Exploring New Zealand: Choosing The Best Campervan

New Zealand is a country that seems custom-made for the campervan. Its dazzling beaches, pristine turquoise lakes, spectacular mountain views, volcanic geothermal springs and over 250 well-maintained camping areas make it a popular destination for campervan travellers.

Travelling by campervan in New Zealand makes a lot of sense. It gives you the freedom to follow your nose and reach places you simply wouldn't otherwise. It's a more simple way of travelling, requiring less planning. You can see how far you get each day and find a place to sleep without having to book in advance. You can make meals when you get hungry instead of trying to find restaurants.

There are some things to consider when planning your trip, such as whether you will be sleeping in a campervan or a tent, and whether you want to rent or buy a campervan. You'll also need to decide on the best time of year to go, how much time you need, and your route.

There are also a few things to get used to when it comes to driving in New Zealand. Remember that they drive on the left side of the road, and that the roads are notoriously winding and mostly single-lane.

Campervan vs car: pros and cons

Travelling around New Zealand in a campervan is a great way to experience the country's natural beauty. However, there are pros and cons to choosing a campervan over a car, and vice versa. Here are some things to consider when deciding between the two:

Campervan Pros:

• Freedom and Flexibility: Campervans offer the ability to explore different destinations at your own pace and easily pack up and move on a whim.
• Accessibility: Campervans can access more remote locations with smaller, narrower roads that may be difficult for cars towing caravans.
• Self-Containment: Campervans have built-in amenities like kitchens, toilets, and showers, reducing the need to rely on hotels and restaurants.
• Spontaneity: With a campervan, there is no need to book accommodation in advance, and you can stay in beautiful, remote locations.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Campervans can be more cost-effective for groups or families, as you only need to pay for one vehicle and can cook your own meals.

Campervan Cons:

• Cost: Campervan rentals can be expensive, especially during peak season, and you may also need to factor in costs for petrol, campground fees, and insurance.
• Size and Maneuverability: Campervans can be big and clunky to drive, especially on New Zealand's winding roads, and may have trouble fitting into narrow parking spots.
• Organisation and Maintenance: Keeping a campervan tidy and well-maintained can be challenging, and you will need to be disciplined with chores and packing.
• Limited Luxury: While some campervans offer comfortable beds and kitchen facilities, they generally have less space and fewer amenities than a hotel or rental home.

Car Pros:

• Cost: Renting a car is often cheaper than a campervan, and you may have more options for vehicle size and type.
• Maneuverability: Cars are generally smaller and easier to drive than campervans, making them better suited for navigating narrow roads and finding parking.
• Hotel Stays: With a car, you have the option to stay in hotels, which can offer more comfort and amenities than a campervan.
• No Set-Up Required: Unlike a campervan, a car does not require setting up or packing down, saving time and effort.

Car Cons:

• Limited Freedom: A car may not offer the same level of freedom and flexibility as a campervan, as you are dependent on finding accommodation and eating out.
• Less Accessibility: Cars may not be able to access more remote locations or rugged terrain that a campervan can handle.
• Less Spontaneity: With a car, you may need to plan your trip more carefully, including booking accommodation in advance.
• Higher Overall Costs: While the daily rental cost may be lower, you will also need to factor in the cost of accommodation, eating out, and activities, which can add up quickly.

Ultimately, the decision between a campervan and a car depends on your personal preferences, budget, and travel style. Both options offer unique advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and what you value most in your travel experience.

Campervan rental companies

There are numerous companies offering campervan rentals in New Zealand, with a range of options to suit different budgets and needs. Here are some of the most popular choices:

