The Ultimate Vanlife Guide for New Zealand

In my opinion, vanlife is the BEST way to explore New Zealand. I would know - I’ve converted three vans and done multiple road trips to every region of the country. Travelling in a camper van allows you to experience the best of what New Zealand has to offer. It’s a really popular way to explore because it’s easy, accessible and budget friendly.

Understanding Vanlife in New Zealand

Vanlife is a lifestyle centred around living and travelling in a camper van or motorhome. It offers freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to explore new places while enjoying the comforts of home on the road.

There is a huge campervan culture in New Zealand. Many locals will have large motorhomes, caravans or small vans which they will use. It is also an incredibly popular way for visitors to embrace the culture and explore the best that New Zealand has to offer in a short period of time.

Self-Containment

A self-containment certification means you can live independently in a vehicle for several days without needing external facilities. In New Zealand, you must have self-containment if you are freedom camping and staying in remote areas. Self-contained vehicles must meet specific criteria, including having a toilet, fresh water storage, and a waste water tank.

Most rental vehicles will come with this certification, but not all... It is worth doing your research to ensure you are travelling in a certified self-contained vehicle.

Renting vs. Buying a Van

Renting a van is a popular option for short-term visitors who want to experience vanlife without the commitment of purchasing a vehicle. It's a convenient and cost-effective way to see the country, as it is your vehicle plus accommodation all in one. If you want to live in a van longer than four months, you may find it more economical to buy a van at the start of your trip and sell the vehicle at the end.

Where to Rent a Van?

There are an endless number rental companies in New Zealand offering campervans and motorhomes. Be sure to book in advance, especially during peak season, and consider factors like vehicle size, amenities, and rental terms.

Small vans

Small vans generally sleep two people. They will include a small cassette toilet, kitchen facilities and sink. These are a great budget option for a couple or smaller vans are also available for solo travellers. They are easy to drive, easy to park and are often fast and economical.

Popular rental companies include Jucy, Travellers Autobarn, Mad Campers, Epic Campers, Escape Rentals, Happy Campers and Quirky Campers.

Large motorhomes

Large motorhomes are great for groups of 4-6, families, or couples wanting a bit more luxury on the road. These will come with full electricity, a stove and oven, fridge, normal toilet. Some will also include showers and heaters for winter. Do your research as amenities can vary - some may come with solar panels, others will need to be plugged into campsites every few nights. They are larger to manoeuvre on the road, may be slower on the uphills, but are a great option for big groups.

Popular rental companies include Maui, Britz, Apollo, Wilderness, Wenderkreisen, Kiwi Campers, Indie Campers, Tui Campers and Star RV.

Where to Buy a Van?

If you're planning a long-term vanlife adventure or prefer the flexibility of owning your vehicle, buying a van can be a great option. You can find vans for sale through online marketplaces like Trade Me or Facebook Marketplace or local dealerships. Always do your due diligence - you don’t want to buy a lemon. Ensure your vehicle has a valid registration (rego) and warrant of fitness (WOF). Be sure to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic and consider factors like vehicle condition, mileage, and maintenance history.

While buying a van is a great option for long-term visits and is popular with working holiday visitors, you must also consider ongoing maintenance and repair costs, and may have to convert the vehicle to meet the self-contained requirements.

Book a call if you’d like to talk about buying a van - we’ve been through the process several times and know what to look out for!

Driving in New Zealand

Licence Requirements

In New Zealand, you do not need a special licence to drive a campervan - as long as it falls within the legal weight and size limits (6,000 kg). You can drive for up to 12 months in New Zealand on any valid overseas driving licence.

Driving Etiquette

We drive on the left side of the road in New Zealand. Familiarise yourself with local road rules and etiquette. Always wear your seatbelt, be courteous to other drivers, and use your indicators when changing lanes.

Many of New Zealand’s roads are narrow and winding - if you notice a long line of cars behind you, pull over where it is safe and let traffic pass.

Camping and Accommodation

Overnight Camping Options

There are several options for camping overnight in New Zealand:

• Holiday Parks: Commercial holiday parks offer powered and non-powered sites with facilities like showers, kitchens, and laundry from $20 - $60 per person per night.

• Department of Conservation (DOC) Campsites: DOC campsites are located in scenic areas and offer basic facilities like toilets and water. Some are free, while others have a small fee.

• Freedom Camping: Freedom camping is allowed in designated areas for self-contained vehicles, but be sure to follow local signage, regulations and leave no trace.

Finding Dump Stations and Fresh Water

You will need to empty your waste tanks and fill up fresh water regularly when travelling in a van. Dump stations provide these facilities across New Zealand at holiday parks, DOC campsites or other public designated sites. Download camping apps to help you locate the nearest dump station.

Showers and Laundry

If you opted for a smaller campervan, chances are you are wondering how you will take showers on the road. It is a good idea to check into a campsite every 2-3 nights to use their laundry, shower and kitchen facilities. However, there are also some petrol stations, visitors centres or public toilets that offer paid hot showers. Most towns will include laundromat facilities where you can wash and dry your clothes on the go. Download camping apps to help you locate the closest shower or laundry facilities.

Phone Coverage and Connectivity

New Zealand has good mobile phone coverage in most populated areas, but coverage can be limited in remote areas. The major carriers, including Spark, One (previously Vodafone), and 2Degrees, offer prepaid SIM cards and data plans for tourists. Consider purchasing a portable Wi-Fi hotspot for reliable internet access on the road. Generally Spark will have better coverage, although One has made some big 5G promises…

If travelling as a couple or in a group, I recommend having a Spark sim card and a One sim card each to maximise your coverage. Ensure your data plan allows you to hotspot, especially if you will be working remotely on the road.

Cafes are a great option to plug in and recharge any devices, if you do not have electricity in your van (I’ve been there…)! They often also have wi-fi. My favourite spot for wi-fi in larger towns is at the Mitre10 hardware store cafes.

Campervan Apps

We would all be lost in New Zealand without a few incredible apps that make the vanlife experience so much easier. Download the free CamperMate app and Rankers app. They include information on campsites, dump stations, showers, laundry and so much more.

A vanlife adventure in New Zealand will be one to remember forever. It’s an incredible opportunity for freedom and a true sense of exploration. I love that vanlife allows you leave the itinerary open-ended with space for spontaneity and flexibility - especially when the weather can be so unpredictable!

If you have any questions about vanlife, book a call.

I have explored every region in New Zealand by van, know the ins-and-outs of freedom camping, have bought and converted three different self-contained vans, and also rented small vans and motorhomes. Whatever your questions are, I’ve got you covered.

If you want inspiration when planning your itinerary, tune into the Aotearoa Adventures podcast, a weekly show hosted by yours truly. The ultimate podcast for outdoor enthusiasts, sharing guests’ incredible experiences throughout New Zealand. I guarantee your bucket list will get even longer. Grab your hiking boots, hop in the car and turn up the volume…