When you’re road-tripping around Aotearoa – New Zealand in a campervan, your smartphone becomes more than just a camera or weather checker—it’s your campsite scout, local guide, and fuel-saving sidekick. With the right apps, you can find hidden gems, avoid expensive detours, and even score deals on dinner.
Here’s our guide to the best apps that’ll help make your campervan journey smoother, more affordable, and full of surprises (the good kind).
Table of Contents
Campervan & Campsite Apps
These are your go-to tools for finding where to sleep, where to park, and where to empty your tanks—literally.
CamperMate
- This is hands-down the best all-rounder app for campervan travellers in Aotearoa. It shows everything from paid and free campsites to public toilets, dump stations, fuel stops, Wi-Fi zones, and even recycling bins.
- ➡️ Best for: Real-time updates and wide coverage
Rankers NZ
- A solid local option with verified user reviews, Rankers shines when it comes to DOC sites, hiking trails, freedom camping zones, and lesser-known camping areas. Their ethical focus means only legal, safe spots are listed.
- ➡️ Best for: Trustworthy DOC and freedom camping info
WikiCamps NZ
- A favourite among long-term vanlifers, WikiCamps has a huge database of campsites with offline access and custom trip planning tools. It’s user-driven, so updates come from travellers like you.
- ➡️ Best for: Offline browsing and community-sourced gems
- 📝 Tip: Use all three together to cross-check info and reviews.
Fuel & Road Info Apps
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses on the road. These apps help keep your tank full and your budget intact.
GASPY
- This app is a must! Updated by fellow travellers and locals, GASPY shows you the cheapest fuel prices in your area. Over time, it can save you serious dollars—especially on long-haul drives.
- ➡️ Best for: Fuel savings and price comparisons
NZTA Traffic & Travel Info
- This one might not look fancy, but it’s gold when you’re navigating mountain passes or rural roads. You’ll get live traffic alerts, road closures, detours, and weather-related warnings direct from NZTA.
- ➡️ Best for: Safe route planning and avoiding delays
Navigation Apps
Getting lost isn’t always a bad thing in Aotearoa—but sometimes you really do need to know where you’re going.
Google Maps
- Reliable for most journeys, with info on fuel, food, attractions, and real-time traffic. But be cautious—sometimes it routes you onto gravel backroads that aren’t ideal for larger vans.
- ➡️ Best for: Everyday navigation and points of interest
Maps.me
- A fantastic backup for remote areas where you lose signal. You can download entire regions for offline use and it still shows walking tracks, huts, and terrain lines.
- ➡️ Best for: Offline driving and hiking trails
- 📝 Tip: Download all your regions before you leave reception!
Discount & Booking Apps
Travelling on a budget? These apps help you stretch your dollars further and score last-minute deals.
First Table
- Score 50% off meals at participating restaurants by booking early dining slots. Great if you’re craving a night off from camp cooking.
- ➡️ Best for: Affordable dining with a dash of local flavour
- 📲 Download First Table App
GrabOne
- Like a Kiwi version of Groupon, GrabOne offers discounts on everything from spa treatments to bungy jumps. Worth checking by region as deals vary.
- ➡️ Best for: Activity deals and spontaneous treats
- 📲 Browse GrabOne Deals
Booking.com/ TripAdvisor/Hotellook
- Perfect for booking campgrounds, cabins, or even a motel if the weather turns or you need a real bed. Easy to use, even last-minute.
- ➡️ Best for: Accommodation flexibility
Airbnb
- If you want a cosy break from van life, Airbnb is great for finding cabins, tiny homes, or locally hosted stays.
- ➡️ Best for: Unique, off-van experiences
Offline Essentials
When you’re off-grid (which happens a lot), having a few things sorted in advance can save you stress.
- 📶 Download maps and campsite info before you lose signal—CamperMate, Maps.me, and WikiCamps all allow this.
- 📸 Take screenshots of directions, site photos, and important notes just in case.
- 🔋 Carry a power bank or solar charger to keep your phone alive in remote locations.
➡️ Tip: Rural Aotearoa is beautiful but often has no reception. Always have a Plan B ready.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a digital overload to enjoy your road trip—but having the right apps on hand can make the difference between stress and smooth sailing. From finding fuel and freedom camps to scoring a half-price dinner, your phone can be one of your best travel tools.
Download before you hit the road, keep your charger handy, and let these apps help you roam smarter, not harder.
➡️ Next in the Series: Driving a Campervan in Aotearoa-New Zealand – Essential Safety Tips for Visitors
Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu
Despite being small, it is of great value