Why explore Nelson & Marlborough by campervan

Travelling in a campervan, especially through beautiful areas like Nelson and Marlborough, turns a simple holiday into a series of unforgettable experiences. It's your adventure, at your pace, surrounded by the comfort and convenience that only campervan travel can offer. With a campervan, you're not tied down. You can linger over a long lunch in a Nelson café or decide to spend an extra day tasting wines in Marlborough because you've fallen in love with the scenery.

The journey itself becomes part of the fun when you're in a campervan. It's about making spontaneous stops at breathtaking lookouts, enjoying your morning coffee in the middle of postcard-perfect views, and finding your own special spot to watch the stars. Stumbled upon a hidden gem in Golden Bay or found a hiking track in Marlborough you’d like to tackle? With a campervan, you have the freedom to explore it as much as you like.

Things to do in Nelson & Marlborough

Nelson and Marlborough are rich with activities and attractions, offering something special for every kind of traveller. For families on holiday, there are endless opportunities for fun, from exploring the sun-drenched beaches of Nelson to the interactive and educational experiences in the region's museums and galleries. Food enthusiasts will revel in the culinary journey through Nelson and Marlborough, from the fresh seafood of the coastal areas to the exquisite flavours of the region's renowned wineries. Whether you're indulging in a leisurely lunch at a vineyard in Marlborough or sampling local artisan produce at a Nelson market, your taste buds are in for a treat. Adventure seekers and nature lovers won't be left wanting either. With activities like kayaking through the Marlborough Sounds or hiking the trails of the Abel Tasman National Park, the great outdoors is your playground. And for those looking to unwind, the charming towns scattered throughout the region offer a peaceful retreat with their unique boutiques, cafes, and galleries.

Alyssa Tresider / Monday, 10 July 2023

/ Categories: NZ blog

How to entertain kids in a camper: Our top tips

Ready to hit the road? Keep your little ones entertained while you're focused on driving with these helpful tips:

Top tips for keeping your kids entertained on the road

Ensure your kids are close to you in the campervan

It's important to have your kids close to you during your drive, not just for safety, but also because it makes the drive much more fun as a family. When they're nearby, you can keep an eye on them and make sure they're safe and sound. Plus, being close together means you can have family time chatting, laughing, and making fun memories on the road.

Play an audiobook

Playing an audiobook is a great way to keep kids entertained (and quiet!) as you drive. It’s a good idea to download a few audiobooks before your trip, especially if you're heading to areas with unreliable mobile coverage.

Pro tip: Choose an audiobook that's related to the place you're visiting or an activity you’ll be doing. It’s a great way to keep them engaged and get them even more excited about the upcoming adventure.

Listen to music

Listening to music is a tried-and-true way to help keep kids entertained during a road trip. Not only does it make the journey more enjoyable, but it also creates a lively and fun atmosphere. From singing along to their favourite tunes to discovering new songs together, music adds an element of fun and togetherness.

Pro tip 1: If they’re old enough, have the kids create their own van travel playlist before you hit the road.

Pro tip 2: If you need a bit of quiet time as you drive, set the kids up with headphones so they can enjoy the music while you stay focused.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Play interactive games

Don’t give the kids a chance to ask, ‘Are we there yet?’ Instead, get them engaged in the journey with some interactive games. Games like ‘I Spy’ or the alphabet game (spot something that starts with ‘A’ etc) can turn the journey into an exciting adventure. You can encourage them to spot landmarks, wildlife, and road signs. These games not only help pass the time in an entertaining way but also encourage observation skills and help create a connection with the environment. Win-win!

Create a road trip map

This one can take a little time and preparation, but it’s worth the effort! Before you hit the road, draw up a map for your kids that roughly outlines your travel route. Highlight different things that they can look for along the way. Some examples could include:

A bridge that you’ll be crossing
The names of different towns
Rest stops that you plan to make
A landmark such as a mountain or famous building
A playground or park

They can tick off each item as they see them. This also helps them see how far along the journey they are.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Top tips for keeping your kids entertained on a rainy day

Don’t let the rain put a dampener on your family camping adventure! Here are some tips on how to keep the whole family busy when the weather isn’t ideal.

Pack a range of entertainment options

It’s a good idea to pack a variety of fun activities for rainy days or quiet time out. Include things like movie downloads, board games, card games, and puzzles to suit your kids' ages and interests. Portable devices like tablets or handheld gaming consoles can be ideal to keep the kids busy when it’s wet outdoors. Don't forget to include some classic activities like colouring books, crayons, and stickers to help unleash their creativity.

Plan a campervan puppet show

Provide the kids with paper and craft materials (and perhaps some old socks if you have them) to make puppets. They can use their imagination to write scripts, make up puppet characters, and put on a show for the family.

Cook up a storm

Embrace the wet weather by getting stuck into some baking. Kids love creating yummy goodies, and a wet day is the perfect excuse for a treat. Afterwards, you can rug up together and enjoy the baking with a movie.

