Road Trip Tips

Be spontaneous. While the plan may involve going from A to B, why not take that back road or explore the side roads instead of taking a direct route?

Akaroa lighthouse, Canterbury © Adobe Stock

Drive to the conditions, don’t be in a rush, and allow for plenty of stops along the way.

Kids in the car? Think about playing some car games and make a point of stopping to let them stretch their legs. New Zealand has plenty of quality, easily accessible playgrounds; a run on a beach will help everyone enjoy the journey more.

Pack snacks. With or without hungry children in the car, it’s a good idea to have some food and bottled water to keep the driver’s energy levels up.

Do your research. Pick up maps and guides from an AA Centre and check out itinerary ideas online. While you’re at it, jump on www.aa.co.nz/travel/, and book your accommodation.

Kids sitting in the van © Getty Images

CAR GAMES

1. Eye spy with my little eye, something beginning with…

An easy-to-learn classic for the whole family.

2. Car colours

Everyone on board chooses a colour and proceeds to count all the cars of that colour, until the next stop.

3. Memory game

Start with: ‘I’m going on a picnic and I’m taking an apple’. The next player repeats it and adds a food beginning with a b. ‘I’m going on a picnic and I’m taking an apple and a banana…’ and so on, through the alphabet.

4. 20 Questions

Someone thinks of a thing, person or place. Everyone else tries to guess what it is, by asking up to 20 questions answerable by yes or no. If your answer is yes, you ask another question. Whoever guesses is the winner and starts the next round.