observe the signs that offer instructions on how to deal with crossing over if there’s no oncoming traffic. A red circle requires you to give way; a blue rectangle means that you have the right of way
6. Pack smart
Travelling in a campervan will offer you significantly more space than traditional transport would. However, this doesn’t mean that you should pack an excessive amount of items. Packing light is always more convenient when it comes to travelling. We recommend packing smart with a campervan. Take essential clothes, toiletries, and other items in a compact bag that won’t use too much space in the van. That way, you’ll be able to utilise the space well in the van and not feel too cramped. If you’re travelling as a family, you might want to consider a campervan that can handle more people, too. You could check out what Travellers Autobarn in Auckland has to offer for ideas.
7. Take your time
One of the major benefits a campervan offers you is that you don’t have the same time constraints as you would if you were staying in a hotel or catching the bus. You can leave when you want and change your plans at any time. With this in mind, don’t rush your vacation. Take your time, enjoy the drive and get to your destination when you want to. There’s no need to rush between your destinations.
Final thoughts
Now that you know the basics, hiring a campervan and exploring New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes will be a breeze. Remember to take your time. With a campervan, you dictate when to travel and when not to. Plan your trip well, and change the plan if need be. It’s all part of the experience.
