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So you might be wondering what is it like to take a Campervan through New Zealand? We are not regular vanlife-rs but we thought it might be really fun to try for our time in the South Island of New Zealand. In fact, it was a great way to see the top places to visit in New Zealand. If you are interested in our complete  itinerary for the South Island, check out this post here.

Exploring New Zealand via campervan is a very popular way to visit the country. New Zealand really caters well to the campervan culture which is important to know if you are wondering what is it like to take a campervan through New Zealand. You have several options when taking a campervan through New Zealand: freedom camping, staying at a non-powered campsite, or staying at a powered campsite. We can review them here:

Freedom camping

Freedom camping is camping in a campervan that has been certified as self-contained, on a site with minimal or no facilities, such as toilets or showers. There are over 500 responsible freedom camping locations in New Zealand, including the side of the road in many locations. There will be signs that say “no freedom camping” or “freedom camping permitted” to let you know that you can park and set up shop. This is obviously the cheapest option as you won’t have to pay any nightly fees. You can find more information on freedom camping on the Department of Conservation (DOC) website.

Non-powered site

The next option is to go for a more campsite type feel but without being able to plug your campervan in. You can do this through the New Zealand Department of Conservation. Depending on the site, you may have toilets and kitchen facilities available.

Powered site

The most “high end” option is using a powered campsite. There are two main chain campsites: Top 10 Holiday Park and Kiwi Holiday Park. You will see these all over the country. Depending on the specific site, they usually have kitchens, laundry (fee), hot showers (sometimes fee), wifi (sometimes fee), and power for your campervan.

How to find where to stay

To guide your trip you can download Campermate (iPhone / Android) or use the web version. Not all of these can be booked online. How far in advance you need to book will be determined by the season and the scarcity of available sites (Mt. Cook area books up farther in advance because there are less available campsites). In addition, your flexibility to go for non-powered/freedom camping over powered sites will allow for more spontaneous travel.

What’s better, purchasing or leasing a campervan in New Zealand?

If you are wondering what is it like to take a Campervan through New Zealand, and you are wondering whether to purchase or lease a Campervan, let me share some of the pros and cons with you before you make your decision.

Pros of Purchasing a Campervan in New Zealand

1 – Freedom and flexibility
You have the freedom to travel at your own pace, exploring the country without strict itineraries or rental return deadlines, which is great.

2 – Save Money Over Time
If you plan to use the campervan for an extended period or multiple trips, buying can be more cost-effective than renting.

3 – Customization and personalization:
You can customize and personalize your campervan to your liking, making it a home away from home.

4 – Potential resale value:
If you maintain your campervan, there’s the potential to sell it and recoup some of your investment when you’re done with your travels.

5 – No rental restrictions:
You can use your campervan for any purpose, including long-term travel, living in it, or make modifications to meet your personal needs. 

Cons of Purchasing a Campervan in New Zealand

1 – Initial Cost:
Buying a campervan involves a significant amount of money upfront, including the cost of the vehicle and any necessary modifications.

2 – Depreciation:
Campervans tend to depreciate in value over time. So, you may not recoup your full investment when you decide to sell it. 

3 – Maintenance and repairs:
You’re responsible for ongoing maintenance and repairs, which can add up over time.

4 – Insurance and registration:
Costs related to insurance, registration, and road taxes can be high for campervans.

5 – Limited vehicle choice:
Buying a campervan restricts you to a single vehicle, limiting your options for the types of trips you take and the accommodations you book.

6 – Parking and storage:
You’ll need to find appropriate storage or parking when not using your campervan, which may be challenging in some areas.

7 – Selling challenges:
Finding a buyer and selling your campervan can be time-consuming and stressful.

8 – Market fluctuations:
The resale value of your campervan can be influenced by market conditions and demand for campervans in New Zealand.

Pros of Leasing a campervan in New Zealand

1 – Lower Upfront Costs:
Renting a campervan requires a smaller upfront financial commitment compared to purchasing one, making it more affordable for many travelers.

