TripZillaDreaming of the open road, remote beaches, and glorious weather that Australia and New Zealand have to offer? Then skip the expensive hotels and public transport – opt for a campervan adventure instead! Whether you’re cruising along Queensland’s coastline or winding through the Southern Alps, a campervan adventure gives you total freedom to travel at your own pace.
However, planning a trans-Tasman campervan trip takes some careful planning and consideration. Today, we’ll explore how you can build the ultimate journey across both Australia and New Zealand.
Image credit: Tim Gouw | Pexels
Step 1: Deciding where to start
Australia and New Zealand might be geographically close, but they could not be further apart in terms of size and terrain. Most travellers choose to begin in one country and fly to the other midway through the trip. The most popular approach is to:
- Start in Australia and explore the region that excites you most (Outback, South Coast, etc.)
- Then fly to New Zealand on the second part of your trip, pick up your campervan, and continue the adventure on the North or South Island.
Many people recommend starting in Cairns to make the most of your journey. Doing so lets you drive south along the coast to explore Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.
Kick off your adventure in Queensland’s tropical north with a campervan hire in Cairns, offering instant access to the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and one of Australia’s stunning coastal routes.
Step 2: Mapping out your route
Now that you know where you’re starting, it’s important to plan how to make the most of your experience. Here’s how you could map out your road trip:
In Australia
One glorious thing about Australia is how big it is, but this can also make it difficult to plan a trip. To avoid getting overwhelmed or spending too much time driving between regions, we recommend choosing one region to focus on at a time. The most popular are:
- East Coast: Cairns to Sydney or Melbourne, soaking up the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, and national parks on the way.
- Red Centre: Alice Springs to Uluru and Kings Canyon is an ideal journey with a four-wheel drive.
- South Coast: Adelaide to Melbourne, via the Great Ocean Road and Grampians.
When mapping out your way through Australia, remember to add rest days, fuel stops, and time for spontaneous detours. The driving distances are long, and there’s so much beauty to find, so try to keep your plan as loose and adaptable as possible.
In New Zealand
New Zealand is more compact than Australia. This means that you can comfortably explore either the North or South Island in 2 to 3 weeks. The most popular routes to consider in NZ are:
- North Island: Auckland to Wellington, passing through fan favourite spots like Rotorua, Taupō, and Tongariro National Park.
- South Island: Christchurch to Queenstown, stopping in relaxing destinations such as Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, and Wanaka.
- Full loop: Picton to Milford Sound and back for those who want to tick off all of New Zealand in one go.
To get from the North to the South Islands, ferries run back and forth. Most campervan companies allow inter-island transfers, so there’s no need to think that you wouldn’t be able to explore both islands in one road trip! Hire a campervan in New Zealand and get to exploring on your own terms!
Step 3: Knowing the rules of the road
Driving in Australia and New Zealand is relatively easy for most experienced drivers, but there are some things to keep in mind. These include:
- You need to drive on the left side of the road in both countries
- Seatbelts are mandatory, and child seats are required for young children
- Speed cameras are common, and fines will be issued for speeding
- Animals on the road may be more common in Australia and NZ than at home, so watch out for wildlife when driving
- In remote areas, always check your fuel levels and stock up on supplies
Image credit: Jeffry S.S. | Pexels
Step 4: Deciding between campsites and freedom camping
Both Australia and New Zealand have an excellent mix of places to park your campervan during your road trip, including:
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- Paid campsites and holiday parks: These usually come with your own pitch and power source, with communal showers, kitchens, and WiFi.
- Department of Conservation (DoC) campsites in NZ: These are usually more basic than holiday parks, but they’re also scenic and cheap.
- Free or low-cost camping spots: These are more common in New Zealand than Australia, but they’re still available in rural and inland areas.
Freedom camping is when you park up on public land that isn’t designed as a traditional campground. This gives you the opportunity to camp for free in a more remote or natural setting, but there can also be strict regulations around where you can and can’t park.
Apps like CamperMate and WikiCamps can help you find legal places to park overnight to
avoid fines and trouble.
Step 5: Pack smart
Your campervan is about to become your portable hotel room, so make sure you bring enough with you! Essentials include:
- Lightweight clothing that can be layered, as the weather can change quickly in Australia and NZ
- A portable charger, headlamp, and first aid kit
- Reusable water bottles and shopping bags
- Snacks and staple foods, especially if you’re heading to a more remote location
- Travel adapters if you’re flying internationally
While you want to make sure you have enough of your belongings to keep you going, you also won’t want to weigh your camper down with excess baggage.
Start Your Road Trip Planning Today
A campervan trip through Australia and New Zealand is more than just a holiday – it’s an unforgettable experience and a way to immerse yourself in two of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet. With the right planning, your trans-Tasman road trip will be filled with epic views and memories to last a lifetime. So, choose your campervan for hire and hit the road – decide what comes next later!
