Road tripping New Zealand: 9 essential tips guide

If there was ever a country that was made for adventure and epic road trips, it’s New Zealand. Known around the world for its mountains, mysterious fiords, and pristine backcountry, Aotearoa really does have it all. Whatever road trip route you decide, and let me tell you – there are plenty to choose from, it’s best to slow down, soak it up, and discover why everyone should explore New Zealand by road at least once in their life.

Prepare yourself for some of the most stunning scenery in the world, add in multiple national parks, friendly locals, incredible beaches, and rich Maori culture (don’t forget delicious locally made food and wine) and you have the recipe for one hell of an adventure.

You will never be short of something to do in this faraway land and we have compiled a handy little guide to help you plan, book, and prepare for your New Zealand road trip.

As you voyage the length of New Zealand on an itinerary that caters to the inner explorer, here are some quick do’s & don’ts for a New Zealand road trip!

Happy travels, adventure folk!

DO pick the right campervan for you!

Thousands of vans equals endless adventures right? But how do you know which van is for you? This depends on a few different factors, let us break it down for you here.

Campervans

A van equipped as a self-contained travelling home, they are normally smaller than a motorhome and there is generally no divide between the cab and the living quarters. Best suited for couples, friends, those who want to get off the beaten track and explore the smaller roads around NZ.

Motorhomes

A motor vehicle built on a truck or bus chassis and designed to serve as self-contained living quarters for recreational travel. Perfect for families or a group of friends. Motorhomes are bigger and most have showers, kitchens, and toilets on board. If you are planning to be off the grid for a few days the leisure battery in a motorhome will help you there.

Caravans

A vehicle equipped for living in, typically towed by a car and used for holidays that require just parking up in one place. Got kids and need room to hang out, sleep, cook and play? a Caravan is for you. Great for those who want to visit one spot but still have the luxury of exploring with their car & returning to the same pitch every night.

Choosing the right van is so important and will set the tone for your entire road trip. If you are looking for off-the-beaten-track style travelling, a cruisy beach hopping trip, or maybe you just want to park up in one place with an epic view and use your car to hop around the local hotspots, whatever your adventure Camplify have the vehicle for you. We are proud to be New Zealand’s largest and fastest-growing campervan, motorhome, and caravan-sharing community. Safely connecting you with unique vans that are available to hire and ready to take you on the road trip of your life. You can explore all your options available for hire here.

DO school up on Freedom Camping here in New Zealand

It is so important that you understand the rules and regulations surrounding the camping systems in place here in New Zealand how not to abuse them. It can feel a little overwhelming at first but we have broken down the important bits for you below. If you want to read more about Freedom Camping in New Zealand, follow along here to a helpful guide covering everything you need to know.

• There are two types of campervans here in NZ – Fully Self-contained and non-self-contained

• Fully contained vans have a blue sticker on display

• The difference is a working toilet on board your vehicle

• A fully self-contained van means you can camp on public land for free

• If you are non-self-contained you must book into a campsite with facilities

To put it simply - If you have a campervan that DOESN’T have a toilet, you can’t freedom camp. Easy as.

DON’T forget about your budget

It’s easy to get caught up in the abundance of activity, delicious food, and souvenir shopping and quickly forget about your road trip budget. New Zealand doesn’t have to be expensive to travel. With heaps of free hiking tracks, viewpoints, and excellent deals on activities on sites such as Book Me, you can save a dollar or two while on the road.

Be sure to factor in everything you want to do in your budget in New Zealand. If you are NOT self-contained you will need to pay for a campsite every night and these can range from $30-$100NZD depending on your party size and length of stay.

Additional charges to consider are RUC charges. These charges apply to all diesel vehicles and are not collected at the pump. The changes are based on the km’s you complete at 0.9c a litre and will be charged upon your return, this can be found on the Camplify listings.

Toll Roads. The Transport Agency currently has three toll roads: the Northern Gateway Toll Road north of Auckland, the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road, and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road, both in Tauranga. If you are travelling around Northland and you drive on a toll road you must pay the fee. You can pay online on the NZTA website, pay in person as most gas stations near toll roads or call 0800 40 20 20 to pay.

