15 clever items to take on your next camping trip
Is there a better country in the world to go camping? New Zealand is an ideal spot for a camping holiday with the family, whether that’s in a tent, a campervan or towing a caravan. We have outstanding campgrounds, stunning beaches, and the weather is… well, it’s usually warm, even if it rains!
Checkout our list of 15 items, including a bottle of Rockgas LPG! – that will help you have the best possible camping experience this summer.
- Head lamps. Not only excellent for getting to the bathroom at night, you can also attach them to a bike or hang them inside your tent or campervan.
- Portable shade. A pop-up gazebo or canopy is an affordable, lightweight way to keep you cool and dry, and give you a temporary dining/entertaining area. Experienced campers often have a few of these, which link together, giving you more options for extra ‘rooms’.
- String lights. String these up to help you navigate in the dark and prevent falls. Solar-powered lights will recharge during the day.
- A bucket. Incredibly versatile. For example, useful for carrying toiletries to the campground bathroom. Or put it next to your tent or caravan, filled with water for washing sand and dirt off your feet before you go in. Then the kids can take it to the beach to make sandcastles.
- Duct tape. An absolute powerhouse of an item that fixes almost anything. Duct tape patches holes, protects blisters, catches bugs, removes splinters, stops leaks, repair shoes, the list goes on.
- A first aid kit. Don’t leave home without it. Outdoor shops sell first aid kits that are well suited to the Kiwi lifestyle – a waterproof one might be handy if you’re taking any kayaking trips.
- Charging pack. You can buy a power bank reasonably cheaply and it will help you keep your devices running. If you have battery-powered tools at home, you can buy a USB adaptor which turns those batteries into power packs, too. A solar pack is a great option for powering smaller devices.
- Rope and pegs. Handy for drying out laundry, towels, wetsuits and more.
- Ear plugs. You never quite know how noisy the local wildlife will be, and that includes your campground neighbours. Earplugs are tiny, light, and assure a good nights sleep.
- Eye mask. It can get light very early during summer, so extend your sleep with an eye mask.
- Insect repellent. Don’t let the bug life ruin your holiday – always pack a strong, effective insect repellent.
- A pack of cards. Compact and classic, there’s an almost endless number of games available when you have a pack of cards. Get the kids to collect seashells to use as poker ‘chips’ – hours of fun.
- Plenty of sunscreen. New Zealand’s sun is unforgiving, so the whole family needs to slip, slop, slap even on overcast days. Apply liberally, apply early, and reapply often, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
- A camping fan. Super handy for circulating air through your accommodation, particularly on hot nights when you’re struggling to sleep.
- Bottled LPG. Don’t forget to refill your bottled LPG if you’re heading off in your campervan or caravan this summer. Rockgas refills are available across Aotearoa – find your nearest Rockgas outlet here.
Don’t forget to test all your gear at home before you leave, especially your battery and recharging options. And if you’re still thinking about which campsite to visit, check out our list of five top-rated campgrounds.