New Zealand Backpacking

1. Paying Too Much Money for Campgrounds  If you're from the United States like I am, then you'll know it's typical to pay $20-$50 for a night at a campground. However, in New Zealand, there are many free campgrounds. These are more common in the South Island than the North, but you can still find some good deals. I highly recommend downloading an app to find campgrounds, such as Campermate. With these apps, you can also download the offline version, which is a must when you're in the "wop wops" of New Zealand. 2. Not Packing for the Right Weather Even though it might be summer when you're visiting, it is still going to get cold at night or in the mountains. I recommend packing wool socks and a warm jacket no matter what month you're visiting. I froze my feet off camping in the middle of summer near Milford sound, even though I was wearing 2 pairs of wool socks. The North Island will be warmer than the south, but better to be safe than sorry. 3.