When I first made plans to move to New Zealand, buying a campervan was never something I imagined myself doing. While I am here on a working holiday, I didn’t suspect I’d want to invest in a vehicle. I have never owned a car in the US, and I certainly didn’t think I would buy my first vehicle as a backpacker in New Zealand.
I thought wrong. Shortly after arriving in Auckland, Nicole and I began to realize that traveling in a campervan was the ideal way to get around the country. We didn’t want to be committed to the schedules and routes of an InterCity bus. We didn’t want to be trapped in a Kiwi Experience bus with loud, 18 year old, gap year drunks. And we absolutely didn’t want a Kiwi Experience bus driver deciding what corners of New Zealand we would get to see.
We wanted the flexibility of going where we wanted to go, when we wanted to go there. Having your own car or van with a generator like one of these allows you to see more of New Zealand than you would if you traveling by bus. Also, we decided to buy a van on the assumption we’d save money in the long run. Instead of paying $25-30 a night for a hostel, we often stay for free in the van.
We bought our campervan, Max, in Auckland. Here’s how you can do it too:
Buying a campervan (or car) is a very realistic option for the working holiday maker or backpacker who is traveling to New Zealand for more than a couple weeks time. If you’re here for much less than two months, I wouldn’t suggest buying a car. While it’s an easy process, you run the risk of spending too much time looking for and then attempting to sell your vehicle.
Where to look …
There are plenty of older, affordable cars and vans throughout New Zealand. Many of these have been passed down from backpacker to backpacker. These are your best bet and you’ll have the most luck looking for your van in one of New Zealand’s population centers: Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. Chances are, they’ll be cheaper in a city where there are more options.
Hostels will have notice boards listing various backpacker related items for sale. These items will very often include backpacker cars and vans. Spend an afternoon looking around the hostels in one of New Zealand’s cities. In Auckland, I stayed at Base ACB (a terrible hostel which I don’t recommend). They actually had an entire notebook with various backpacker cars and vans for sale. It was a terrific resource.
I also recommend you check out Backpackerboard.co.nz’s online listings. This is where I found Max, and it includes a constantly updated list of backpackers’ vehicles for sale. There is no middleman involved, so you’ll get what the seller thinks the car or van is actually worth. If you’re unable to find a van using hostel noticeboards or online listings, your next best bet is to look at a Backpackers Car Market.
You’ll find a Backpackers Car Market in both Auckland and Christchurch. Often, these are where backpackers end up selling their cars or vans if they wait to long to do it on their own. These companies buy cars and vans from backpackers, and sell them back to backpackers. Expect the prices here to be significantly higher than they would be if you find a personal sale elsewhere. Nonetheless, the car markets often have good, quality vans. Before they can be sold, they are required to have a mechanical check. Chances are, you won’t get stuck with a lemon as the Car Market wouldn’t want to buy a lemon.
Lastly, you can check out Car Fairs in many of New Zealand’s larger cities. These will have a much wider selection of cars, trucks, and vans, which aren’t going to be specifically geared towards the backpacker. If you find a van at a Backpackers Car Market, or on a hostel notice board, or on Backpackerboard, chances are these will be converted with sleeping facilities, cooking supplies, maps, guidebooks, and anything else you might need on the road.
Things to consider before you buy …
Warrant of Fitness (Wof): All vehicles on New Zealand’s roads must undergo a test to ensure they’re safe for the road. A Warrant of Fitness essentially says that your van is roadworthy and safe. Older vehicles must undergo a WoF inspection every six months.
Considering this, I recommend you look for a van that has been recently WoFed. You’ll be guaranteed no immediate expenses – baring something doesn’t go wrong mechanically. If you buy a van which has to have its WoF inspection in three weeks, you run the risk of a garage bill of hundreds of dollars.
You might also consider arranging to take the vehicle you’re interested in to a mechanic to have a general inspection of the vehicles’ health. This shouldn’t cost you over $100.
Registration (ReGo): Similar to the WoF, all cars on New Zealand roads are required to be registered. While not a huge expense, it will cost you about $100 for every three months of registration. Check to see how long the car or van you’re buying is registered for. All registration labels are found on the top, left hand corner of the windshield.
Gas or Diesel: One of the first things you’ll notice about fuel prices in New Zealand is the stark difference between the price of diesel and gas. Diesel is significantly cheaper – at the moment, about seventy cents cheaper per liter. On the surface, you’d expect to save heaps of money with a diesel van. In reality, you don’t end up saving any money. In addition to a Registration fee, you’re required to pay road user charges for each 1,000 kms you drive.
