If you’re planning an epic road trip in a campervan around New Zealand, this app will be your ultimate travel companion. We’ve relied on it countless times during our adventures and can confidently say it’s super easy to use and incredibly reliable. The best part? It helps you save both time and money by eliminating the exhausting research and providing you with the best deals and insider tips for your trip. Whether you’re aiming to stick to a budget or simply want to streamline your planning, this app will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on the stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences that New Zealand has to offer.
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CamperMate
CamperMate is a must-have app for anyone planning a campervan road trip in New Zealand. This app makes it easy to find freedom camping sites, paid camping locations, and essential amenities like dump stations, water fountains, and public toilets. New Zealand’s public toilets are surprisingly clean and well-maintained, rivaling even Japan’s famous facilities. CamperMate helps you save time and money by guiding you to the best camping spots and services across the country. Plus, you can also check out Rankers Camping NZ, which offers detailed reviews and information about various camping locations to enhance your experience. Whether you’re on a budget or just want a hassle-free trip, CamperMate is the ideal tool for making your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Gaspy
Gaspy is one of those apps you don’t realise you need until you’re on a road trip in New Zealand and watching your fuel gauge drop. It’s like having a local guide in your pocket, showing you the cheapest fuel stations nearby. We’ve used it countless times while driving around New Zealand, and it’s saved us heaps on petrol. With real-time updates from other travellers, you always know where to find the best fuel deals. Plus, Gaspy makes refuelling stress-free, which is a huge bonus if you’re travelling on a budget. And here’s an extra tip: if you buy something from Pak’nSave for as little as $1, you can get 6 cents off per litre at their fuel pumps. Definitely a must-have for any road trip!
Metservices
New Zealand’s weather is famous for changing in the blink of an eye, so having MetService on your phone is a total game-changer, especially when you’re on a road trip. The app keeps you updated on the latest weather conditions, which is super handy if you’ve got some epic hikes or outdoor plans. It offers real-time forecasts, severe weather warnings, and customisable alerts to keep you in the loop. But, to be honest, it’s not always 100% accurate—you’ll probably learn to navigate around it after a while! And here’s a good rule: if you’re ever in doubt, don’t risk it. Weather in the alpine regions can shift fast, making things tough to navigate. MetService helps you stay ahead of surprises so you can enjoy New Zealand’s beauty while staying safe and prepared!
Google Maps
Google Maps might seem like an obvious choice for any road trip, but trust me, you can’t have an epic adventure in New Zealand without it! Not only is it super handy for directions, but it also helps you discover local gems like restaurants, fuel stations, and cozy cafes along your route. The best part? If you type “freedom camping,” it’ll show you all the nearby camping sites, making it a breeze to find the perfect spot to park your campervan for the night. Plus, Google Maps lets you explore popular hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and even nearby attractions so you can make the most of your journey. Pro tip: Make sure you park between the two arrows at most freedom camping sites. We’ve seen parking wardens knocking and issuing NZD 200 fines if your car is outside those arrows. The boards are well-marked, so keep an eye out. If you don’t see any board, you don’t need to worry about it.
All trails/DOC website
AllTrails and the DOC (Department of Conservation) website are essential tools if you’re planning to hike in New Zealand. Let’s be real—if you go to New Zealand and don’t do at least one hike, you’re missing out! The country offers a wide range of hiking trails for every type of traveller, from easy walks to challenging alpine tracks. AllTrails helps you find the perfect hikes, read reviews, and check trail maps to stay on track.
The DOC website is a goldmine for hiking enthusiasts. Since New Zealand’s weather can change quickly, many hikes are weather-dependent, so it’s always smart to check the latest government advice on the DOC site. They provide up-to-date track conditions, the best times to hike, what to pack, and safety tips. If you’re planning a multi-day hike, you can book your huts directly through the DOC website—just remember to book early, especially for popular tracks like the Great Walks. The site also offers valuable information about the region’s local wildlife and even has listings for DOC campsites (paid and free) to make planning your adventure easy and stress-free!
Bonus:
If you’re not planning a road trip but still want to travel around New Zealand on a budget, the Intercity bus is perfect for getting around. It offers affordable bus services between cities and towns, allowing you to explore stunning landscapes and attractions without the need for a car. With real-time schedules and easy booking options, it’s a fantastic choice for budget-conscious travellers looking to discover New Zealand’s beauty.
In Auckland, the AT HOP app is a great tool to have if you’re using public transport. This handy app helps you check schedules, plan your route, and top up your travel card, making it much easier to get around the city. Whether you’re hopping on a bus, taking a train, or catching a ferry, the AT HOP app streamlines your travel experience, ensuring you navigate Auckland efficiently. Don’t miss out on all the incredible sights—download the AT HOP app and make your Auckland adventure seamless!
If you ever come to New Zealand, you can rent our van through Camplify and experience the ultimate road trip! We’ve given a full tour of our van on our YouTube channel—check it out.
If you have any questions or want to share your travel plans, feel free to drop a comment below or contact us directly!
Our Essential Travel Gear
CamelBak eddy+ Water Filter Water Bottle by LifeStraw Integrated 2-Stage Filter Straw
This one purchase has truly transformed our travels. After visiting 19+ countries, we never had to worry about staying hydrated because this stainless steel water bottle has our back. It’s leak-proof, so you can toss it in your bag without a second thought!
Travel Insurance
Make sure to research a solid travel insurance policy before jetting off to any country. We’ve been with SafetyWing since the beginning of our journey, and they’ve provided top-notch customer service. Based on our experience, we can confidently recommend them!
eSIM
This has been a game-changer for us! When we started our 625-day adventure, I was initially overwhelmed by the pricing and limited data options. But switching to eSIM while in Istanbul has been a lifesaver! It offers instant connectivity as soon as you land in a new country. Roaming and local SIMs can be tricky, but eSIMs are seamless and super easy to install before you even arrive. We’ve tried both Eskimo and Airalo and recommend them! If you purchase through our link, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you, and we’d really appreciate the support!
Carry-On luggage
Seriously, this bag feels bottomless! It fits so much stuff, and I’m amazed every time I pack. We initially bought one for Sagar for our Japan trip last November, and after seeing how much he loved the design and pocket accessibility, I just had to get one too! If you’re after a stylish, long-lasting bag, this is it. It’s a bit pricey, but after using it daily for the past seven months, it’s been worth every penny.
Wise Card
What did we do before this card? It’s been a blessing! Transferring money is super easy with minimal fees, and the user-friendliness is next level. Highly recommend it!