• Jucy Rentals: With depots in Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown, Jucy offers a range of budget-friendly to mid-range campers and motorhomes. Their vehicles range from the compact and economical "Crib" to the larger "Condo" and "Cruiser", which sleep up to four people and include a kitchen, shower, and toilet. Jucy also provides unlimited mileage, roadside assistance, and kitchen equipment.
• Maui Rentals: Maui is a great option for those seeking luxury. Their fleet includes some of the newest vans on New Zealand roads, with vehicles under 2.5 years old. Maui offers one-way rentals, unlimited mileage, GPS navigation, and a range of vehicle sizes sleeping up to six people.
• Kiwi Motorhomes: Kiwi Motorhomes provides luxury non-branded, self-contained motorhomes that sleep up to six people. They offer queen-sized beds, full-size showers, and separate toilets. They also provide free extras like camping tables, chairs, and solar panels. Additionally, they offer airport transfers and bike hire, and some of their motorhomes are pet-friendly.
• Wilderness Motorhome Rentals: Wilderness offers spacious and comfortable motorhomes with no road restrictions, allowing you to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. Their vehicles are equipped with high-end amenities, and they have a flexible booking system with refundable deposits and free cancellations.
• Travellers Autobarn: This company provides budget-friendly campervan rentals with unlimited mileage, 24/7 roadside assistance, and no extra charges for young drivers. They offer discounts on fuel and campgrounds, with some even available for free. Their fleet includes vehicles ranging from 2 to 5 berths, with both self-contained and non-self-contained options.
• Escape Campervans: Escape is another popular budget-friendly option, offering unlimited mileage, additional drivers at no extra cost, and great insurance options. They have two models: a self-contained van and a standard converted van, both equipped with air conditioning, a cooler, a heater, cooking equipment, and beach chairs.
• Mad Campers: Mad Campers is ideal for backpackers, offering two small campervans, one designed for solo travellers and the other for those wanting more creature comforts. Their vans feature amenities like a kitchenette, LED lighting, and USB ports, and they provide unlimited mileage, 24-hour roadside assistance, and driver training.
• Spaceships: Spaceships offers traditional vans with basic amenities like a bed, fridge, freezer, and cooking area. They provide unlimited mileage, a free additional driver, and all the necessary cooking and sleeping gear. They also have a flexible policy, allowing changes up to 24 hours before pickup, and they don't charge extra for young drivers or one-way rentals.
• Epic Campers: Specialising in 2-berth campervans, Epic Campers is perfect for couples exploring New Zealand. Their vans include a pull-out kitchenette, portable toilet, LED lighting, USB ports, air conditioning, and a dual battery system. They also provide unlimited mileage, 24/7 roadside assistance, and include two drivers in the rental package.
• Britz: Britz is a popular choice for campervan hire in New Zealand, offering a range of vehicles from small converted vans to large motorhomes sleeping up to six people. Their rentals include unlimited mileage, linen, GPS navigation, a fridge, gas cooker, air conditioning, and kitchen utensils. They have depots in Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown, making them a convenient option.

Campervan cooking

One of the biggest attractions of travelling by campervan is the freedom to stop when and where you like, and to cook and eat when and where you choose. You can save money by cooking your own meals, and you're not restricted to pasta or sandwiches. In fact, with good ingredients and simple cooking methods, your meals may taste even better in your campervan than they do at home!

Planning and Packing

Before you set off, it's a good idea to plan out your meals so that you can use the same food items in several different recipes. It's also worth stocking up on non-perishable food items and finding creative ways to store them, such as using boxes or cardboard flats. You should also plan to stop by a supermarket or farmers' market every few days to stock up on fresh produce and perishable items.

Here's a basic kitchen packing list to get you started:

• Tea bags, coffee, herbal teas, and hot chocolate powder in airtight containers
• A cafetière and freshly ground coffee
• Biscuits in an airtight container
• UHT milk for emergencies
• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Spreads: Marmite, Nutella, jam, honey, marmalade, and peanut butter
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, tomato ketchup, instant gravy powder, herbs, and spices
• An aluminium, lightweight whistling kettle
• Two nesting aluminium saucepans with lids – small and large – or swap the big pan for a deep sauté pan or a griddle
• A steamer
• A flat cheese grater
• A large bowl for salads and pasta
• A bottle opener and corkscrew
• Cutlery: a knife, fork, spoon, and teaspoon per person
• Melamine crockery – it's lightweight, scratch-resistant, and less breakable (but don't put it in the microwave)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A slow cooker (optional)
• A portable BBQ (optional)

Cooking Methods

Most campervans have a two-ring gas hob, which is enough for preparing delicious and varied meals. Some campervans may also have an electric induction hob, a fitted gas oven, or a grill. If you want to cook outside, you can always take a portable BBQ.