Supplies: Does your van come with a New Zealand atlas? What about a gas cooker? Or pots and pans? These items add up quick quickly in New Zealand. Consider what things are or are not included when looking for a van.
After you find your van …
I was shocked by how easy it was to complete the purchase of my van. After you’ve paid for your new ride, a quick trip to any Post Shop will allow you to finish the deal. You’ll need to file for a change of ownership which will cost you about $10. You’ll need to list an address on this form, but the address of the hostel where you’re staying will do.
Believe it or not, insurance is not mandatory in New Zealand – not even Third Party Insurance. This actually makes buying insurance a pretty good idea in my mind. I was surprised to find the process of insuring my van cheap and easy.
BBH (Budget Backpackers Hostels) offer third party insurance packages specifically geared for backpackers. They can be purchased online. It’s quick and easy, but it’s also overpriced. If you’ll be in New Zealand for a short period of time, it’s arguably the way to go. Policies for as little as three months can be purchased and would cost you $180 if you were over 25. The longer your policy, the cheaper the cost.
I opted to go with Kiwi Bank Auto Insurance. You can find details at the Post Shop when you’re transferring ownership of your new vehicle. This option is significantly cheaper. I pay just about $30 a month to insure my van with Kiwi bank – and, in addition to third party insurance, I get full coverage plus fire and theft.
How much?
How much you spend will depend on a number of factors. If you’re buying at the start of the summer, you’ll pay significantly more than you would in the middle of the winter. Either way, you can expect to pay $3000 or more for an adequate campervan with sleeping facilities. You could get away spending less than $2000 if you went the car route.
This is certainly easier to stomach if you’re traveling with a friend. Also, you can plan on getting all or a good portion of the cost back when you decide to sell. Do realize if you’re buying in the summer, and selling in the winter, you may inevitable lose some of what you paid.
Buying a van in New Zealand is a straightforward process. It’s so easy, a backpacker can do it. And you should.
Are you considering buying a car or van in New Zealand? While I hope this post was hopeful, I trust it didn’t answer all of your questions. Send any questions you have my way. Use the contact form or email at (matt) at (backpackingmatt) dot (com)
Backpacking Matt 
surely traveling on your own car gives you completely flexibility on the trip given you the opportunity to visit also the hidden gems of a country at your own peace but if you are on a short stay it might worth to rent it out. we only had 6weeks in New Zealand and although we were tempted to buy one at the end we rented a station wagon from Jucy.
in australia instead we bought one of this backpacker van http://www.atravelaroundtheworld.com/2010/01/australia-backpacker-travel-tips-all.html
@marta I noticed your van on your website the other day – it looks class! I think six weeks is right about on the border of whether you should rent or buy. A lot of it depends on the season. I’d feel comfortable buying at the start of the summer season and selling halfway through. If it was winter, you’d be taking a pretty big gamble.
@ant Thanks! Those are definitely sites worth checking as well.
Matt – do you know if this article of yours posted in 2010 still holds true today in 2016 (in terms of WOF, REGO and insurance). I am anticipating travelling in 2017 and purchasing a campervan. I have a visa and contract that will have me in NZ until December 2017 (as such, I am not concerned about reselling).
Vince,
I am a Kiwi and yes the prices Matt has quoted are pretty bang on. Matts article is very accurate and great advise. i am a mechanic here in Auckland.
another site to consider is renting private campervans via the website shareacamper.co.nz considerably less cost than renting from a commercial operator
Great post. Full of good info. I’d also recommend TradeMe.co.nz and Gumtree.co.nz (pref the former) for places to look for the campervan.
Can’t quite agree with the idea of buying from another backpacker. If you do, I earnestly suggest you have a mechanic give the vehicle a thorough physical. Backpackers are not renowned for maintaining vehicles in top condition. If they have a breakdown they usually get the cheapest possible repair – which means it may or may not last for long. It can be taken as read that the vehicle will not have had a proper service . . . in which case invest the $200 or so for plugs, oil change, filters etc. You’ll recoup most of it in fuel savings.
As to the comment that you’ll recoup all or most of your investment that’s the dream that keeps the urban myth alive. The carparks at Auckland International airport at this time of year are littered with abandoned vehicles left behind by departing visitors who weren’t able to get a sale before going.
If you buy anywhere from October to February and try to sell in March onwards you will very likely take a loss.
Re hiring v. buying. The break-even point is usually around two months. Under that it’s cheaper to rent a vehicle.
If your knowledge of cars is limited, I’d definitely suggest you have a mechanic check any potential buy. It’s well worth your money.
