Camping NZ Support FAQs

User Data and Privacy

• Does Camping NZ collect user data and information?

  Yes, but only the bare minimum to get the job done.

  We don't base our business on data collection. We don't sell it, we don't trade it, we don't give it to anyone unless you've expressly provided it for the purpose of sharing. Because our business isn't about harvesting data, we don't go overboard grabbing everything we could.

  Providing your personal information to us is entirely optional. Almost all functionality of the Camping NZ app works without you giving us anything. The exceptions are few. For example, when you write a review you'll need to provide your email address for verification purposes. And some map navigation features won't function useless you allow for location information to be used.

  We do collect some non-identifying session data for the purposes of statistics (analytics), and fraud prevention. This is done so we can show our customers (tourism operators) that we have users of our app. It's also done so we can detect fraudulent reviews.

  We use modern security for the website and app communications. Your network traffic can't be snooped on when you're using an unsafe network connection.

  It's all described in detail in the Camping NZ Privacy Policy

• How can I manage my personal information and delete my account and related data?

  You can manage all your personal data once you've logged into your account on the Rankers website. Use the "Edit Profile" link in the "User" menu in the top-right of our web pages.

  Any or all the data you provide to Rankers can be removed at your request. We're happy to assist with this.

  Please send an email to info@rankers.co.nz or use the contact form and let us know if you'd like all data destroyed or just some. Please describe any particular information if there is something specific.

  We're a small team and account deletion (and associated data) is a manual process for us. It may take a day or two to get sorted.

Account Management

• What is a Rankers user account?

  When you're using one of our websites or apps (eg. Rankers.co.nz or Camping NZ) then you might end up with a Rankers account. An account is simply a way for us to tie everything of yours together. For example you might write a review and we connect that to your account.

  Essentially it all revolves around your email address. When you provide your email address then we'll often automatically create your account.

  You can see if you have a Rankers account by using our Find Your Account page. If your email address exists in our database then you'll receive an email and this confirms you have an account. The email contains instructions on how to continue if you'd like to log in to your account.

  When you're on our website and logged in you'll be able to access anything related to your account in the "User" menu in the top-right (it looks like a little person).

  You can also add a password to your account if you'd like. Use the same Find Your Account page to get started.

  You can request to delete your account (or any data connected to it) by emailing info@rankers.co.nz.

• I don't know how to access my Rankers account, what can I do?

  You can check if you have a Rankers account by using our Find Your Account page. If your email address exists in our database then you'll receive an email and this confirms you have an account. The email contains instructions on how to continue if you'd like to log in to your account.

App Problems

• What should I do if I find an error in the campsite information?

  We love to hear about anything we've got wrong. Please send any details on errors or ommissions to us using our Contact Form or email us at info@rankers.co.nz. Include the name and location of the place you're talking about so we can find the right record in our system.

  We try to ensure our information is accurate and up-to-date. And even though New Zealand is a small country, it's still pretty easy for things to go awry. We're only a few people so we rely heavily on the Rankers community of users to let us know about issues. We do also lean on local councils, the Department of Conservation and business owners.

• The app is misbehaving and it's driving me crazy - what can I do?

  We're sorry to hear that! You can get in contact using our Contact Form or email to info@rankers.co.nz with any problems and we'll do our best to assist.

  The most common issues can be resolved by restarting the app from scratch or (in more extreme situations) reinstalling from the app store.

  To restart the app you first need to force it to close by following instructions for your device:

  Android instructions

  Apple iOS (iPhone) instructions

  If that doesn't resolve the issue then you can try reinstalling the app from the app store. Be aware that you may loose some app settings and app related data when you do this (like favourites and downloaded maps). First delete the Camping NZ app by following the instructions for your device:

  Android instructions

  Apple iOS (iPhone) instructions

  You can then reinstall from the Camping NZ app page.

  And again, if none of that works and you're cursing this app and ready to throw your phone out the window, please contact us instead.

Offline Use

• How do I use the Camping NZ app when I have no internet connection?

