Whether you plan on traveling throughout New Zealand in a campervan hire or you want to camp in a tent, there are some things to keep in mind before setting out into the great unknown. From getting big fines for ignoring warnings to negatively affecting the environment, there are some things that you should and shouldn’t do to ensure that your experience is a positive one.

To make sure that you don’t run into any trouble along the way, we have compiled 5 things to keep in mind before you travel.

Five Things You Should Know:

• Freedom camping isn’t allowed just anywhere. Before you set out in a vehicle that isn’t self-contained and plan your trip to camp wherever suits your fancy, consider that you may not be allowed to camp in some areas and if you do, you may be slapped with a large fine. Prepare ahead to make sure that you don’t end up in a pickle with the law. Also, keep in mind that while it may be cheaper, it may be a challenge to find places to bathe and use the toilet. “Going” in the wild is not a good idea.

• Research low priced campgrounds. While some campgrounds that offer a lot of amenities may be a bit pricey, there are plenty of campgrounds where you can camp out at for a price of only $5.00-$7.00. Sure, they may not have a fancy building with all sorts of games and attractions, swimming pool, and tennis courts, but you don’t really need all of that, do you?

• Expect beautiful locations. Before you get upset about freedom camping being restricted in certain areas, think about the benefits of parking your campervan in a campground. You will have clean water, bathrooms, can shower, hook up your campervan, and most of the time, these campgrounds in New Zealand are located in some of the most beautiful areas, near lakes, ocean, mountains, and forests which not only makes them worth it, but also provides you with hiking and other outdoor activities to partake of.

• Be considerate of the environment. New Zealand is gorgeous with beautiful nature and fabulous places to visit. To help it stay that way, if you decide to do freedom camping, be aware of the effect that you are having on the environment. Don’t leave waste in nature, use environmentally friendly products, and make sure to clean all of your adventure gear that you will be using in nature.

• Stay safe and lock up-While New Zealand is a relatively safe country with very friendly people, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t people who will want to try to take advantage of happy and distracted campers. Leave your valuables in your vehicle if you are camping in a tent and make sure its locked and if traveling in a campervan, make sure that you don’t leave your vehicle open while away. A forgotten window left open is an easy way for anyone to get in, so make sure that you double check before going on a hike or nearby adventure.