As I said, it’s a dangerous call to buy mid summer and sell closer to winter. The market will be flooded with other backpackers doing the same. You certainly can’t expect to make money on the car. Nonetheless, if you start listing your vehicle well in advance of your move in a number of different places, and are prepared to loose some of what you paid, your car won’t end up in a car park at Auckland’s airport.
We bought our car on Trademe (www.trademe.co.nz) plus some other good things for our trip 🙂
Now I know why so many Kiwi backpackers coming to the UK and Europe want to find a campervan. They get the bug at home. Sound’s like they are easy to find there, but they are gold dust in the UK these days.
Wow Matt! I didn’t know that buying a campervan in NZ is that easy! We will consider it if in the future we will go back to NZ for longer period of time. As you know tomorrow I will fly to NZ, but only have 2 weeks. We are renting a small campervan from Jucy. It’s cheap because it’s off season it seems. But yeah, seems like if we are going to be there for a long period of time, this is a cool idea, having your own moving home!
It’s easy, but not risk free. My van recently took its last ride – a sad day, but something you certainly have to realize is a risk if you’re buying an older van. I’m thinking of writing a post on the potential hazards of buying a van. It’s great having your own moving home – until your home dies, and you have to unload all of your possessions onto the street!
We are regularly selling campervans and motorhomes in new zealand. Our main business is campervan rental but as we are regularly replacing our fleet we do sell a fair bit. Our vehicles are cheap and in good nik…so if you are looking for a campervan or motorhome in new zealand, be sure to visit our website.
I just did a search and found this after writing an almost identical post about my experience in Australia! Basically, we had to double the purchase price to keep the thing on the road due to a dodgy engine. Still, it was worthwhile but not ideal. 🙂 What happened to your van?
@Adam Glad Google pointed you in the right direction! 🙂 Ultimately, our van broke down just outside of Queenstown. It was a sad, sad day and made for a tough situation financially. No regrets though in buying a van – we just didn’t do our research properly!
Hey Matt,
Just wanted to say, I have just discovered your blog.. Wow. You are my new hero and guru! I’m currently 3 months in to my year trip.. Doing four months round SEA.. I am meeting my boyfriend in New Zealand in March and after a brief 3 week bus trip there three years ago- I’m finally back for 8 months on a working visa!! Hoping to buy a van and not work until desperately needed! Your articles have been a wealth of brilliant information and awe inspiring passion.. I simply cannot wait to get there! Keep up the great work, and when we are there I would love to come and find you, to shake your hand and relish in more of your out of this world experiences and stories! Take care, Josey-May AKA JM! x ; )
@Josey Thanks heaps for the unbelievably kind words. 🙂 Enjoy NZ – I’ll flip you an email now to see how your trip is going!
Good basic info with good source suggestions for looking before buying. I arrive Aukland 2 Oct for five months touring around. Bringing bike and planning to buy campervan for long trips between day rides in each area. My only slight worry is not meeting other backpackers in hostels along the way, as I have done previously, around SEAsia. Four weeks to adventure time !
Great info Matt, thanks for providing the useful links and ideas. Are there any points in the blog you feel might be significantly different now that’s it’s 4 years down the road? Are gas and diesel still more or less equal all things considered? Are there any new sites/locations that have sprung up that would be good to have a look at for finding vans? Have costs for insurance etc. hiked up much, and is there any new paperwork that wasn’t required before?
I’ll be arriving in mid March and leaving in mid Sept so hoping to get a good deal and not lose much (if any) when selling!
Apologies for the picture that obviously isn’t me. Putting in the website link (or possibly the e-mail address used) automatically linked to my girlfriends blog and thus her photo!
@Nicholas – Prices on insurance and the paperwork involved hasn’t really changed much. If anything I’ve just grown more cautious (old) and often refrain from suggesting campervans as there are so many lemons on the road. It’s a bit of a risk buying one, but with proper research you’ll probably be right. I’d suggest taking the van to an AA or VTNZ shop and pay for a pre-purchase inspection; this should help to ensure you’re not getting duped.
Thanks Matt
We were certainly going to go down the pre-purchase inspection route. We just winged it a bit with a car in South Africa and while we certainly weren’t duped, there were more issues than we’d hoped. We’re definitely going to be more careful with something that will be our home for 6 months! Who knows, perhaps we’ll see you in Queenstown…
Cheers
Your posts are making our planning for a 6 month stay seem so simple! I love the idea of the camper-van for our travels. Coming from Canada, would you foresee any issues with the driver’s licence, or are we able to drive right away? How’d you find driving on the left side at first? We’ve done a ton of road trips, both in Canada and the US, as well as some European countries, but I hope it’s fairly quick to pick up the other side. What’s the ratio for automatic to standard? Are most vehicles stick?
