Frequently asked questions

When you buy your van, you also agree to sell it back to us on a set date for a set price. You own the van for your whole trip, and you know from day one exactly what your trip will cost.

Campervan prices drop sharply at the end of summer, and many backpackers spend weeks trying to sell, often for much less than they paid. With a buy-back, you simply drive to us at the end of your trip, drop off the van and catch your plane.

Most of our vans are sold with a compulsory buy-back. Some can be sold with an optional buy-back, so you can sell to someone else but still have us as a backup. Contact us for a list of vans available for your travel dates.

Your total trip cost is the purchase price less the buy-back price, and it depends on the van level and when you travel. Travel outside January and February, for up to 2 months, and low season pricing applies. Our pricing covers up to 6 months, and up to 9 months is usually possible for an extra $240 per month. On top of this you pay for fuel and insurance. See campervan pricing for full details.

Choose your van before you arrive and we will hold it for you. Payments are usually made by PayPal or international bank transfer. Get in touch with your travel dates and we will explain each step.

We do. Because you are buying the van, it is registered in your name while you travel. We help you complete the change of ownership when you pick up the van and again when you sell it back to us, so there is nothing to sort out on your own.

Every van is self-contained certified (Green), with a foam mattress, duvet, pillows and covers, and a kitchen unit with sink. We can also provide a cooker, plates and cutlery, chairs and a table. A roof rack and side awning are available on request.

We are in Pyes Pa, Tauranga. Most travellers fly into Auckland and take the bus to Tauranga (about 4 hours), or fly straight into Tauranga Airport. We can help with bus details and pick you up from the bus station.

We highly recommend full comprehensive insurance. Because you own the van, any damage to it is your cost, and comprehensive cover protects you whether or not an accident is your fault. It also covers damage to other people’s vehicles and property.

Because you are insuring your own vehicle, it costs far less than a rental company’s daily insurance, usually around $70 to $90 per month depending on your age. We can point you to insurers who cover overseas travellers.

Yes, we highly recommend an AA Roadservice breakdown membership. If you get a flat battery, lock your keys in, run out of fuel or break down, the AA will come to you, anywhere in New Zealand. It gives real peace of mind on remote roads. See AA membership.

Call the AA for roadside help, then give us a call. We are only a phone call away and happy to give advice during your travels.

Every van includes a 50:50 breakdown repair reimbursement (the distance and months covered depend on the van level), plus our free emergency contact and physical address service.

A WOF (warrant of fitness) is a regular safety check that all vehicles need. We make sure your van has a valid WOF for your whole trip, and you don’t need to get a new WOF before selling it back to us.

All vehicles on New Zealand roads need a vehicle licence, often called a “rego”. All our vans have one, and it will usually last for your whole trip unless you have arranged with us to keep your van for longer.

Yes. You can drive for up to 12 months with a current licence from your home country. If your licence is not in English, you also need an approved translation or an International Driving Permit. See the NZTA guide.

Read the official New Zealand Road Code before you set off, and DriveSafe has great tips for visitors. Always remember to drive on the left. A note on the dashboard can help, especially at roundabouts!

Yes. The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries carry vehicles between Wellington and Picton, and the crossing takes about 3.5 hours. Book early in summer, when the ferries fill up. See our South Island ideas.

Yes. All our vans are self-contained certified to the Green standard, so you can stay at freedom camping sites across New Zealand. Always check local council rules and signs, because some areas limit or ban camping and fines apply. Read more about freedom camping in New Zealand.

Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites are low cost and in some of the most beautiful spots in the country. Holiday parks cost more but have showers, kitchens and power.

See our ideas for the North Island and South Island, and our 40-day itinerary. We are also happy to help you plan.