Where do VanPackers Stay on Arrival?

If you pre-purchased a campervan before arrival

In your campervan, it is as simple as that!

If you pre-purchase a campervan it will be ready from the day you arrive. You will not incur the costs of travel and accommodation when trying to find a vehicle.

An added benefit here is that you are not in a rush to find a vehicle. The price you pay will be certain. Vanpackers often fall into the trap of trying to get the cheapest van, but then supply is limited (driving prices up) or they purchase a campervan that requires repairs on the road. It ends up costing them more.

Once you have a campervan there are nearly unlimited places to park for free (or almost free) across New Zealand.

We recommend VanPackers purchase a vehicle before they travel.

If you do not pre-purchase a campervan before arrival

Backpackers

VanPackers will often fly into Auckland and travel to Auckland CBD. Accommodation in hotels and backpackers is readily available in Auckland CBD, but it can be pricy, especially during peak season.

Staying at backpackers in Auckland CBD gives a VanPacker exposure to the sights and nightlife. It also places them close to the Auckland Car Fair which is based in Parnel at the South-Eastern fringe of the city. Auckland Car Fair is a place to meet with other VanPackers to purchase their vans before they leave New Zealand. The issue with this is that it can be difficult to get a good price (or a campervan at all) during peak season, and the total lack of supply means VanPackers will often over pay or purchase a campervan that requires repairs of the road. Such unexpected experiences end up ruining the trip.

The war-stories are rife at backpacker accommodation and once you’re sucked up into that world poor decision making becomes a normal reality.

Again, we recommend VanPackers secure a campervan before traveling.

Friends, Family, and Community

An alternative to the above options that is not often considered is to message community groups requesting to stay on a couch for a few nights. The potentially free option provides access to local knowledge, but it could be unsafe and advice may be misinformed.

If you have relatives or friends in New Zealand then this could be an option worth considering.