Thanks again, your blog has made us even more excited!
You’ll be fine with your Canada drivers license. Left hand driving takes some time to get used to, but just take it slow. Have fun!
Hey Matt,
I have to say your blog was an inspiration to both I and my partner, we arrived in March 2013 saved up until Dec 2013 bought our pride and joy and jumped on the road and lasted 4 months!
The camperan is a beauty, she’s a Nissan Atlas with a caravan attached to the chasis, she has all the character and we cannot bear to part with her, therefore we have just extended our visa for another year!! She’s more than a van to us now, you get so attached to them after a while! I have to say the entire experience was one of the best of my life, we ended up staying a week in Lake Tekapo and if anyone is reading this YOU HAVE TO GO!!
Anyway Matt thanks again due your an inspiration to us all!
The only one thing I would say is both trademe and autotrader were both terrible for narrowing down searches, and sourcing our van in general. The internet over here really does baffle me sometimes. I recently set up trademycampervan.co.nz so backpackers alike can trade their pride and joys! for now its completely free to list your van!!
🙂
Matt,
This is an awesome resource thanks so much! Do you have any recommendations as to how to get enough cash on hand to buy a campervan? What are pro and cons of using atms, wire transfers, or brining cash to exchange in NZ?
Depends entirely on your bank. I found that withdrawing from an ATM was best as there was only a once-off withdrawl fee. I upped my limit temporarily to $1000 so I could withdraw it in a couple big transactions.
Hey Matt! Matt here! Love your website! I’ve been reading it extensively as my wife and I plan for our trip in NZ beginning in Auckland on March 9, 2015. We will be staying 6.5 – 7.5 weeks (have not booked a flight out yet, but will before we go so we can get into the country) and we are currently researching the best ways to both buy and sell a campervan.
We would like to start with doing the north island for about 3 weeks and end in the south island for around 4 weeks.
In considering where to buy our one way ticket out (we are thinking to fly to SE Asia, probably Bali), we read that it might be a better idea to try and sell your van in Christchurch instead of Auckland b/c Auckland is more of a “buyer’s market” and b/c there are less sellers in Christchurch, it is more of a “seller’s market.” Thus we were thinking of buying one way flights out of Christchurch.
However, given that we would be attempting to sell it at the end of the April, the beginning of the winter, do you think this should affect our decision on where to sell or whether to buy a campervan at all?
Also, your thoughts on trying to sell in Christchurch v. Queenstown v. Auckland?
The prices we’ve seen for 7-8 week rental are OUTRAGEOUS, which is definitely making us consider buying regardless. Even buying and just eating a loss is less expensive than renting in our opinion.
Cheers, and many thanks for all the great NZ advice!
Matt
Kia Ora Matt. Great to hear of your planned LONG trip to New Zealand. You’re going to love it. The longer I stay in NZ, and perhaps the older I get!, the less and less I think that buying a campervan is a wise decision. There are SO many lemons on the road, that it’s getting harder and harder to buy a very reliable van. You do have time on your side, but as you mentioned selling at the end of April, anywhere in New Zealand, will be very hard. May isn’t campervaning season as winter is on the way. What you have found for rental prices? Drop me a line [email protected] and I’ll see if I can sort you out with a better deal on a rental.
What do people usually do in the wintertime? I’m flying to Queenstown May 31st.
Hi Matt, Really enjoying the website.
My girlfriend and I are planning to come for a year to New Zealand in August 2016 (yes early planning) and am wondering what you would recommend doing for travelling? You seem to be going off Campervans a lot but if we are going to be there a year surely this will be the most appropriate way to travel around the country.
Also what is it like camping on sides of the road, or off the beaten track? Is it strict on where you can and can’t camp over?
I see a van being the best way to see all the best NZ has to offer.
So far we plan on staying in Auckland for the first month or so, then moving about the north Island and heading down to Queenstown for the Winter months.
Hi Ross, I’d be more inclined to buy a car. Your money will go further and you’ll end up with a newer / more reliable / more economical option for your time in New Zealand. Backpacking Matt 5 years on seems to be more practical than he was when he arrived! You’ll still be able to tour the country, save money if you want at staying at campgrounds in a tent, and you’ll have a better car to get by in. 🙂
great blog, I’m currently looking at buying a van in NZ and have decided on a diesel van. Looking at the prices of both fuels and the cost of the diesel charge of $58 over 1000 km, you will save over $50 per 1000km with a diesel. and that’s not including the fact that 90% of diesel motors will do 30% more km than the petrol equivalent.
