✅ Last Update:
Buying a campervan in New Zealand can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. If you decide to buy from a campervan dealer and already know what you are looking for, you could choose a vehicle easily, complete the paperwork at the office and drive away on the same day.
Buying privately can take longer, especially if you need to compare vehicles, arrange inspections or wait for repairs.
- For most travellers (that are already in Auckland), we recommend allowing 2 to 7 days to find and buy the right campervan without rushing the decision.
🚐 If you prefer to have arranged your campervan before arriving to New Zealand, at Travel Cars we have the Buy Before Arrive option, you can find more about it in the link provided.
A Quick Time Summary for All Types of Buyers
Regardless you buy privately or from a dealer, here is a better view of how long takes to buy a campervan in New Zealand.
| Buying Situation | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Buying a ready campervan from a dealer | Same day |
| Comparing several campervans | 1–3 days |
| Buying from a private seller | 2–7 days |
| Arranging a pre-purchase inspection | Add 1–2 days |
| Campervan needing repairs or modifications | Several days to weeks |
| Reserving a campervan before arriving in New Zealand | Before arrival |
Comparing Online Vs The Real World
When it comes to comparing options, prices may differ a lot from one vehicle to another, especially when comparing private sales. Often, campervans are more expensive than buying from a dealer, with interiors in poor condition and used camping gear.
However, many people are still attracted by the idea that the car “includes camping gear”, as if there were gold inside it. The reality is that you can buy brand-new camping gear at any Kmart or The Warehouse for $300–$500, including your own bedding.
So, sorry, there is no gold to find when you buy an equipped campervan.
Still, a campervan listed for a certain price doesn’t mean it will sell for that price. When buying from a dealer, the situation is very different. The interiors are usually brand new, and campervans can still come with some basic camping gear. Still, the mattress will be the main thing to look at, as it is where you will sleep every night.
In terms of pricing, dealers have very similar prices. However, their service can make the difference when deciding where to buy.
⚠ Note: Buying from a dealer doesn’t guarantee you won’t end up buying a lemon, there are many ”unlicensed dealers” selling campervans in Auckland streets or car markets, cheaply converted and that will blow up 1-hour after you drive the car away.
How Travel Cars NZ Can Make This Statement?
As a company writing this article, it is a bit shocking to talk openly about the reality of some “dealers”.
The truth is, this is nothing new. It has been happening for decades, and unfortunately, there are still sellers targeting tourists and trying to make top dollar.
Obviously, we won’t be naming people or companies, including some that disappear and later come back under a different name, but the advice is still worth sharing. Why? Because at the end of the day, this hurts genuine dealers and companies that are not only paying taxes but also doing their best to keep tourists happy and safe on the road.
Buying Safely No Matter What
Easy answer: Get an AA check done. It is not cheap (around $160), but it can save you thousands of dollars, especially if buying at a car market, on the road, or at someone’s house.
For example, at Travel Cars NZ, we allow customers to get AA checks, and there is no problem with that. For us, an AA check means you are a serious buyer, so we won’t be wasting our time! If someone tries to avoid it, hey, here is your red flag!
More Great Campervan Stuff!
Over the years, we have created 150+ articles about campervanning in New Zealand. The buying and selling part takes up most of them.
Here are a few of the most relevant pieces that will help you buy your ideal campervan:
