The ULTIMATE GUIDE to Campervanning NEW ZEALAND as a Beginner in 2025 š ā°ļø
- The Great Attempt
- Feb 26
- 10 min read
Updated: Mar 27
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We lived in a campervan for 24 days while exploring the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand as complete beginners. We had no ideaĀ what we were getting ourselves into - just a dream to explore Middle Earth, a rental van, and a plan to see as much as we could. But along the way, we learned what works, what definitelyĀ doesnāt, and all the little things we wish we had known before starting. We decided to compile what we learned in this Ultimate Guide to Campervanning New Zealand in 2025 as a beginner to help you - who once like us, had no idea where to start!
New Zealand is the perfect place for beginner campervanners! Even if you've never slept in a vehicle before, the country is well-equipped for van life with campgrounds, resources, and scenic drives that make every mile an adventure. Youāll see so much more on the road than if you just fly between destinations.
So, letās break down everything you need to know: from choosing the right van to navigating campsites, the essentials to bring and staying powered up in the middle of nowhere.
Table of Contents:
There is a lot of information below so feel free to skip around! :)
What Type of Camper Should You Rent?
There are several types of campervans available, and choosing the right one can make or break your trip. Hereās a breakdown of the most common options:
Basic Van (Budget Option)
Fits 1-2 people
Easier to drive & fit in parking spots due to the size
Kitchen: Usually in the back of the van, meaning youāll be cooking outside. If itās raining? Wellā¦ youāre cooking in the rain.
Who itās good for: Budget travelers, people who donāt mind āroughing itā
What we noticed: We saw plenty of people making this setup work, but also saw some poor souls cooking in a downpour while we were dry inside our van. š
Hi-Top Camper (Our Choice!)
Fits 1-3 people
Kitchen: Inside the van (game-changer!)
Can you stand up inside? Yes, and trust us, this is a luxuryĀ you donāt appreciate until youāre trying to put on pants in a cramped space.
Who itās good for: Travelers who want a mix of comfort and affordability.
Why we loved it: The ability to cook withoutĀ being attacked by mosquitoes or drenched by rain was worth every extra dollar.
RV (Motorhome)
Great option for multi-person travel
Pros: More space, onboard shower and toilet, and often better insulation.
Cons: Harder to drive on New Zealandās winding roads, more expensive to rent, and parking can be trickier.
Who itās good for: Families or groups who want comfort over flexibility.
Popular Rental Companies:Ā
Self-Contained vs. Non-Self-Contained
Freedom camping saved us $$, but with the new regulations, itās trickier than before. Hereās what you need to know:
Self-contained vehicles must have a fixed toilet (no more portable toilets) and meet stricter water/ventilation standards.
Freedom camping spots are now mostly limited to self-contained vehicles.
If youāre not self-contained, youāll need to stay in paid campsites, which can range from $10 to $50 per night.
Respect the rules & only park in designated freedom camping spots (unfortunately a lot of people have not followed the rules & has resulted in more regulations)
"Only vehicles with fixed toilets will be certified as self-contained. Portable toilets will no longer be eligible. Higher standards for water and ventilation systems are also now being enforced. Vehicles that pass the test will be issued a green warrant or sticker of self-containment." - Department of Conservation Website
A great alternative is the DOC Pass (more on that below)!
Where to Camp: Campsites & Costs
DOC Pass (Budget-Friendly Camping)
The Department of Conservation (DOC) Pass gives access to over 300 campsites.
You can purchase a 30-day pass or a 365-day pass online or at select visitor centers.
Some campsites require booking in advanceācheck the DOC website.
Important: The 30-day pass only allows 7 nights max per individual campsite.
Holiday Parks & Powered Sites
Powered sites: $35-$55 per night for 2 people
Unpowered sites: $10-$30 per night
Our rental company advised plugging into a powered site every 3 days to keep the battery charged if using a fridge, lights, and electronics.
The more popular holiday parks tend to fill up especially in high season so book in advance if possible.
Should You Visit the North or South Island?