Hi Scott, Yes if you’re going to buy a van, Diesel is certainly a more economical choice!
Hey, love your site! I need some advice, I’m going to NZ in October on a WHV and I can’t decide if I should by a car or try to meet people with cars and try to hitch a ride with them.. It would be nicer to have my own car because of the freedom but my main concern, since I’m traveling alone, is being ripped off due to me not knowing much about cars. And what are the chances of selling a car in September, will prices be roughly the same as in October? Thanks in advance!
Hey Veronica. I’d be inclined to get a car for the flexibility. September is going into winter, so if you’re someplace like Queenstown where lots of people are coming for the ski season, selling shouldn’t be too difficult!
HI,
we are planning on getting a campervan, but hearing stories from friends, about getting a fine ($200) for parking where they shouldn’t .They pulled into a site where other campers were parked( they arrived after dark) but apparently this site is for self contained vehicles only ?.Can you just pull off on the side of the road and park up for the night,
I was wondering if you could tell me about the self containment rules for campervans.
Thanks
Hi Chris – check this post out: http://www.planitnz.com/the-dos-and-the-donts-of-freedom-camping-in-new-zealand/
Hi there, my mom is really sick so we have to leave new Zealand quicker than expected, we have a really good van , mpv 2000, to sale in the next 3 weeks. We have everything you need to travel in new zealand. 2 gaz cooker, pan and plate, fishing gear, tent ,big mattress cellphone, power pack, chair table blanket pillows and a lot more. make an offer, start at 1750, we bought 3300 3 months ago
Hi Yann,
I am interested. Drop me a line at [email protected]
Hello,
Me and my friend will be travelling to New Zealand for two months ( 16 october untill 16december).
My friend wants to buy a van there but I have a lot of doubts. We know absolutely nothing about cars so how can you know what the right price is? What if you get car trouble or serious engine trouble? What if we don’t find a buyer in time an so on.. I don’t want to waste a lot of time looking for a suitable van and afterwards selling it, we’re only there for 2 months. If you take everything in expense is it much more expensive to just hire a van? Because I get te idea that paying a little extra for hiring takes a lot of your shoulders.
Do you think it would be cheaper to hire a van there on the spot instead of now?
Sorry for the bunch of questions
Hey Valerie. Yeah I think buying would be a poor idea, for all of the reasons you mentioned. Renting is the way to go. I’ll drop you an email with some thoughts – we should be able to get you a good deal through Planit NZ.
Hey Matt, do you think one could find a van for say around 1500 bucks? I’m traveling to New Zealand next month (5 months backpacking) and I don’t care how ugly the car is or if it has a bed or so, I just need something to get around with, manual or automatic I don’t care. I’m just not very rich hence I need to keep my money together.
Furthermore I’d like to ask you, do you think it’s useful for m to speak several languages (English, French, German, Spanish…) to find work? Maybe in hostels? What’d you say?
Also keep up the good work 🙂
Hey Stefan, $1,500 won’t go very far in finding a reliable car or campervan I’m afraid!
Hello Matt !
My name is Julien, i’m travelling around the world with my girlfriend Marion. We will be in New Zealand from the end of november to the end of january, so for 2 months.
We’re thinking about buying a van in Chritchurch and selling it in Auckland.
Our budget is between 3000 and 6000$NZ. We would like a self contained certified campervan.
We are in contact with two french backpackers who sell a Toyota Hiace (year 1995, 275000km, rego WOF & VIR ok) for 6400$. The van is a self contained one (certified until sept 2018) and seems to be in good state.
Could you tell us how much time do we need to resell this kind of van at the same price or with a little loss? And how? (I saw bad review on backbacker car market, people never saw their money back)
How much money loss could we have if we want to sell it quickly (like less than a week or immediatly)?
And how much money loss can we expect to have if we try to sell it quickly to a dealer or to backpackercarworld (i saw they have quick sell option : http://www.backpackercarworld.com/page/4025 )
Thanks in advance for your help.
Friendly
Julien and Marion
Hey, thanks for all the advice! I’ll be going to NZ in March for 12 months, and I plan to buy a car as soon as I get over there. At first I was going to buy a campervan but after thinking about it I think driving and camping would be better. I see from your later comments that you would now recommend a car over a van, is the advice about where to buy a car the same as buying a van?
Great article! Thanks for all the helpful info. I had a question about what you (or other sellers you might have talked to) did when they sold their vehicle? I know it’s most common to buy with cash, but when you’re planning to leave the country you don’t want an extra $3000 on you that you’ll have to exchange. Any suggestions?