Let's set the record straight: A New Zealand road trip is certain to be nothing short of epic. But the cost of food while eating out on a road trip? That can really (quite literally) eat into your budget if you’re not careful. Fear not! This blog is your guide to cost-effective campervan cooking tips that’ll help transform your camper into the ultimate mobile eatery.
Whether you’re a solo explorer with a penchant for wandering the wild or a group of friends planning a travel itinerary through the heart of New Zealand, we have you covered with our list of budget dinner meals, camping recipes, Tupperware hacks and more. With a pinch of planning and a dash of creativity, you’ll be whipping up cheap dinner meals that are big on flavour without breaking the bank in no time.
Why You Should Cook Meals in Your Campervan
The maths is simple – eating out at cafes and restaurants every day is a surefire way to melt your dollars faster than ice cream under the Kiwi summer sun. By embracing the spirit of a campervan kitchen, you're not only taking control of your New Zealand travel budget but also ensuring that cheap dinner ideas don't have to be synonymous with bland or unhealthy. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here are a few reasons you should consider cooking meals in your campervan on your upcoming New Zealand road trip.
Eat healthier: When you’re the master chef of your motorhome, you’re in full control. No hidden calories or mystery ingredients here—just good, honest food. That means you can keep your travel energy up and ensure you’re in tip-top shape for all those adventure activities on your New Zealand road trip itinerary.
It’s a Blast: Imagine this—slicing fresh avocados for your toast with a view of Lake Tekapo in the background. Campervan cooking and camping recipes aren’t just about sustenance; it’s about an experience. It’s your chance to pair the art of meal prep with the art of memory-making.
Quality Produce: In New Zealand, 'fresh' and 'local' aren't just buzzwords—they're a way of life. Take advantage of the best farmers markets in New Zealand, and turn your camper into a hub of fresh, quality meals.
Saves Time: Forget about scrolling through review sites for the best eatery or waiting in line to get a table. When hunger strikes in the heart of the Fiordland, you’re just a few steps away from your mobile pantry and stove. Eat what you want, when you want—that’s the true freedom of a campervan holiday.
Image: Instagram - @krismartyn
Cost-Effective Tips for Cooking in Your Campervan
Navigating New Zealand in a campervan is an adventure of a lifetime, and with some smart, cost-effective cooking tips, it can also be incredibly budget-friendly. Here’s how you can whip up delicious, low-cost meals on wheels without missing a beat on your travel itinerary.
Save Your Leftovers
When it comes to campervan cooking, leftovers are your ally, not your enemy. One of the cardinal rules for campervan cooking is never to let good food go to waste. With a motorhome as your travel companion, you have a unique advantage—you can simply stow away your leftovers for later. Before you set off, pack some Tupperware or other meal prep containers. They are perfect for safeguarding yesterday’s spaghetti bolognese for today’s beachside lunch. Let's break down the art of leftover management while exploring New Zealand in a motorhome:
Invest in Tupperware: Begin your trip with a stash of meal prep containers from home. This isn't just about organisation—Tupperware is essential for keeping leftovers fresh and ready to be relished again.
Cook Once, Eat Twice: Plan your meals with the intention of repurposing. Remember, cooking once and eating twice isn't just savvy, it saves on resources like gas and water. Plus, when you're out exploring, having a prepped meal in storage containers ready to go means more time soaking up those New Zealand road trip moments and less time tied to your stove.
Leftover Creativity: See those remaining veggies and rice? Combine them to create an entirely new dish. This kind of creativity not only adds variety to your diet but also stretches each dollar further.
Efficient Food Storage: Efficiently packing your leftovers in the campervan fridge means you conserve energy and space—a must when on the road.
Buy Well-Priced Produce from Local Markets
You don't have to sacrifice quality for cost on your New Zealand road trip. As you navigate through New Zealand in your trusty campervan, keep your eyes peeled for local markets. These gems are not just a 'nice to have' on your travel itinerary; they are a gold mine for the budget-conscious gourmand. Farmers markets offer an array of fresh, seasonal produce at wallet-friendly prices, often straight from the land or sea. Local markets are your go-to for fresh, affordable fare:
Seek Out Farmers Markets: These markets are more than just food hubs; they're cultural experiences offering fresh, nutritious produce that won't break the bank.
Seasonal is Sensational: Buying what's in season ensures you're getting high-quality, flavorful produce at a better price point. It's also a great way to add a local twist to your campervan cooking adventures.
Market Hopping on Your Itinerary: As you plan your journey, weave in visits to these markets. They're scattered throughout the country, so you’ll likely find one wherever your road trip takes you.
Support and Save: Purchasing from these markets means you’re supporting local growers while enjoying the cost benefits of farm-to-table eating.
Bring Your Condiments from Home
Spicing up your campervan meals doesn't have to mean splurging at every stop. Let's pack smart:
Essential Seasonings: Remember, every dollar counts when you're fueling up for a New Zealand road trip. To cut down costs, pack your essential condiments. That stash of salt, pepper, and your favourite spices from home can transform a meal without costing an extra cent.
Sauces and Spreads: Think of all the little sachets of tomato sauce, mustard, or mayo you've accumulated. Now's their time to shine. These can add a burst of flavour to sandwiches and wraps on the go.
Disposable Dilemmas: Don't forget napkins and paper towels. Spills happen, and these can double up as plates or cleaning tools in a pinch, saving you on washing up and water usage.
