kahtrav

I posted this on the LP site as well - looking for other responses (no need to reply to both .

I have seen a number of posts recommending having a rental car and using hostels instead of a campervan/campgrounds. We would want a vehicle large enough to put our folding bikes into - don't want them on a rack and a double (or twin) room if we stayed at a hostel.

I've been doing some research into costs of petrol/diesel, km/liter, rental cost, and campground/hostel prices.

What I have found is that the cost actually seems to be pretty even (small campervan vs large car/van), and it seems like we would have more flexibility finding a campsite as we go (especially if we don't get a power site) rather than reserving a double room in advance at a hostel. We will be traveling late Feb thru March - from southern South Island to central N Island. I'm leaning toward the camper van.

What are the reasons behind the recommendation to forego a camper? If it was a choice between a large motorhome/camper and a dorm room hostel, I would agree with the idea. But since we need a larger vehicle and want a double room (without the need for reservations), a camper seems better.

What do you think? I'd like to hear some comments/feedback.

Melnq8

I've never rented a campervan in NZ, but I think it's a good choice, especially if the cost of rental/petrol/camp fees is similar to the cost of car rental/petrol/hostel. It would definitely offer you more flexibility.

My only concern would be the size of the campervan, as roads in NZ are narrow and winding and there are many one way bridges, etc. Driving on unsealed roads to remote locations might present a few issues too, but this may not apply to you as not everyone wanders as much as we do.

The Wicked Camper Vans that one can see all over NZ have always interested me, small enough to negotiate the NZ roads, but big enough to accommodate two people - I have no idea how well they function though, and I doubt they have double beds.

peterSale

We hired a campervan in NZ a few years back and only paid for accommodation on one night and it was $4! There are plenty of wayside stops and lookouts etc. for you stay in free.

We do it in Australia - we have never stayed in a commercial caravan park with our van.

kahtrav

The campervan we are looking at is larger than a minivan (looked at those, too, but 5 weeks of not being able to stand up didn't sound that good) These are more of a regular van size, with a higher top, but not like a wide motorhome. That was my concern as well. They aren't self-contained (no bathroom), so we'll have to stay in developed campgrounds of some kind. It will be interesting to see how it all goes. I did a journal on a cycling trip to Ireland 2 summers ago (six weeks on bicycles), so maybe I can do one one here as well. I don't see an option to include photos, though.

peterSale

You don't need to stay in a commercial campground. We went years without a toilet on board. Just use a large plastic jar from a $2 shop. Empty it it at the next public toilet. For showers go to a public pool. We have a daily wash and a shower every now and then.

Who wants to stay in a campground with al those tourists?

Melnq8

I've read that NZ is clamping down on freedom camping for the very reason Peter mentions, lack of toilets. I'm not sure what to say about the jar technique, but to each his own.

Some useful into here kahtrav:

http://www.camping.org.nz/

Melnq8

You might find this interesting Peter, taken from the NZ Tourism Guide website:

"Freedom camping or free camping is the practice of putting up tents or parking up campervans in areas not designated for camping. Free camping typically means that freedom campers cannot access facilities such as clean drinking water, toilets (either flushing or long drop) and waste disposal facilities. Free camping appeals to campers, especially those on a tight budget because it offers the ultimate in 'cheap camping'. In New Zealand, freedom campers tend to use laybys, picnic areas and very remote spots.

Unfortunately, free camping is having an increasingly negative effect on New Zealand's clean, green environment due to the increasing numbers of freedom campers - some of whom create litter problems, dispose of human waste inadequately and discharge grey water outside of dump stations. Free campers tend not to be popular with local residents."

qwovadis

www.wicked-campers.co.nz

Did it when younger not too cheap cramp crowded smelly(toilet)

If budget better to use public transport and top

www.hostelbookers.com

if not carrentals.com and cute little B&Bs everwhere worked

best for me last.with expensive base cost petrol and mileage

You will see that you will not save much if anything.

Too cramped for me to sleep well personally.

Happy deciding,

peterSale

Thanks Mel - it was about ten years ago that we went.

It is sad that a small minority destroy it for the rest.

Australia is going the other way with the Campervan and Motorhome Club actively lobbying for more freedom camping, dump points etc.

