New Zealand and campervans – name a more iconic duo! From glacier-covered mountains and smouldering volcanos to wild black sand beaches and rugged untamed coastlines, New Zealand was practically made for road-tripping!
For those wanting the ultimate freedom to carve out their own unique adventure in the Land of the Long White Cloud, getting a campervan is pretty much non-negotiable… especially if you’re on a working holiday or longer trip.
But… let’s be real. The process? Total minefield! Between navigating dodgy salesmen, confusing paperwork, desperate backpackers and something called a WOF?! It can turn from a dream trip into a logistical nightmare overnight.
I’ve been through the whole process… buying, selling and paperwork wrangling during my time living and travelling in Aotearoa. So I’ve got the inside scoop on buying a campervan in New Zealand.
This guide will help you skip the stress and get straight into the adventure of a lifetime.
Whilst most people rent campervans during their time in New Zealand, there are several reasons you might consider buying one instead. Here I’ll give you a rundown on the pros and cons.
How to buy a campervan in New Zealand? Let’s crack on and find out should we?!
It can often be more cost-effective for a longer trip to buy your own campervan than renting a campervan.
You can customise your van to your own needs. Often rentals can be pretty basic and lack many features you might want to add for extra comfort.
It’s possible to buy a cheap van or people carrier and convert it into a campervan, this means you’ll likely make a profit when you sell if you do it well.
At the end of your trip you can sell your campervan and often make some if not all of your money back, in some cases, you might even make a profit.
If you’re on a shorter trip to New Zealand, then the stress and logistics of buying and selling a campervan are just not going to be worth the hassle. Sure, you won’t get your money back when you leave, but you can also go about your trip without having extra worry and nuisance… and that’s worth paying for in my opinion!
Find The Perfect Campervan For Your Budget
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Choosing The Right Camper
For most backpackers living and working in New Zealand, you’re probably going to want to opt for something on the smaller side, but hey, if you’re feeling a bit extra then there are certainly plenty of options too. Let’s have a look at the main three categories of campervan to buy in New Zealand.
Camp Car (1 to 2 people)
These converted people carriers are simple, cheap and effective for most backpackers. You’ll very likely come across an “Estima” with some German backpackers living in it at some point during your time in New Zealand!
They come with all the requirements of self-containment whilst jumping through a few hoops in order to do so. You’ll have a basic kitchen out back, the ability to swap your bed into a living area and an onboard chemical toilet which you’ll more than likely never use!
For backpackers on a budget, these are the go-to when buying a campervan in New Zealand. They are also small enough to easily use as your day-to-day car.
Approx Used Camper Car Price – NZD $4,000 to $8,000.
Campervan (1 to 4 people)
Now we’re talking! The “standard” campervan is going to give you a similar set-up to what you’ve got in a camp car but with bags more room and usually the ability to stand up inside your van.
Those on the higher end of the spectrum will have the ability to hook up to powered sites, have a kitchen area inside the van and also have additional seating so you don’t need to rearrange the furniture each night.
Approx Used Campervan Price – Basic Setup: NZD $8,000 to $12,000/ Higher Spec: NZD $11,000 to $16,000.
Motorhome/ RV (up to 6 people)
The big daddy for the campervanning world, the RV or motorhome is essentially just that. It’s got everything you’ll need for a comfortable home on wheels including a proper kitchen, toilet, shower, living space, double bed and huge amounts of storage.
For those whose budget stretches this far, a motorhome is going to give you the freedom to live the high life wherever you pull up. Just make sure you know how to manoeuvre the thing because they’re not small!
Approx Used RV Price – NZD $20,000 to $40,000.
A Note On Self-Containment
Having a self-contained van means your camper fulfils a set of rules in order to be eligible to be certified and in turn, for you to stay at places which only allow self-contained vehicles.
These days, many many more freedom camping spots are requiring self-containment and even some paid-for campsites are also setting it out as a stipulation.
Kitting out your own van and making sure it fits the requirements is often more difficult and time-consuming that you might have thought… plus you have to pay for certification. The easiest option is to buy one already certified. But in case you fancy giving it a crack, here’s the info on how.
New Zealand Self-Contained Campervan Requirements:
The campervan can contain water for up to 3 days
At least 12L fresh water tank
Grey waste water tank: 12L per person for 3 days
Evacuation hose
Rubbish bin with lid
Toilet: fixed or not fixed
Self-contained campervans will ALWAYS be more expensive to maintain/rent/buy.
Ventilation system: Removes odours and prevents harmful gases from entering the vehicle
Sink: A fixed sink is required with drainage to the water tank
Pick the right size and budget for your time in New Zealand Image: The Roaming Renegades
Costs Of Buying And Selling Your Campervan
Ok, so now I’ve covered the different types of vans and what they cost, here I am going to give you a handy breakdown of some of the other costs you might not have considered when buying and selling a campervan in New Zealand.
Buying Costs –
Expense
Cost (Approx.)
