What you need to know about fuel and power in your campervan

Planning a campervan road trip in New Zealand? Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned traveller, understanding how fuel and power work in your camper is the first step to a smooth and stress-free holiday. In this guide, we share some top campervan fuel tips so you can hit the road with confidence. Let’s dive in! 

Understanding your Apollo camper's fuel system

Fuel is a big part of any motorhome road trip, and knowing how it works in your Apollo campervan is important.  

Types of fuel

Most campervans and motorhomes in New Zealand, including Apollo campers, run on diesel – and there’s a good reason for that. Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient, especially for larger vehicles that need a bit more power to handle hills and longer road trips. This makes them ideal for motorhomes and campervans that often carry a lot of weight. 

Another advantage of diesel is that it’s usually cheaper at the pump compared to petrol. However, diesel vehicles in New Zealand are subject to a Road User Charge which helps cover the cost of maintaining the country’s roads. Apollo’s Road User Charge Recovery Fee is based on the distance you travel and will be calculated when you return your campervan. For more details, you can refer to Apollo’s terms and conditions or ask the team when picking up your campervan hire. 

Choosing a fuel-efficient campervan

Fuel economy matters – not just for your budget, but also for making the most of your road trip. Features like engine size, weight, and campervan design can all impact fuel efficiency. If minimising costs is a priority, consider renting a smaller, lighter model that’s built with fuel-saving in mind.  

For more details on picking the right campervan, take a look at our beginner’s guide to driving a campervan in New Zealand. 

Fuel economy tips

Running out of fuel is not something you want to experience on your road trip, especially in remote areas! Plan ahead by making sure you’re topped up before you head anywhere remote. A handy tip is to use apps like the thl Roadtrip app or  Gaspy to locate the nearest refuelling spots. Managing your driving habits can also go a long way – maintain steady speeds, avoid idling, and take it easy on the accelerator.  

Route planning for efficiency

Planning your route smartly can save you fuel and make your drive much easier. Tools like the New Zealand Journey Planner are great for finding direct routes, avoiding extra detours, and staying updated on road conditions. Whenever you can, stick to flatter roads instead of steep climbs – it’s kinder on your fuel tank and makes for a more relaxed drive. 

About your campervan battery

Understanding how your campervan’s battery works is key to keeping everything powered during your trip. Apollo campervans and motorhomes come equipped with two types of battery systems: mains power and an auxiliary battery, also known as a ‘house’ battery. 

The house battery powers essential internal appliances like lights, the television, and the water pump. When fully charged it can provide power for 12–20 hours, depending on how much you’re using it.  

Recharging your house battery straightforward – it charges when the campervan is plugged into mains power at a campsite or trickle-charges as you drive. Just keep in mind that idling the engine won’t generate enough power to recharge it. To keep everything running smoothly, we recommend plugging into mains power every second night. 

When connected to mains, the appliances in your campervan will automatically switch over to that power source. This is also when you’ll be able to use high-powered equipment like the microwave, heating (in some vehicles), and the power points. 

Some Apollo campervans even have a house battery monitor located near the control panel, so you can easily check how much charge you’ve got left. It’s a handy feature to stay on top of your power needs. 

Tips for managing power off-grid

Spending a night or two off-grid is a great way to experience New Zealand’s stunning remote locations, but it’s important to plan ahead when it comes to managing your campervan’s power supply. Here are some tips to make it work smoothly: 

• Explore campsites: Plan your stops and find suitable campsites using the thl Roadtrip app – downloadable on the App Store or Google Play. 

• Start with a full charge: Before heading off-grid, ensure your campervan’s house battery has been fully charged for at least 24 hours. 

• Conserve power: Simple habits like turning off lights when not in use and unplugging devices once they’re charged can help stretch your battery life. 

• Use energy-efficient options: Stick to energy-efficient lighting and appliances to make the most of your available power. 

• Limit your off-grid time: To keep everything running smoothly, we recommend free camping for no more than one night at a time. Plugging in to mains power every second night is essential to recharge your house battery. 

Keep in mind that some features of your campervan, like the microwave, power outlets, and TV, only work when you’re connected to mains power.  

Once you’ve booked your campervan hire you’ll be able to watch Apollo’s how-to videos to learn about managing your campervan’s power supply.   

TOP TIP: Read more about where you can park your campervan in New Zealand. 

Appliances and power usage

Campervans are packed with handy appliances to keep your trip comfortable and easy. But knowing how much power they use can help you focus on the essentials and manage your energy smartly – especially if you’re spending a night or two off-grid. 

Tips for efficient appliance use

Making the most of your campervan’s power supply doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple strategies: 

• Use appliances while plugged into mains power: High-energy appliances like microwaves and heaters work best (and without draining your battery) when connected to mains power. 

