| With a myriad of labels used to describe vehicles for | | | | and they are not crowded. There's a real mix of |
| the independent traveller, such as Campervan, | | | | people involved from large wineries to small artist plus |
| Camper, Motorhome, Motor Home, Winnebago, RV, | | | | action and adventure like diving, limestone caving and |
| Combi, Kombi, Class-A, Class-B and Class-C to name | | | | horse trekking. You do need a self-contained |
| a few, choosing the right kind of vehicle can be | | | | motorhome/campervan. Check out |
| confusing from the outset. | | | | 2) Campgrounds – there are a large number of |
| The common terms used in New Zealand are Camper | | | | campground that follow a traditional format. In recent |
| or Campervan, Motorhome and Sleeper Van. | | | | years the number of campgrounds has been in |
| Campers are vans that have been converted for | | | | decline, so they can get very busy in peak season |
| independent travel and contain similar features to | | | | (Christmas they are at capacity through to the end |
| their larger cousin the Motorhome. A Fiat Ducato or | | | | of February), so it is advisable to book ahead. The |
| Ford Transit style of van is popular for these | | | | following sites might help or |
| conversions and the finished product is a modern, | | | | 3) DoC Campground (Department of Conservation) - |
| easy to drive vehicle. | | | | typically have fewer facilities than other established |
| Motorhomes on the other hand have a cabin built on | | | | campgrounds, so a self-contained motorhome / |
| a van or light truck chassis. Typically constructed | | | | campervan would make life more comfortable. They |
| from fibre glass, with alluminium skin over plywood | | | | are often in very scenic locations and cheaper than |
| occasionally used, the cabin is wider than the chassis | | | | privately operated camping grounds. Same situation |
| base making Motorhomes more spacious. Driving is | | | | occurs after Christmas as with other campgrounds. |
| reasonable straight forward and the models available | | | | See [ |
| for rental only require a standard driver’s | | | | 4) Free / Wild / Freedom camping - just parking up |
| licence. | | | | wherever. Rarely permitted in much of NZ, though |
| Motorhomes and Campervans are self-contained and | | | | you can get away with it if you're sensible. Rules on |
| support you with the comforts of home, albeit | | | | freedom camping vary from district to district. The |
| miniaturised. Self-contained vehicles have a sink, hob | | | | Native Parks guidebook highlights what's permitted in |
| or cooker, fridge, toilet and shower. The level of | | | | each district. In general terms do not overnight in |
| self-containment varies but there is a New Zealand | | | | “No Camping” areas or near established |
| Standard (NZS 5465:2001) developed by the New | | | | camping ground. It is advisable to be at least 10km |
| Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA), a body | | | | from the urban boundary of any town or city. To |
| that represents private motorhome owners. The | | | | freedom camp a self-contain motorhome/camper is a |
| rental motorhome companies are starting to take | | | | must. |
| their vehicle though the certification process and it is | | | | If you prefer staying in camping grounds, but |
| worthwhile enquiring about this as you research rental | | | | don’t want the hassle of a tent a Sleeper Van |
| options. The essence of the self-containment | | | | may be a good fit. Do bear in mind that an |
| standard states a vehicle must be designed to | | | | established camping ground costs between $30 - $40 |
| completely meet the ablutionary and sanitary needs | | | | NZD per night for a couple, so it is possible for a |
| of the occupants for at least three days, be | | | | Sleeper Van to cost more than a self-contained |
| equipped with water storage tanks for drinking and | | | | vehicle with the use of some of the options above |
| cooking and have waste water holding tanks. | | | | on the odd night. If you do want to get away from |
| A Sleeper Van is a Camper that does not meet the | | | | it all, or you’re looking for more comfort, a |
| self-containment criteria. Beware that this definition is | | | | self-contained vehicle will be the way to go. |
| not industry wide and it is not uncommon for a | | | | Past the obvious vehicle rental costs things to |
| Sleeper Van to be referred to as a Campervan, | | | | consider are whether extra charges for one-way |
| simply because the vehicle is a van rather than a car. | | | | rentals apply, what are the insurance options and |
| Purpose built Sleeper Vans are frequently | | | | whether road user charges for diesel vehicles are |
| constructed from people movers, such as | | | | included. |
| Toyota’s offering, and from station wagons. | | | | The easiest measure of comfort is size, though it is |
| Because of the type of vehicle used in construction it | | | | not the full story. There are many other |
| is uncommon to able to stand. Sleeper Vans can | | | | considerations for comfort and again it comes down |
| have some elements of self-containment, such as a | | | | to personal preference. Do you need to make up the |
| cooker and small refrigerator allowing lunch or a light | | | | bed each night? Is there space to have some time |
| meal to be made while out on the road. Sleeper vans, | | | | out from your travelling companion(s)? Is there an |
| like campers, are easy to drive. | | | | awing to provide shade? How about appliances like |
| What makes for the best independent traveller | | | | microwave and air conditioning (NB power hungry |
| vehicle comes down to personal preference and a | | | | appliances only work when the vehicle is connected |
| balance between cost, comfort and the type of | | | | to mains power)? These can be found in smaller |
| holiday you’re after. | | | | vehicles so size shouldn’t be the only criteria |
| Perhaps the best place to start is deciding where you | | | | when it comes to measuring comfort. If you are tall |
| want to overnight, as this impact on the type of | | | | do ask about the ceiling height. |
| vehicle that will be suitable and also affects the | | | | So there are a number of things to consider when |
| budget. There are four options for overnighting in | | | | determining what will be the right vehicle for your |
| New Zealand. | | | | holiday. As with any purchase it is worth seeking out |
| 1) Native Parks – is a network of rural | | | | a company that backs up their vehicle with service |
| properties and businesses that welcome travellers. | | | | and professionalism. These won’t be hard to |
| You can stay on these properties free of charge, | | | | find, but if you are looking for a starting point there |
| meets the local people and see a bit of their lives. A | | | | are a few suggestions on the Native Parks website. |
| great way to see NZ beyond the beautiful scenery | | | | |