Camping guides
Best free camping apps for iPhone and Android users
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There’s nothing better than escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life and settling in for a night (or five) under the stars in the great outdoors. Of course, that doesn’t mean technology doesn’t have a place! From finding campsites to learning wilderness first aid, our list of the best free camping apps for iPhone and Android will make your New Zealand adventure even easier. Discover route recommendations, incredible camping spots, packing guides and more!
7 best free camping apps for iPhone and Android users
1. Camping NZ
If you’re looking for an app that is truly dedicated to making your travels in New Zealand even easier, Camping NZ is the way to go. The in-app map is preloaded with more than 4000 council-approved camping locations across the country.
Even better, you can download an offline version for when you’re out on the road with no access to the internet!
Search by price range, overnight stay rules and more, plus view photos of each campsite. The app goes beyond just the campgrounds as well - you can find walks, natural attractions and nearby amenities!
Key Features:
Offline maps
Supported by more than 700 holiday park managers
Resource on NZ culture, history and places to visit
Filter by price & overnight stay rules
Download now:
2. CamperMate app
Another free app that is entirely dedicated to travelling through New Zealand, CamperMate will help you discover new places to go, stop, stay and play. It features more than 100,000 points of interest, including campgrounds and accommodation, as well as petrol, ATMs, Wifi, showers and more.
Users can also add their own tips, places and reviews, so you get constantly updated firsthand information to take advantage of!
CamperMate also offers exclusive discounts on accommodation, experiences and activities, so you can score a deal while you travel. Plus, it’s easier to find your way around with real time alerts on road closures, weather and more.
Key Features:
More than 100,000 points of interest
Exclusive discounts on accommodation, experiences and activities
Alerts and warnings, such as road closures
Download now:
3. Wikicamps
Another great app that will help you navigate New Zealand’s campgrounds, caravan parks, points of interest, information centres, toilets, showers and more. It’s free for 14 days (which could be all you need to see you through your trip, then has a one-off price of $3.49.
One of the best features of this app is the ability to plan out your entire trip using the WikiCamps Trip Planner. Add multiple locations, notes and custom map pins to help you navigate while on the road. Enabling you to plan your whole trip from start to finish, this is easily one of the best free camping apps for iPhone and Android!
You also have the ability to filter campsites by key features and amenities, such as pet-friendly, hot showers, BBQs and more. The chat forum is the perfect place to connect with other travellers and get up-to-date information along the way.
Key Features:
Helpful maps
Powerful filters
Site lists
Trip planner
Camping checklist
Compass
Chat forum
Download now:
4. iOverlander
iOverlander offers up helpful details about campsites all over New Zealand. Moreover, the information you find on the app is kept up-to-date by other ‘overlanders’ who submit thei two cents along their travels.
You can use their map to find campsites along your route, with a rundown of the amenities to expect, such as showers, running water, toilets and more. You can also read reviews from other campers, check in to the campsite and find places to visit in the area.
If you’re wondering where to camp for free in NZ, this app will help you to find the perfect spot!
Features:
Interactive map of campsites around New Zealand (and the rest of the world)
Check in during your travels
Details of campsites: amenities, photos, date last visited and GPS coordinates
Download now:
iOs download
Android download
5. MyRadar Weather Radar
While camping out of nature has its perks, weather isn’t always one of them. The MyRadar Weather Radar app is the best way to stay up-to-date with the weather throughout your travels, so you can plan around it. And it’s so easy to use!
Simply open the app and your location will pop up with animated live radar. You can get a really quick snapshot of the weather while you’re on the road and use it to plan your activities around the weather.
This app can also accurately provide advanced rain alerts, using some of the most-accurate technology in the industry. You can get an alert up to an hour ahead of time to let you know when the rain will arrive in your location. Handy!
Features:
Instant weather data
Most accurate rain alerts
Weather and environmental alerts
Download now:
Android download
6. First Aid App
This free and comprehensive pocket guide has plenty of useful information you can take advantage of while camping in New Zealand. Let’s face it, when you’re off the grid, or simply camping far away from the nearest town, it helps to have a little first aid know-how should you run into trouble!
This app is full of first aid advice for a number of different situations, including allergies, asthma, burns, insect bites and even more health issues that can arise while camping. You gain access to step-by-step first aid help, along with videos and animations to update your first aid knowledge.
You can even get local emergency numbers and help phrases, no matter where you are in the world.
Features:
Step-by-step first aid help
Videos and animations to teach
Global mode
Download now:
iOs download
Android download
7. Packpoint
This has to be one of the hardest parts about travelling - knowing what to pack and making sure nothing gets left behind. That’s where this handy app comes in!
You can create different lists for different categories, such as food, clothing, camping gear and so on. Even better, PackPoint will check the weather at your destination, so you know exactly what you need to pack.
You add each item to your list and check it off as you go to make sure everything is accounted for, and then you can share the list with your fellow travellers, so they know just what to pack as well.
Features:
Check destination weather
Build custom packing list
Share list with fellow travellers
Download now:
Android download
Hire a campervan for your New Zealand camping trip
There are so many advantages to unplugging and getting out into nature for some fresh air, but that doesn’t mean you can’t come prepared! Technology can help in so many different ways, and with our round up of the best free camping apps for iPhone and Android users, you can have all the online resources required ready to go before you set off!
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