Your Aotearoa Road Trip Checklist: What to Check Before You Go

Fluids

First things first, check your fluids. This includes your engine oil, coolant, and windscreen washer fluid. It’s important to make sure these are all at the correct levels, and that there are no leaks. If you’re not sure how to check these, your local mechanic will be able to help you out.

Tyres

Next, check your tyres. Make sure they’re properly inflated and that there’s plenty of tread left. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.5mm, but we recommend having at least 3mm. It’s also a good idea to check your spare tyre, just in case.

Lights

It’s important to make sure all your lights are working correctly before you go. This includes your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicators. Get a friend to help you check these, or park your car in front of a window and check the reflection.

Brakes

It’s also a good idea to get your brakes checked before you go. If they’re feeling spongy or making any strange noises, it’s definitely time to get them looked at.

Wipers

If you’re heading away in winter, you’ll want to make sure your wipers are in good working order. If they’re smearing water across the windscreen, it’s time to replace them.

Air conditioning

There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a hot car on a summer’s day. Before you go, make sure your air conditioning is working properly. If it’s not blowing cold air, you may need to get it re-gassed.

Keep all your important documents together in the glovebox. It’s a good idea to have digital copies saved to your phone or cloud storage as a backup.

• Driver's Licence: Make sure it's current and with you.
• Vehicle Registration and Warrant of Fitness: Check that they're up to date.
• Car Insurance: Double-check that your policy is current and you have the contact number for your provider.
• Roadside Assistance: Have the number for your roadside assistance provider saved in your phone.

Packing for a road trip is a balancing act. You need to be ready for anything, but you don't want to be crammed in with stuff you don't need. This means packing layers for unpredictable weather, comfortable shoes, and car essentials like a phone charger and snacks.

While the best road trips have a bit of spontaneity, a loose plan can make things a lot smoother.

Plan your route: Have a general idea of where you're heading, but be open to taking a scenic detour.

Book ahead, even in the off-season: Even when it’s not school holidays, it pays to be prepared. Popular spots and must-do activities can get booked up year-round, so it’s wise to book your first night's stay and any key attractions to avoid missing out.

Let someone know your plans: Share your itinerary with a friend or family member before you go.