When you’re travelling around Aotearoa – New Zealand by campervan, some of the best guidance won’t come from a guidebook—it’ll come from the locals. After years exploring in our van and working in campgrounds across the motu (island) we’ve gathered golden nuggets of advice from friendly Kiwis in small towns, at fuel stops, on hikes, and even over the odd beer at the local.
These tips are more than just helpful—they’re the kind of insights that make your trip smoother, more affordable, and full of the unexpected joys that come from travelling the Kiwi way.
Table of Contents
Top Advice We’ve Heard on the Road
Some of the best lessons come from experience—or from those who’ve lived on the land for generations.
- 🛑 Trust local warnings: If a farmer or fuel station owner says a gravel road isn’t suitable for campervans—believe them. They know.
- 🍻 Pop into the local pub or servo: You’ll find plenty of friendly advice about good fishing spots, quiet campsites, or detours worth taking.
- 🚐 Park like a Kiwi: Be tidy, don’t block the view, and give a friendly wave to your neighbour.
➡️ Tip: Locals appreciate respectful travellers. A bit of courtesy can open the door to conversations, recommendations—and the odd freebie!
Budget-Saving Hacks
Travelling by campervan can be budget-friendly if you play it smart—and locals know all the tricks.
- 🆓 Freedom camp in legal zones to save on accommodation
- 🛢️ Fuel up at Gull or Waitomo—these stations often have the best prices
- 🧾 Shop at Pak’nSave or New World to earn fuel discount vouchers
- 🥬 Buy fresh produce from honesty boxes along country roads
- 📱 Use apps like GrabOne and First Table for half-price dining and activity deals
➡️ Pro Tip: Locals don’t sugar-coat things. If something’s a rip-off, they’ll tell you straight. That honesty is one of the best parts of travelling here.
Hidden Gems Locals Love
These are the places you won’t always find in brochures—but ask a local, and their eyes will light up.
- 🌿 Lake Rotokare – Taranaki: A predator-free sanctuary with native birdlife and peaceful vibes
- 🚴♀️ Roxburgh Clutha Gold Trail – Otago: Cycle through scenic gorges and charming heritage towns
- 🌳 Waipoua Forest – Northland: Visit Tāne Mahuta, the largest living kauri tree, and soak in the ancient forest energy
- 🛶 Ōkārito Lagoon – West Coast: Kayak through untouched wetlands teeming with birds and silence
➡️ Tip: Locals will often suggest lesser-known side roads or tracks that don’t appear on maps—take them!
Safety & Weather Wisdom
Aotearoa’s landscapes are dramatic—and so is its weather. Local advice often comes with a side of caution.
- 🌦️ Weather changes fast, especially in the South Island’s mountains. Always check the forecast before you leave camp.
- 🗺️ Don’t rely on GPS alone. CamperMate and Rankers NZ often show road hazards and closures faster than your sat nav.
- 💤 Avoid long drives after tough hikes. Fatigue is a major cause of accidents—take breaks or stay an extra night.
- 🌊 Flooding happens. Remote areas like the West Coast or Fiordland can become cut off. Carry extra food, fuel, and water.
➡️ Helpful Tool: CamperMate + NZTA Traffic Updates = safer travels
Helpful Kiwi Hospitality
If there’s one thing Kiwis are known for, it’s being friendly, practical, and quietly generous.
- 🚿 Many towns provide free dump stations, water refills, and even Wi-Fi to support van travellers
- 👋 Rural drivers often wave as you pass—don’t forget to wave back!
- 🆘 If you’re lost or stuck, ask for help—there’s a good chance someone will stop to lend a hand
➡️ Tip: Patience, kindness, and respect go a long way in small communities. That goodwill gets passed on.
Final Thoughts
Campervanning through Aotearoa isn’t just about the roads you take—it’s about the people you meet along the way. Listening to locals can change your route, save you money, or lead to an unforgettable experience you’d never have planned.
So smile, ask questions, wave often, and follow the local rhythm. You’ll come away with more than just beautiful views—you’ll have real stories to tell.
➡️ Next in the Series: How to Manage Waste & Water while on the Road in Aotearoa – New Zealand
Inā kei te mōhio koe ko wai koe, i anga mai koe i hea, ka mōhio koe kei te anga atu koe ki hea
If you know who you are and where you are from, then you will know where you are going