Notes
Pre-Purchase Inspection
NZD $180 – $210
Taking the vehicle to a garage so they can inspect it for you.
Vehicle Transfer Fee
NZD $9
Take the vehicle to a garage so they can inspect it for you.
Self-Containment Certification
NZD $300 – $500
Required to legally transfer ownership. Use the NZTA office or online.
Initial Rego (Vehicle Registration)
NZD $100 – $200
Try to make sure you buy a van already certified, otherwise double-check all requirements.
Warrant of Fitness (WOF)
NZD $50 – $75
Needed every 6 months for older vehicles (pre-2000) and yearly for newer ones. Additional costs are incurred if it fails.
Road User Charges (RUC)
NZD $60 – $76 per 1,000km
Only for diesel vehicles, calculated based on distance travelled.
Insurance
NZD $500+ per year
Choose between third-party and fully comprehensive. Additional excess charged if claiming.
Servicing & Repairs
NZD $200 – $300 per service
Costs depend on vehicle condition and required maintenance
Selling costs –
Expense
Cost (Approx.)
Notes
Listing on Trade Me
NZD $39 – $199
Price depends on the listing type and promotion level.
Roadworthy Repairs (if needed)
NZD $100+
Any repairs required to pass WOF before selling.
Cleaning & Minor Fixes
NZD $50 – $150
Gotta make that baby look nice for buyers!
NZTA Change of Ownership Fee
NZD $9
Paid by either the buyer or seller at the time of sale.
Tips for Buying a Campervan in New Zealand
Alright, I’m going to go through a few important points to consider and check when buying a campervan in New Zealand so you can go into it prepared.
Set a budget – Make sure you go into any negotiation with a price in mind that you can afford and that fits your finances. Make sure to consider additional costs such as insurance, rego and maintenance on top of the price of the vehicle itself.
Think about what size you need – Smaller vans are easier to drive, and park and are cheaper to buy and run, but also come with fewer facilities. What do you need/ want for your trip?
Check self-containment – Having an up-to-date self-containment certificate means you can free camp in heaps of places all over the country. When it comes to buying a campervan in New Zealand, it’s pretty much a requirement.
Inspect the Vehicle and have a mechanic check it out if possible – Make sure to have a look for rust, leaks, tyre condition and engine performance. An additional option is to pay for a mechanic to have a look over it for you.
Test drive the campervan – Be sure to take it out for a decent drive to get a feel for how it runs and whether you’re comfortable driving it. Also, check out the modifications in the van fitted out for camping to see if it suits you.
Review the WOF & REGO – The camper will need an up-to-date Warrant of Fitness (WOF) – the more recent the better. This is like an MOT in the UK and is where you pay a garage to test and certify that the vehicle is roadworthy. Also, make sure the registration is valid and up to date.
Check Service History – If possible, check to see if the vehicle has been serviced regularly as this suggests a well-looked-after camper.
Verify Legal Ownership – Use the NZTA website (CarJam or MotorWeb) to check for debt, stolen status, and ownership history.
Negotiate the Price – Always do some research before putting in an offer and compare prices. Often sellers highball their prices expecting to be negotiated down.
Don’t be in a rush – Take your time and weigh up all your options before pulling the trigger. Give yourself enough time, rushing often results in regrets!
Get insurance – Whilst it’s not a legal requirement in New Zealand like in the UK, remember you’ll be liable if you crash into another car! Make sure you cover yourself and check out all the different options on offer such as third-party, comprehensive and backpacker cover.
Ask what it comes with – For example, is the seller throwing in their camping equipment (tables, chairs, gas cooker, cookware, etc etc).
Plan for resale – Buy a model that is easy to sell, such as a self-contained Estima. Try to time the end of your trip with the peak travel season and also research companies that have buy-back schemes.
When you’re buying a campervan in New Zealand you have two main options, you can buy from an individual, such as another backpacker or a local selling their van, or you can buy from a company. There are positives and negatives to each.
If you buy from an individual – A local or backpackers, it’s often easier to negotiate but there are no protections, refunds or exchanges in most cases and quite often the backpacker will be out of the country by the time you notice anything is wrong!
If you buy from a company – Make sure you find somewhere reputable with good reviews and a personal recommendation. With these places you often get warranties and more guarantees, plus, you can easily go back and complain!
Some Tips For Places To Buy A Campervan In New Zealand
Look at the notice boards at backpacker hostels.
Check out adverts on websites such as TradeMe.
Join local Facebook groups where people can advertise and also look on Facebook Marketplace.
Find a reputable place to buy from
When to Buy a Campervan in NZ
Something you might not have considered is that buying a campervan in New Zealand is actually affected by the seasons.
This means that there are times in the year when it’s best to buy a campervan and times when it’s best to sell. Of course, these don’t always line up with your plans but it’s something to bear in mind when it comes to planning out your trip and keeping your expectations in check.
