The biggest mistakes I made on my New Zealand road trip and how to avoid them

Melbourne couple Francis and Adam have taken numerous campervan road trips around New Zealand. And along the way, they’ve learned a few lessons on what not to do! In this blog, Francis shares some of her biggest mistakes when travelling by campervan – and how you can avoid them.

As someone who’s spent countless hours behind a campervan wheel, exploring nearly every corner of Aotearoa, I like to think I’ve mastered the art of a New Zealand road trip. But truth be told, my first few attempts at planning the perfect travel itinerary didn’t always go smoothly and I’ve made my fair share of mistakes. Here are the biggies so that you can plan to avoid doing the same!

1. Underestimating driving times

On our recent South Island road trip, Adam and I left Christchurch for Akaroa, thinking it would be a quick trip. Google Maps estimated the drive to be 1.5 hours, so we left Christchurch at 10 am and planned for a leisurely afternoon enjoying the Akaroa highlights before moving on again in the morning. What we didn’t expect were the winding roads that slowed us down and the number of tempting stops we’d make along the way. From cosy cafés to rugged beaches, we couldn’t resist pulling over. Our 1.5-hour drive ended up being four hours! By the time we arrived, our schedule was out the window, and we felt rushed.

New Zealand’s roads can be deceiving, especially in hilly areas like the Banks Peninsula. What seems like a short drive can easily take twice as long when you factor in the twists, turns, and spontaneous detours. My advice? Allow extra time, plan for stops, and embrace the slower pace. You’ll enjoy your New Zealand road trip far more when you’re not racing the clock.

Insider tip: If you’re planning on visiting Akaroa, set aside an hour along the way to fossick at Birdlings Flat. This pebbly beach is rich in gemstones including quartz, volcanic pebbles, and jasper.

2. Not booking campsites in advance during peak season

One summer evening, after a long day exploring the West Coast, Adam and I rolled up to a popular campsite, expecting to settle in and relax. But when we got there, the ‘Fully Booked’ sign greeted us at the entrance. We hadn’t thought to book ahead, figuring we’d just find a spot when we arrived. What followed was a stressful scramble to find another campground, driving further than we’d planned and eventually parking in a less-than-ideal spot that night.

During peak season, New Zealand’s most popular campsites fill up quickly. We didn’t account for how many travellers would be doing the same New Zealand road trip at that time of year, and arriving late in the day left us without many options. It was a frustrating experience, to say the least!

Since then, we’ve learned the value of booking in advance. For peak season or high-demand spots, it’s a must. Apps like the thl Roadtrip app or campgrounds with websites that show real-time availability are great tools. And if you’re heading to a popular area, consider booking a bit out of town to avoid the crowd and still enjoy a beautiful location.

Image: Instagram - @scotthowes

3. Overpacking and running out of space

When I think back to those first few campervan road trips I remember how much time I spent trying to keep the camper tidy and organised. It felt like every time we needed something – a phone charger, socks, my glasses – it was hidden under piles of unnecessary stuff. Instead of making the most of each day, I was constantly rearranging gear and shuffling through clutter.

Overpacking was definitely one of my early mistakes. The more we brought, the less space we had to actually enjoy the camper. Living in a cramped and cluttered van made the trip more stressful than it needed to be.

Plus, many campgrounds have laundry facilities, so there’s no need to pack endless changes of clothes. A well-thought-out packing list, focusing on the essentials, makes all the difference and keeps things simple!

4. Ignoring local advice

I still kick myself for the time a local in Queenstown suggested we take a lesser-known road to stay at an amazing campground in a remote spot near Glenorchy. But we had our New Zealand travel itinerary all planned out, and I figured we knew what we were doing. Instead, we stuck to our original route and stayed in a popular campsite that turned out to be packed. Later, we found out the spot he’d recommended really was a hidden gem, offering stunning, quiet views far away from the crowds.

I learned the hard way that locals often have insights you just won’t find in guidebooks or on travel apps. They know the best spots, when to visit certain attractions to avoid the rush, and even which roads to avoid when the weather turns. Ignoring their advice can mean missing out on experiences you’d never even know existed.

Since then, I’ve made a point of engaging with locals, whether it’s a quick chat at a café or asking for tips at the campsite. Their advice has led us to some of the best, off-the-beaten-path spots and incredible things to do in New Zealand. So, my biggest tip? Stay flexible and be open to adjusting your plans based on local knowledge. It might just lead to the highlight of your trip!

5. Not being prepared for New Zealand’s variable weather

On one of our earlier trips, Adam and I set out on a clear, sunny morning near Taupō, excited for a day of hiking. By the time we were halfway up the trail, the weather had turned on us – clouds moved in fast, and within minutes we were caught in a chilly downpour. Dressed for summer, we found ourselves shivering in light jackets, forced to abandon the hike and retreat back to the camper to dry off.

New Zealand’s weather is famously unpredictable. You can start the day under blue skies and end it in a storm, and if you’re not ready for it, it can throw a wrench in your plans!

Since then, I’ve learned to always be prepared for whatever the skies might throw at us. Packing layers is essential, along with a solid rain jacket and a few warm items, even if the forecast looks clear. It also helps to have a ‘plan B’ – whether that’s finding a cosy spot indoors or adjusting your route. When you’re ready for anything, the weather won’t catch you off guard and you’ll still enjoy your New Zealand road trip, rain or shine.

