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Campervan Travel New Zealand; Tips You Need to Know

If you’ve been following my facebook fan page recently you’ll know I’ve just finished a most epic adventure across many of the Pacific islands.

Part of that trip was a 2 week break in New Zealand. Having lived in Australia before, New Zealand was my lil brother but I never made it across the water. I almost felt it was too much of a backpacking cliché, everyone goes to New Zealand. Alas, I swallowed a healthy portion of humble pie, joined the crowds of gap-yearers and discovered what an idiot I was to not have visited NZ earlier.

The one thing that stood out for me during my 2 weeks there was that there’s only one way to travel around NZ, and that’s by campervan. I choose to travel with probably the best campervan company in New Zealand and it was the best decision I made on my entire trip. I love the freedom of it. It being traveling by campervan with a goboony campervan hire across Europe, New Zealand or Canada. It’s epic.

If you’re inspired to embark on your own campervan adventure in New Zealand after reading about my experience, here are some practical tips to make your journey smoother and even more enjoyable:

Plan Your Route, But Stay Flexible

While freedom is the beauty of campervan travel, it helps to have a loose plan. Research some of the must-visit spots like Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, Milford Sound, and the Abel Tasman National Park. However, keep your schedule open for unexpected detours to hidden gems you’ll hear about along the way. Apps like CamperMate or Rankers NZ can help you discover campsites, dump stations, and local attractions.

Understand New Zealand’s Camping Rules

New Zealand is campervan-friendly, but there are rules to respect. Some areas only allow self-contained vehicles (those with toilets and wastewater storage) for overnight stays. Look for designated freedom camping areas or holiday parks to park overnight. Failing to follow these rules can lead to fines.

Prepare for Varied Weather

New Zealand’s weather is famously unpredictable, especially in the South Island. Pack layers to handle everything from sunny beach days to chilly mountain mornings. Make sure your campervan has good heating for cooler nights and that you carry plenty of supplies in case of sudden weather changes.

Stock Up on Supplies

While larger towns like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch have well-stocked supermarkets, smaller towns can have limited and pricier options. Plan ahead and stock up on essentials before venturing into remote areas. Don’t forget to pick up a few reusable containers and bags to minimize waste.

Fuel Up Wisely

Driving long distances in a campervan can burn fuel quickly, so keep an eye on your tank, especially when heading into more remote regions. Fuel can be expensive in New Zealand, but apps like Gaspy can help you find the cheapest options nearby.

Take Breaks and Drive Safely

New Zealand’s winding roads and stunning scenery can be a challenge for drivers, especially if you’re used to city driving. Stick to the left-hand side of the road, and don’t be afraid to pull over at scenic lookouts or rest stops for a break. The journey is as much a part of the adventure as the destination.

Make the Most of Campervan Life

Part of the charm of campervan travel is the freedom to make your campervan your home on wheels. Keep it organized, decorate it with fairy lights, or create cozy spots for lounging. Make use of your kitchenette to cook meals and share stories over dinner with fellow travelers at campsites.

Capture the Moments

New Zealand’s landscapes are otherworldly, and traveling by campervan means you’ll have endless opportunities to stop and capture the beauty. Invest in a good camera or use your smartphone, and don’t forget to pack extra memory cards and a power bank to keep your devices charged.

Consider the Seasons

The best time to visit New Zealand depends on your preferences:

• Summer (December–February): Warm weather, peak tourist season.

• Autumn (March–May): Cooler, fewer crowds, stunning foliage.

• Winter (June–August): Snowy mountains, perfect for skiing.

• Spring (September–November): Blossoming flowers, fewer tourists.

Each season offers a unique experience, so plan your trip according to what you want to see and do.

Stay Connected

While much of New Zealand feels remote, having internet access can make a big difference. Purchase a local SIM card (Vodafone or Spark are popular) or use portable Wi-Fi devices to stay connected for navigation, weather updates, and finding campsites.

Why campervan travel in New Zealand is ideal:

Freedom:

New Zealand lives up to the hype. It’s stunning, and not in an ‘everything is amazing when you travel’ kinda way. More in a “Holy sh*t, everywhere I look is ridiculously beautiful” kinda way.

You don’t follow your lonely planet from hotspot to hotspot because the entire south island is gorgeous. Your plans will change, the more people you speak to, the amazing place you’ve heard about on the road, if you’re locked in a 6 hour bus, you can’t deviate.In NZ, that is a disatster. You need the freedom to enjoy NZ, don’t miss out!

Meeting people:

Myth dispelling time. Lots of people I met on the road told me they were worried about campervans cos they thought they wouldn’t meet as many people  – rubbish! There are parks to camp your van (do laundry, fill fuel etc) and they’re the most sociable places imaginable. Not to mention the beauty of picking up backpackers, I loved doing this as we were traveling around NZ – the random people we met was just awesome.

Views:

New Zealand is blessed with the most spectacular scenery, especially the south island and unless have a campervan to travel around in, park wherever you want, stop for yet another photo op then you’re missing you. Really, it has to be seen to be believed.

Fun 

Come on, beautiful scenery is wonderful and all but we’re young, and we’re traveling around the world. Banging out old skool tunes on the campervan stereo (read: one direction “that’s what makes you beautiful” ahem…), drinking cheap cider around the dining table with hitchhikers you picked up on the road before a nite out in Queenstown, late night shenanigans with some Swedish backpackers – you get the picture, and nothing beats a campervan!

Cost:

It’s true – campervans don’t come cheap, but then again neither does New Zealand. Dorms can cost $30 USD per night, buses are $50 here, $80 there, food is pricey too. Campervans remove all those hidden costs. Sure, you have to stump up the cash upfront but it’s an investment across the rest of your time in the country.  Campervans come in all shapes and sizes so find a buddy, or even better 3 buddies and get a 4 bed berth camper. Suddenly it’s very affordable and you’ll have the luxury as well as saving money. Yes please.

On the note of cost, for buying and selling campervans Travel Cars NZ is the perfect choice for backpackers, the most popular marketplace in New Zealand for selling campervans, it also gives the option to boost listings in their Facebook Network with over 350,000 members. 

The Takeaway

Traveling New Zealand by campervan is a truly unforgettable experience. From the freedom to explore at your own pace to waking up with million-dollar views outside your window, there’s nothing quite like it. Armed with these tips, you’re ready to hit the road and create your own epic adventure.

Have you traveled New Zealand in a campervan? Share your experience or tips in the comments below!