Best time to buy – During the winter months (June – August) / Low season prices are generally much lower.
Worst time to buy – The peak season over the summer (November – February) is when demand and prices are at their highest. This is however the best time to sell.
However, you also need to consider when you want to use the camper and your level of enjoyment over that season. There’s no point saving a few bucks to buy in winter and sell in summer if you’re not going to be able to do the things you want to do over that time!
How to Sell Your Campervan in New Zealand
Alright, I’ll go through a few top tips on selling your campervan or car in New Zealand so you can chill, enjoy your time and not stress it too much.
When – Don’t leave it too late. Start the process about 6 weeks before you leave so you don’t end up panic selling.
Time – Don’t be in a mad rush to sell to the first person who gives you an offer if you’re not happy with the price. Give it time, NZ has a super active market with backpackers arriving on the daily!
Price – Do some research and set a realistic price and prepare to be negotiated down.
Advertise in different places – Hostel notice boards, Facebook groups and marketplace, Trademe, gumtree as well as putting a sign in the window of your van.
Look after your camper – Make sure you’re up to date with maintenance and keep your van in good shape, also make sure to keep service records.
WOF/ REGO – Get your WOF (Warranty of Fitness) done at a garage as late as you can and make sure your Registration and paperwork are all in order.
Self-Containment Certification – Check your certificate is up to date and doesn’t need renewing.
Pick a good time of year to sell – Peak travel season over the summer months is when demand and prices are at their highest.
Don’t do other backpackers dirty – You were there once. Look after your camper, be honest and accept a fair price. Karma dude!
One way to avoid a whole heap of stress, paperwork and wondering if you’re doing this selling thing right is to go to a private company. Now, often people think this means accepting a super low price, but that’s not always the case if you go to somewhere reputable.
We personally recommend using our friends at Travel Cars NZ, a smaller, local company based in Auckland. When it comes to campervan reviews, they rule! Honestly, when campervan in New Zealand, I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
The owner Luis is a super friendly and approachable guy who is happy to help you out and figure out what campervan is best for your trip. He’s also been a backpacker road-tripping around New Zealand, so he knows exactly what it’s like to be in your position.
Plus, they also offer a buy-back scheme meaning you don’t have any stress at the end of your trip and you can sell at the last minute, regardless of the season. Don’t wonder how to buy a campervan in New Zealand, get yourself over to Luis.
Give him a shout and tell him The Roaming Renegades sent you for $100 off your next purchase.
What’s it Like Selling and Buying a Campervan in New Zealand
For me, buying and selling my campervan in New Zealand was honestly a mixed bag and there’s so much I wish I knew now that I didn’t at the time. I’ll be honest, I was a little too eager and jumped at one of the first vans I saw and ended up with one that cost me time and money to repair and ultimately ended in the premature end to our first road trip in New Zealand.
Well, you live and learn as they say. Thankfully I managed to still get a decent chunk of money back and was able to sell it on to a mechanic with complete transparency. But I didn’t make that mistake again!
Hopefully, across this guide, I’ve given you enough information to negotiate the pitfalls because the pluses really do outweigh the negatives when it comes to buying a campervan in New Zealand.
Now get out there and barter hard!
Chur Bro!
The freedom of buying a campervan in New Zealand is unmatched. Image: The Roaming Renegades
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That depends on many factors including the time of year (in summer it’s more expensive), the size, model and self containment status of the campervan you pick. But an example of a classic campervan is the Estima, which usually costs anywhere between $2000 – $7000 depending on age and condition.
Yes! Buying a campervan is totally worth it if you plan on staying in New Zealand for an extended period, particularly if you’re doing your working holiday visa. It gives you incredible freedom to fully explore and you can sell it back when you leave.
The cheapest campervan to buy is often an Estima, which is technically a campcar. These are very popular among backpackers and they’re easy to shift when you leave.
Yes, on the whole they do. You will usually own them for a little less than a year if you’re backpacking in New Zealand and in that time if you look after your camper, maintain it, keep the WOF, REGO and certification up to date, then it’s even possible to sell at a profit.
For transparency’s sake:Many of the links we have on our site are affiliate links. This means that when you click one of these links and make a booking or purchase, for example: accommodation, gear, insurance or transport, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).Also, know that as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Most importantly, know that we still only recommend services, gear and products we believe in and our earned commission helps us keep travelling and bringing you high-quality posts and content.
I’m an adventure (and halloumi) obsessed traveller with a passion for hiking mountains, exploring cities, watching Arsenal win, moshing out to Rammstein in random European fields and getting hopelessly lost on a motorbike somewhere in Asia!
I’ve explored over 70 countries, lived in Australia and New Zealand, and spent months wandering Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe all while trying to avoid growing up!
Did it work, I dunno, but my back hurts and I still collect Pokemon cards! Who wants in?!
If you’re looking for the best romantic European city breaks for you and your partner, then I’ve put together this EPIC list for the perfect trip away.