Pro tip: To make it super easy, bring along some packet mixes that just need eggs and milk added.

Hit the movies and museums

Take some time out from the campground and check out what’s showing at the movie theatre. Afterwards, take the kids to explore the local museums. You’ll often find quirky and unique museums in many of New Zealand’s smaller towns.

Pro tip: Check out some of the world’s most amazing museums without leaving the campervan. These cool virtual tours include The Louvre, MOMA, the Boston Children’s Museum, and lots more.

Origami challenge

If your kids are a little older, they might like to learn the art of origami. It can take a bit of practice, but it’s also lots of fun and keeps the kids busy for ages!

Pro tip: Challenge the kids to try their hand at making this paper campervan.

Top tips for keeping your kids entertained at night

Now let's explore some tips for keeping the kids entertained once it starts to get dark.

Help kids create a travel journal or scrapbook

Getting your kids involved in creating a travel journal or scrapbook at night is a fun activity with lots of benefits. Not only does it keep them entertained when the sun goes down, it also gives them a chance to capture their memories from the day’s adventures. This night-time ritual can become a special moment of relaxation, self-expression, and precious family time.

Mingle with other families

One of the great things about staying in holiday parks is that kids (and you!) can make new friends. Spending the evening mingling with other families is not only fun, it’s also a great way to swap travel stories and get tips on what to see and do in the area.

Go stargazing

Whip up some hot chocolate, grab a warm rug, and head outside to look at the stars. If you’re lucky, you might spot a shooting star or satellite cruising across the sky.

Make shadow puppets

Create a puppet stage with a sheet and a flashlight. Kids can use their hands and cut-out shapes to create fun shadow puppet shows. Encourage them to tell stories with their own magical twist.

Glow-in-the-dark treasure hunt

Before it gets dark, hide some glow sticks or glow-in-the-dark items around the campsite or inside your campervan. Then, once it gets dark, let the treasure hunt begin!

Image: Tourism New Zealand

How to prevent your kids from getting car sick

Feeling car sick can really put a dampener on your family road trip. Here are a few tips to help avoid those dreaded words… ‘I feel sick!’

Let some fresh air in: Open a window or use the air conditioning to keep the campervan well-ventilated.
Focus on the road: Encourage kids to concentrate on the road ahead, avoiding activities like reading or looking down for extended periods.
Avoid heavy meals: Opt for lighter meals before hitting the road.
Plan regular stops: Schedule breaks along the way to allow kids to stretch their legs and get some fresh air.
Try ginger: Consider using natural remedies like ginger to help with car sickness. Ginger sweets, ginger ale, or ginger supplements can be helpful in reducing nausea and calming the stomach.

Top tips for a restful night’s sleep

Getting the kids into bed and off to sleep can be a little challenging when you’re travelling. The change in environment and routine can mean it takes a little longer for them to settle and feel sleepy. Here are a few tips to help:

Bring along their favourite blanket and pillow. Don’t forget to pack any teddys or toys that help them sleep.
Although a campervan holiday is all about new experiences, it helps to stick with their usual sleep time routine if possible.
Pack a night light if they are used to having this at home.
If the campground is a little noisy, try using a white noise app on your phone. This can help mask unfamiliar sounds and create a more soothing sleep environment.
Use a portable essential oil diffuser with calming scents like lavender or chamomile to help create a relaxing atmosphere.

Ready for a family campervan trip to remember?

Now that you’ve got some top tips for keeping the kids entertained on your New Zealand campervan road trip, it’s time to make it happen! Book your Apollo campervan online and pick it up from any of our New Zealand branches in Auckland or Christchurch.

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Tags: Apollo Camper Auckland Christchurch Family Outdoor Activities Family Friendly South Island North Island New Zealand Queenstown travel tips

Popular Nelson road trips & itineraries

Nestled at the top of New Zealand's South Island, Nelson and Marlborough are prime starting points for some of the most picturesque road trips in the country. Kicking off from Nelson, you can weave through the scenic drives that unveil the artistic townships, golden beaches, and lush national parks. Heading into Marlborough, the journey continues through rolling vineyards and along the majestic Marlborough Sounds. Whether you're venturing from the urban buzz of the North Island or the rugged landscapes of the South, these regions promise memorable campervan road trip adventures tailored to every interest. Here are a few worth checking out:

Apollo Campervan branches

Christchurch

The drive from Apollo Christchurch to Nelson takes you along some of the South Island’s most scenic coastline. There’s a fair bit to see and do along the way, so be sure to take your time and perhaps plan an overnight stay in Kaikoura.

Queenstown

Keen to make the most of your road trip and explore more of the South Island? Book your camper with our Queenstown branch and spend a few days heading northward taking in some of the great southern highlights along the way.

Auckland

The North Island is packed full of sights and experiences, so why not tick off a few with a road trip from Apollo Auckland to Nelson? This journey includes crossing the Cook Strait by ferry offering the opportunity to travel through the pristine Marlborough Sounds.