It’s pretty rare to see a paper map for navigation around New Zealand. These days we get around using apps – and these days there’s one for pretty much anything you need. Liz Dobson takes a look at the apps that make life on the road a bit easier.
Whether we like it or not, smartphones are a part of all our lives. These days we use multiple apps in daily life; be it access to bank accounts, tracking our steps, social media platforms, or monitoring our diets. There are some phenomenal statistics about apps. Research shows that there are 80+ apps installed on the average smartphone, and in June 2022, approximately 90,000 mobile apps were released through the Google Play Store. Don’t worry, you don’t need them all (and they certainly don’t replace your trusty copy of MCD!), but there are a few that are handy to keep on your phone. If you’re not accustomed to using apps, your local phone provider will be able to help you, however for most people, it’s a matter of searching on Google Play or Apple’s App Store.
Day To Day
For everyday use, replace Google Maps with the Apple Maps app, as it updates regularly and gives precise instructions, such as “at the next traffic lights, turn left”. For up to date weather forecasts, download AccuWeather, as it has the most accurate information. For example, it will let you know the minute when rain is expected at your location.
On The Road
Below are some of the best apps for RV owners in New Zealand, and are essential when you head off on your summer road trips.
NZMCA App
A great place to start when you’re looking for somewhere to stay, what’s in your immediate area and more. It’s pretty much a one-stop shop for members, with information on motorhome-friendly towns, journey planners, events, rallies, trails and more. Wherever you are in New Zealand, open the app to find plenty of helpful information on nearby campsites. It has regular traffic updates, information on dump stations, local shops, gas stations, reserves and even laundromat locations. NZMCA members also get some very sharp deals – simply click on their ‘deals’ button to find special offers on everything from campsites, camping equipment and fuel, to spa and adventure experiences and more.
NZ DOC Campsite Finder
This free app lists the more than 250 campsites that are managed by the Department of Conservation and gives you access to some of our most amazing scenery. DOC campsites are perfect for freedom camping and are well managed.
• Campsites are organised by island, region and area.
• You can get directions to each campsite direct from the app.
• Coordinates to campsites are available offline, which is another great feature when you’re struggling for WiFi.
Campable
This is a must-have free app if you are interested in staying somewhere slightly different to the more mainstream camping grounds. This gives you access to places like vineyards, working farms, beaches, privately owned land, pubs and more. Before you book, make sure you read the rules of etiquette for the property, and check that your type of motorhome or campervan is able to pitch up there. It’s a great opportunity to meet locals, and see a very different side to New Zealand.
Campermate
This is another free app that gives you a list of campsites to stay and a map for you to use to get to them. It also offers some good local deals. Benefits include a pet friendly campsite filter, access to a wide range of campsite locations from fancy fully serviced sites to local people’s private land, handy alerts for weather warnings, user feedback and tips about locations and downloadable maps.
Rankers Camping NZ
This official app for camping has reviews of places written by travellers, and camping locations across New Zealand. It’s free and helps you plan your trips before you leave home and once on the road. With full offline capability, it’s a good option for off-grid travel as well as those looking for full-facility camp and holiday parks. The app includes activities and walking tracks, with extensive details including reviews, Māori and colonial history, geology, flora, fauna and more.
Alltrails
A good one for hikers, walkers, runners and bikers, this is a handy app for discovering what’s in your immediate area. It’s an easy app to work; simply put in the level of difficulty, how long (and how high) you want to go, whether you need dog/child/wheelchair access and you’re on your way. It includes options of what you want to see on your route, like waterfalls, flora and fauna, beaches, caves etc,. (it even includes a pub walk!) and you can track the routes you’ve done. Photos are encouraged too, to give other app users the ability to discover the current state of the tracks.
