First-time Campervan Rental Mistakes to Avoid
Renting a campervan for the first time is an exciting experience. It’s your ticket to freedom, adventure, and discovering the best of New Zealand at your own pace. But before you hit the open road, it’s important to be prepared so you can avoid common campervan mistakes that could put a damper on your journey. From packing too much to underestimating travel times, here’s everything you need to know to have a smooth and stress-free road trip.
1. Not Understanding Your Campervan’s Features
Each campervan is different, and if you don’t take the time to familiarise yourself with its features, you might struggle when it matters most. First-time renters often overlook things like how to operate the power system, manage water storage, or safely use the gas stove.
How to Avoid It: When picking up your private campervan hire, ask for a full walkthrough. Make sure you understand how the fridge, heating, lights, and water tanks work before you hit the road.
2. Overpacking and Lack of Organisation
It’s tempting to pack everything you think you might need, but space in a campervan is limited. Overpacking leads to clutter, which can make your trip more stressful.
How to Avoid It: Stick to the essentials! Choose lightweight, multi-purpose clothing and pack in soft bags instead of bulky suitcases. Utilise storage compartments and keep everything in its designated spot to stay organised.
3. Not Booking Campsites in Advance
New Zealand is campervan-friendly, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always find a perfect spot to park for the night. During peak season, popular campsites fill up quickly, leaving you scrambling for a place to stay.
How to Avoid It: Plan ahead! Research and book key campsites, especially if you’re heading to well-known areas like Queenstown or Wanaka. There are plenty of free camping sites, but they may not always have the best facilities.
4. Underestimating Travel Time
New Zealand’s winding roads, breathtaking scenery, and frequent photo stops can make your journey take longer than expected. Many first-time travellers assume they can cover large distances in a single day, only to realise they’ve planned an unrealistic itinerary.
How to Avoid It: Allow extra time for travel, unexpected stops, and weather conditions. Use Google Maps for estimates but add additional hours for sightseeing and rest breaks. If you’re travelling in Queenstown, plan for plenty of stops to enjoy the stunning landscapes.
5. Ignoring Road Rules and Weather Conditions
New Zealand has unique driving conditions that can catch international visitors. From single-lane bridges to unpredictable weather, being unprepared can lead to dangerous situations.
How to Avoid It: Familiarise yourself with New Zealand road rules before setting off. Drive to the conditions, especially in winter when roads can be icy. Check road updates regularly to avoid unexpected closures.
6. Forgetting to Check Fuel and Water Levels
Unlike city driving, you won’t always have easy access to petrol stations and water refill points when travelling in remote areas.
How to Avoid It: Always keep an eye on your fuel gauge and refill whenever you have the chance. The same goes for fresh water. Make sure you top up your tanks at holiday parks or campgrounds whenever possible.
7. Not Being Aware of Campervan Waste Disposal Rules
Many first-time campervan renters don’t understand to dispose of wastewater properly. Dumping waste in the wrong place can lead to fines and environmental harm.
How to Avoid It: Use designated dump stations and always follow the responsible camping guidelines. If you’re using a private campervan hire NZ, ask about the nearest waste disposal locations.
How to Travel by Campervan Like a Pro
Now that you know the most common campervan rental mistakes, here are some extra tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly:
• Plan Your Route but Stay Flexible: Having a rough itinerary helps, but leave room for spontaneous detours and unexpected adventures.
• Use Campervan Apps: Apps like CamperMate and Rankers Camping NZ provide real-time info on campsites, dump stations, and fuel stops.
• Respect the Environment: Follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles and always clean up after yourself.
Enjoy the Journey
Renting a campervan is one of the best ways to experience New Zealand, but a little preparation goes a long way in making sure your trip is hassle-free. By avoiding these campervan mistakes, you’ll have more time to relax, explore, and enjoy the freedom of the open road.
Looking for the perfect campervan? Hire a campervan with Kia Ora Campers for a comfortable and unforgettable adventure.