A road trip is truly the best means to embark on a New Zealand adventure, and what better vehicle to choose than a classic campervan? Campervans offer the flexibility and comfort you need to explore the rural landscapes of this beautiful country. In this sparsely populated landscape, you may often find yourself restricted from exploring certain areas due to a lack of accommodation, so a campervan offers the perfect solution to make such destinations accessible.
Getting Your Vehicle
For extended stays, it may be cost-effective to buy a campervan, but generally speaking it is far easier and less time-consuming to rent. You can find the best NZ campervan rentals online and book in advance, so you can get right on the road as soon as you arrive. For cheap campervan hire in NZ, you may be able to find deals on relocating vehicles. This is where companies provide discounts for customers willing to drop the rental car at another destination where it is required.
The Legalities
In order to legally drive a vehicle in NZ, you will first need either a full driving licence written in English or otherwise an approved translation of your licence or an International Driving Permit. Although the legal driving age is 16, there are often age restrictions placed by rental companies of 18 years and upwards. New Zealanders drive on the left hand side, so be sure to take note of this if it differs from your home country! Where you are allowed to camp will depend on your vehicle type, so if you are planning on looking into campervan holidays in New Zealand, it would be wise to consider this point before you set out. Vehicles classified as “self-contained” allow you to camp freely, except for in camping restricted zones. In order to qualify as a self-contained, a vehicle must be capable of storing a minimum of three days’ worth of water and waste water and also have an on-board toilet facility. Without a self-contained vehicle, there are only very few spots which will allow you to camp in public for free. Be sure to check the local laws of each area before attempting any freedom camping.
The Practicalities
Travelling by campervan comes with its own unique set of practicalities, which can be easily managed with a little preparation. Disposing of waste and recharging your power can both be accomplished during a stop off at a holiday park. If you’re planning on booking a car hire in Cairns, this area in particular has a wide range of excellent holiday parks on offer, where you can get your creature comforts at the same time, with kitchens, laundry and showers all readily available. For a more basic stopover, you can park up at one of the many campsites across the country, most of which are much cheaper than holiday parks, and some even free.
Campervans are an excellent way to explore what New Zealand has to offer. They provide a one-stop-shop for travel, sleeping, and camping which allows you to venture out without a thought for where you’ll lay your head for the night, making them the perfect stress-free travel companion.