• Charge devices while driving: Take advantage of the vehicle’s trickle charge to power up phones, laptops, and other devices. 

• Turn off appliances and devices when not in use: Even small items can drain your battery over time, so be mindful of what’s left running. 

Make the most of campsite power

Powered campsites are a campervan traveller’s best friend. They let you connect to unlimited mains power for charging devices, running appliances, and even using high-energy equipment like heaters and TVs. Plus, many powered sites offer added amenities like water, Wi-Fi, and communal facilities. You can easily find powered campsites using the thl Roadtrip app, which also helps you compare options and plan your stops. 

Powered campsite fees are usually affordable, and booking ahead during peak travel times is recommended to secure your spot. 

Connecting to mains power

Connecting to mains power is simple. Every Apollo campervan comes with a 15 Amp extension lead with a large earth pin, which is compatible with all approved caravan park circuits rated at 15 amps. Once plugged in, your campervan automatically switches to mains power, giving you access to all appliances without using your auxiliary battery. Just ensure you follow the campsite’s guidelines for safe and proper connection. 

Power and safety

Staying safe while using electrical systems is important. In New Zealand, campervan power plugs are designed for local outlets, so overseas visitors may need adaptors for personal devices. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind: 

• Always use the provided power cords and adapters. 

• Avoid overloading circuits by connecting too many devices at once. 

• Follow the campsite’s electrical guidelines to ensure proper connection. 

When it comes to fuel and power, it’s essential to follow New Zealand’s rules to avoid fines. For example, certain practices, such as running generators in restricted areas, are prohibited. Always check the local regulations at your campsite to stay compliant. 

Energy-efficient travel tips

Travelling in a campervan is all about enjoying the journey while making the most of your resources. By adopting a few energy-saving habits, you can keep your campervan running smoothly and minimise your environmental impact. 

Minimalist power usage

Keeping things simple is key to efficient travel. Here’s how to reduce your campervan’s power needs: 

• Travel light: Reducing the weight of your campervan can improve fuel efficiency and reduce the strain on your vehicle’s power systems. 

• Use natural lighting and ventilation: During the day, open your curtains and windows to let in light and fresh air instead of relying on artificial lighting and air conditioning. 

Alternatives to high-energy appliances

You don’t always need to rely on electricity to stay comfortable. Here are some low-energy alternatives: 

• Solar lanterns: These are a great way to light up your space without draining your campervan’s battery. 

• Outdoor barbecues: Perfect for cooking meals when you’re off-grid and trying to conserve power. 

• Battery-powered fans: A simple and energy-efficient way to stay cool on warmer days without relying on your campervan’s power supply. 

Power management habits

Smart power management can keep everything running smoothly and help you avoid unexpected outages: 

• Charge devices in bulk: When you’re plugged into mains power, it’s the perfect time to charge up all your devices at once. A good multi-port charger or power board can make this easy, but be sure not to overload it. Once your devices are fully charged, unplug them to save power and keep things running smoothly. 

• Monitor energy usage: Keeping an eye on your campervan’s power levels can help you stay on top of recharging needs. 

• Turn off appliances and devices when not in use: Even small appliances can drain power over time, so switch them off when you’re done. 

• Use shared campground facilities: Many powered campsites offer communal kitchens and charging points, allowing you to save your campervan’s power for essentials. 

Discover New Zealand with Apollo

Exploring New Zealand in an Apollo campervan is the perfect way to travel – comfortable, flexible, and full of possibilities. With these tips on fuel and power, you’re all set for a hassle-free trip. Whether it’s a quick getaway or a longer escape, Apollo has the right campervan for you. 

Book your campervan now and get ready to enjoy the freedom of the open road – your next adventure starts here. 

FAQs 

How often do you need to power your campervan?

You’ll need to plug into mains power every couple of days to recharge the house battery and keep everything running smoothly. 

What do I need to power a camper?

All you need is a powered campsite and the 15 Amp extension lead provided with your campervan. Just plug in and you’re good to go. 

How does power work in a campervan?  

Campervans have two power systems: mains power and an auxiliary battery. Mains power is used when you’re plugged into a powered campsite, running high-energy appliances like the microwave, TV, and power outlets. The auxiliary battery powers essentials such as lights, the water pump, and the fridge when you’re off-grid. It’s separate from the engine battery, so you won’t drain the power needed to start the vehicle. The auxiliary battery recharges while you drive or when connected to mains power. 

How much power do I need for my campervan?

It depends on your usage. Essentials like lights and the fridge use less power, while appliances like heaters and microwaves need more. Plugging into mains power ensures you’ll have enough for everything.