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Traveling by campervan with kids is a fantastic way to explore New Zealand.
It offers flexibility, adventure, and the comforts of home on wheels.
For families, it can be a memorable way to explore the country, and that’s why we’ve created the following guide, where we will explain all you need to know for a remarkable campervan trip with kids all around New Zealand.
🚐 Explore Family Campervans for Your Trip With TCNZ
A bigger campervan will be needed if you are traveling with one or more kids. You will also need a number of certified seatbelts to travel, not just the space needed to sleep.
It’s a common misunderstanding that the sleeping area in a campervan automatically corresponds to the number of passengers allowed.
This is not the case, and it’s important to be aware of this when planning your trip.
With that said, you should check campervans according to the number of passengers, and here, mid-big campervans or motorhomes come into play.
👉 Check available campervans or motorhomes by using the TCNZ Search Tool.
🎯 It will compare all the available vehicles for your dates, pick-up and drop-off location, and will give you the best price after comparing dozens of rental companies.
🥇 Best Tips for Family Travel By Campervan
Traveling by campervan in New Zealand with your family offers unique adventures for parents and kids. Here are the best tips for making your trip unique:
- Plan Your Itinerary: Plan how many hours you will drive each day and what stops you can include to keep kids entertained and see as much as possible before arriving at your next destination. New Zealand has many gem stops you can enjoy while you travel, like parking spots where you can have lunch or chill for a moment.
- Choose the Right Campervan: When choosing a campervan or motorhome, consider factors such as sleeping arrangements, kitchen facilities, and storage space. Many companies offer family-friendly campervans with amenities like bunk beds and child safety features.
- Be Flexible: Be flexible with your plans. Allow for spontaneous stops or activities along the way. You can do and see plenty of things even in small towns.
- Pack Essentials: Pack light, but remember essentials such as clothing suitable for various weather conditions, including rain gear. Bring camping gear like sleeping bags, cooking utensils, and portable chairs for outdoor activities.
- Be Prepared for Weather: New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for sudden changes. Pack clothing layers, including warm jackets and waterproof gear, even when traveling in the summer months.
- Stay Safe: Understand New Zealand’s road rules and drive safely, especially on winding roads and mountainous terrain. Make sure everyone wears seatbelts and children are appropriately restrained in appropriate car seats.
🗾 Family Friendly Road Trips in New Zealand
There are many family-friendly road trip routes in New Zealand that you can do with kids.
These routes won’t take you many hours of driving, so they will be easy to complete.
Below, we point out the top spots to visit, but for more information, we recommend you check the Kiwilanders New Zealand, where you can find complete details about road trips and much more.
- North Island Highlights: Auckland to Bay of Islands, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Taupo, and Wellington.
- Classic South Island Tour: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier, and Nelson.
- Coromandel Peninsula Loop: Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula, Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, Kauaeranga Valley, and Thames Coast Road.
- Southern Scenic Route: Dunedin to Otago Peninsula, Catlins, Nugget Point Lighthouse, Fiordland National Park, Te Anau or Queenstown.
🏞 Best Campervan Campgrounds to Stay With Kids
When choosing a campground, consider factors such as location, facilities, and activities available for an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Here are some of the best campgrounds where you can stay with kids:
- Top 10 Holiday Parks: These parks are spread throughout New Zealand and offer excellent family facilities, including playgrounds, swimming pools, and communal kitchens. Some popular locations include Taupo, Queenstown, and Rotorua.
- Department of Conservation (DOC) Campsites: The Department of Conservation manages these campsites, which are situated in some of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural settings. Many offer basic facilities but provide an excellent opportunity for families to immerse themselves in nature. Examples include Lake Pukaki Campground and Purakaunui Bay Campsite.
- Family-Friendly Holiday Parks: Many privately owned holiday parks cater specifically to families with children, offering amenities such as jumping pillows, mini-golf, and bike rentals. Look for parks like Lake Taupo’s TOP 10 Holiday Resort, Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park, and Hanmer Springs’ TOP 10 Holiday Park.
- Kiwi Holiday Parks: Kiwi Holiday Parks are a network of independently owned parks that cater to families and offer a range of facilities and activities. Look for parks like Bay of Islands Holiday Park, Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park, and Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park.
- Beachside Campgrounds: New Zealand’s coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, and many campgrounds offer beachfront locations perfect for families. Examples include Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park, Raglan Kopua Holiday Park, and Kaiteriteri Beach Motor Camp.
- Farmstays: For a unique experience, consider staying at a farmstay campground, where kids can interact with animals and experience rural life. Examples include Oamaru Creek Bed & Breakfast Farmstay and Mavora Lakes Park.
- Holiday Parks with Entertainment: Some holiday parks offer entertainment and activities for kids, such as movie nights, talent shows, and arts and crafts sessions. Look for parks like Auckland North Shore Motels & Holiday Park, Picton TOP 10 Holiday Park, and Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park.
🎯 If you plan to go freedom camping, please inform yourself about the laws regarding Self-Contained and freedom camping spots currently available in New Zealand.