2 – No Ownership Responsibilities:
You are not responsible for ongoing maintenance, repairs, insurance, or registration costs; the rental company handles that.

3 – Variety of Options:
Rental companies offer a range of campervan models, sizes, and amenities, allowing you to choose one that suits your needs and preferences.

4 – Easier to Upgrade or Downsize:
You can easily upgrade or downgrade to a different model if your travel plans change.

5 – Insurance Coverage:
Rental companies typically provide insurance coverage, which can give you peace of mind while traveling.

6 – No Resale Hassles:
You don’t need to worry about selling the campervan when your trip ends; you simply return it to the rental company.

7 – Less Commitment:
Renting offers flexibility, making it suitable for travelers who aren’t sure about their future plans or who want to try out campervan travel without a long-term commitment.

Cons of Leasing a Campervan in New Zealand

1 – Rental costs:
Over the long term, renting can be more expensive than buying a campervan, especially for extended trips or for frequent travelers.

2 – Limited customization:
You can’t personalize a rented campervan to the same extent as one that you own. 

3 – Scheduling constraints:
You must adhere to the rental company’s schedule, and return the campervan on time. Or, you may face penalties for late returns.

4 – Limited availability:
During peak travel seasons, the availability of campervans for rent may be limited, and you might not get your first choice.

5 – Deposits and fees:
Rental companies often require a security deposit, and additional fees may apply for certain amenities or services.

6 – Distance and mileage limits:
Some rental companies impose restrictions on the distance or mileage you can travel, which can limit your travels.

7 – Wear and tear:
Rental campervans may have more wear and tear due to frequent use by travelers

8 – Less privacy
Campervans are not exclusively yours, so you may have less privacy compared to owning your own.

What is the inside of the campervan like?

Part of the thought process to evaluate what is it like to take a Campervan through New Zealand involves knowing if you can actually call a van your home for the duration of your trip. We loved having all of our stuff right there with us. For example, when we finished a hike, we could change clothes right then or grab snacks.

We ended up going with the Jucy Chaser which you can see featured in all of the pictures. It came with linens, pillows and towels. One thing I didn’t know before renting a campervan is how they are “emptied”. With this model of Jucy (and maybe others), a manual dump was required. This is different from some other vans that have basically a hose you hook up and it drains. Keep this in mind when choosing your campervan. It might not be a big deal for you or you might want to choose the cheaper option but it’s nice to know in advance.

One fun thing about the Jucy is that every single other Jucy that we passed waved at us and it was pretty fun, although I am positive Austin was embarrassed by the bright colors…I mean purple and lime green – heyyyy. A last important point is that the Jucy was not meant for off-roading and we did almost get it stuck when we parked on our first day in the Mt Cook area. So be careful where you are parking!

Tips for Driving in New Zealand

Unlike the North Island, you have to rent a car/campervan if you want to see most of the South Island. You can make things even more efficient by arranging to pick up your campervan from the airport upon arrival and then dropping off your campervan at the airport of your final destination.

To further enhance your time in New Zealand, here are some tips when it comes to driving throughout the country.

• They Drive on the Left Side of the Road – Unlike in the US, people in New Zealand drive on the left side of the road. This is important when turning into an intersection. So, go slow and always check in both directions before you make your turn. This is also important in roundabouts where you’ll drive in a clockwise direction. Always look to your right before entering the roundabout.

• Pull Over and Let Traffic Pass If You Are Going Slow – Since you have probably never driven in New Zealand, it’s a good idea to drive slowly. However, this also means that traffic can build up behind you since locals are in a rush and know where they’re going. If this happens, it is polite to pull over and let others pass. Just do so when it is safe and locals will be very grateful. Also, if someone pulls over for you, show your appreciation by waving, honking, or flashing your lights as a “thank you”.

