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New Zealand Motor Home This is a popular way to see New Zealand especially if you are going to spend a bit of time travelling around and enjoy more than just a hotel or staying in one place with a rented villa or bach (beach house). You can either rent a campervan or buy a campervan. This is not as strange as it seems. Campervans in New Zealand are big business and more people are buying second-hand campervans and selling them on once they’ve finished their tour of New Zealand. 
If you are spending 8 weeks or more in New Zealand it is well worth buying a campervan or car to get around. I have some good friends that did this for 8 weeks and came out about £100 down at the end of their trip. Not bad for six weeks accommodation across New Zealand. Not bad at all. Your best bet for buying a second-hand campervan for New Zealand is to scour the web. Check out the sites via the .co.nz search engines. Look at message boards on line and check review sites. So it may be worth getting to Christchurch for a cheaper second-hand campervan. Backpacker hostel noticeboards often have deals and sales pinned on them so source them for any deals. There are dealerships that offer peace of mind when making a purchase like this and some even offer a buy back service for about 50% of the purchase price. If you are confident about your vehicle knowledge then there are weekly auctions in Auckland and Christchurch. These are advertised in the local press. Remember that there’s almost certainly a buyers premium at auction and you’ll be liable for this if successful. 
To make sure you don’t miss anything check this list: • Your campervan must have a current vehicle licence (check with post offices and AA offices to pay if necessary). • Buying a New Zealand Motor Home means having a WOF. That’s a Warrant Of Fitness to you and me. Basically it’s a test of its safety and mechanical worthiness; a bit like an MOT in the UK. Specific garages and testing stations carry these out. Make sure you have one on the vehicle you buy! • Don’t forget the transfer ownership papers. These can be found at any post office. • If you are buying privately then before you commit give the AA a call and they’ll brief you on the registration history.www.aalemoncheck.co.nz • Campervan travel in New Zealand also means insurance. Be covered for your Trip. • If you are unsure which end houses the engine then have a mobile vehicle inspection either from the AA (main office half way up Queen Street Auckland – can’t miss it!) or through Car Inspection Services in Wellington or Auckland. www.carinspections.co.nz • Check out the LTSA (land transport safety authority) web site for advice and what to avoid. They also have a useful sheet on buying second-hand cars. www.ltsa.govt.nz/vehicle-ownership/ It is a lot to take in if all you want is a holiday. Bear in mind the rewards of travelling under your own steam and not stumping up for potential daily hotel bills. So if you can do the work then buying a camper van could be the best way for you to see New Zealand on your terms!
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