Packing Smart and Driving Safe: How to Load Your Car for the Summer Holidays

The classic Kiwi summer holiday often starts with a game of “car Tetris” — chilly bins, beach gear, suitcases, boogie boards, tents, scooters, snorkels… somehow, it all needs to fit. But poorly packed cars are a major safety hazard on New Zealand roads. Incorrect weight distribution, loose objects, and overloaded boots increase the risk of accidents, especially at highway speeds.

Here’s how to pack your car safely and smartly for long summer journeys, ensuring your whānau arrives at the beach, bach, or campground without drama.

1. Start With the Heavy Items

Place large or heavy items low and forward, ideally against the back seat.

Why?

• It lowers your centre of gravity
• Improves vehicle stability
• Prevents cargo from becoming airborne in a crash

Never stack heavy items high, even a laptop bag can cause injury in a collision.

2. Secure Everything

Loose objects can become dangerous projectiles.

Do this:

• Use tie-downs, nets, or bungee cords in the boot.
• Put loose toys, bottles, and electronics in seat pockets or the glove box.
• For station wagons and SUVs, consider using a cargo barrier.

3. Check Your Rear Visibility

If you can’t see out your rear-view mirror, your car is not safely packed.

Tips:

• Keep luggage below the window line.
• Use roof racks or a cargo box if you run out of room.
• Reposition bulky items before assuming you need more space.

4. Roof Racks, Bikes & Kayaks: Know the Rules

Roof loads change handling and fuel efficiency.

Before loading, check:

• Your roof rack’s maximum load
• Your vehicle’s roof rating
• That everything is tightly secured
• That the straps are not frayed and the knots won’t slip mid-drive

Make sure nothing overhangs in a way that breaches Waka Kotahi visibility or width rules.

5. Towing Over Summer? Stay Within Safe Limits

Boat? Caravan? Trailer full of camping gear?

Checklist:

• Confirm the tow bar rating and vehicle tow capacity
• Check trailer lights, tyres, safety chains, and brakes
• Load the trailer so 60% of the weight sits in the front half
• Avoid sway by keeping heavy items low and central

Practice reversing in an empty car park if you’re new to towing; it’s harder than it looks.

6. Heat, Fatigue & Long Drives

Summer driving is tough on both people and cars.

To stay safe:

• Take breaks every 2 hours
• Rotate drivers if possible
• Avoid driving during peak fatigue times (2–4 pm, after dinner, or very early morning)
• Keep the car ventilated to prevent drowsiness
• Use sunshades to keep the cabin cool when parked

Kids and pets should never be left in a hot car, not even for a minute.

7. Keep the Essentials Accessible

Don’t bury important items under suitcases.

Keep within reach:

• Drinks and snacks
• Nappies and wipes
• Medicines
• Maps or chargers
• Emergency gear

Your future self will thank you, especially when stuck in holiday traffic on SH1.

Final Though

Packing well is part skill, part strategy, and part safety. A well-loaded car handles better, stops faster, and protects your passengers in an emergency. With a smart plan and some Kiwi practicality, you’ll enjoy a stress-free start to your summer adventure.