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Traveling around New Zealand in a van is one of the best ways to explore the country.
You get the freedom to stop wherever you want, wake up to amazing views, and save money on accommodation. But if you want to camp for free in many places, you’ll need a self-contained van.
- If you’re a backpacker on a budget, don’t worry—there are plenty of affordable options out there. In this guide, we’ll show you some of the best cheap self-contained vans for your Kiwi road trip.
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🚐 Top Budget Backpacker Vans to Look For
Here are some great options that are popular with backpackers:
| Type of Van | Why It’s Good? | Price (NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Estima | Reliable, fuel-efficient, easy to drive. Many are already converted. | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| Nissan Serena | Lots of space, cheap to buy, easy to convert. | $8,000 – $11,500 |
| Mazda Bongo / Ford Econovan | More room and height, good for full setups. | $9,000 – $13,000 |
| Toyota Hiace | Super reliable, lots of space. Often fully converted already. | $12,000 – $17,000 |
| Mitsubishi Delica | 4WD, cool style, great for remote areas. | $10,000 – $14,000 |
💰 Super Low-Budget Campervans (Another Option)
If you do not care about freedom camping, you can still buy a backpacker car without the need of having a self-contained certificate.
That means, you can just buy a car with a bed at the back and that’s it!
- The cost of these types of cars range the $5,000NZD o $6,500NZD.
🔍 More information about these types of cars here: Small & Converted Campervans
🧑💻 Where to Buy a Backpacker Car or Campervan
If you are looking to buy a campervan in Auckland, you can contact us as we have a big range of campervans for sale, usually 50+ available on site.
- At Travel Cars NZ, we also offer the option of reserving a car for your arrival, so you can purchase a car before landing and pick it up straight away.
If you need to buy a campervan in a different city such as Christchurch, here you can find other options: Buy a Campervan in Christchurch
📌 Note that we do NOT offer reservations if you are arriving to Auckland within more than 3 months.
🎒 Must-Have Van Life Gear (Backpacker Edition)
Here are a few essentials to make your road trip smoother and comfier:
| Gadget | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Portable fan | NZ summers can get hot inside a van! |
| Solar-powered lights | Great for evenings without draining your battery. |
| Power bank / inverter | Charge phones and laptops off-grid. |
| Camping chairs & table | Turns any beach or forest into your dining room. |
| Toilet chemicals | Keep the van smelling fresh (you’ll thank yourself). |
| Mosquito netting | Open windows, no bugs. Win-win. |
📝 Money-Saving Tips While Living the Van Life
Here are a few smart ways to save:
- Download the “CamperMate” or “Rankers” app – Shows free campsites, toilets, showers, dump stations, and more.
- Buy a Warehouse loyalty card – Get discounts on camping gear and essentials.
- Split costs with a travel buddy – Share petrol, food, and camp fees.
- Cook in the van – Gas cookers, one-pan meals, and supermarket hacks will save heaps.
🦸♂️Make It Your Own: Easy Van Life Upgrades
Even a cheap van can feel like home with a few cozy touches:
- Add curtains or blackout fabric for privacy and better sleep
- Stick LED strip lights inside for a chill vibe
- Use packing cubes or baskets to keep things organized
- Hang a few photos or postcards from places you visit
⚡ More Powerful Content about Campervans
Discover the Travel Cars NZ Blog with more than 150 articles about campervanning in New Zealand, here are some related content to feed your backpacking learning curve!
