Everything You Need to Know for Your First Campervan Trip
About to head off on a roadie?
If you’re on this page, chances are you’ve never been on a campervan trip before.
We couldn’t be more excited for you!
Whenever you’re trying something new, it’s hard to know what to expect. To make it easier for you, our team at Mojo Campers have compiled a list of all the knowledge you need.
Be prepared for everyday practicalities so that your campervan trip is the adventure of a lifetime.
Where will you go?
New Zealand, while small, is a country packed with a wide variety of geographical landscapes and weather patterns. A trip around Fiordland in the wintertime is worlds apart from driving up to Cape Reinga in January. In our country, you’ll find magic and wonder no matter where you go or when!
The great thing about campervan trips is that you don’t have to have a strict travel schedule. If you trust your gut, you’ll make it to your must-see places and find a world of hidden gems along the way.
All the planning we recommend is to know where you’re going to camp for the night that morning. Try an app like Rankers to find the best spots. Aim to get to the campground at least an hour before sunset. That way, you’ll find the best parking spot and have enough time to cook dinner while it’s light.
Hints for your overnight stay: park your campervan a fair distance from the toilets. It’s worth the extra walk to avoid the smell when you’re trying to chill out. Also, keep your door shut at night so mosquitos can’t get in.
It’s super important to keep your safety at the forefront. Many places around the country will take you “off the grid” - so even if you’re winging it, make sure you have an idea of where you’re heading and that someone knows where you are.
Plus, a hint for anyone going to the South Island: be aware that the roads are different. Take your time on the corners, be extra careful when it’s wet, and don’t drive on black ice!
What to pack?
It may seem like a dreaded question, but packing for a campervan trip is easy. When you’re living the pared-back van life, you don’t need much! If you’re travelling with Mojo Campers, we’ve already sorted all the essential high-quality equipment for you.
Even if you’re travelling in the summer, be prepared for cold nights. To save space and stress, pack enough to last a week without visiting a laundromat or supermarket. Here’s a list of items you won’t want to leave behind:
Warm jacket
Thermals
T-shirts
Shorts
Hiking boots
Sandals
Comfy pants
Toothbrush and eco-friendly toothpaste
Snacks
Groceries
Natural sunscreen
Insect repellant
A book, chessboard, art supplies, and/or crossword puzzles
When you get on the road, make sure everything is packed and sealed in a safe place. There’s no comparison to the heartbreak of your fridge door flying open and your kombucha spilling everywhere.
Hot tip: eating vegetarian or vegan food is far cheaper and lasts longer in your storage.
Saving water
If you haven’t done much camping, you might be shocked to see how quickly you go through water. You can top up your tank at many campsites. It’s good to be aware that freedom camping and DOC spots don’t have drinkable water.
Our Mojo Sleepervans come with 25L fresh and grey water tanks. If you want to save yourself the hassle of boiling or treating water every time you need to refill your bottle, try some of our water-savvy tricks. The skills you pick up saving water on your van trip are handy as, and you’ll be so eco-friendly when you get home!
You only need about a cup of water in the sink to wash your dishes. Rinse extra scraps off with as little water as possible. If you’ve cooked pasta, you can re-use the hot carby water for dishwashing! (Yes, it is hygienic.)
Cut down your shower time or, if you’re up for it, cut out showers altogether! You can wash the human smell off you in a lake or river. Don’t use soap if you’re trying this, though; it mixes poorly with our waterways. New Zealand’s natural freshwater is a pretty effective cleaner, and the world won’t end if your hair is a little oily.
Don’t skimp on how much water you drink. With two people drinking two litres of water a day, you’ll only need to top up your tank every four or five days. If you struggle to follow our washing tips, you will need to refill your tank every day or two.
Lifetime Memories
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be prepared for all the van life practicalities you might not have thought of. Saving yourself from everyday dramas will free you up to enjoy your time on your campervan adventure. It’s a truly incredible experience that will give you lifelong memories.