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Let us help you pick the perfect camper for your once in a lifetime adventure
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Not all campervans are built equal, and few campervan companies think like real travellers. If you’re planning a road trip, take a few moments before you book. The van you pick and who you rent it from can make a huge difference. We’re not saying you should pick something fancy. Instead, you need a setup that actually works for how you want to travel. You want a van that lets you sleep well, cook easily, and doesn’t break down mid-mission. Just as importantly, you need a team that’s right there when you need help. A Big Little Campers hire doesn’t just get you a van, but valuable advice from people who’ve taken countless road trips themselves. Here’s our advice on picking the right van for your trip: |
1) Figure Out How Much Space You Actually NeedPick a van that’s compact enough to drive and park easily, but still gives you room to sleep, cook, and store your gear comfortably. If it’s just you and a mate and you plan to spend most of your time outside, a smaller setup works perfectly. For longer stops or trips where you’ll be inside more often, it’s worth sizing up for extra comfort. 2) Make Sure It’s Certified Self-ContainedIf you want the freedom to stay at non-powered sites or pull into Department of Conservation (DOC) camping areas, your van needs to be certified self-contained (CSC). That means it has its own toilet, greywater tank, and waste storage. Without CSC certification, you’re restricted to holiday parks and campgrounds with full facilities, which can really limit how spontaneous your trip can be. All Big Little Camper vans are self-contained, which means less stress and more freedom. |
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3) Check the Kitchen SetupDinner with a view is one of the best bits about van life. Look for a van with a real kitchenette. You want enough space to prep, a decent amount of storage, and quality kitchen gear that goes beyond the basics. 4) Don’t Just Look at the Price, Look at What’s IncludedA cheap headline rate can be tempting, but check what’s included. Some rentals charge extra for essentials like insurance, bedding, or kitchen gear. At Big Little Campers, our vans come ready for the road with everything you need for a smooth trip.. |
5) Think About Power and Battery SetupsIf you want to charge your phone, run the lights, or power your gear without draining the main car battery, you’ll want a van with solar power or a solid house battery system. If you’re planning to go off-grid for more than a day, this becomes non-negotiable. Big Little Campers has a couple of options:
We’ll also show you how the system works when you pick up the van, so there’s no guesswork on the road. 6) Ask About Support While You’re on the RoadAnything can happen when you’re out on the road. If your rental company has you waiting on hold with an overseas call centre, that’s not the kind of support you want mid-trip.When you rent from us, you’ll be talking directly to the team who built, cleaned, or kitted out your van. We’ll get you sorted in no time. |
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7) Know What Driving Setup Works for YouPick a van that suits your comfort and driving style. Never driven a manual? Stick with automatic. Want something nimble for city streets? Skip the biggest model. All our vans are easy to drive and park,even The Biggest One so you can focus on the adventure instead of worrying about the wheel. 8) Look for Local and IndependentBig chains might seem convenient, but a lot of your money doesn’t actually stay in New Zealand. Local, independent operators live and breathe the van life. They’re more flexible, more invested in your trip, and can give real, on-the-ground advice. Booking with a local provider like Big Little Campers means your money goes straight back into the people and experiences that make your road trip great. |
The Wrap-Up
A campervan isn’t just a way to get around. It’s your bed, your kitchen, and your base for whatever wild and wonderful parts of New Zealand you decide to explore.
With the right van, you can sleep comfortably, cook with ease, and explore without limits. Every stop becomes part of the journey, every view building on your once-in-a-lifetime Kiwi adventure..
When you’re ready to hit the road, check out our vans and have a look at the perfect campervan guide to NZ to find the setup that’s just right for your trip.
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Not all campervans are built equal, and few campervan companies think like real travellers. If you’re planning a road trip, take a few moments before you book. The van you pick and who you rent it from can make a huge difference. We’re not saying you should pick something fancy. Instead, you need a setup that actually works for how you want to travel. You want a van that lets you sleep well, cook easily, and doesn’t break down mid-mission. Just as importantly, you need a team that’s right there when you need help. A Big Little Campers hire doesn’t just get you a van, but valuable advice from people who’ve taken countless road trips themselves. Here’s our advice on picking the right van for your trip: |
1) Figure Out How Much Space You Actually NeedPick a van that’s compact enough to drive and park easily, but still gives you room to sleep, cook, and store your gear comfortably. If it’s just you and a mate and you plan to spend most of your time outside, a smaller setup works perfectly. For longer stops or trips where you’ll be inside more often, it’s worth sizing up for extra comfort. 2) Make Sure It’s Certified Self-ContainedIf you want the freedom to stay at non-powered sites or pull into Department of Conservation (DOC) camping areas, your van needs to be certified self-contained (CSC). That means it has its own toilet, greywater tank, and waste storage. Without CSC certification, you’re restricted to holiday parks and campgrounds with full facilities, which can really limit how spontaneous your trip can be. All Big Little Camper vans are self-contained, which means less stress and more freedom. |
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3) Check the Kitchen SetupDinner with a view is one of the best bits about van life. Look for a van with a real kitchenette. You want enough space to prep, a decent amount of storage, and quality kitchen gear that goes beyond the basics. 4) Don’t Just Look at the Price, Look at What’s IncludedA cheap headline rate can be tempting, but check what’s included. Some rentals charge extra for essentials like insurance, bedding, or kitchen gear. At Big Little Campers, our vans come ready for the road with everything you need for a smooth trip.. |
5) Think About Power and Battery SetupsIf you want to charge your phone, run the lights, or power your gear without draining the main car battery, you’ll want a van with solar power or a solid house battery system. If you’re planning to go off-grid for more than a day, this becomes non-negotiable. Big Little Campers has a couple of options:
We’ll also show you how the system works when you pick up the van, so there’s no guesswork on the road. 6) Ask About Support While You’re on the RoadAnything can happen when you’re out on the road. If your rental company has you waiting on hold with an overseas call centre, that’s not the kind of support you want mid-trip.When you rent from us, you’ll be talking directly to the team who built, cleaned, or kitted out your van. We’ll get you sorted in no time. |
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7) Know What Driving Setup Works for YouPick a van that suits your comfort and driving style. Never driven a manual? Stick with automatic. Want something nimble for city streets? Skip the biggest model. All our vans are easy to drive and park,even The Biggest One so you can focus on the adventure instead of worrying about the wheel. 8) Look for Local and IndependentBig chains might seem convenient, but a lot of your money doesn’t actually stay in New Zealand. Local, independent operators live and breathe the van life. They’re more flexible, more invested in your trip, and can give real, on-the-ground advice. Booking with a local provider like Big Little Campers means your money goes straight back into the people and experiences that make your road trip great. |
The Wrap-Up
A campervan isn’t just a way to get around. It’s your bed, your kitchen, and your base for whatever wild and wonderful parts of New Zealand you decide to explore.
With the right van, you can sleep comfortably, cook with ease, and explore without limits. Every stop becomes part of the journey, every view building on your once-in-a-lifetime Kiwi adventure..
When you’re ready to hit the road, check out our vans and have a look at the perfect campervan guide to NZ to find the setup that’s just right for your trip.
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