  We've got this! Camping NZ stores all the content locally on your device. This includes any offline maps you've downloaded.

  To switch into "offline" mode use the round button in the bottom right of the screen - it looks a bit like a cloud with legs. When you're in "online" mode it has a green tick on it - "offline" shows a cross symbol.

  When you've got no internet, tap the button until you're in "offline" mode. Now you're seeing downloaded maps.

  The downloaded maps don't come bundled with the app because they're huge. Be sure to download them while you're on a fast connection.

  To get the offline maps to download tap the "cloud" icon at the very top of the main menu. Then follow the on-screen instructions.

App Content

• Why are some camping sites missing from Camping NZ?

  Camping NZ only includes camping locations where the local communities have officially sanctioned overnight stays. It's all about respect and the good things that brings to us all.

  What makes a location a camping site? It's a tricky question. Is a supermarket carpark a campsite? What about a beachfront road? Or a picnic area or roadside rest area.

  At Rankers we've decided that freedom camping in Aotearoa isn't about camping sites, it's all about respect. Without respect there can be no freedom. And respect can flow both ways between traveller and local.

  There’s a proud local guardian culture in NZ. Our sense of ownership extends far beyond the property we live in, to encompass all public and natural spaces in NZ. For us proud Kiwis - it’s all our backyard.

  Care must be taken by all visitors to respect and look after all our backyard places. Doing so will help travellers connect with NZ and the lovely local folk who live here and that’s how we all benefit.

• How do I ensure the Camping NZ app has the latest information?

  Keeping the app up-to-date with the latest information is currently a manual process. We hope to automate this at some point but there is a concern that it will eat up your mobile data if we do it too often.

  For now, you can use the "Update" button (it looks like a circle with an arrow) at the top of the main menu to start an update. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

• Can I add a new campsite or location to the app?

  It's not possible to directly add a location to the app. However you're welcome to submit a location for us to consider - please use our Contact Form and send us all the relevant details.

  Please be aware that, unlike some apps and websites, we won't include unofficial camping sites where camping is not permitted. Rankers understands that travellers need to respect the decisions, that local communities make, around where it's okay to camp.

• Can I provide photos for a location?

  Yes please! We'd really appreciate any up-to-date images if you've got them. Please email them to info@rankers.co.nz.

  And let us know where the photos are taken.

Bookings and Purchases

• How do I make a booking at a campsite or campground?

  This depends on the campsite that you are wanting to stay at.

  Many free and non-commercial camp sites are offered on a "first-come, first-served" basis. The details within Camping NZ will let you know if this is the case. Within the Camping NZ app there is no button or link to online booking because there is no option to book in advance. You'll have to take your chances and visit the location to see if there is space available. This is a good reason to make a plan to arrive at your destination early. If you arrive and there are no spaces available (look in the details for limits on the number of spaces provided or the maximum number of vehicles permitted) then you'll need to look for another accommodation option. Holiday Parks are often a good bet when you're in a pinch.

  Some larger non-commercial campgrounds such as Department of Conservation campgrounds and a few council sites can be booked in advance via their website. In the Camping NZ app look for the "Check Availability" button or the "Online Booking" link. These take you to the website where you can complete a booking and guarantee your spot.

  Commercial campgrounds and holiday parks always provide for booking in advance and this is advised during the Summer and public holidays. This can be done in a bunch of ways such as online or via phone. Within Camping NZ, look for the "Check Availability" button or the "Online Booking" link. Not all commercial businesses will have these buttons or links. The free Camping NZ app is supported by holiday parks that pay to have this facility offered within Camping NZ.

Reviews

• How do I know I can trust the reviews on Camping NZ?

  Reviews can be very helpful but they're only as good as the trust we have in them. Untrusted reviews are a complete waste of time.

  Like all internet content it's good to be wary of it and try to see things for what they really are.

  Every one of the reviews you see on Camping NZ has been read and checked by a real person on our team, not a computer. For this reason not every review will make it through.

