Swiss born Heidi was drawn to the hospitality and travel/tourism industry from an early age and her first experience of this was working in a small hotel in a tiny Italian seaside village. Heidi has travelled the world extensively and in 1991 migrated to New Zealand from Switzerland. She still loves living here and calls New Zealand “Paradise”. Nelson became Heidi’s home town in 1993. http://www.click-nz.com
10 helpful tips on how to be a careful camper while visiting NZ in your Motor home.
Knowledge provided from experts with many years of experience and also from valuable customer feedback.
1. Arrival and Pick Up After And Before Long Haul Flights
It is highly recommended that you stay in a NZ Hotel or Motel for your first and last night of your New Zealand visit to avoid being overtired and to start your NZ holiday relaxed and refreshed. Be sure to book into a Hotel or Motel near Auckland or Christchurch Airport in advance.
2. For Peak Travel Over Christmas and New Year - Pre Book Your Holiday Park In New Zealand
We strongly recommend that you pre-book your campsite in advance to avoid later disappointment. Most NZ Holiday parks are equipped to please a wide range of people for a minimal cost. Within an attractive landscaped setting (often beside a beach or lake) they provide sites for tents, caravans and campervans. If you're setting up camp or parking a Motor Home, you can choose to stay on a powered or non-powered site.
3. Freedom Camping
Each district in New Zealand has different rules in regards to freedom camping (and parking of campervans). We suggest that you contact the nearest Visitor Centre in the region you visit, to find out about camping in a particular location. The impact of freedom camping on the environment can be a strain to the environment - New Zealand Tourism does not recommend freedom camping in New Zealand.
In certain Areas in New Zealand it is forbidden to free camp - for example National Parks etc. If you do freedom camp it is very important to remember to not to leave any rubbish behind or any traces of your stay. Please consider the environment when you do free camp and be a careful visitor - leave only footprints! When you hire a Motor home in NZ, most if not all NZ motor home companies provide you with a list of Holiday Parks containing the contact details and many more ideas on where to camp.
4. Battery Power of Your NZ Motorhome
It is not always necessary to go to a campground each night but it is recommended to do this every third or forth night to empty toilet and waste water tanks and to get plenty of fresh water. You can camp on the side of the road or anywhere else as long as there are no signs indicating NO CAMPING or PARKING overnight.
5. Toilets on board your NZ Motor home
On board toilets from Motor homes can only be legally emptied into so called Dump stations. These are normally found in holiday parks.
6. Ferry Crossing North to South or South to North Island, NZ
Many visitors ask if they can exchange their Motor home at the ferry terminals in Wellington (North Island) or in Picton on the South Island.
Most campervan companies do not have any facilities or depots in those areas and the vehicle has to go onto the Cook Strait Ferry with you.
7. Peak Season Travel on Interislander or Bluebridge Ferry NZ
During peak season travel (especially during the Christmas and New Year period and during School holidays - availability for motor vehicles can be restricted and it is highly recommended that you pre- book the passage in advance to avoid waiting in long queues at the respective terminals or have to wait for the next day to get on a ship.
A daytime sailing is highly recommended as the journey of about 3 hours is very scenic and often Dolphins swim alongside the ship and make this trip a memorable one.
8. Manual vs. Automatic Transmission
Why are most NZ Motor homes equipped with manual gear shift and not automatic transmission?
Many visitors ask for a campervan or motor home with automatic transmission.
The reason why bigger NZ motor homes are equipped with mainly manual transmission is due to the way roads are built in New Zealand - many hills and mountains which means a vehicle with manual gear shift drives much easier in such conditions.
9. NZ Road Restrictions
There are a handful of road restrictions in place from most if not all NZ motor home and campervan companies - if you drive on any of the following roads - all insurances in place will be voided and you will be in breach of the rental agreement.
North Island:
Ninety Mile Beach - Northland
North of Colville Township - Coromandel
South Island:
Skippers Canyon - Queenstown
Ball Hutt Road - Mt Cook
North and South Island:
Any roads closed by Traffic Police or other authority.
10. Fuel Costs in NZ
Because of constantly changing world oil prices, fuel costs in New Zealand are not easy to predict. Current information will be available upon request from vehicle providers.
There are 1000 or more ways to improve your planning for a successful camper van holiday in New Zealand - we hope that you have found these 9 hints for your campervan hire useful and informative.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Original Campervan Hire Choices for a Holiday Vacation
- What’s the Best New Zealand Vehicle Rental Liability Option for Me?
- Motorhome Hire New Zealand – How To Be A Careful Camper & Have The Best Start Possible For Your NZ Holiday Adventure
- Thinking of Trying Out Motorhoming for the Very First Time?
- Make you travel easier by motorhome hire
- Motor home hires best way to make you holiday more exciting
- Adventurous and joyful holidays with Motorhome Hire
- New Zealand 6 Berth Camper
15 Most Adventurous & Thrilling Camping (Outdoor) Activities
By: Neelima Reddy | 31/12/2009Are you looking for something to do this summer, spring, or even fall? Whether you are looking to do so something independently, with your family, or with your friends, have you ever thought about going camping?
