Charmaine Miller looks at some Car Camping Tips when traveling in New Zealand.
New Zealand is a great place for outdoor adventures. From lush forests to pristine beaches to snow-capped peaks, the country offers an abundance of natural wonders just waiting to be explored. What better way to embark on an adventure than with a good old road trip?
Indeed, car camping is the perfect way to immerse yourself in New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and make memories that will last a lifetime. To ensure your journey is not only safe but also incredibly enjoyable, here are ten car camping tips to keep in mind:
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Get Your Car Ready for Camping
Before you hit the road, make sure your trusty steed is in tip-top shape. A well-maintained and well-equipped vehicle is essential for a successful car camping adventure. Start with the essentials: check the engine, tyres, and all vital components. If your car needs replacement parts, look for a reliable auto parts supplier in New Zealand and install the new component before the trip. Moreover, don’t forget to pack a spare tyre and basic car repair tools for any unexpected hiccups along the way.
For a more comfortable camping adventure, you can also purchase camping must-haves like a roof rack, rooftop tent, and car cooler.
Check the Weather When Planning Your Trip
New Zealand’s weather can be as unpredictable as it is beautiful. Thus, before setting off on your journey, take a moment to check the weather forecast.
Prepare for all conditions by packing clothing suitable for both sunny days and chilly nights. In addition, bring rainproof jackets, as a sudden rainshower can be turned into a memorable moment when you’re well-prepared.
Pack Your Essentials and Creature Comforts
When car camping, having the right gear is your lifeline. Make sure you’ve packed everything you need, from cooking utensils and food to personal hygiene items. For safety, don’t forget your first aid kit and fire extinguisher. You can also make a checklist and tick items off so you don’t forget anything.
That being said, it’s essential to pack light. The more organised you are, the easier it is to locate what you need when you need it.
Keep Your Car Organised
A cluttered car can turn a fun adventure into a stressful ordeal. So, invest in storage solutions that keep everything in its place. Some examples are toolboxes, collapsible boxes, backseat organisers, and car seat hooks, among many others. Having these storage solutions will not only make your life easier but also help you maintain a clear headspace throughout the journey.
Invest in a Good Mattress
Camping doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a good night’s sleep. A comfortable mattress is crucial to waking up refreshed and ready to explore. Whether you opt for an inflatable mattress or a foam pad, make sure it’s the right fit for your car and your comfort.
Cover and Insulate Windows at Night
Privacy and warmth are essential elements of a successful car camping experience. Covering and insulating your car windows at night not only keeps you snug but also shields you from prying eyes. Indeed, it’s a small step that goes a long way in ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep.
Keep Your Car Well Ventilated
Proper ventilation is a must to maintain a fresh and healthy atmosphere while you’re car camping. When the windows are up, make sure you leave enough gaps for the flow of air. This will prevent condensation and ensure a comfortable environment.
Obey Camping Rules
New Zealand has very strict laws against freedom camping or camping in general. For example, you are only allowed to camp within designated areas of a park. Aside from this, you also have to be careful to camp in sites for non-self-contained vehicles (vehicles without toilets) or risk steep fines when you get caught. To be safe, you can download map apps for campers that specify where you can legally camp.
Inform Loved Ones of Your Whereabouts
Safety should always be a priority when camping. Before you head out, let someone you trust know about your camping plans, including your location and expected return date. An emergency contact can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected situations.
Consider Getting a Satellite Phone
In remote areas of New Zealand, mobile reception can be scarce. Thus, it’s wise to consider investing in a satellite phone for emergencies. This can be a lifesaver when you need to make a call for assistance. Moreover, this ensures you’re never truly cut off from help when you’re exploring off-the-beaten-path locations.
Car camping in New Zealand is a magnificent adventure waiting to happen. Imagine exploring the country’s majestic beauty through a long road trip and camping adventure. With all these camping tips, you can enjoy and be safe during your travels. So, gear up, hit the road, and get ready to experience the awe-inspiring landscapes of this remarkable country.
Do you have your own Car Camping Tips?
Have you had experience with Car Camping and perhaps also in New Zealand? Do you have any tips you feel should be added to here? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Charmaine Miller is a life-long pet lover and animal rights advocate. She works as a pet sitter and dog walker by day and volunteers at a local animal shelter by night. In her spare time, she loves to bake, write, and sing to her favorite Beyonce songs.
- Charmaine Millerhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/charmaine-miller/
- Charmaine Millerhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/charmaine-miller/
These car camping tips for New Zealand are invaluable for anyone planning an outdoor adventure in this stunning country! Ensuring your vehicle is in top condition, being prepared for any weather conditions, and packing essential gear are crucial steps for a safe and enjoyable trip. I particularly appreciate the advice on obeying camping rules and informing loved ones of your whereabouts for added safety. The tip about considering a satellite phone in remote areas is also excellent advice to stay connected in case of emergencies. Overall, these tips provide a comprehensive guide for a memorable car camping experience amidst New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes. Thanks for sharing these valuable insights!
