Kirianna and Lachlan Poole have built a successful life on the road, travelling the length of New Zealand, Australia and even Japan in their van – with three kids in tow! We get some expert advice on what different campsites in Aotearoa offer to set you up for your summertime adventures.

Department of Conservation Campsites

DOC runs campsites around the country, divided into tiers with various levels of facilities. These campsites provide access to New Zealand’s national parks and other areas of stunning natural scenery. Check their website for maps and booking information. The DOC website is a source of information for park camping, and is frequently updated with the latest on access, closures and other useful information.

Serviced Campsites

Serviced campsites offer amenities such as flush toilets, treated/untreated tap water, cooking benches, hot showers and rubbish collection. Remember to boil untreated water before drinking. Many serviced campsites also offer additional amenities such as laundry, barbecues, fireplaces, cookers and picnic tables.

Standard Campsites

Expect basic amenities such as toilets, vehicle or boat access, and untreated tap water or other sources of water. In order to maintain cleanliness and health, campers must bring their own soap for hand washing. It is also essential to boil any untreated water supply before use or consumption to ensure safety. Some campsites may offer additional facilities such as cold showers, wood barbecues and fireplaces, picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins. The range of available facilities and services varies, so check beforehand what a particular campsite offers.

Basic Campsites

Camping at a basic site is a great way to enjoy nature, but this free option does, however, come with the responsibility of being self-sufficient. Some sites may have limited facilities, and it’s recommended to boil untreated water before use.

DOC Campsite Pass

A 30- or 365-night Campsite Pass gives you access to DOC campsites all around New Zealand, some of which can be booked on the DOC website or at a DOC visitor centre. Having a Campsite Pass is not a guarantee of a site, and booking may be required, along with registration of arrival.

Must-Have Apps

Thanks to advances in technology, there are now some great apps that can enhance your road trip experience. These can help you plan your route, locate the best fuel prices, discover exciting places to stop along the way, and even help you find a place to stay for the night.

Café Finder by Allpress
As travellers and parents, we rely on coffee to keep us going. We’re always on the lookout for Allpress in particular, and I’m proud to say that it’s Kiwi-made. The Allpress app easily pinpoints cafés that serve their coffee, making it easy for us to get our fix on the go.

Gaspy
Use this to help you find the cheapest fuel in your area. This app can really help you save money on gas and keep your road trip budget in check.

Go Penny
A convenient booking and payment system that provides access to designated campsites and facilities across New Zealand. It is accepted by selected DOC campsites, too. With Go Penny, you can top up your personal balance for the facilities you need, including drive-in facilities, laundry, dishwashing, power points, toilets and showers. These campsites are open to all travellers, regardless of the type of vehicle or camping style.

Z App
Z App is pretty clever! Use your pre-set details to pay for fuel using your number plate, stack your Pumped discounts, and pay with Sharetank. Sharetank allows you to pre-buy fuel at the best price, search prices in a 30 km radius and use the fuel at that price when you are ready.

Tripcoin
This travel-budget planning app is designed to help you manage your finances on the road. With daily graphs and real-time conversion rates, you can keep track of your spending and plan your budget accordingly.

Roady
This app can help you discover exciting attractions, scenic routes and hidden gems along the way, drawing on the advice of expert travellers.

 

Extracted from The Slow Road by Kirianna and Lachlan Poole.  Photography by Lachlan Poole.
Published by Allen & Unwin NZ. RRP $49.99.

Want to see more from Kirianna and Lachlan? Keep an eye out for our story with them and what life on the road is all about in our Dec/Jan issue, on sale 25 November 2024.