Recipe Ideas

• Easy dinner idea: tuna curry couscous or salmon curry quinoa
• Easy dinner idea: Knorr Rice Sides and canned chicken breast
• Easy dinner idea: stovetop stuffing and canned chicken breast, with a drizzle of olive oil
• Lunch idea: turkey and spinach wrap with hummus or mustard/mayo
• Lunch idea: nut butter, jelly, and trail mix/granola, spread on a wrap/tortilla
• Easy breakfast idea: cheese grits – cook instant butter-flavoured grits and add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a parmesan cheese packet
• Easy breakfast idea: French toast with turkey bacon
• Pancakes with syrup and turkey sausage
• Sliced apples and nut butter
• Baby carrots and celery sticks
• Trail mix/GORP: mix together your favourite nuts, dried fruit, and sunflower seed kernels
• Tortilla chips and salsa
• Pringles
• Fig Newtons, shortbread cookies, Cheez-Its
• S'mores: graham crackers, chocolate bar, marshmallows
• Shrimp stir fry: use a bag of frozen shrimp, chopped onion, red and green peppers, and mushrooms. Stir fry the veggies first, then add the shrimp for the last 4-5 minutes. Serve over rice.
• Sausage and veggie skillet: sliced chicken sausage, zucchini, onion, pepper, and mushrooms. Serve with rice or instant mashed potatoes.
• Chicken and cheese quesadillas: add chicken and/or cheese and salsa to a tortilla, fold over, and fry on each side until toasty
• Tuna melt: fill a tortilla with tuna, diced onion, and cheese, then fry on each side until toasty
• Black beans and rice: a can of black beans, small can of fiesta corn, can of Rotel and diced onion, fully cooked rice pouch, sliced turkey kielbasa. Saute the onion and kielbasa in a small bit of oil, then stir in all other ingredients.

Tips for Staying Organised

• Have a snack bag handy, in an easy-to-grab spot
• Have a laundry bag for dirty clothes
• Use a small towel or bath mat to wipe your shoes before you get into the vehicle
• Use packing cubes to organise your belongings
• Give everything a designated spot to keep things tidy and easy to find
• Spray your skillet with cooking oil or drizzle with olive oil to make cleanup easier
• Stock up on non-perishable food items, but also plan to stop by a supermarket or farmers' market every few days to buy fresh produce and perishable items
• Find a creative way to store your non-perishable food, such as using boxes or cardboard flats
• Do the washing up in the campsite kitchen facilities, or put the kettle on while you eat so you can wash things in the campervan sink afterwards
• Think carefully about which utensils, crockery, and cutlery you use, trying to avoid making unnecessary mess
• Prepare one-pot or two-pan meals to reduce cleanup time
• Use non-stick pans that are easy to wash
• Wipe everything with a kitchen towel before washing up to save hot water
• Wash the cleanest dishes first and save the greasiest for last
• Rinse everything separately by popping a bowl on the table
• Allow the dishes to drain on a tray covered with a towel to cut down on the number of tea towels needed
• Only put things away once they're completely dry to prevent damp from getting inside the cupboards

Happy cooking and bon appétit!

Campervan packing

When packing for a campervan trip, it's important to keep things organised, compact and casual. Here is a comprehensive packing list to help you prepare for your New Zealand adventure.

Clothing

• Pack light and opt for quick-drying, sweat-wicking fabrics.
• Bring layers, including waterproof jackets, to accommodate New Zealand's unpredictable weather.
• Don't forget your swimming gear and a sarong, which can double as a scarf or towel.
• Pack comfortable walking shoes or sandals.

Bedding

• Sleeping bags, sheets and pillows are essential for a good night's rest.
• Consider bringing extra blankets, especially during the colder months.

