31 Jan 2023
Best Hikes on the North Island
Officer Travels are Leah & Declan a British travel blogger couple who decided to explore New Zealand's North Island in one of our Britz campervans. They picked up the campervan at our Auckland branch with the idea of completing as many walks on the North Island as possible throughout their 5-week hire, and to freedom camp as often as possible. Many people would choose to do both Islands within this time but Leah & Declan wanted to explore every corner of the North. And it seems like it didn’t disappoint! The walks on the North Island vary and there really is something for everyone. Leah said, having a Britz vehicle made the hikes even easier. The layout inside gave them the space to get ready for the day without having to fold away a bed first. Additionally, they also found a second purpose for the toilet space - a drying room for all the clothes after those rainy day walks!
So continue reading to hear all about Officer Travels favourite walks and hikes on the North Island. To read about their experience with Britz check out their blog post here.
31 Jan 2023
New Zealand Campervan Tips
You've probably heard on the grapevine about campervanning in New Zealand. About waking up next to crystal clear lakes and snow-capped mountains, relaxing on pristine beaches, exploring landscapes on some of our great walks and snapping some breathtaking photos.
So, to help you get started on how to campervan in New Zealand, we've collated the best campervan tips from our one million-plus travellers. From trip highlights and customer curated itineraries to help plan your trip, to how to find your perfect campervan and where to stay with it.
31 Jan 2023
Best Trips from Queenstown in Winter
Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown draws visitors from around the world all year round. Its combination of spectacular scenery and awesome South Island activities makes Queenstown especially popular with camper and motorhome travellers. If you’re looking for the best South Island skiing, Queenstown is the place to be. But you don’t have to be a snow bunny to make the most of this region in winter. Queenstown is also the ideal spot to base yourself for a winter road trip to discover more of the great things to do in the South Island.
Grab your coat and beanie and get ready to be inspired as we take a look at some of the best road trips from Queenstown to take in winter.
31 Jan 2023
Northland's West Coast By Camper
When it comes to heading north from Auckland in a campervan, I frequently take a left-hand turn at Bryndrwyn, near the turn-off to Waipu. From there, I savour the journey through the gentle hills and hidden havens of Kaipara Harbour, which offer an abundance of history and off-the-beaten-track adventure.
This region is not completely overlooked by travellers. It forms part of the well-known Twin Coast Discovery Tour, which takes in both the western route and suggests a return journey via the better-known east coast. This is certainly a trip I recommend to any visitors wanting to explore New Zealand’s Northland in a rental campervan.
Of course, it’s easy to see why the coastal towns of the east coast route are so popular, especially in summer, when the turquoise seas and white sands are dramatically contrasted with red flowering pohutukawa trees. But, for me, especially in the transitional seasons of autumn and spring, New Zealand’s Kaipara Region really comes in to its own.
Then, the crowds are thinned and the harbour is often at its tranquil best. This is also a time when the mature trees planted by early settlers, and the white-washed colonial buildings, stand out; luminescent in the softer light against the backdrop of rolling green hills.
18 Jan 2023
Best Things to do in Taupō for the Whole Family
Taupō is a hugely popular destination for families planning a campervan holiday in New Zealand. And, it’s no wonder why visitors flock to this lakeside town every year. Set against the beautiful Lake Taupō, surrounded by ancient forests, alpine deserts, and majestic mountains, Taupō is brimming with adventure and excitement.
7 Nov 2022
Best Day Hikes and Walks in the South Island
New Zealand is the perfect destination for hikers and walkers. You’d be hard-pressed to find another country so small yet so wonderfully diverse. From stunning blue lakes, deep fjords, glaciers, volcanoes, golden-sand beaches, dense forests, majestic mountains and roaring waterfalls, New Zealand’s South Island is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Most of which are best experienced on foot! Much of our unique wilderness can be explored on day hikes (or tramps as we call them). With the different levels of track difficulty across a variety of different landscapes, there really is something for everybody.
26 Oct 2022
10 Top Tips for Summer Campervan Trips
Are you planning a classic Kiwi summer holiday? There’s no better way to enjoy New Zealand than from the front seat of a campervan. So, if you’re looking to experience the best New Zealand has to offer, consider renting a campervan. Van travel gives you the freedom to explore what makes Aotearoa such a bucket-list destination. We’re here to help you have a successful summer campervan trip around New Zealand. In this guide, we’re listing our top tips for a campervan holiday in New Zealand.
18 Aug 2022
Best things to do in Dunedin with kids
Planning a campervan holiday in Dunedin with the whole family and wondering how to spend your days? Look no further! We’ve put together this helpful guide to make your travel planning easier.
17 Aug 2022
8 First-time Campervan Rental Mistakes To Avoid
Travelling by campervan is the ultimate way to travel. Whether you prefer relaxing on a beach with a good book or bungy jumping off a bridge, you can create the perfect campervan holiday for you.
15 Aug 2022
Top Tops For Safe Sleeping in a Campervan
A campervan holiday in New Zealand is at the top of the bucket list for many travellers. With endless opportunities for adventure and exploration, travelling by campervan gives you the freedom to see and do it all at your own pace. Stay longer in the places you love and move on to the next spot when you’ve had enough. And if you’re feeling tired on your travels? No problem, pull into one of New Zealand’s great campgrounds or freedom camping spots and enjoy a restful sleep.