  Some won't because the reviewer doesn't respond to our verification checks. Others because they don't justify their rating or the facts don't add up. And some we'll see are deliberately attempting to be dishonest.

  Oh and don't forget that we also collect reviews when face-to-face with travellers. These face-to-face reviews are as trusted as any review can be.

  All in all, we reckon our reviews are some of the most trustworthy you'll ever find. But at the end of the day you'll need to look at all the reviews to get a clear picture and make up your own mind.

• Why can't I see my review on the Camping NZ app?

  First off, thanks for taking the time to write a review and passing your knowledge on to those who come later.

  When a new review comes in we do some checks to make sure it is valid and authentic. Every review is checked by a one of our team members. The reviewer must validate their email address before the review is considered acceptable for publishing.

  If there's anything contentious about the review then further checks might be necessary. This can involve contacting the reviewer to check further details.

  Usually the review will be published within 24 hours. At that point the review will show on the website. However these new reviews won't show on the Camping NZ app until the data has been updated which is a manual process.

• Why must I provide an email address when I write a review?

  We only use your email address for verification and in the odd case to request further information to justify your review. This way we have trust in all the information we receive from you folks out there.

  When you give us personal information such as your email address, we understand that we've been entrusted with it. Your email address will not be presented publicly and we don't ever pass it on to third-parties.

• What is the ranking score percentage all about?

  The ranking score is at the core of Rankers so I'm pleased you're curious.

  The ranking score percentage is used to compare experiences overall. It is not necessarily a direct measurement of the quality of a particular experience as rated by its customers. I've found it a useful tool to allow me to find the best experiences with confidence.

  We calculate an experience's ranking score using a multi-factor data model instead of a raw data average (mean). This model takes into account several important questions. For instance - is there a trusted body of reviews? What is the age of a review and is the review from a credible source?

  I've found its important to read the customer reviews before making any final judgements!

• Do all reviews show for a location in Camping NZ?

  We don't necessarily show every review we've received. There are a bunch of reasons for this.

  Some reviews may not meet our requirements to be published (this topic is covered in detail in another answer).

  All the published reviews go toward calculating the ranking score, but they may not all show on Camping NZ. This is because there may be hundreds of reviews so we only show the most recent and those that are indicative of the experience's score. This limit is in place to reduce the size of the app update files.

About Rankers

• What is Rankers all about?

  Rankers is the company we came up with to introduce travellers to a special New Zealand. It's a labor of love that we've poured our combined, decades of experience in travel, into.

  At its heart, Rankers is a community-driven guide. It's not only about finding a place to stay; it's about connecting you with experiences that resonate with the soul of this land and its people.

  We believe in the power of shared experiences and the value of honest feedback.

  It's about the memories you create and the stories you'll tell. That's what Rankers is all about.

• Who are the people behind Rankers?

  The people who've helped to build Camping NZ are many. They've come from all over the world, experienced Aotearoa, and given their knowledge forward to those who come later. You might be one of them.

  There's also the crew that keeps this little leaky boat forging ahead. We've got the co-owners Cy and Nick, forever plotting a way around obstacles while ensuring the course is always true. And then there's our techie Mike who helps to bring fresh ideas into reality while keeping the engine ticking over. And most importantly there is Sarah, Kate and Miriam working to keep all our information up-to-date and accurate.

  All of the crew work part time on Rankers and Camping NZ. There are no full time employees - though many hours might go into the project each week. Otherwise the team members are working other jobs, studying, being a mum or tending the vege patch.

• How is Camping NZ funded?

  Camping NZ isn't a corporate juggernaut. Its a little app that runs on next to nothing and aims high to make something special.

  The Camping NZ app is primarily funded by campervan hires and rentals. Rankers is a popular tool for people looking to hire a campervan in New Zealand. Any hires resulting from Rankers visitors provides a small kickback.

  Camping NZ is also supported by some accomodation and activity companies. These companies can sign up for a paid plan that allows them to look their best and take bookings directly via the app.

  Despite being a small app, our job is never done and its always surprising how much there is to do.