Ah, New Zealand. The land of towering mountains, endless beaches, and more sheep than people. You’ve just stepped off the plane. Likely a little bleary-eyed, maybe slightly resembling a zombie from the long flight, but the adventure starts now!

The Exciting Kick-Off: Meeting the Rent-A-Tent Crew
After collecting your rental car (hopefully the steering wheel surprise wasn’t too shocking), your next stop is to meet the friendly Rent-A-Tent team. They’re the unsung heroes who turn your road trip dream into reality, complete with everything you need to sleep under the stars without having to buy half a camping store.

The handover is as smooth as a Kiwi flat white. The crew will show you all the gear, from the tent-pitch instructions that actually make sense to the comfy mattresses that’ll have you sleeping better than at home. They’ll explain how it all works, toss in some golden camping tips, and probably have a laugh or two with you. Because these folks genuinely love camping as much as you’re about to.

Once your car is packed with your perfectly organised (okay, semi-organised) personal backpack and our camping kit, it’s time for one of the most important parts of any New Zealand adventure: food.

Groceries, From the Essentials to the Camping-Must-Have Goodies
Before you hit the open road, stock up on supplies. New Zealand supermarkets are an adventure of their own, and you’ll quickly learn that every Kiwi has strong opinions on where to shop.

Pak’nSave is your best bet if you’re budget-conscious (and who isn’t, after a flight?). It’s bright yellow, it’s big, and it’s gloriously cheap.

New World and Woolworths (yep, same one from Australia, so call it Woolies) have a wider selection, perfect if you fancy a few luxuries or just want to find that specific brand of hummus you like. Some typical NZ snacks should also be thrown into your basket: Anzac Biscuits, Pascall Pineapple Lumps, Whittaker's Chocolate, and a bottle of L&P.

Once you’re out of the big cities, don’t panic, you’ll spot plenty of Four Squares and Dairies (that’s Kiwi for a corner shop). They’ve got the essentials, but be warned: the further you go, the more your instant noodles might start feeling like a luxury item.

And of course, don’t forget the liquor store. After your first night setting up the tent, you’ll deserve a celebratory local beer or bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, purely for hydration purposes, of course.

First Campsites: Where to Go for Your First Night(s)
You’ve got your gear, your snacks, and your playlist ready. Now where to pitch that tent? Here are a few great spots to ease into your New Zealand adventure, many of which the team of Rent-A-Tent has been to as well:

Around Auckland

Ambury Park Campground – Just 15 minutes from the airport, but you’ll feel miles away from city life. Some sheep, goats, chickens, open fields, and that fresh air make it the perfect spot to recover from jet lag and stretch your legs.
Link: Ambury park campground - Auckland

Orewa Beach Holiday Park – If you’re dreaming of sunrise walks on golden sands and maybe heading north later on, this is a great stop for your first night.
Link: Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park

Piha or Muriwai Campgrounds – Welcome to the wild West Coast! Think dramatic black sand beaches, epic surf, great hike in the Waitakere Ranges and a Gannet colony that’s both noisy and amazing. It’s nature with attitude, you and your camera will love it.
Link: Piha Beach Campground accommodation | Piha, Auckland, New Zealand
Link: Muriwai Beach Campground - Powered & Unpowered Sites, Cabins West of Auckland

Around Christchurch

Woodend Beach Holiday Park – A great option if you’re heading north. Peaceful, spacious, and close enough to the ocean for those morning walks that make you forget you were ever jet-lagged.
Link: Woodend Beach Holiday Park, Kaiapoi Accommodation

Pigeon Bay or Little River Campground – Nestled in the rolling hills of Banks Peninsula, both are scenic and full of that small-town charm. Perfect for easing into the South Island rhythm: slow, scenic, and seriously relaxing.
Link: Pigeon Bay Camping Ground [Official Site] - Book online
Link: Little River Campground | Camping the kiwi way

For even more great campsite ideas (including the more remote DOC sites), check out the Department of Conservation’s campsite directory. It’s basically the treasure map to all the best camping spots in the country.
Link: Stay at a campsite: Places to stay

Also check our Get Inspired page for even more tips on campsites and suggested routes!
Link: Get Inspired | Rent-A-Tent

The Adventure Awaits!
By now, you’ve got everything you need: a car full of gear, a belly full of snacks, and a heart full of anticipation. Whether you’re watching your first Kiwi sunset, brewing coffee by the beach, or wondering how you managed to fit all that gear back in the car, one thing’s certain, your New Zealand adventure has officially begun.

And remember, when you rent with Rent-A-Tent, you’re not just getting gear. You’re getting a head start on the best road trip of your life.

So go on, pitch that tent, pop that cork, and let the adventure unfold.