How I survived (and thrived) taking my teenagers on a campervan holiday
Travelling with teenagers on a family campervan trip might sound like a recipe for disaster – but as it turns out, it was one of the best decisions we’ve made as a family. My husband, Shane, and I knew we wanted to explore more of New Zealand – but getting Max (15) and Sophie (13) on board was another story. The promise of Wi-Fi and plenty of snack stops helped, but what really won them over was the freedom to help plan the trip.
We had our fair share of debates – how many pairs of shoes does one teenager need? – but once we hit the road, something shifted. The usual eye rolls gave way to real conversations, and our campsite dinners became the highlight of each day. There were a few hiccups along the way (turns out reversing a campervan is not my strong suit) – but by the end, we weren’t just surviving, we were actually enjoying it.
Here’s how we made it work…
Planning the trip to keep teenagers engaged
Planning a family campervan trip with teenagers is a delicate balance – too much structure and they’ll complain, too little and they’ll claim they’re bored. Shane and I knew that if we wanted Max and Sophie to stay engaged (and off their phones for more than five minutes), we had to get them involved from the start.
So, we handed them the reins (within reason). They each got to suggest places to visit and things to do, which meant our travel itinerary had a bit of everything – outdoor activities, beach stops, good food, and time to just relax. Some choices were obvious, like exploring national parks, while others surprised us – who knew they’d both be keen to check out a historic gold mining town?
We planned a few key stops but left room for detours – like an unplanned swim in a lake or a random roadside café that looked too good to pass up. Apollo’s travel itineraries and blogs were a huge help in mapping out routes and finding stops that suited everyone.
If you’re travelling with teens, my advice is simple – let them have a say. They’re way more likely to enjoy the trip when they’ve had a hand in planning it. And if all else fails, promise them good Wi-Fi and plenty of snacks.
Why campervan travel is surprisingly budget-friendly
Travelling with teenagers can get expensive fast, but a campervan made it much easier to keep costs under control. Accommodation was one of the biggest savings – holiday parks were far cheaper than hotels, and freedom camping in designated spots meant some nights didn’t cost a cent.
Activities were another area where we saved without missing out. Some of our favourite experiences – hiking to waterfalls, swimming in lakes, exploring small towns – were completely free. Instead of booking expensive tours every day, we chose one or two paid activities we really wanted to do and balanced them with all the incredible things New Zealand has to offer at no cost.
Planning ahead also helped. Knowing where the more affordable family-friendly campsites were, keeping an eye on fuel prices, and avoiding last-minute detours meant we got the most out of the trip without blowing the budget.
Money-saving tips:
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Prioritise free activities – Some of the best experiences in New Zealand don’t cost a thing. National parks, beaches, and scenic walks are not only budget-friendly but often end up being the highlights of the trip.
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Book any must-do tours or activities in advance – If there’s an activity you know your family will love, booking ahead can save money and avoid disappointment. Popular attractions, like boat tours or cultural experiences, often have early-bird discounts.
Finding campsites with activities teens love
Not all campsites are created equal – especially when you’re travelling with teenagers. For us, the key was finding spots that had more to offer than just a place to park. Pools, hiking trails, games rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and easy access to nearby towns made all the difference in keeping Max and Sophie happy (and, let’s be honest, us too).
Hanmer Springs was an easy win – natural hot pools, forest walks, and plenty of places to grab a treat after a soak. Tongariro National Park was another favourite, with hiking trails ranging from quick walks to full-day adventures. And when we needed a break from nature, staying near a town meant the teens could explore while we enjoyed a quiet moment with a good coffee.
If you’re looking for campsites that tick all the boxes, Apollo’s guide to family-friendly campsites is a great place to start. A little planning goes a long way – because a happy campsite means a happy trip.
My packing essentials for teens
Packing for a campervan trip with teenagers isn’t just about clothes and toiletries – it’s about survival. A well-stocked camper can mean the difference between a smooth trip and a full-scale meltdown over a forgotten charger.
Snacks are non-negotiable. A mix of healthy options and the occasional treat kept everyone happy between stops. Entertainment was another big one – headphones, power banks, and downloaded playlists or shows meant we could all enjoy some downtime without arguments over the music.