Resourceful Packing: the ultimate travel tip when it comes to your packing list is storage containers. Small containers and zip-lock bags can be a lifesaver for storing your spices and seasonings, making them easy to tuck away in your campervan’s nooks.
Fuelling yourself for a jam-packed New Zealand road trip can be a challenge if you aren’t prepared. Between the hikes, biking, and general adventuring, it's important to have a few camping recipes and budget dinner ideas that will keep you satisfied and keep the ‘hangry beast’ at bay (it’s okay; we all have one). Here are a few travel tips for cooking meals that are filling:
Staple Carbs: Keep your pantry stocked with rice and pasta. They are not only cheap but also versatile, forming the base of countless camping recipes, from a simple spaghetti aglio e olio to exotic fried rice
Meat vs. More: While protein is essential, meats can be pricey. Balance is key; mix in cost-effective items like beans or lentils to bulk up your meals, keeping both your belly and wallet full.
Clever Combos: Think burrito bowls, where rice, beans, and a sprinkle of cheese go a long way. Or a stir-fry where the veggies outnumber the meat, all ensuring you stay satiated for longer.
Bulk Buying: When it comes to ingredients like rice and pasta, buying in bulk can mean significant savings. And since they have a long shelf life, you won’t have to worry about them going to waste. Just be sure to buy only as much as you need, as kitchen storage space is limited in a campervan.
Buy Food Items in Bulk That You Will Use Lots Of
Stocking up your campervan pantry can be both economical and practical when done wisely:
Bulk Savings: When your travel itinerary involves multiple stops, consider buying non-perishable items in bulk. This is especially true for items like oats, rice, or pasta that you'll use frequently. Larger bags offer better value for money and mean fewer trips to the store.
Potato Potential: A sack of potatoes are an underrated hero of low cost dinner ideas. Spuds are versatile, filling, and have a decent shelf life. From mashed to roasted, they can accompany many a campfire camping recipe meal.
Storage Solutions: Be mindful of storage. Campervans are marvels of space efficiency, but they're not limitless. Store bulk items in airtight storage containers to maximise space and preserve freshness.
Plan Ahead: Strategize your meals around these bulk purchases to ensure you use what you've bought, reducing waste and maximising value.
Image: Instagram - @_letsescapetogether_
Check the Specials at Supermarkets
Making the most of supermarket specials can be a game-changer on your road trip:
Deal Hunters: Always be on the lookout for markdowns on meat, in-season fruits, and veggies. These specials can significantly reduce your meal costs and add variety to your camper diet.
Long-Term Savings: Over the duration of your campervan hire, consistently purchasing discounted items can lead to substantial savings. These funds can be reallocated to other New Zealand travel experiences during your New Zealand road trip.
Flyer Foresight: Grab a flyer as you enter or check online; supermarkets often advertise their best deals there. Planning your meals around what's on sale is both thrifty and fun.
Loyalty Programs: If you're spending an extended time in New Zealand, consider supermarket loyalty cards for additional discounts and savings on future purchases.
Cook with Canned Goods
Canned goods are a cornerstone of campervan cuisine and low-cost dinner ideas for a multitude of reasons:
Cost-Effective: Canned goods generally come with a lower price tag and offer convenience without sacrificing nutritional value.
Healthy Variety: You can find a wide array of healthy options in cans, from beans and lentils to tomatoes and corn, all packed with essential nutrients.
Cooking Ease: The ease of preparation makes canned goods ideal for a camper. They can be quickly turned into soups, stews, or pasta dishes with minimal effort and clean-up.
Longevity and Storage: Cans are durable and stackable, making them perfect for the limited space in a campervan. Plus, their long shelf life means you can stock up without worrying about quick expiration.
Incorporating these strategies will not only save you money but also enhance your New Zealand travel experience by allowing you to spend more on New Zealand travel adventures rather than just sustenance. With careful planning and savvy shopping, your campervan kitchen will be both delicious and cost-effective.
Looking for Some Easy Campervan Recipes?
When you're zigzagging through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand in your campervan, having a set of simple, go-to camping recipes can be a lifesaver. Easy recipes mean less time prepping in the camper's compact kitchen and more time enjoying the sunset at a secluded beach or the early morning mist over the mountains. For some delicious and easy campervan cooking inspiration, check out our collection of recipes on the road. And if you're eager to taste the local flavours, don't miss these 10 iconic dishes to try on your New Zealand road trip.
Ready to Cook Up a Storm in Your Camper?
As we wrap up our rundown of cheap dinner ideas and cooking tips for your New Zealand road trip, remember that cooking in a campervan while exploring the wonders of New Zealand isn’t just a cost-saving tactic; it’s an enriching part of the travel experience. Embrace the chance to create your meals against some of the world’s most stunning landscapes. By utilising Tupperware for leftovers, sourcing fresh produce from local farmers markets, and making use of home-brought condiments, you can ensure each dish is as delicious as it is economical. Keep your pantry stocked with bulk buys and canned goods, and you'll find that a fulfilling meal is never far away. And if you ever need inspiration, easy-to-follow camping recipes are just a click away.
Ready to begin your adventure and answer the call of the wild? Book your Mighty campervan today and start planning the New Zealand road trip of a lifetime. If you need more information, our friendly team is ready to help at any one of our branch locations. Happy travels and even happier cooking!
Image: Instagram - @krismartyn
Image: Instagram - @_letsescapetogether_