Things to know before you travel around New Zealand in a campervan
New Zealand is known for its amazing camper van holidays and it is well equipped to cater this. Before you go, these are the things you should know.
Campsite for the night along Lake Taupo, North Island, NZ
As you drive around New Zealand you’ll notice signs to camp grounds, water refill station, dumping spots for waste and about every third car is a fellow camper van *insert small wave of acknowledgment*. Doing a camper van holiday in a country that supports it makes your trip incredibly easy and enjoyable.
We hired a Birtz Mercedez Benz Sprinter through GoSee for a 2 week adventure from Auckland to Queenstown. It cost $2,208.12 AUD for 14 nights. We paid an initial $302.18 AID as a deposit and the balance wasn’t due until 28 days before pick-up. The GoSee team were super helpful and the process was really easy.
14 days prior to pick-up you’ll be able to check-in online which will make the process on the day much easier and quicker. When picking up your van, make sure you print and bring your booking confirmation, have physical drivers licenses for all drivers and your credit card. Once you’ve checked the vehicle, you’re ready to start the adventure.
Some things you should know before you go on your camper van holiday:
Get the all Express Return Insurance Pack: This combines the top level of insurance with the express return package. You can return the van without refuelling the petrol or gas, they’ll empty your toilet and waste and it covers road usage charges. When you calculate all these costs separately, particularly a full tank of gas, this option is a no brainer. It also saves a lot of hassle on drop-off day as you can literally give them the van back as is.
You can’t go on alpine roads: You’ll be fined $250.00 NZD if you go on alpine roads.
Petrol is expensive!!!
Don’t follow the satnav speed limits (or you’ll get pulled over by the cops like us): The satnav speed limits aren’t updated with new speeds. It’s best to follow what’s on your Google Maps or be old school and follow the signs.
Turn the gas on 30 mins before you want to use the hot water: It takes about 30 minutes to get hot water from the gas tank.
Some freedom camp grounds are on department of conservation (DOCS) land: These campground require you to pay a small fee that goes towards maintaining the incredible parks. You can pre-book and pay online or pay via a honestly system at the campground.
If you’re in a self contained van (toilet) you can freedom camp anywhere: The best part about having a camper van is that you can stop anywhere for the night and you have everything you need!