The Apps That'll Make Your Travels a Breeze

When you're traveling around New Zealand, especially in a campervan, having the right apps is a game-changer. From finding the best campsites to scoring sweet discounts on activities, trust me, open that app store now!

1. WikiCamps NZ

   WikiCamps is my personal go-to for finding campsites. I was already used to the Australian version, so switching to the NZ one was a breeze. This app shows you everything, freedom campsites, DOC (Department of Conservation) campgrounds, holiday parks, and even dump stations. It also highlights things like toilets, showers, laundromats, and water fill stations. It’s honestly how I survive on the road, haha.

   You can customize it to show free or paid spots, and it’s full of reviews from fellow travelers. Each spot has a rating, and you can see if it’s safe, scenic, or better to skip. I personally won’t stay anywhere with less than 3 stars. The only downside is if you're not in a self-contained vehicle, it can be tricky to find campsites that allow non-self-contained vans. For that, I recommend CamperMate. WikiCamps costs $7.99 as a one-time purchase, and you can download maps to use offline if you lose reception.

2. CamperMate
   CamperMate is another essential app for finding campsites, public toilets, showers, fuel stations, and even WiFi spots. It’s awesome for road trips and gets constantly updated by users. You can search specifically for DOC campsites (that's what I use this app for) and filter by whether they allow self-contained or non-self-contained vehicles. Plus, it’s totally free.

3. Maps.me

   For offline maps, Maps.me is a lifesaver, especially when you’re in remote areas with no reception. Download maps ahead of time, and you can navigate without needing internet. And it’s free, which is always a win.

1. BookMe

   If you want to save money on activities, BookMe is your friend. This app offers discounts on tours, attractions, and activities all over New Zealand. If you’re flexible with your plans, you can score some seriously good deals. I never book anything before checking BookMe first to see if there’s a better price.

2. Gaspy

   Fuel prices in New Zealand can be wild and they vary a ton from town to town. Gaspy helps you find the cheapest fuel nearby, which is a total lifesaver when you’re driving long distances and trying to stick to a budget.

1. MetService
   The weather here can change so fast, especially in alpine areas. MetService is my top choice for checking forecasts, rain radars, and severe weather warnings so I can plan ahead.

2. DOC (Department of Conservation) App
   If you love hiking, this app is gold. It lists all the official walking tracks, national parks, and campsites managed by DOC, so you can easily find hikes and nature spots.
   

3. Go-Penny
   Some campgrounds and facilities require a KiwiCash key to access showers, power, and dump stations. The Go-Penny app helps you top up your KiwiCash card, find locations that use the system, and manage your balance.

4. AllTrails
   For anyone into hiking, AllTrails is my favourite hiking app. It’s full of reviews, maps, and photos of trails, plus details on difficulty levels, distance, and elevation. Whether you’re after an easy stroll or a more challenging hike, this app has your back.

1. Google Maps
   Pretty obvious, but totally essential. Google Maps helps you with navigation, finding nearby attractions, and live traffic updates. Download offline maps before you head out so you’re still good to go in remote areas.

1. Google Translate
   While English is the main language, you’ll come across a lot of Māori place names and words. Google Translate is perfect for pronunciation and translations, so you can get a deeper feel for the culture.

1. Rexby

   Had to sneak this one in ahaha. You can download my Rexby guides and have them ready to go for all your adventures... shameless plug!

Having these apps on your phone will make your New Zealand adventure so much smoother. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, finding the best camp spots, or just trying to score the cheapest fuel, these apps have you covered. Safe travels xx