Both islands offer gorgeous scenic locations and many places to explore on your vacation. We personally visited both islands within our 24 days of exploration and we jam packed our itinerary! It is crazy that you could honestly explore New Zealand for multiple months and still not see everything! Timing is important and depending on your trip length will dictate where you should go.Ā
If you have only 2 weeks or less, stick to one island so you don't feel incredibly rushed and can see more of the island. If you have a month or more definitely check out both islands! We recommend if you are going to be doing both islands to start on the north island and make your way south. This route gives you beautiful scenery at the beginning and epic surreal views at the end of your trip!
Here is a little summary of the islands to help you decide which is better for you!
North Island
More beaches, culture, and history.
Highlights: Hobbiton, Glowworm Caves, Rotorua, Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Cities: Auckland & Wellington
Warmer weather than its southern neighbor.
South Island
Dramatic landscapes, mountains, glaciers, and fjords.
More rugged and remote, perfect for adventure seekers.
Highlights: Mt. Cook, Abel Tasman National Park, Milford & Doubtful SoundĀ
Cities: Queenstown & Christchurch
Be prepared for colder nights and unpredictable weather.
The Interisland Ferry
The ferry runs between Wellington (North Island) and Picton (South Island).
Some rental companies offer discounted ferry tickets at the time of booking.
There are two main ferry companies: Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry and Interislander.
Book in advance! Spaces fill up quickly.
How Do You Shower?Ā
I get it, we all want to knowā¦ this is one of the most highly asked questions when planning a campervanning trip so let's get into it!
Luckily many of the holiday parks and campsites all over the islands have great amenities and hot showers so no need to worry!Ā Many of the DOC campsites also offer showers. I will say these are usually not as nice as the holiday parks shower blocks, but they get the job done. You can research each campsite on their DOC site to see if showers are available.Ā
On the Campermate app you can also locate showers in their user-friendly search so you know where to drive. Would highly recommend bringing or buying a cheap pair of shower shoes for peace of mind. š
What Should I Pack?
It can seem a bit overwhelming when making for your upcoming trip so here are our recommendations for what to bring along!
Quick Drying Towel
A microfiber quick drying towel is beneficial to have for all your showering and swimming needs. Being able to hang it up and not having to worry about it taking hours to dry is helpful when you are on the road.Ā
Our recs: Nomadix & Camping Mini Towel
Waterproof Layers
The weather is very unpredictable and you will definitely use your rain jacket!Ā
We also highly recommend a rain cover for your day pack so you won't have to worry if it starts raining whilst you are hiking
Hiking Boots/Shoes
There are so many amazing hikes to do on both islands and having a good shoe is essential for your adventures!
I personally packed my Colombia Trailstorm Ascend Hi Tops & they worked well for all the hikes.
Base Layers
Especially for those cold nights we would highly recommend a pair of long johns that can double as sleepwear and base layers for adventuring.
Merino Socks
These guys are amazing for multiple day wear because they are antimicrobial and odor resistant!Ā
We recommend People Socks - who have been our trusted companions along our year long backpacking trip!Ā
Good Day Pack
Having a reliable day pack for your hikes and adventures is paramount. Gotta have a place for all the snacks, water & rain jackets!
The day packs we used:
Osprey Daylite 13LĀ Backpack
Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack
CameraĀ
There are SO many gorgeous sights and if you are like us and love to capture the moment we HIGHLY recommend bringing a photo or video camera!
Our camera companions were: The GoPro 360 & DJI Osmo Action
Is it Hard to Drive a Campervan in NZ?
If youāve never driven a campervan before, or if the thought of driving on the opposite side of the roadĀ makes you break into a cold sweat, donāt worry, weāve been there! The first 30 minutes might feel like an intense game of āmirror, signal, panic,ā but after a bit of practice, youāll get the hang of it.
