Dreaming of swapping your office desk for alpine views, coastal walks and birdsong in the bush? Thanks to reliable WiFi and smart travel planning, working remotely in a campervan across Aotearoa is more doable than ever — and it might just change the way you live, work and explore.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what it really looks like to be a digital nomad on wheels. From choosing a comfortable van and staying connected to balancing work with adventures, here’s how to make remote working in New Zealand both productive and unforgettable.
Why Work Remotely in a Campervan?
Combining travel with remote work lets you create a lifestyle that feels both free and fulfilling. You’ll avoid office politics, traffic jams and repetitive routines and instead wake up somewhere new, coffee in hand, ready for the day’s work (or adventure).
Why it Works:
- No commuting — more time for early swims or bush walks
- Inspiring surroundings = sharper thinking and creativity
- You’re more likely to power through your work knowing the beach, a hike or a lookout is waiting
- You can stretch your trip longer by combining work and holiday time
Since January 2025, remote workers on visitor visas (including from visa-waiver countries like the US, UK and Japan) are now allowed to work while exploring Aotearoa. Do check the latest rules and any tax implications if you plan to stay over 90 days.
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Staying Connected: Reliable Onboard WiFi
If you want to work on the go, fast and stable internet is non-negotiable. Many modern campervans now offer onboard routers that connect to Aotearoa’s rural broadband network (RBI), helping you stay online even in remote spots.
We use Wireless Nation for our internet on the road and it’s been surprisingly reliable — even in spots where phone coverage drops out. For $99 a month, we get unlimited data and it stays connected while travelling between towns too. Aotearoa’s reception can be hit and miss in remote areas but this setup has kept us online more often than not.
Top Tips:
- Ask before you book: Is onboard WiFi included? What coverage does it use?
- Avoid relying on café or campground WiFi: Speeds often drop when many people are online
- Unlimited data plans: Better if you’re making video calls, transferring large files, or using multiple devices
- Hotspotting from your phone drains your battery fast and may not reach in rural zones
💡 Good to know: You can usually connect up to 20 metres from your camper’s router — ideal for working outside with a view.
Staying Secure Online with a VPN 🔒
If you don’t have your own Wi-Fi connection, chances are you’ll connect to public or campground networks — and those aren’t always secure. That’s where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) comes in.
A VPN protects your online activity by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. Think of it as travelling with tinted windows: people can see you’re online but they can’t see what you’re doing. For remote workers, that means your emails, client files and login details stay private even on unsecured networks.
👉 We personally recommend Surfshark VPN for its affordability, unlimited device connections and worldwide servers. It’s easy to set up on both laptop and mobile, making it a great choice for life on the road.
Setting Up a Productive Workspace
Campervans aren’t designed as offices, but with a few tweaks, they can absolutely do the job.
Essentials for Comfort and Productivity:
- Swivel Seats – these rotate to face the table and are usually comfier for long sessions
- Adjustable Tables – if possible, choose a van where the table height can shift to suit you
- Portable gear – a laptop stand, compact keyboard, ergonomic mouse and a second screen (like a lightweight portable monitor) can make a big difference
- Inverter Access – so you can charge your devices even off-grid
- Multiple Power Points & USBs – check where they’re located in the van before committing
- Storage – for work gear, ideally near your main workspace
Some campgrounds offer lounge areas with power outlets and showers — a handy reset if you need extra space for a couple of workdays.
The Power of a Good Night’s Sleep
Rest is essential when you’re juggling emails and adventure. Whether you’re parked by a lake or in a rural campground, your sleep quality can impact your focus the next day.
To Sleep Well:
- Choose a van with a permanent bed so you’re not packing away gear every night
- Ask about mattress type and dimensions — especially if you’re tall
- Curtains or blackout blinds will block light and add privacy
- Store your devices safely out of sight while you rest
When we arrive at a campground, we always try to park a little further away from families with young kids or dogs — not because we don’t love them, but because we really value a quiet night and one of us is a night owl and likes to sleep in. And after a long day of exploring, there’s nothing better than drifting off without interruptions.
Balancing Work and Play
One of the joys of remote work is designing your days to suit your energy.
Create Your Flow:
- Morning hikes followed by afternoon meetings. Go for it.
- Prefer starting work early and finishing by lunch? NZ’s time zones often make that possible
- Use tools like Google Calendar with dual time zones to stay aligned with overseas teams
- Set clear goals for the week so you can relax fully during downtime
Start your day right with your favourite brew.
Whether it’s a sturdy moka pot or a compact travel press, having your go-to coffee setup on hand means you can enjoy a proper cuppa wherever you’re parked. It’s a small touch of routine that makes a big difference on the road.
Sticking to a Routine That Works
It’s easy to get distracted by epic scenery but structure helps you stay consistent.
Key Habits for Success:
- Honour your rhythms – set work hours that suit your lifestyle and stick to them. Since I’m more productive at night, I use the daytime to soak in my surroundings—whether that’s heading out for a hike or bike ride, exploring new spots or cooking a good meal together. After dinner, Toni usually winds down with a book while I settle into work mode for as long as I feel focused. I also make it a priority to take at least two nights off each week to simply relax with a movie or get lost in a book.
- Create a dedicated workspace – ideally away from shared living areas. We’re lucky to have a table set up at the front of the camper, which doubles as my little work one. Toni usually curls up on the bed with a book and if I’m working late and she’s ready to sleep, she’ll pop on an eye mask while I dim the lights and keep things soft around the laptop.
- Block distractions – headphones, muted notifications and respectful co-traveller agreements go a long way
- Use time-tracking tools – like Toggl — helpful for freelancers or those reporting back to employers
- Take breaks – short walks, stretches or five minutes outdoors will boost mental clarity
💡 Bonus Tip: If your van has a privacy door between the rear bedroom and the living area, use it! It’s great for keeping work and rest zones separate.
Remote working in a campervan isn’t just possible — it can be transformative. With the right setup, a solid internet connection and good routines, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: fulfilling work and wild, scenic adventure.
🚐 Ready to Try the Vanlife Dream Yourself?
If you’re thinking about taking your work (and life) on the road, finding the right campervan is the perfect place to start. Use the search tool below to compare options and book a setup that suits your style — whether it’s for a weekend, a season or something longer. While hiring for up to 12 months might not be financially viable for everyone, it’s a great way to dip your toes in and see if vanlife suits you or simply gives you time to find and purchase your own little runabout.
🌍 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.
He toki nā te tangata e tua
A tool is only as good as the person who uses it