Packing for a campervan trip in Aotearoa – New Zealand is all about finding the sweet spot between comfort, practicality, and being ready for the unexpected. With a bit of prep and the right essentials, you can feel relaxed and well-equipped, no matter how wild the weather gets or where the road leads.
Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a months-long mission, this guide will help you pack smart—not heavy.
Table of Contents
Clothing Essentials
New Zealand’s weather is famously unpredictable. You might wake up to sunshine, hike through wind, and sleep through rain—all in the same day. Layering is key.
- 🧥 Warm layers: fleece, merino, or thermal tops
- 🧊 Down or puffer jacket (lightweight but essential)
- 🌧️ Waterproof rain jacket
- 👟 Comfortable walking shoes + sandals or jandals
- 🩱 Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
- 🧢 Hat for sun + beanie and gloves (even in summer in the South Island)
- 👕 Quick-dry clothing for easy washing and fast drying
➡️ Tip: Pack light and do laundry every few days. There are laundromats in most towns—some coin-operated, others use cards (Liquid Laundromat cards work at multiple locations around NZ).
Cooking & Kitchen Gear
Most campervans come with basic cooking tools, but a few extras can make meal prep easier and cleaner.
- 🥄 Reusable water bottles and travel mugs
- 🔪 A decent frying pan and a sharp knife
- 🧊 Ziplock bags or containers for leftovers
- 🔪 Small chopping board
- 🧽 Dishwashing liquid, sponges, and a tea towel
- 🗑️ Eco-friendly rubbish bags and a bin for recycling
💧 A note on water:
Most tap water in Aotearoa is safe to drink. If you see a “Not Potable” sign, boil the water first or use it only for washing. We like to carry 1–2 ten-litre bottles for drinking and refill them from safe sources.
➡️ Tip: Kmart, Mitre 10, and The Warehouse are great spots for budget kitchen gear.
Campervan Comfort Items
Your van is your home on wheels—so make it comfy.
- 🛏️ A lightweight blanket or sleeping bag for chilly nights
- 🌟 Battery-powered fairy lights or a lantern for warm lighting
- 🪑 Foldable camping chairs and a picnic mat or tarp
- 🧰 Small toolkit or multitool for minor fixes
- 🔌 Power board with USB ports (especially useful for multiple devices)
➡️ Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of a good pillow—it’s a game-changer after long hikes or drives.
Outdoor & Adventure Gear
Whether you’re hiking alpine trails or just wandering to a waterfall, you’ll want the right gear.
- 🎒 Daypack for short walks
- 🔦 Headlamp or torch (great for DOC sites with no lighting)
- 🥾 Hiking boots and good socks
- 🥢 Trekking poles if you’re planning steep or uneven walks
- 🎣 Compact fishing rod and tackle if that’s your thing
- 🤿 Snorkel gear for summer beach stops
➡️ Tip: Check out Bivouac Outdoor and Hunting & Fishing NZ for solid gear—especially during sales seasons.
Health & Hygiene
It’s not all about views and vibes—staying clean and healthy is essential.
- 💊 First aid kit with any personal medications
- 🌞 Sunscreen and bug repellent
- 🧼 Microfibre towel (light, fast-drying, space-saving)
- 🧻 Toilet paper (trust us—keep a roll in your van!)
- 🧴 Hand sanitiser and wet wipes for quick cleanups
- 🩸 Spare sanitary products—especially if you’re remote
➡️ Tip: Chemist Warehouse and most supermarkets carry everything you’ll need, but don’t count on rural shops for specialist items.
Navigation & Tech
Connectivity can be spotty in remote areas, so be prepared.
- 📲 Offline maps: download regions on Google Maps or use Maps.me
- 📍 Phone mount for easy hands-free navigation
- 🔋 Portable power bank or solar charger
- 🔌 Charging cables for all devices
- 🌍 Travel adaptor (bring at least two if coming from overseas)
- 📝 Notebook or travel journal for memories or emergency notes
➡️ Helpful Apps: CamperMate, Rankers NZ, GASPY (for fuel prices)
Documents & Money
Keep your important info accessible both physically and digitally.
- 🪪 Driver licence + International Permit (if needed)
- 🚐 Campervan hire contract
- 📃 Travel insurance policy
- 🧾 Printed or downloaded booking confirmations
- 💳 Credit/debit card + some cash (especially for rural shops or honesty boxes)
- 📱 Digital copies of your passport and key docs in your phone or cloud
➡️ Tip: Use Google Drive or Dropbox for backup access to everything.
Final Thoughts
Packing for a campervan trip in Aotearoa is less about taking everything and more about taking what works. Choose versatile items, prepare for all weather, and keep things simple. The lighter you pack, the freer you’ll feel.
And remember—if you forget something, New Zealand has shops everywhere. You’ll be just fine.
➡️ Next in the Series: Where to Camp in Aotearoa- New Zealand – How to Find the Best Campgrounds for Campervans
He pai ake te iti i te kore
A little is better than nothing