Whether it’s your first campervan road trip through Aotearoa – New Zealand or your fifth, questions are bound to come up. From licences and parking rules to what happens if you run out of water, we’ve gathered the most common queries we hear and answered them in one handy place.
This guide is here to help you feel confident before you even turn the key.
Table of Contents
Do I need a special licence to drive a campervan?
No special licence is required for most rental campervans in Aotearoa.
- A full driver’s licence from your home country is usually enough
- It must be in English—or carry an official translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP)
➡️ Tip: Always check with your rental company ahead of time to confirm specific licence requirements for your vehicle.
How do I find places to park overnight?
Overnight parking is easy if you use the right tools and follow local rules.
- Use CamperMate or Rankers NZ to find legal parking and campgrounds
- Check for local signage—some towns have dedicated freedom camping areas
- Make sure your vehicle is certified self-contained if you plan to freedom camp
➡️ Suggestion: Download CamperMate and Explore Rankers NZ before your trip.
Are there dump stations everywhere?
Mostly—yes. You’ll find dump stations in nearly every town, especially near holiday parks and public facilities.
- CamperMate and Rankers show up-to-date dump station maps
- Remote areas may have fewer options, so empty tanks when you can
- Always clean up after use—it keeps these services free and available
➡️ Tip: Many towns offer free dump stations to support responsible travellers.
What if I run out of water or gas?
Running low? No worries—here’s what to do:
- Fresh water: Refill at campgrounds, public taps, or i-SITE visitor centres
- LPG gas bottles: Swap at most petrol stations, hardware stores (like Bunnings), or some holiday parks
➡️ Pro Tip: Always carry a little extra water and gas, especially before heading into remote areas.
Is it safe to campervan alone?
Yes—Aotearoa is generally a safe country, and solo van travel is common. That said, always follow basic safety guidelines:
- Park near other vans or in well-lit areas
- Let someone know your route if you’re going off-grid
- Lock your van and keep valuables out of sight
➡️ Mindset Tip: Solo travel can be freeing. Trust your gut—if a site doesn’t feel right, move on.
What size van should I hire?
This depends on your group size, comfort level, and travel style:
- 🚐 Small vans – Great for solo travellers or couples. Easy to drive and park.
- 🚐 Mid-size campers – Good mix of comfort and features. Many are self-contained.
- 🚍 Motorhomes – Ideal for families or longer trips. Full kitchens, bathrooms, and extra space.
➡️ Suggestion: Browse all campervan hire options to find the right fit for your needs.
Can I freedom camp anywhere?
No. Freedom camping is allowed only in designated areas, and only if you have a certified self-contained vehicle.
- Always check signs before parking
- Use apps to confirm if freedom camping is allowed
- Avoid city centres, private land, and tourist hotspots unless clearly permitted
➡️ Reminder: Freedom camping is a privilege. Doing it right helps keep it open for everyone.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to campervanning, take heart—most things are easier than they seem. With a bit of planning, the right apps, and a respectful mindset, you’ll be well-equipped for the road ahead.
Aotearoa – New Zealand is a stunning country to explore by campervan. We hope this FAQ guide—and the rest of our van life series—has helped you feel ready to roll.
➡️ Return to Series Overview
Or check back through the posts to refresh on topics like packing tips, waste and water, or planning your flexible route.
🌍 Travel Planning Resources
These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.
- ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
- 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
- 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
- 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
- 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
- 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.
🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.
Mā te kimi ka kite, mā te kite ka mōhio, mā te mōhio ka Mārama
Seek and discover. Discover and know. Know and become enlightened