Van Life in New Zealand | Tips for First Time Campers
If you’re wondering whether or not it’s worth it to rent a camper van for your visit to New Zealand, I’ll save you the trouble of reading the rest of this article and just say YES.
Camper vans are available at a wide range of prices, allow you to access remote parts of the island easily, and have clearly been accounted for by New Zealand’s tourism industry, as there are accessible campgrounds all over the islands.
All of that said, if this is your first time pursuing “van life,” New Zealand is the perfect place to give it a go! Continue reading for tips on traveling in a camper van for the first time!
Camper Van Options
When looking to rent your camper van, you’ll find tons of options online. For those who prefer a bit more comfort, or who have available room in their travel budget, a popular choice it to rent a luxury RV. These campers – also called “motorhomes” – often sleep more than 2 passengers, offer electric lighting, include a toilet, and host a small kitchen within the van. If you’re concerned about having a proper bed, and prefer “glamping” over camping, the luxury RVs are probably a good fit for you!
When we did our road trip through New Zealand, we were freshly out of college and looking to save money wherever possible, so we ended up renting a converted mini-van. It was an amazing experience and I couldn’t recommend it enough, but we did have to put in a bit more effort to make it a comfortable space. Our van didn’t have any extensions, so we pushed everything into the back when we were driving, then folded up the front seats to create sleep space at night. This is a great option for those traveling on a budget, and who have a more go-with-the-flow travel style.
If you find yourself more in the middle, then there are several options in between the two travel styles described above that I’m sure would work for you! Regular RVs, vans with tent extensions, and more.
Some retail options to rent your camper van from in New Zealand include:
- Outdoorsy
- Epic Campers
- Wicked Campers (our choice)
- JUCY
- Indie Campers
Whatever style of van aligns best with your travel style, New Zealand is set up for it all.
Setting Up the Van
When we first got our van from the rental pick-up location, we drove straight to a department store to gather the necessities for our trip. If you’re checking to see what’s close by to you on a map, some big stores names include The Warehouse, Smith & Cuaghey’s, Kmart, and David Jones.
Our second stop was to a grocery store to fill up on basic food items to have on hand throughout our trip! For a short summary of what we purchased before the road trip, check out the list below:
- Fitted sheets to cover the sleeping mat
- Pillows + pillow covers
- Towels
- Washcloths
- Toiletries
- Battery powered lights (flashlights, lanterns)
- Reusable water bottles
- A couple jugs of water
- Sleeping bags
- Protein bars
- Laundry detergent
- Toilet paper
Finding Campsites
The next step in your planning after getting all of the supplies you need for your van is – of course – where do I park it? Worry not! There are so many campsites around New Zealand that the odds of any popular tourist areas being sold out for the night are slim to none, but it’s always nice to book ahead to put your mind at ease regardless!
Aside from looking up campgrounds on the internet, there are also a couple of apps that can conveniently help you locate nearby camps to park your van in, as well as compare their prices! During our travels, we made good use of the following:
Bathroom Access
A common question for those doing van life for the first time is always – where will we go to the bathroom? While some bigger RVs may have a toilet built into their system, our small camper van did not. Fortunately, all but one of the campgrounds we parked at had shared bathroom spaces!
These bathrooms often provide toilets, shared sinks + mirrors to wash up at, as well as public showers (most with hot water)! These amenities will be listed on the campgrounds’ websites, so you’ll know exactly what to expect when booking your spot.
A less common campground amenity is access to a washer or dryer, so if you find yourself at one don’t forget to take advantage and give your clothes a nice clean if you have the time to spare!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is New Zealand Campervan Friendly? YES. New Zealand is one of the most camper van friendly countries I’ve traveled to. There were multiple vendors to rent from, and ample campgrounds to choose from in the major tourist areas. The campgrounds all seemed clean and well maintained, and we felt safe throughout our entire trip.
- Can You Park a Campervan Anywhere in New Zealand? No, while it would be nice to lay down camp wherever you choose to, there are regulations about where you can leave your van at night. This helps ensure the country’s beautiful wildlife is preserved, and that campers are located safely. To find an acceptable spot to park your van, look up campgrounds or “holiday parks” in your area.
- Is Renting a Campervan Worth It in New Zealand? Yes, yes, yes. Renting a camper van allows you to move on your own schedule and access some of the more remote areas of the country, which are without a doubt some of the most beautiful! I would say if you are staying for a week or more, and planning to visit multiple destinations, a camper van would enhance your experience in New Zealand.
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About the Author: Hi, I’m Jill! I am a biomedical & mechanical engineer who loves traveling during my free time. My hope is to help make it easier for others to plan their dream trips by providing firsthand experience from the places I’ve been! Read More.