6. Not allowing enough time to explore each destination

One of my biggest regrets from our early trips was rushing through Rotorua, eager to stay on schedule. We had so much packed into our New Zealand itinerary that we barely spent a few hours at each spot before moving on to the next. In Rotorua, we hit the major attractions, snapped a few photos, and then headed off, thinking we’d seen enough. But later, I realised we missed out on so much – the quiet forest walks, hidden geothermal spots, and even just soaking in the unique atmosphere of the town.

Trying to cover too much ground in too little time left us with superficial experiences. Instead of enjoying each place, we were constantly thinking about where we had to be next. It wasn’t long before the pace caught up with us, and we felt exhausted rather than inspired.

Now, I’ve learned to slow down and give myself the time to truly explore each destination. Spending a couple of days in one spot is far more rewarding than squeezing in too many places. It lets you discover those hidden gems and really connect with the location. My advice? Prioritise fewer stops on your New Zealand road trip and savour the experience. You’ll come away with deeper memories and less travel fatigue.

7. Not researching road rules and campervan etiquette

I still cringe when I think back to the time we parked our campervan overnight in what seemed like a quiet, secluded spot, only to be woken up by a local ranger informing us we were breaking freedom camping rules. We hadn’t done our research and didn’t realise that not all spots are free to camp, especially if your camper isn’t self-contained. It was an awkward moment that could’ve easily been avoided, not to mention the fine that followed.

New Zealand has specific road rules and campervan etiquette that aren’t always obvious to visitors. From the correct way to navigate one-lane bridges to understanding where you’re legally allowed to camp, getting it wrong can lead to more than just embarrassment. Not knowing the rules puts you at risk of fines, accidents, or even negative interactions with locals.

I’ve since learned the importance of being prepared before setting off on a New Zealand road trip. Taking the time to research road rules and campervan hire regulations is crucial. Websites like the New Zealand Transport Agency offer great resources, and apps like thl Roadtrip can help you understand where freedom camping is permitted. The key is to always be respectful of local guidelines and fellow travellers to ensure a smooth, enjoyable trip for everyone.

8. Skipping out on travel insurance

We recently planned 10 days in New Zealand ticking off some of New Zealand’s Great Walks. On day two, Adam slipped while we were hiking the Abel Tasman Coast Track, spraining his ankle pretty badly. We weren’t far from the nearest town, but when we got to the clinic, we realised that our basic health insurance didn’t cover the cost of the visit – or the follow-up appointments he needed. The bills piled up quickly, and it was a stressful reminder of how vulnerable you can be when you don’t have proper travel insurance.

Skipping out on travel insurance seemed like a harmless way to save a few bucks at the time, but we paid for it in the end. It’s easy to think that nothing will go wrong on a New Zealand road trip, but accidents, illnesses, or even missed flights can happen when you least expect them, and without insurance, the costs can be overwhelming.

Since then, we’ve never travelled without comprehensive insurance. It’s not just about medical coverage either – good travel insurance also covers accidents, cancellations, and even lost luggage. Before you hit the road, take the time to research a policy that fits your trip, making sure it covers all the activities and regions you plan to visit. It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never need, but when you do, you’ll be glad you have it.

9. Not taking enough breaks while driving

I vividly remember one day when Adam and I decided to push through a long drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef without taking enough breaks. We were determined to stick to our tight New Zealand South Island itinerary and thought we’d make better time if we powered through. By the time we were halfway there, we were both irritable, tired, and starting to lose focus. At one point, I caught myself drifting slightly, and that was the wake-up call. We pulled over, took a much-needed break, and realised how close we’d come to making a serious mistake.

Driving for long stretches without a break is more dangerous than it seems. Fatigue sets in quickly, your concentration fades, and suddenly, the beautiful scenery outside becomes a blur. Not to mention, it makes the entire trip far less enjoyable when you’re just focused on getting from one place to the next.

Now, we make it a point to stop every couple of hours, even if just for a quick stretch and a coffee. It’s amazing how a short break can recharge you and make the journey more enjoyable. Plus, there are so many scenic spots along a New Zealand road trip that these breaks become part of the experience. My advice? Plan for regular stops to rest, refuel, and really take in the surroundings – it’s better for your safety and your trip.

10. Sticking too rigidly to tourist hotspots

In our first few trips, Adam and I stuck closely to the typical New Zealand travel itinerary – Queenstown, Rotorua, Milford Sound. We thought hitting all the big tourist spots was the best way to experience the country. And while these places are undoubtedly stunning, it didn’t take long for us to realise we were having the same experiences as every other traveller.

More recently, we started making a conscious effort to explore more off-the-beaten-path destinations. We started visiting smaller towns, quiet coastal areas, and less famous hikes. That’s when we really began to feel the true essence of New Zealand. These places offered more peace, local culture, and the kind of unspoiled beauty you don’t find in crowded tourist hubs.

Now, we make sure to balance the iconic spots with hidden gems. Some of our most memorable moments have been in places we hadn’t even planned to visit. If you’re mapping out your New Zealand road trip, don’t be afraid to step off the well-worn path. The quieter, less-travelled areas are often where you’ll find New Zealand’s true magic.

Ready to explore New Zealand in a campervan?

Now that you’ve learned from Francis and Adam’s experiences, it’s time to start planning your own unforgettable New Zealand road trip. When you book an Apollo campervan hire, you’ll have the freedom to travel at your own pace, uncover hidden gems, and enjoy a truly unique adventure. There’s no better way to experience the beauty and diversity of Aotearoa!