• Kiwis Can Be Aggressive Drivers – Locals like to go at least the speed limit. So, if you are going slowly then you may have people tailgating you or honking at you to go faster. Ignore them and just pull over when you can so that they can pass.

• It Will Take You Longer Than You Expect – Narrow roads mean that you need to go slower and that the drive will probably take you longer. So, budget plenty of extra time for driving in your New Zealand itinerary. This way you can enjoy your trip and don’t have to rush.

• Be Prepared for Narrow, Windy Roads – Most roads in New Zealand are well-maintained, but much smaller and narrower than what you’ll find in the US. Many roads only have two lanes, one for each direction. If you are not used to this then go slow, particularly on gravel and other uneven surfaces.

• Have a Valid Driver’s License – If your license is not in English then you’ll need to carry an international driver’s license that has been translated into English. Also, make sure that your driver’s license is valid for the duration of your trip.

• Watch Out for the Speed Limit – The police in New Zealand are pretty strict about speed limits. So, try not to speed. In general, the speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas and 100 km/h on expressways and motorways. There are also plenty of speed cameras on the road that will catch you if you attempt to go over the speed limit.

• Fill Up Your Car with Gas Before Returning It – It’s always a good idea to fill up your gas tank before you return your car or campervan. If you don’t do this then you could be charged a lot of extra money. In fact, car companies like to charge you way for filling the tank up then the actual cost of gas.

• Things Can Close Early – In many small towns, things can close as early as 6:00 pm, even grocery stores. So, it’s a good idea to shop for food and drinks early in the day so that you have everything you need. However, in bigger cities like Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown things can be open a bit later.

• Always Check Road Conditions – In many parts of New Zealand, the weather changes quite rapidly. So, it’s always a good idea to check road conditions before you set out for the day. After all, weather changes might make your chosen route totally impassable. This is especially important in the winter when roads can become treacherous due to ice and snow.

• Download Offline Maps – I like Maps.Me and usually download it before I arrive. But, any offline map is fine since you can run into connectivity issues in some of New Zealand’s best national parks. And having no signal makes navigating with Google Maps pretty useless.

• Know Where You Can Drive a Campervan/Motorhome – Most rental companies will not allow you to drive these types of vehicles on unsealed roads. You may be able to go for a few kilometers but that is about it since these larger vehicles can get stuck. Other roads to avoid include 90 Mile Beach and Skippers Canyon Road.

What it is Like to take a Campervan Through New Zealand FAQs

1 – Is it Safe to Drive a Campervan in New Zealand?

 Generally, it is safe to drive a campervan in New Zealand. But, caution is advised due to single-lane and winding roads, especially during winter when black ice can be a hazard.

2 – Is a Campervan Worth it in New Zealand?

New Zealand is well-suited for campervans, with plenty of campgrounds and freedom camping sites across the country.

So, finding a spot to rest, shower, and refresh yourself is remarkably easy. Few destinations worldwide offer the convenience of campervan travel that New Zealand does.

3 – Can you Sleep Anywhere in a Campervan in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, freedom camping in public areas is permissible only with a certified self-contained campervan.

Such vehicles include self-contained waste and sewage facilities, whereas non-certified vans lack these amenities and don’t meet the legal requirements for freedom camping.

4 – What is the speed limit for campervans in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, campervans typically adhere to the same speed limits as other vehicles.

On open roads, it’s 100 km/h (62 mph), while in urban areas, the speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph), unless otherwise posted. Also, don’t forget to follow posted speed limits for specific areas.

Hopefully this answers your question of what is it like to take a campervan through New Zealand. It was a fun experience and left us both interested in doing more RV/vanlife-ing. To make sure you are fully prepared for your trip to this beautiful country, check out How to Plan a Perfect Trip to New Zealand.

Have you ever stayed in a campervan? Where did you spend your time? Let me know in the comments!

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If you are struggling with packing your suitcase, check out this post to get yourself ready for your next trip.

Looking to book cheap flights, check out this post and find out how I book flights for less.

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