Should I hire or buy a family campervan for a 6 month New Zealand trip?

by Carol
(England)

Hello Gail

We are coming to New Zealand with our two young children, and plan to travel around the country for six months.We are wondering whether it would be best to hire or buy a camper van? We would appreciate your comments and tips you have to offer.Thanks Carol

Hi Carol

1) I suggest you check out whether you can get a very discounted rate as you will be hiring over the peak period in summer when motor home hire is expensive. We ended up a few holidays ago buying a little poptop camper for $3,000 as that was the cost of hiring a small campervan for 2 weeks.

2)You might be better to buy, but I suggest trying to get a buy back deal so you are not stuck with the campervan at the end of your holiday.

3)Maui, Apollo,Pacific Horizon and Kea are hire places that often have ex rentals for sale.

Otherwise you may like to look at www.trademe.co.nz.Buying privately would exclude a buy back deal, but many traders also list here.

4)Another option is checking noticeboards at hostels and backpackers.Although usually these would be smaller,cheaper vans.

I hope this is if some help

Happy Holidaying

Gail