Food & Kitchen Supplies

• Stock up on non-perishable food items such as dried noodles, rice, tinned vegetables, beans, and long-life milk.
• Don't forget the snacks! Include plenty of dried fruit, cereal bars, and treats like marshmallows for roasting over the campfire.
• Kitchen essentials include pots, pans, cutlery, sharp knives, a can opener, foil, baking paper, dishcloths, and tea towels.
• If your campervan has a microwave, bring microwavable containers for quick and easy meals.
• Don't forget formula, bottles, and sterilising equipment if you have a baby.

First Aid Kit

• Personal medications
• Bandages and Band-Aids, including waterproof dressings
• Pain relievers and fever reducers like Panadol and Nurofen, especially for children
• Cold and flu medications
• Anti-diarrhea tablets
• Small sharp scissors

Toiletries & Personal Care

• Soap, shampoo, conditioner, and other personal care items
• Aloe vera gel for sunburn relief
• Antibacterial wet wipes for quick clean-ups when you're on the move
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Towels – consider dark colours or patterns to hide dirt
• Plastic or rubber sandals for use in shared shower facilities
• Potty or toilet seat for toilet-training toddlers
• Nappies and swim nappies for babies
• Baby bath or large bucket for bathing little ones

Entertainment

• Tablets loaded with apps, games, and books to keep kids entertained during long drives
• Headphones for each family member
• Books, travel journals, notepads, and pens
• Craft supplies like stickers, glue, and coloured paper
• A few favourite toys for rainy days

Outdoor Essentials

• Tools, rope, and tent pegs
• Large water containers
• Folding camp chairs and a camp table
• Arm bands or float vests for water activities
• Solar chargers to keep your electronic devices powered up
• Clothesline and pegs – consider a travel clothesline with suction cups and attached pegs
• Pocket multi-function knife
• Maps for navigation and planning
• Fans to keep your campervan cool

Other Useful Items

• Nightlights or torches
• Pack and play or camping cot for babies
• Booster seat or bumbo seat for babies
• Formula, bottles, and sterilising equipment if using
• Baby bath or large bucket
• Water filter or water purification tablets to ensure access to clean drinking water

Campervan driving tips

New Zealand is a great country to explore by campervan, with its epic landscapes, good roads, and unspoiled wilderness. Here are some tips to keep in mind when driving a campervan in New Zealand:

• Familiarise yourself with the New Zealand Road Code and Road Rules. Brush up on the rules of the road, especially if you're used to driving somewhere outside of New Zealand. The New Zealand Road Code is available online and covers important rules around right of way, passing, and giving way.
• Follow all New Zealand road safety rules. Always wear your seat belt and ensure that all passengers do the same. Children must be secured in approved child seats. Do not drink and drive, as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in New Zealand and is strictly enforced by police. It is also illegal to use a mobile phone when driving in New Zealand.
• Remember to drive on the left side of the road. If you are used to driving on the right, take extra care when turning and passing, and use all your mirrors to check for traffic.
• Be cautious when driving on single-lane and windy roads, which are common in New Zealand. Adjust your speed according to the weather conditions and take extra care during winter due to the possibility of black ice on the roads.
• Plan your route and take frequent breaks. Driving a campervan can be tiring, so make sure to stop regularly to stretch your legs, see the sights, and stay alert.
• Keep to the left lane whenever possible when driving on multi-lane roads or motorways. Only use the right lane(s) for passing or turning.
• Be aware of other drivers and use your indicators early when turning or changing lanes. Slow-driving motorhomes can cause frustration, so take advantage of slow lanes and safe areas to pull over and let other vehicles pass.
• Look out for low-hanging branches and height restrictions when entering or leaving campsites, and be cautious when using undercover carparks or drive-thru services. Know the height of your vehicle, which is usually indicated by a sticker on the top right-hand corner of the windscreen.
• When reversing, it may be helpful to have someone guide you from outside the vehicle.
• Secure all cupboards and belongings before driving, and always drive slower than you would in a smaller vehicle to compensate for the height and weight of the campervan.
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and allow more time to brake. The speed limit for motorhomes and campervans in New Zealand is 90 km/hr on highways and 50 km/hr in urban areas.
• If you are a foreign licence holder, ensure that your licence is current and appropriate for a full-size motor vehicle, and present an accredited English translation if your licence is not in English.

Frequently asked questions