As simple as it may sound, getting your car ready is such an important step. Also, cleaning it out is a smart tip, too. I wouldn’t want to stay in a cluttered car as it would be hard to relax or find anything.
Great tips for a New Zealand car camping trip. New Zealand is definitely the country where everyone should go camping. There is so much great nature and even the posher camp sites cost only a fraction of a hotel.
When I think of New Zealand, I think of having a camper van to bring me around and stopping by the camping sites. I love those tips of yours – practical but sometimes things I did not think of. For example uncluttering the vehicle before the trip is so important- to be able to find what to look for. Also having a satellite phone could well save someone in an emergency in a remote place.
Great tips on car camping in NZ! You are so right about getting the proper mattress to avoid getting a backache and be fit to drive the next morning. I appreciate your tip about informing others/ friends about your location and getting a satellite phone fit for remote places. We have traveled a lot in NZ using a car but not tried camping yet, we use Airbnb. I would love to try camping in my next visit. 🙂
We did car camping in the U.S. before, so it’s good to know you can also do it in New Zealand. I agree that you need a good mattress so you can sleep well. Also, pack light and organize. These will help park campers a lot. I don’t know in New Zealand, but here in the U.S., as long as grocery stores are within reach, no need to worry if you forget something during our car camping trip.
I must admit we are probably past our car camping days. But our kids do this all the time. Interesting to read all the things to think about. I can see how this would be a great option when travelling around New Zealand. Great point about covering and insulating windows at night! We have considered satellite phones. And if we went into more off-road destinations it would be high on our list of things to pack.
I would love to visit New Zealand at some point. And with so much remote areas, I would definitely do some car camping. These tips are great to make sure the experience is enjoyable, and that you don’t wake up every day more tired than when you went to sleep. Investing in a good inflatable mattress is such a great tip. Same as letting your friends know about your plans and whereabouts, as well as investing in a satellite telephone, in case of emergency.
Car camping sounds like the perfect way to experience all of New Zealand’s incredible landscapes. I You have so many helpful tips, applicable not only in New Zealand but in other places as well. The safety pointers are so important, like informing others of your plans and obeying camping rules/regulations.
These car camping tips are great for anywhere we do it but I know I would love to do it in New Zealand (the country is among the top on my bucket list)
I heard a lot about New Zealand and how gorgeous this country is…I would love to explore it for a few months one day, that would be amazing.
I admire your emphasis on prioritizing safety, such as informing loved ones of your location and considering a satellite phone for remote areas. These tips hold significant importance.
The ten car camping tips provided are incredibly valuable for anyone planning a car camping adventure in New Zealand. These tips will ensure that your trip is not only safe but also enjoyable and memorable. Thanks for sharing these tips!
Thanks for all the tips! I heard New Zealand is one of the best places for this adventure.
I wish someday I visit there and go car camping with my family and friends.
I’ve been on camping trips before but not in new Zealand. Great tips and will definitely save them in case we do it in the future.
This is amazing! I would love to visit New Zealand and take a camping adventure like this. It’s so beautiful there, and I’m pretty sure they have zero poisonous snakes or scary creatures.
Your article on car camping tips is fantastic! It’s filled with practical advice and insightful tips that are sure to enhance any camping experience. I particularly appreciate your emphasis on packing essentials like extra blankets, layers, and a first aid kit, as well as the importance of planning ahead and being flexible. These tips are not only helpful for beginners but also serve as a great reminder for seasoned campers. Thanks for sharing your expertise and making outdoor adventures more enjoyable for everyone!
I’ve wanted to visit beautiful New Zealand for so long. Car camping is an incredible way to explore the country’s beautiful landscape.
These are all excellent tips for ensuring a safe and enjoyable camping trip – not only in New Zealand, but anywhere! Thanks for sharing (and I’m most intrigued to try camping in New Zealand).
I’ve never been camping in my entire life, and I’ve never been to New Zealand. But your tips sound spot on, so if I ever do go I’ll know what to do.
I’ve always wanted to try car camping. It would be such an adventure to camp out with my kids. Anyway, you are lucky to have such beautiful locations in New Zealand for your camping trip.
Your advice for a fantastic camping trip is very useful—I’m all about being ready and keeping things organized! Packing smart and light is key, and I couldn’t agree more. And, by the way, camping in New Zealand sounds absolutely incredible!
As someone who loves being prepared and organized, your tips for a great camping experience are spot on! My favorite tip is making sure to pack everything you need, but also being mindful about packing light.
New Zealand would be an amazing place to go camping. Car camping is a great way to go!