Top tips for taking babies and toddlers on a campervan holiday

Taking a campervan holiday with a baby or toddler might sound like a bit of a mission, but it’s actually easier than you might think. You’ve got everything you need in one spot – a cosy bed, a kitchen for quick meals, and the freedom to stop whenever it suits your little one. And with loads of family-friendly holiday parks in New Zealand, not to mention endless great places to explore, there’s plenty to keep both kids and parents happy. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some practical family-friendly travel tips – so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying your campervan holiday. 

​​Why plan a family campervan holiday in New Zealand? 

​Planning the perfect campervan trip

​Packing essentials for babies and toddlers

​Staying safe on the road  

​Creating a child-friendly travel itinerary

​Setting up a comfortable campervan environment

​Tips for managing toddler energy and mood

​Food and nutrition tips

​Recommended holiday parks and campgrounds for families

​Preparing for the unexpected 

Why plan a family campervan holiday in New Zealand?

Travelling with little ones can be unpredictable, and that’s exactly why a campervan is a great option. Instead of juggling hotel check-ins, restaurant meals, and packing and unpacking, you’ve got everything you need in one place. Need to pull over for a quick nappy change or a snack? Easy. Want to time your drive around nap schedules? No problem. New Zealand is full of well-equipped holiday parks with playgrounds, open spaces, and family-friendly facilities, making it simple to find a comfortable place to stop for the night. With a campervan, you’re not stuck to a rigid itinerary – you can take things at your own pace while keeping the comforts of home close by. Keen to give it a try? Here are a few tips to get you started: 

Planning the perfect campervan road trip

A little bit of planning goes a long way when travelling with a baby or toddler. 

Booking in advance

Campervans are in high demand, especially during New Zealand’s peak travel seasons. Booking early not only gives you more choice but also helps you secure the best option for your family’s needs. Popular holiday parks can also fill up fast, so it’s worth reserving campsites ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress. 

READ MORE: 10 Hidden gems to visit in New Zealand to avoid the crowds. 

Choosing the right campervan rental

Apollo has a range of family-friendly campervans designed with space, comfort, and convenience in mind. With different sleeping layouts, built-in safety features, and plenty of room for travel essentials, there’s an option to suit every family. 

Here are a few of our top picks: 

• Endeavour Camper (4-berth): A compact, easy-to-drive option ideal for families staying at campgrounds. Best for those who don’t need an onboard shower or toilet. 

• Euro Camper (4-berth): A spacious motorhome with a fully equipped kitchen, shower, toilet, and room for baby and booster seats – perfect for families who want extra comfort. 

• Euro Deluxe (6-berth): Perfect for larger families, this motorhome has everything you need, including a kitchen with a microwave, gas stove, fridge, onboard toilet and shower, and internal heating for year-round travel. 

Plan your travel itinerary

Keeping things simple is key when travelling with young kids. Choose destinations that are baby-friendly, with short driving distances and plenty of stops along the way. It’s also worth booking stays at family-friendly campsites, where you’ll find playgrounds, open spaces, and useful facilities to make life on the road more comfortable.  

Check out our guide to planning the perfect New Zealand travel itinerary. 

Travel essentials for families

Packing for a campervan holiday with a baby or toddler doesn’t have to be overwhelming – it’s all about bringing the essentials without overloading your living space. The good news is your Apollo camper comes equipped with basics like blankets, pillows, and cooking utensils, so you can focus on packing what your little one needs. Think about sleep essentials like a portable cot and their favourite comfort item, easy meal options and baby-friendly snacks, and plenty of nappies and wipes for on-the-go changes. A well-stocked first aid kit, sunscreen, and insect repellent are also must-haves. And don’t forget entertainment – books, small toys, and travel-friendly activities can help keep little ones happy on the road. 

Staying safe on the road

Keeping little ones safe and comfortable is a top priority when travelling by campervan. If you're using a car seat, make sure it meets New Zealand’s safety standards and is installed correctly. Apollo offers baby and booster seats as an optional add-on when booking your camper, so you don’t have to bring your own. 

Long drives can be tiring for both kids and parents, so plan for regular breaks. Stopping for meals, naps, and playtime helps break up the journey and keeps everyone in a better mood. If possible, try to drive during nap times so your child can rest while you cover some distance. 

