With everyone feeling the pinch of both climbing interest rates and a higher general cost of living, it makes sense to travel domestically this Easter rather than jet-set around on expensive flights. Besides, the Easter holidays are the perfect time for a 4WD camping trip with the great autumn weather sitting between the extremes of summer and winter. But as you know, any camping trip requires a little preparation to get it right. Here are three important tips to help you prep for an awesome Easter getaway.
Decide where to go and lock in your campsite early
Easter holidays are not the time of the year when you can just rock up at a campsite and hope there’s a free spot. You’ll need to decide where you’re heading and book your campsite as early as possible. New Zealand has some amazing National Park and private campsites, but you may like to check out the following for inspiration:
Give your vehicle and gear the once over
Ensure your vehicle is up to date with its servicing and any required maintenance or repairs. The last thing you want is for your 4WD to break down in the middle of nowhere. After all, it can cost an arm and a leg to get your vehicle towed and repaired in a remote location. Do you know what’s even more disappointing? Not even making it out of the driveway.
The same goes for your gear. Do you need to check your rooftop tent canvas for mould? Has your new tent been seasoned? Is your solar working still? Have you plugged your trusty Engel camping fridge in? Is your second battery charged up and ready to go?
Make sure you’ve got the right gear for the job
Regardless of whether you head to the beach, journey to the outback or adventure up into the highlands, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got adequate shade and a way to secure all your camping gear and sporting goods.
Shade
Rhino-Rack has you covered for shade with their new Batwing range of awnings, providing up to 270 degrees of UPF50+ protection from the sun. For those looking for a budget solution to shade, the original Sunseeker awning will be your go-to.
Camping gear and sporting equipment
For your camping gear and sporting equipment such as bikes, kayaks and SUPs, they can all be secured up top with a Rhino-Rack roof storage solution. Make sure to check out our roof rack buying guide to find the roof rack that suits your lifestyle.
Why put it up top? A roof rack allows you to declutter your cargo area, provides space that you don’t currently have and allows you to store dirty, wet and sandy gear far away from the inside of your vehicle. Bulky sporting items and camping equipment can now be secured safely on top with a range of mounting brackets.
If you’re a little stuck on how and what you can mount up top, check out our camping gear guide for an overview of how versatile Rhino-Rack roof racks and accessories really are.
Don’t forget to drive safe this Easter
We all love a good Easter getaway but we must also remember that during this peak holiday period, we are hitting the road with thousands of others with the same idea in mind. Some of who don’t have the same driving experience, both off and on the tracks. So make sure to take your time, drive sensibly and enjoy your holiday this Easter.