Things to Know Before Hitting the Road ššØ
ā Drive times are longer than Google Maps suggests.Ā New Zealand roads are notoriously steep, narrow, and windy. A route that Google says will take 2 hours? Yeahā¦ add an extra 30-45 minutes, especially if youāre in a heavy camper crawling up a mountain pass. Some roads are so steep that we had to cheerĀ our van on like it was running a marathon! If youāre moving at a snailās pace up a hill, be kindĀ and pull into the slow lane so faster cars can pass you.
ā One-way roads are everywhere.Ā New Zealand has a lot of one-lane bridges and narrow roads where someone has to yield. Keep an eye out for the road signs indicating who has the right of way. If you're not sure, just be extra cautious!
ā Gas stations work differently here!Ā Coming from the U.S., this completely threw us off. In New Zealand, you pump first and pay after.Ā (Cue American confusion at the register.) Also, some rental companies have partnerships with gas chains that offer discounts, usually via a keychain barcode. If your rental gives you one - use it! And donāt be like us and forget to scan it until itās too late.
ā Park as flat as possible.Ā Sleeping at an angle is notĀ fun especially if you are battling sinus issues. Trust us, itās worth the extra minute to find a level spot!
ā Do you need an international driverās license?Ā Nope! As long as you have a valid Class A driverās license from your home country in English, youāre good to go. If your license is not in English, you will need this to rent a campervan in New Zealand. That said, we got an international driverās permit through AAA before our trip just in case. Itās handy for other countries that doĀ require one.
Overall, driving a campervan in New Zealand isnāt as intimidating as it sounds. Give yourself some time to adjust, take it slow, and embrace the adventure! šāØ
Cooking in the Camper
When it comes to cooking in the van, easy meals are key! After a full day of adventuring you want something that is quick and easy that isn't gonna cause a giant mess and a lot of time & effort. Easy meals not only help with minimum clean up & effort, they also help with budget! Groceries in New Zealand are a pretty penny, but we learned that you can stick to a budget with a few tips.Ā
Instead of surviving on just PB&Jās everyday, you can thrive with some delicious one pot pasta dishes! Our go-to meal was a pasta dish with capsicums (AKA bell peppers), tomatoes, spinach, and pre-cooked chicken or lunch meat for protein. Having a jar of sauce is also helpful to make the dish transcend! This simple meal can range about $3-5 per person.Ā
A great grocery store option to keep to your budget isĀ PAK N SAVE. They have locations all over both islands and offer a warehouse of options. You can also find cleaning supplies, toiletries, and other odds & ends you may need in the van.
š± Helpful Apps for Your New Zealand Road Trip
Campermate (our MVP!): Find campsites, fuel stations, and dump stations.
iOverlander: Another option for finding campgrounds.
Flush: Life-saver! Helps you find free public restrooms.
Tips for First-Time Campervanners
ā Pack layers. New Zealandās weather is unpredictable! One minute you're sweating, the next you're freezing.
ā Gravel Travel Blankets saved our nights! (shop here š)
ā Organize your kitchen supplies with small bins - makes packing up way easier.
ā Headlamps & rechargeable lights = power savers.
ā Portable chargers are great for charging phones at unpowered sites.
ā Gas stations work differently here! You pump first, pay after (this blew our American minds).
ā Drive times take longer than Google Maps suggests. The roads are windyĀ so plan extra time!
ā Park as flat as possible. Sleeping at an angle = sinus misery.
ā Flip-flops as slip-ons = lifesaver for quick trips outside.
ā Body wipes for when showers arenāt available.
ā Packing cubes = makeshift dresser. No need to dig through your suitcase for a fresh pair of socks.
Most importantly LEAVE NO TRACEĀ š®
New Zealand is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking natural beauties we are blessed to witness, so let's respect the land and do our part to keep New Zealand beautiful for more generations to come! ā°ļø š
Campervanning in New Zealand is Truly a Remarkable Adventure in 2025
This guide is based on our real experience: the highs, the mishaps, and everything in between. If youāre planning to campervan NZ in 2025, we hope this helps make your trip as smooth (and fun) as possible! šāØ
Got questions? Drop them below! š
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