For international travellers, it’s worth noting that New Zealand’s roads can be winding and narrow, especially in more remote areas. Take your time, drive to the conditions, and always pull over safely if you need to tend to your child. 

READ MORE: Driving in New Zealand – basic road rules. 

Creating a child-friendly travel itinerary

When travelling with a baby or toddler, a well-planned travel itinerary makes all the difference. Striking a balance between exploring and downtime helps avoid overtired little ones (and stressed-out parents). Shorter drives, longer stays in each location, and plenty of breaks for naps and play make for a more enjoyable trip. 

New Zealand has plenty of destinations that are great for young families. Here are a few worth considering: 

Rotorua – With its stroller-friendly geothermal parks, interactive attractions like Te Puia, and the fun-filled Redwoods Treewalk (with a daytime option suitable for little legs), Rotorua is packed with family-friendly activities. 

Taupō – The lakefront is perfect for picnics and gentle walks, and the free geothermal hot water at Spa Thermal Park offers a natural paddling spot. Take a look at more family-friendly things to do in Taupō .  

Wellington – Zealandia eco-sanctuary is great for spotting native wildlife, while Te Papa museum has interactive exhibits that young kids love. The city’s compact size makes it easy to explore with a stroller. Check out some of the family-friendly activities in Wellington. 

Queenstown – Known for adventure activities, Queenstown also has plenty to offer families with young kids. Take a scenic ride on the Skyline Gondola, enjoy a lakeside stroll along the waterfront, or visit the Kiwi Park to see native wildlife up close. Many walking trails are pram-friendly, making it easy to explore the stunning surroundings with little ones in tow. 

Christchurch – This city is packed with family-friendly attractions, from the interactive exhibits at the Canterbury Museum to the sprawling Botanic Gardens, where kids can run around or enjoy a ride on the caterpillar tour. The Margaret Mahy Playground – one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere – is a must-visit for toddlers with energy to burn.. 

Setting up a comfortable campervan environment

A campervan becomes your home base on the road, so setting it up to be comfortable and practical for your little one is key. With a few simple adjustments, you can create a space that works for sleeping, feeding, and play – making life easier for both parents and kids. 

Sleeping arrangements

A good night’s sleep makes all the difference when travelling with a baby or toddler. Some larger campers and motorhomes may be large enough to fit a small porta-cot. Bringing familiar sleep items like their favourite blanket, a white noise machine, or a sleep sack can also help maintain their routine. Blackout curtains or blinds (included in some Apollo campervans) can make naps easier, especially during New Zealand’s longer daylight hours in summer. 

Kitchen and feeding

Having a kitchenette on board makes mealtimes much more convenient, especially when travelling with a baby or fussy toddler. Apollo campervans come equipped with cooking essentials like a gas stove, fridge, and utensils, so you can prepare simple, familiar meals whenever you need to. Packing a few extra items – such as sterilising tablets for bottles, a sippy cup, and easy-to-eat snacks – can help make feeding on the go stress-free.  

Play areas

Keeping little ones entertained in a campervan is all about making the most of the space you have. During stops, you can turn the camper’s seating area into a play zone with books, soft toys, and travel-friendly activities. Many family-friendly holiday parks also have playgrounds and open spaces, giving restless toddlers a chance to stretch their legs. If you’re parked up for a while, setting out a picnic blanket or bringing a collapsible playpen or portacot can create a safe, enclosed space for your little one to play outside while you relax nearby. 

Tips for managing toddler energy and mood

Travelling with a toddler means navigating big emotions, bursts of energy, and the occasional meltdown – but a little planning can help keep things calm and enjoyable.  

• Keeping a familiar routine as much as possible (even in a campervan) can make a big difference.  

• Sticking to usual nap and meal times helps avoid overtiredness and hunger-related tantrums. 

• Bringing comfort items like a favourite toy or blanket can provide reassurance in new environments. 

• Regular breaks are key to keeping toddlers happy on the road. Plan stops at playgrounds, parks, or open spaces where they can run around and reset before getting back in the camper.  

• Packing a mix of quiet activities – like books, sticker sets, or small toys – also helps keep little ones entertained while driving.  