DO plan your trip appropriately

We get it, New Zealand is incredible and you want to see everything during your time here. However, don’t try and squeeze too much in. New Zealand may look small but the roads are different here. The driving time between hotspots can be pretty big and no one should spend their entire trip just behind the wheel.

• Plan for what you want to see and make sure you take into account the driving distance.

• Choose one Island. Unless you have lots of time up your sleeve, we suggest you choose one island. You cant expect to cover both islands on a 14-day trip, some people spend more than a month just on the south island!

• Drive to the conditions. New Zealand roads are different. They are smaller, windier and most of the time just two lanes. Take into account the weather conditions and drive safe.

DO your research

The good news for any road tripper in New Zealand is that it is a relatively straightforward country to navigate. With a few main highways, epic spots peppered across the country, and four distinct seasons, New Zealand has got you covered. Prepare yourself for some of the most stunning scenery in the world. We are talking epic mountains, long sandy beaches, giant glaciers, waterfalls, and natural thermal springs… The list goes on and on! How about adding in some action-packed activities with a sprinkle of adrenaline?! Check out our resources article here to find ALL the best deals on campsites, activities, and more.

You can also find our top tips for the North Island and South Island of New Zealand here. Plenty of Road trip inspo to get your teeth stuck into before you arrive.

DON’T forget your warm clothes in winter

Winter is coming and we want to make sure you are fully prepared. Winter is no Joke in the South Island of New Zealand. With plenty of ski fields, snowfall to the ground, and minus temps you need to be prepared. Pack plenty of warm clothes, jumpers, hats, and gloves, don't forget to pack some Merino Wool base layers for extra warmth! If you are a fan of hiking then you will need some good hiking shoes to keep you safe on the trails. Most mountain pass road and ski fields require snow chains for access in the winter months. If you are heading up the slopes for a day of fun, leave the campervan at the bottom car park and catch the shuttle buses provided up the hill.

• The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Mount Hutt & Cardrona all have Shuttle buses to get you to the base building.

• Check NZTA for current road conditions and closures, stick to the lower roads to avoid getting stuck in the snow. If you have snow chains, carry them, they could come in handy.

• Book into a campsite to ensure your van runs smooth as possible. Connecting to power will help heat your van and keep you toasty this winter.

DON’T try and explore both islands on one road trip

We have said it before and we will say it again, don’t cram too much into your holiday on wheels. The North and the South Island are SO different and deserve a decent amount of your time to explore. If you are heading to the North think warmer weather, local Maori culture, and long stretches of sandy beaches. The South Island is full to the brim with mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes. Looking for more information on the islands? Check out our in-depth breakdown of each island here.

DO be careful on the roads!

Maybe we should have popped this at the top but were saying it now and it’s here to stay. All roads in New Zealand are winding, they are pretty gnarly and they can be dangerous. Beware of tight roads, low-lying trees (especially in a large motorhome), and take it slow. Travelling in a group in a big vehicle, be sure to spot each other reversing.

Most roads are one lane in each direction, the only motorways you will find are in the big cities. Be careful, be mindful, and pay attention, simple.

Do – get adventurous

It’s not hard to get off the beaten track in New Zealand, a country that has more sheep than people, remote places inaccessible by road, and national parks that span 1.2 hectares. Half of the beauty (and adventure) in New Zealand lies in getting a little lost and finding all the hidden secret spots.

The beauty of hiring a campervan through Camplify means you have everything you need to find your slice of New Zealand paradise. Discover hidden lakes, quaint little towns, and remote beaches. New Zealand is sparsely populated and spontaneity is key here.

Are you ready to travel at your own pace? Hiring a campervan in New Zealand is THE best way to discover the beauty of this country and we are so excited to watch your NZ road trip unfold.

Use this blog and our other informative guides to help you plan, discover, explore and create long-lasting memories here in Aotearoa.