Checklist of items to do before along journey include:
Check and fill up your gas tank.
Ensure you have enough oil in the car.
Fill up with windshield fluid (if needed).
Make sure all windows are free of debris, including bug remains. This will help ensure that you can see clearly through any window during night time driving.
Put new brake pads on the vehicle if it's been over 20 years since they were last replaced. It might be worth having them done professionally through someone who provides car service in Wellington, for this road trip. If you plan on doing most of the work yourself and do not want to go to an auto shop, refer back to the video tutorials to ensure you are doing this properly.
Check the air pressure in all tyres, including the spare tyre; make sure they're inflated correctly (this is important for safety and gas mileage).
Bring your car's maintenance records with you on your journey. If something goes wrong, these will give mechanics a better idea of what has happened to your car since its last check-up.
Be sure to bring tools like screwdrivers, wrenches and other items that might help if there are serious mechanical issues or breakdowns while out on the road.
Make sure everything inside of both glove compartments works as it should; lights turn off when doors close etc.
Remove expired registration cards/stickers from windshield & inspect wipers to ensure that they are in good working condition.
Keep yourself informed of traffic information or potential road hazards. Sometimes this means avoiding certain areas all together if there's construction work going on, an accident ahead or some other problem. However, also consider how you can get where you're going more quickly; maybe there's another way to get around town/city than taking the main highways.
If possible, try not to drive during rush hour. It's always busy for one reason or another so avoid driving when most people do unless absolutely necessary.