- Check your tyre pressures \u2013 if you\u2019re carrying a heavier load, like several people and luggage, then you\u2019ll need to inflate your tyres 3-4 psi higher than usual. You\u2019ll find a plate on your car which is normally located either inside the fuel cap or on the door pillar. While you\u2019re checking the pressure, check the tread depth, too. 1.5mm is the legal minimum depth, but anything below 3mm has significantly less grip in wet weather. Before you load the car, check the spare wheel, too, as it’ll be difficult to get to it once the car is loaded<\/li>
- Your car should have an emergency kit with a torch plus reflective triangle<\/a>, hi-vis jacket and a jack. A first aid kit is a good idea, particularly if you are going camping. If you\u2019re driving an older car then you could take some tools, but most modern cars are both unlikely to break down and very difficult to work on without specialist equipment if they do.<\/li>
- Check the fluids: oil, washer bottle, brake fluid<\/li>
- An old towel \u2013 something you can clean dirty shoes with<\/li>
- If you\u2019re heading somewhere with snow or high altitude then you\u2019ll need blankets and a folding shovel<\/li>
- If you’re heading somewhere it’s hot, a reflective windscreen shade is crucial<\/li>
- Cargo barrier \u2013 if you\u2019re having to load your car up above the level of the seats in a hatchback or station wagon, it\u2019s important you have a cargo barrier to protect your passengers if you have to brake hard. Anything that\u2019s above the level of the back seats will be propelled forward and into the back of the passengers\u2019 heads if it\u2019s not restrained. Luggage straps can help, too, if you have tether points in your boot<\/li>
- Check your WoF and registration won\u2019t expire while you are away \u2013 you don\u2019t want to be picking up a fine as you go on holiday.<\/li>
- Check your lights<\/li>
- Fill up with fuel.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Passenger and driver comfort<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- Pillows \u2013 essential for staying comfortable on a long trip<\/li>
- Audio \u2013 load up your phone or media player with songs and\/or podcasts<\/li>
- Books and magazine \u2013 make sure you have enough reading material<\/li>
- Toys and puzzles \u2013 if you\u2019re road tripping with kids, keeping them occupied will help you maintain your sanity.<\/li>
- Tissues and wet wipes \u2013 useful in many circumstances, especially if you\u2019re taking kids.<\/li>
- A couple of plastic bags for rubbish, wet shoes, etc<\/li>
- Smartphones and tablets<\/li>
- USB cables for charging devices<\/li>
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (avoid getting one arm tanned while the other stays lily white)<\/li>
- Motion sickness pills<\/li>
- Pen and notepad<\/li>
- Snacks \u2013 tempting as it is to pack sugary food, it\u2019s actually better when travelling to eat healthier snacks, especially for the driver. You\u2019ll need some easy-to-access snacks, plus you can take a chilly bin for picnic stops and rest breaks that contains more substantial food. You could also take cooking apparatus such as a portable stove<\/li>
- Camera \u2013 you probably come across interesting things on the way, so having a camera ready will allow you to capture these without rummaging through your entire luggage<\/li>
- Cash \u2013 a bit of cash is convenient for purchases at roadside stalls and for paying parking<\/li>
- A written list of your destinations in case your GPS fails or you can’t get signal on your phone<\/li>
- Binoculars \u2013 good for spotting birds and other things<\/li>
- Drinks \u2013 water is best for hydration, but whatever you prefer (drinking something is better than drinking nothing, as long as you\u2019re not drinking alcohol). Driving dehydrated is like driving drunk<\/a>.<\/li>
- Multi-function knife and some cutlery and plastic plates<\/li>
- If you’re taking your pets, remember not to leave them in the car<\/a>, even if it’s overcast, as it can get very hot inside a vehicle<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Make](\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/campervan-at-lake-600x437.jpg\")
Make sure you have everything you need for an awesome trip<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Stops and rest breaks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- Have a good idea of where you will stop for breaks or sightseeing, particularly if you will be deviating slightly from your main route.<\/li>
- Have printouts with details of your destinations, including phone numbers so you can call ahead if you get lost<\/li>
- If you have a separate one-night stop before you reach your final destination, pack an overnight bag so that you don\u2019t have to unload the whole car to go to your accommodation. Remember, though, don\u2019t leave your car fully packed if you don\u2019t think you can park it securely overnight<\/li>
- If you\u2019re planning a substantial rest break then you might want to take folding chairs and a picnic table (it depends on how much room you have). If you\u2019re camping then you may have other equipment you need, too<\/li>
- It\u2019s good to share the driving if possible<\/li>
- Take a break every two or three hours of at least 10 minutes. If you feel tired, swap drivers. If everyone is tired then have a powernap of no more than 20 minutes then wait 10 minutes after you wake up to shed the grogginess<\/li>
- Ferry tickets if you’re crossing Cook Strait<\/li>
- If you’re taking an electric vehicle, know where your charging points are and expect that there could be holiday congestion at charging stations. There are apps such as ChargeNet and PlugShare.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Leaving your house<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- Of course, you’ll also need all your other regular luggage if you are staying somewhere overnight<\/li>
- Make sure it still looks like someone is at home, if possible (you can purchase a timer that turns a lamp on and off at random times)<\/li>
- Arrange with a neighbour to clear the mailbox if you\u2019ll be away more than a few days<\/li>
- Turn off unnecessary power switches<\/li>
- Set your alarm, lock everything up (including your shed and garage) and start your great Kiwi road trip!<\/li>
- Make sure you have your driver licence with you, plus any details of breakdown services you belong to.<\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
If you\u2019re heading out on a road trip through New Zealand\u2019s awesome countryside, there are some things you should remember to check and remember to take. Preparing the car Check your tyre pressures \u2013 if you\u2019re carrying a heavier load,…<\/span><\/p>\n