The short answer to the question of Campervan vs Car is "What sort of holiday do you want?" and What compromises are you willing to make.

Cost is largely irrelevant if you don't like one particular form of holiday whether it be hostels, hotels, campervans, tents, b&bs etc. Hiring a campervan can often be more expensive than cheap hotels/motels, hostels and tents.

Campervans give you freedom that no other holiday does. You have all your gear with you all the time. You can go where and when you like - within reason. You have access to your own food/tea/coffee etc. There are downsides of course, but we don't find any of them particularly troublesome. Others do.

We don't like the crowds (nb 3 is a crowd)at hotels and camp grounds and avoid human contact on holidays. Campervans give us the freedom to holiday in the style we prefer.

Each to their own.

However you travel/stay in NZ you will have a fantastic holiday. How you make it a brilliant holiday is entirely up to you.

christycruz

We traveled for six weeks using campervans in Australia and NZ. We started in a Wicked van and had to return it. I don't recommend it. We were willing to overlook the lack of a dome light and buy an extra flashlight, but when the lock on the back door busted--that was the last straw. It was awful driving too - really shaky.

We had surfboards so we chose campervans for a similar reason you are. If we didn't have the boards, and it wasn't high season (Christmas through January), I would rather just rent a car and stay in cabins or hostels. The reason is that setting up and breaking down the campervan slows you down a little. I'd rather dump all our stuff in a room and go explore a bit more freely.

You are picking a good time to travel. I doubt you'll regret campervans. The parks are really nice even if the hookups cost a little bit. There's often very nice communal cooking areas, sometimes even a fridge and full kitchen and laundry. Pools are common. Once we even had a sauna, and a family bathroom so we could give our young daughter a bath. And everything was so clean!

Frankly, the other "tourists" were a highlight of our trip!

mztery

there is also a site where private individuals can sign up to allow motor home camping on their property...very well though out..

http://www.nativeparks.co.nz/

mlgb

Freedom camping is discouraged, both from environmental and safety point of view. Several unfortunate attacks on freedom campers sleeping in isolated spots in recent years. NZ not quite as safe as it once was.

Another option is a station wagon rental, Apex does those.

Another thing to consider is if you park at a trail head some are known for vehicle breakins. Do you really want to leave your bikes in a car or campervan.

Sue_xx_yy

kahtrav

I've no idea if this would work, but just sending out food for thought:

You mentioned your bikes are folding, could you get them into the trunk (boot) of a medium sized car, and put your bags in the back seat?

Alternatively, figure out a way to secure the bikes, folded, inside the car - say by chaining the bikes to the car back door handles - and put your bags in the trunk?

On the experience of our own trip, I'm glad we went for a small car and self catering units in both NZ and Australia. We rented bikes when we felt so inclined (in Melbourne, they have a public rent bike system that is very affordable and interesting to try. ) You will save time by bringing your own bike helmets, which are legally required in some jurisdictions, Melbourne included. Admittedly, the things are bulky and take up luggage space - but if you are bike fiends, you will want to be prepared.

Anyway, I'd go for a car just big enough to handle one's luggage needs. Accommodation in self-catering units was plentiful and - to my budget - affordable, and very comfortable. I think that is where you need to begin - by posting your budget per day.

Paddyrick

I would get a campervan. We did it last summer and it was amazing. Before we choose the campervan over the rental car, we did the numbers and while the campervan was a lot, it worked out cheaper than getting a car and accommodation. We booked through http://www.travelsavernz.com Really liked the site as you can compare both cars and camper prices.

What ever you end up doing you will love New Zealand. It is amazing!

crellston

Another vote for the Campervan. We spent 2 months travelling the north and south islands as part of a year long around the world trip in 2008. Despite the fact that it was winter, our time in NZ was one of, if not, the highlight of that trip.

We stayed in mostly in DOC sites (basic but in THE most spectacular locations) and a few commercial campsites from time to time. The freedom of being able to choose where and when to go on a day by day basis without having to worry about finding a place to stay made our trip. That said, it was in July and August when there were few other tourists about and it is almost certainly going to be different in the summer months.

DOC sites @ http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/

A few phots of our trip http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blo...ai/1/tpod.html Entries 39 onwards.

Paddyrick's final comment sums it up perfectly!