What is a self-contained campervan in New Zealand? Campervans are a great way to explore NZ. Recent changes have divided where you can stay according to what sort of Campervan or Motorhome you hire.
Self-contained Campervans, the questions answered.
Do they offer more freedom? What are the pros and cons? Are they cheaper than other Campervans. Why would I hire a self-contained campervan.
What is a self-contained campervan?
Must have the below to qualify to camp in designated places around New Zealand for free:
- A sink connected to a watertight greywater tank
- A fixed toilet
- Freshwater tanks holding 12 litres of water per person for three days
- A blackwater tank that can hold the same or greater amount of waste for three days
- Evacuation hose
- A rubbish bin with a lid
- A self-containment certificate displayed
In December 2023 there were changes made to the regulations surrounding certified self-contained campervans. You can read all about it on the government website.
Cheap Az Travel will write on the campervan description page which vans are certified self-contained under the new rules! Click here to goto our Campervan Comparison Page
The Pros of Self-Contained Campervans
There is a price difference in renting a vehicle that is self-contained. Self-contained campervans means you can save on campground fees as you travel Freedom Camping. A well-planned itinerary could actually save you money.
What is Freedom Camping?
The gift of exploring New Zealand isn’t just the beautiful places and warm, friendly locals. It’s the bonus of being able to camp in public places for free! Before you take the plunge with Freedom Camping, there are a few rules to know about. This is why you’ll want to read this to get the complete low-down.
You can freedom camp if you have a certified self-contained vehicle. You’ve got to leave no trace, so be sure to take your trash with you, use the toilet in the vehicle only and only dump your waste at designated dumping stations. You’ll also want to check for signs before you park up: setting up camp in the wrong area can incur a mighty fine
Remember, while freedom camping may be free of charge, it’s not free of responsibility. You’re expected to take care of the land along your travels. Read our tips on responsible travel around Aotearoa. It’s worth having a read of New Zealand’s Tiaki Promise, too. Tiaki means to care for people, place, and culture.
Where Can I Go in My Self-Contained Camper?
Anywhere! Whether you’re in a non-self-contained or self-contained campervan doesn’t restrict where you can travel. But in a self-contained campervan you are able to freedom camp. This saves a lot of cash in campground fees and opens up some stunning locations to wake up in.
From North to South, you’ll find some incredible nature wonders that help you connect with the very best of New Zealand – without costing a cent.
How to Find Freedom Camping Sites
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is a great start as you can search for freedom campsites and find out what areas are prohibited for freedom camping. If you’d like some human feedback, reviews on Rankers are fab, covering every campsite in NZ. Their offline map is super handy for places when cell service is as spotty as a Dalmatian. Rankers also has an app, Camping NZ. CamperMate is a handy app with a dedicated section for freedom camping spots to forget your worries and soak up the best of Aotearoa. If you don’t mind forking out $2.99, WikiCamps has offline maps, as well as handy other offline features (like a compass, because you never know!). Hope this has helped clear up the question: What is a self-contained campervan in New Zealand