Do You Make A Camping Checklist?
By: Bill Joyce | 31/12/2009Do you make a camping checklist before you start packing for your trip? Have you ever found yourself out there ready to settle into your camping spot only to have it dawn on you that you have forgotten something, if not many things you need? Maybe you left behind the essential tools to prepare meals or even something to keep you warm at night like a sleeping bag? What can you possibly do about if your camping destination is quite a ways from your home?
Another Retirement Option – Would You Like It?
By: Ed Yurs | 29/12/2009This article will take a look at living and traveling in your recreational vehicle (RV) either part or full time during your retirement years. The advantages and disadvantages of this lifestyle will also be presented.
Good Care Increase Fun Camping Tents Life
By: Jorg | 29/12/2009Infect no camper would go out without a tent. Fun Camping Tents are moveable shelters small enough to be folded or rolled and carried by one person. Modern tents have waterproof durable fabrics and foldable aluminum poles. Tents for camping are designed to be tough, rugged, and durable to stand against nature’s elements and they are not maintenance-free. As long as you take care of your tents, it will serve you for a long time. It would be good if you double-seal them for additional safety. Brin
Tips on Obtaining a New Fun Camping Tents
By: Jorg | 29/12/2009Fun Camping Tents are one of the most important camping equipment but they can be as simple as most people want it to be, at least when it comes to choosing the right tent. You have noticed that tents come in different sizes like solo hiking tents and multi-room tents with rooms for storage and dressing etc. Some Fun Camping Tents are made for various seasons and weather. Bright colored tents not only increases visibility but also help to keep the sun’s heat out especially when in the open deser
Good Care Increase Fun Camping Tents Life
By: Buckett Walker | 29/12/2009Infect no camper would go out without a tent. Fun Camping Tents are moveable shelters small enough to be folded or rolled and carried by one person. Modern tents have waterproof durable fabrics and foldable aluminum poles. Tents for camping are designed to be tough, rugged, and durable to stand against nature’s elements and they are not maintenance-free. As long as you take care of your tents, it will serve you for a long time. It would be good if you double-seal them for additional safety. Brin
Tips on Obtaining a New Fun Camping Tents
By: Buckett Walker | 29/12/2009Fun Camping Tents are one of the most important camping equipment but they can be as simple as most people want it to be, at least when it comes to choosing the right tent. You have noticed that tents come in different sizes like solo hiking tents and multi-room tents with rooms for storage and dressing etc. Some Fun Camping Tents are made for various seasons and weather. Bright colored tents not only increases visibility but also help to keep the sun’s heat out especially when in the open deser
Getting Your RV Ready for Winter
By: Craig | 27/12/2009How to get your RV or trailer ready for winter.
Frequently asked Questions for Camper Van Hire in New Zealand
By: Heidi Eberhart | 13/11/2009 | DestinationsCheck out the following commonly asked questions about camper van hire in New Zealand.
Fantastic Adventure Travel in New Zealand
By: Heidi Eberhart | 12/08/2009 | DestinationsNew Zealand is a land of fantastic diversities and offers adventures on the water, land and in the air. A huge range of adventures is available - anything walking and hiking, bicycling, ecotourism, zoos and wildlife parks, skiing and snowboarding in the wintertime. We had a fantastic 2008 winter and this winter shapes up to be even bigger than last years. Here are a couple of handful of Travel adventures Tips in the North Island of New Zealand.
Ski Holidays New Zealand - Where is the Snow Skiing in the South Island of New Zealand?
By: Heidi Eberhart | 22/07/2009 | DestinationsNow is the time to get excited and to get your snow gear ready to head to New Zealand this winter to have some serious fun in the snow. Here is some up to date information on the main three South Island New Zealand ski areas. Opening
Motorhome Hire New Zealand – How To Be A Careful Camper & Have The Best Start Possible For Your NZ Holiday Adventure
By: Heidi Eberhart | 21/05/2009 | Camping10 helpful tips on how to be a careful camper while visiting NZ in your Motor home. Knowledge provided from experts with many years of experience and also from valuable customer feedback.
Camper Van Hire in New Zealand - Top Tips For Travelling Off The Beaten Track
By: Heidi Eberhart | 03/05/2009 | Vacation RentalsIf you want to enjoy your New Zealand stay off the beaten track with your motorhome or camper van - have you heard of the campsites from the Department of Conservation?
Camper Van Hire in New Zealand
By: Heidi Eberhart | 03/05/2009 | Vacation RentalsTravelling around in New Zealand with a camper van or Motorhome is the most popular and preferred ways to discover the magic of our country. Knowledge is often power - view our 12 tips and more below to make your stay and experience in your camper van for NZ as stress free as possible.