5 Tips for Vacationing in New Zealand by Campervan

A holiday to New Zealand by campervan is a viral vacation method after the Agus Ringgo family, Tarra Budiman, and Ayudia Bing Slamet did it at the end of 2019.

Campervans are now famous as an alternative accommodation for popular vacations. The complete facilities such as beds, kitchens, and toilets make the holiday more enjoyable because there is no need to rent accommodation, making mobility easier.

One of the favorite countries to visit by campervan is New Zealand. This is because New Zealand is known for its natural scenery and cool air, making it suitable for vacations, especially picnics or camping with family or friends.

Here are 5 tips that you can consider when planning a holiday to New Zealand using a campervan. Besides saving costs, it can also serve as a safety guideline during your vacation.

Pay Attention to the Seasons

New Zealand certainly has seasons that are different from Indonesia. If you want to vacation in that country, you need to pay attention to the ongoing season there.

In addition to comfort during the holiday, the season also affects the rental prices of campervans. The summer season is the most expensive time for campervan rentals. This is because summer is a holiday season.

Yes, prices are subject to the law of supply and demand. When demand is high, prices will also double. So, it’s best to avoid vacationing to New Zealand by campervan during the summer.

Driver Age Restrictions

Campervan rental places usually have their own rental terms and conditions. These terms and conditions often include age restrictions for renters.

Many campervan rental companies impose a minimum age for drivers. Usually, renters under 25 years old will incur additional fees even if they already have a driver's license.

In fact, there are some campervan rental places that will refuse to rent their vehicles to renters under 21 years old. These requirements are enforced for safety reasons.

However, there are still campervan rental places that do not refuse young drivers. The important thing is that the renter has a driver's license and is responsible during the rental period.

Prepare the Route Well

Just like traveling by backpacking, a holiday by campervan also requires careful route preparation. This route preparation will make it easier to estimate the costs that need to be incurred since campervan rentals are charged per 24 hours.

Avoid having a travel route that ends at a location opposite the campervan rental place as it will incur additional costs. The fee for returning the campervan to a different location can even reach up to $300NZ.

Renters can negotiate with the rental place for a relocation return. However, the conditions imposed are usually quite complicated.

Consider Fuel Costs

Different from Indonesia, fuel prices in New Zealand are relatively high, even up to twice the price compared to Indonesia. This is where the benefit of preparing the travel route well comes in, as it allows you to consider fuel costs as well.

Per liter, you have to pay $2NZ or around Rp18,000. To fill the tank full for the campervan, you need to fill up to 90 liters, making the cost quite high, which is more than Rp800,000.

No Random Parking

A holiday to New Zealand by campervan is indeed fun because you don’t have to follow a tour agent's schedule, allowing you to freely explore your destination. However, freedom still has its limits.

It’s not about parking fees, but about the completeness of the facilities and equipment you have. Make sure your campervan has complete facilities so you can spend the night in the open without needing to rent a theme park or paid campsite.

Well, those are 5 tips for a holiday to New Zealand by campervan. Following the rules is not a bad thing when on vacation, especially in a foreign country. Prepare your stamina and other needs. Happy holidays!

Author: Nisa Maulan Shofa