Space can be a challenge in a campervan, so we made sure everyone had a designated spot for their stuff. Travel journals and audiobooks were also a great way to keep them engaged without screens – though I won’t pretend they ditched their phones entirely.
If you’re wondering what else to pack, Apollo’s handy ‘what to pack’ guide covers all the essentials.
Keeping meals simple (but still enjoyable)
Feeding two teenagers on the road was something I knew we had to get right. Eating out for every meal wasn’t an option, but I also didn’t want to spend hours cooking. The trick? Keeping things simple.
We stuck to easy, one-pan meals like stir-fries, wraps, and pasta – things that didn’t require a long list of ingredients or too much clean-up. Breakfast was quick and fuss-free, and having a steady supply of snacks meant fewer emergency food stops. We also made the most of local markets and roadside stalls, which gave us fresh ingredients and added a bit of variety.
The occasional café stop was still part of the plan – mostly for the teens, but also because sometimes it’s nice to let someone else do the cooking. A mix of home-cooked meals in the campervan and eating out kept things easy, affordable, and enjoyable.
Meal tips for the road:
Balancing family time and teen independence
Travelling in a campervan means spending a lot of time together – which can be great, but as any parent knows, teenagers also need their space. We quickly learned that a good trip wasn’t about doing everything as a family, but about finding the right balance between time together and time apart.
At campgrounds, we gave Max and Sophie the freedom to explore on their own – whether that meant checking out the games room, going for a short walk, or just chilling out in the camper or sitting outside with their headphones on. Having that independence made a huge difference in their mood (and ours).
That said, some of our best moments were the ones we shared. Cooking dinner together, playing cards after dark, or just sitting outside and watching the stars – those were the times when we actually connected, without forcing it. The key was keeping things flexible. Some nights we ate together, other nights they wanted to do their own thing – and that was fine too.
If there’s one thing I’d say to other parents, it’s this – don’t take it personally when they want space. Give them room to recharge, and they’ll be much more present when it counts.
Memorable moments
No family road trip goes exactly to plan – and ours was no exception. Looking back, the moments we laugh about now are the ones that felt like disasters at the time.
Take the night we arrived at a remote campsite just as the heavens opened. Setting up in the dark, in the rain, with two grumpy teenagers who insisted it was “literally the worst trip ever” was not our finest moment. But an hour later, dry inside the campervan, eating instant noodles and listening to the rain on the roof, it somehow became one of our favourite nights.
Then there was the great shoe debacle. Sophie packed for every possible weather scenario – Max, on the other hand, brought one pair of shoes, which he promptly soaked while attempting to ‘casually’ jump a stream. Cue an emergency detour to the nearest town, where he had to wear Shane’s ‘dad sandals’ in public – a fact Sophie will never let him forget!
The thing about travelling with teenagers is that they won’t always admit they’re having a good time – but the proof is in the stories they tell later. By the end of the trip, even Max and Sophie were laughing about the mishaps, proving that sometimes, the best memories come from the things that don’t go to plan.
Why I think a campervan holiday in New Zealand is perfect for families with teens
Travelling with teenagers isn’t always easy – but exploring New Zealand in a campervan made it a whole lot more enjoyable. Having the freedom to go at our own pace, change plans when needed, and mix adventure with downtime meant everyone got something out of the trip.
The best part? We covered so many different places in a short time that no one had a chance to get bored. One day we’d be exploring the trails around Wānaka, the next we’d be unwinding in the hot pools at Ōmarama. Some afternoons were packed with activities, while others were spent parked up by a lake, letting the kids do their own thing. That mix of structure and spontaneity made all the difference.
And while we weren’t sure how well we’d all handle the close quarters, it turned out to be a great way to reconnect as a family (with a few headphone breaks along the way).
If you’re thinking about a road trip with your teens, I can’t recommend a campervan enough. It’s easy, flexible, and gives you access to some of the best spots in the country.
Book your Apollo campervan today and start planning your own amazing road trip today – just don’t forget the snacks.