These Travel Apps to Save Time and Money in New Zealand
If you’re planning a campervan adventure, a budget road trip, or a hiking-filled holiday, having the best New Zealand travel apps on your phone will make everything smoother. These apps help you save time, cut costs, avoid travel mistakes, and plan smarter, whether you’re freedom camping, navigating weather, booking huts, or finding cheap fuel.
We rely on these apps throughout our travels across New Zealand, and they’ve genuinely made a huge difference. Below are the essential New Zealand travel apps we personally use and recommend.
Eskimo esim
When we quit our jobs in 2024 to travel full-time, we needed something simple, reliable, and affordable for staying connected across countries. Eskimo was the only provider offering a 365-day global eSIM, so we bought it without overthinking and it ended up being one of our best decisions.
The moment you land in a new country, your phone connects instantly, no scrambling for SIM cards, no airport kiosks, no stress. What we loved most was the consistency. Whether we were in Asia, Europe, or the Pacific, the connection stayed smooth, and we never had to worry about swapping SIMs or topping up in every new place. Because of how seamless it was for us, partnering with them later felt like a no-brainer.
They’ve also given our audience something genuinely useful, 1GB of free global data with 2 years of validity. Just use the code SAGARAMI1GB to claim it and get connected the moment you land in New Zealand (or anywhere else). Perfect for travellers who want convenience without the usual roaming chaos.
Safetywing Travel Insurance
New Zealand is an incredible place to explore, but it’s also an adventure-heavy (and expensive) destination which is why having reliable travel insurance matters.
When we quit our jobs in 2024 and travelled for over 15 months, SafetyWing was the only travel insurance we relied on. It proved its worth early on when I ended up in a hospital in Bangkok unexpectedly, and the entire claim process was smooth and stress-free.
For a country like New Zealand where adventure is everywhere, having insurance that’s affordable, reliable, and easy to manage online gives you the peace of mind you need on the road.
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.
Make sure you also download the individual fuel apps like BP, Mobil, Gull, and Caltex. Many of these apps offer an extra 10–15 cents off per litre, and when you stack these deals with what you find on Gaspy, the discounts become huge. Even Pak’nSave has regular fuel discounts across selected stations anywhere from 6 to 15 cents per litre depending on the promotion.
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!
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!
When you’re ever in doubt, don’t risk it.
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. Plus, Google Maps lets you explore popular hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and even nearby attractions so you can make the most of your journey. 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.
At freedom camping sites, always park within the marked arrows on the board. Look for the board, check the markings, and park only in the approved spots. The wardens issue $200 fines if you’re outside the designated area.
AllTrails / DOC Website / Plan My Walk
AllTrails and the DOC (Department of Conservation) website are essential if you’re planning to hike in New Zealand. And let’s be real, if you visit New Zealand and skip hiking, you’re genuinely missing out. The country has trails for everyone, from easy coastal walks to challenging alpine routes.
AllTrails helps you find the right hike, check reviews, and follow trail maps so you stay on track. It’s great when you want a quick overview of difficulty, distance, and what other hikers experienced.
The DOC website goes deeper. It’s the most reliable source for track conditions, safety updates, and weather-related alerts, important because New Zealand’s weather can change fast. DOC also shares the best times to hike, what to pack, and how to prepare.
If you’re planning a multi-day hike, you can book huts directly through the site. Popular tracks like the Great Walks fill up early, so booking ahead is important. DOC also lists both paid and free DOC campsites, along with helpful information about local wildlife and terrain.
Another helpful tool is Plan My Walk. It shows track alerts, weather-integrated planning, and suggested packing lists based on the hike you choose. It also highlights potential risks so you know what to expect before heading out.
grocer
If you’re travelling New Zealand on a tight budget, Grocer is a surprisingly helpful app to have. It lets you compare grocery prices across different towns and supermarkets, which is great because smaller towns often have noticeably higher prices.
We usually stock up in bigger cities for this reason, but with Grocer, you can check both locations and make smarter choices, helping you stretch your budget and avoid unnecessary food waste during your trip.
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.
If you have any questions or want to share your travel plans, feel free to drop a comment below or contact us directly! If you are planning your NZ trip and need some personalised guidance, you can book a call with me as well.
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