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If youβre renting a campervan in New Zealand, chances are youβre here for a proper adventureβnot a five-star hotel experience. Thatβs the beauty of it. But letβs be real: the gear that comes with your van can make or break your trip.
- Hereβs a no-fluff rundown of what youβll want, whatβs usually included, and whatβs totally worth adding when renting a campervanβeven if it costs a bit more.
1. What You Usually Get in Your Campervan Rental
Most rentals in NZ include the basics:
- Bed setup (mattress, pillows, a blanket and a sheet)
- Cooking gear (gas cooker, pans, plates, cutlery, one sponge that’s probably seen better days)
- Small chilly bin or a fridge (depends on the van)
- Basic cleaning stuff (dish soap, tea towel)
- Water tank and sink (especially if it’s a self-contained setup)
Itβs usually just enough to survive, not thrive. So if youβre planning to live in the van for a few weeks, youβll want to level up a few things.
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πΒ Top rental companies will offer these items β we’ve compiled the best ones in New Zealand, you can find them here: Best Rental Companies in New Zealand
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2. Stuff Thatβs Totally Worth Adding
If your rental company offers these, itβs worth saying yesβor you can pick them up yourself:
- 12V USB charger β Super useful for charging your phone while driving. Many vans only have one socket, and this makes life easier.
- Camping chairs and a small table β So much better than eating inside the van all the time. Great for sunsets, beach dinners, and campsite hangs.
- Local SIM card with data β Usually cheaper and more reliable than rental WiFi. Good for maps, bookings, and keeping in touch.
- Fairy lights or a mini lantern β Soft lighting makes your van feel like home. Way better than the harsh overhead light most vans have.
- Solar shower β A black bag that heats up in the sun. Perfect for off-grid days when you need a quick rinse.
3. What About Tech?
Letβs talk about a few small tech items that can make your campervan trip way easier (and more fun):
- Bluetooth speaker β Perfect for road trip playlists, beach days, or just setting the vibe while cooking dinner at camp.
- Phone mount for the dashboard β Super handy for using Google Maps without fumbling with your phone while driving.
- Multi-port USB charger β If youβre traveling with someone else, youβll both want to charge your phones, cameras, or power banks at the same time.
- Power bank β Great backup when you’re parked off-grid or if the van doesnβt have many charging options.
These gadgets donβt take up much space, but they definitely make the road feel a little more like home.
4. Things Youβll Want to Grab Yourself
Donβt expect the rental company to think of everything. These bits are cheap and make life easier:
- Microfiber towel β dries fast, packs small
- Reusable shopping bags β NZ supermarkets charge for plastic ones
- Mosquito spray or net β some campsites are bug heaven
- Storage crates or bags β vans get messy fast without them
- Power bank β for when youβre off-grid and low on charge
5. Where to Get Extras (If Your Van Doesnβt Come with Them)
π The Warehouse β Cheap stuff that actually lasts
π Kmart β Good for blankets, storage bins, fairy lights
ποΈ Torpedo7 / Hunting & Fishing β More outdoorsy gear
π± Spark / Vodafone / 2degrees β For SIM cards and top-ups
π οΈ Bunnings β Random tools, rope, containers