• And if a meltdown happens? Taking a deep breath, offering a cuddle, and giving them a moment to settle can help everyone get back on track. 

Food and nutrition tips

Having a kitchen on board makes mealtimes much easier when travelling with a baby or toddler. With a little planning, you can keep things simple while still making sure your little one gets the nutrition they need. 

Grocery shopping in New Zealand

New Zealand has plenty of family-friendly supermarkets, including Woolworths, New World, and Pak’nSave, where you’ll find a good range of baby food, snacks, and fresh ingredients. If you prefer fresh, local produce, farmers markets are a great option – many towns have weekend markets where you can pick up seasonal fruit, veggies, and baked goods. 

Easy meal ideas for the campervan

Cooking in a campervan doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a couple of quick, healthy meals that are toddler-friendly and easy to make with basic kitchen equipment: 

• Scrambled eggs with avocado on toast – A simple, nutritious meal packed with protein and healthy fats. Mash the avocado and spread it on toast for younger babies. 

• One-pot veggie pasta – Cook small pasta shapes with soft veggies like zucchini, carrot, and tomato. Add a little grated cheese for extra flavour. 

• Banana and oat pancakes – Mash a banana, mix with an egg and oats, then cook in a pan for an easy, no-added-sugar breakfast or snack. 

Holiday parks in New Zealand for families

Choosing the right holiday park or campground can make all the difference when travelling with young kids. Family-friendly parks offer more than just a place to park the camper – they provide safe spaces for little ones to play, clean facilities, and helpful extras that make life on the road easier. 

When looking for a good spot to stay, consider: 

• Playgrounds and open spaces – Parks with playgrounds, sandpits, or grassy areas give toddlers a chance to burn off energy. 

• Baby-friendly facilities – Family bathrooms, laundry rooms, and camp kitchens with microwaves can make everyday tasks much easier. 

• Safe and quiet locations – A well-maintained, secure park with a relaxed atmosphere is ideal when travelling with young kids. 

• Proximity to family-friendly attractions – Staying near lakes, beaches, or easy walking trails means less time in the camper and more time exploring. 

Check out our guide to some of New Zealand’s best family friendly campsites. 

Preparing for the unexpected

Even with the best planning, things don’t always go to plan – especially when travelling with little ones. Whether it’s a sudden change in weather, a minor illness, or an unexpected detour, being prepared can help keep stress levels down and the trip running smoothly. 

Weather considerations

New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to pack for all conditions. Even in summer, temperatures can drop in the evenings, especially in mountainous regions like Wānaka and Taupō. Bring warm layers, rain jackets, and extra blankets to keep little ones comfortable. If you’re travelling in winter, make sure your campervan has heating and pack extra thermals for cold nights. 

READ MORE: Top tips for winter campervan travel in New Zealand. 

Handling illness or injury 

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential when travelling with kids. Include basics like plasters, antiseptic cream, infant paracetamol, and any prescription medications your child might need. Note, All Apollo campervans come with a first aid kit. This will cost $50 only if opened and it means you’ll be prepared for any accidents along the way. 

It’s also a good idea to look up nearby medical centres and pharmacies in the areas you’re visiting, just in case. If you run into any campervan-related issues, All Apollo campervans are covered by 24-hour roadside assistance – simply call the number on your vehicle key tag if needed. 

Backup plans for rainy days

Not every day will be sunshine and blue skies, so having a few wet-weather activities up your sleeve can be a lifesaver. Many towns have great indoor options, like museums, aquariums, or libraries with kid-friendly play areas. Keeping a stash of books, small toys, and travel games in the camper can also help keep little ones entertained when you need a quiet day inside. 

Ready to plan a family campervan holiday?

With the right campervan and a little planning, travelling with a baby or toddler can be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. Apollo’s family-friendly campervans come equipped with everything you need for a comfortable trip, giving you the freedom to explore New Zealand at your own pace. 

To make your campervan road trip even easier, download the thl Roadtrip app. It’s a handy tool for finding campsites, watching video tutorials, and accessing helpful travel tips – all in one place. Book your campervan today and start planning a New Zealand road trip full of new experiences, exploration, and quality family time.