Good information! We've traveled around both islands multiple times and have used both a "self-contained" campervan (although there were only two of us we selected a small RV that slept 4 for a more "roomy / comfortable experience) and motel / hotel rooms. All of your points are very good and accurate. We found that a self-contained campervan, even the smaller ones, don't save money unless you are mainly "freedom camping." If you're traveling "off season" holiday sites with motel rooms can be very affordable (provided you have done some planning), and in that case, a rental car becomes a more affordable choice. Just one note: near the end of this video, you mention "going down a gravel road" ...every rental car and campervan contract we've signed says you cannot go off paved roads at anytime...not that everyone follows that restriction but you're much more likely to get glass damage if you drive on them....I ended up with 3 large chips in about 50 meters of gravel road.
Thank yo so much for sharing your story mate, it is awesome to see that we are building a good community of travelers sharing tips! I agree with you on the gravel road, we talk about this in many videos, we just glossed over it on this one, our bad!
I would want to know what are all the invisible costs when we hire a campervan? for example, I am planning to take Jucy Crib which is more like a car with bed. It is not self contained. So when I need to charge it, I heard that it costs around 100 dollars to charge that. I guess there are many invisible costs. so considering these I feel a car with hostel/hotel is better. please advise. Also can't I enjoy the holidays parks or freedom camps when I take a car with some tent raw materials where I can put my tent and enjoy the sky view?
When hiring a campervan like the Jucy Crib, which is not self-contained, there are indeed additional costs and considerations to keep in mind: Campsite Fees: While the Jucy Crib allows for basic sleeping arrangements, you will need to park overnight at campsites, which often charge a fee. These fees can vary greatly depending on the location and facilities offered. Electricity Charging: If your campervan setup requires electricity, such as for heating or kitchen appliances, campsites with powered sites will charge an additional fee for access to power. The $100 figure you mentioned seems quite high for just electricity charging; this might be a misunderstanding unless it's referring to a package of several nights at a higher-end campsite. Fuel Costs: Campervans, especially larger models, can be less fuel-efficient than a standard car. This can significantly add to travel costs, especially over long distances. Dump Station Fees: If your vehicle has onboard facilities (not applicable for the Jucy Crib), you might need to use dump stations to dispose of greywater and sewage, which may have a small fee. Equipment Rental: Some campervan rentals don’t include all necessary equipment, such as bedding, kitchen gear, or outdoor furniture. Check what's included and what might be an additional rental fee. Regarding choosing between a campervan and a car with hotel/hostel accommodation: Flexibility vs. Comfort: Campervans offer more travel flexibility-you can stay at beautiful, remote spots and move on your schedule. However, using a car and staying in hostels/hotels can be more comfortable and might offer more amenities. Cost Comparison: Calculate the total costs for both options, including vehicle rental, accommodation, fuel, and any additional fees like for camping equipment or power. As for enjoying holiday parks or freedom camping with a car and tent: Camping with a Tent: You can absolutely enjoy holiday parks or designated freedom camping sites with a tent. This is often a cheaper option than a campervan and allows you to enjoy the outdoors. Ensure you follow local guidelines and only camp in permitted areas, especially as New Zealand has specific rules regarding where tents can be pitched. For more detailed advice and to weigh your options based on your specific travel plans, check out our community on patreon.com/nzpocketguide. We offer detailed guides and tips, and you can ask questions during our weekly group calls or in our secret Facebook group. Oh and Jucy may not be the best deal for you, check out this page for more options -> nzpocketguide.com/the-best-campervan-rental-companies-in-new-zealand/
This debate is going on in my head for when I visit NZ, so was very excited to see your video. You didn't speak about food. Can you not save a lot of money by being able to cook your own meals in your own campervan.
Absolutely Joan, you've touched on a significant point that we didn't delve into in the video. Cooking your own meals in a campervan can indeed be a substantial money-saver during your trip to New Zealand. Having a campervan equipped with kitchen facilities allows you the flexibility to prepare meals according to your budget and dietary preferences, which can be much more cost-effective than dining out for every meal or relying on the often more limited kitchen facilities in hostels. Here are a few benefits of cooking in a campervan: Cost Savings: Groceries in New Zealand can be more affordable than eating at restaurants, especially if you shop at local supermarkets or farmers' markets. Flexibility: With a campervan, you can cook and eat whenever it suits you, without being bound to restaurant opening times or hostel kitchen availability. Healthy Eating: Preparing your own meals allows you to control what you eat, making it easier to maintain a healthy diet while traveling. Experience: Cooking and dining in some of New Zealand's most scenic spots can enhance your travel experience, offering meals with a view that no restaurant can match. However, it's also good to consider the initial cost of renting a campervan with kitchen facilities versus the potential savings from cooking your own meals. For many travelers, the balance tips in favor of the campervan for both the savings and the added adventure it brings to the trip. For more travel tips and to explore the benefits of campervan travel further, consider joining our Patreon group at patreon.com/nzpocketguide. We offer weekly group calls and access to a secret Facebook group where you can ask questions and share experiences with fellow travelers. Enjoy planning your New Zealand adventure! 🚐🍳🌿
Good information! We've traveled around both islands multiple times and have used both a "self-contained" campervan (although there were only two of us we selected a small RV that slept 4 for a more "roomy / comfortable experience) and motel / hotel rooms. All of your points are very good and accurate. We found that a self-contained campervan, even the smaller ones, don't save money unless you are mainly "freedom camping." If you're traveling "off season" holiday sites with motel rooms can be very affordable (provided you have done some planning), and in that case, a rental car becomes a more affordable choice. Just one note: near the end of this video, you mention "going down a gravel road" ...every rental car and campervan contract we've signed says you cannot go off paved roads at anytime...not that everyone follows that restriction but you're much more likely to get glass damage if you drive on them....I ended up with 3 large chips in about 50 meters of gravel road.
Thank yo so much for sharing your story mate, it is awesome to see that we are building a good community of travelers sharing tips! I agree with you on the gravel road, we talk about this in many videos, we just glossed over it on this one, our bad!
I would want to know what are all the invisible costs when we hire a campervan? for example, I am planning to take Jucy Crib which is more like a car with bed. It is not self contained. So when I need to charge it, I heard that it costs around 100 dollars to charge that. I guess there are many invisible costs. so considering these I feel a car with hostel/hotel is better. please advise. Also can't I enjoy the holidays parks or freedom camps when I take a car with some tent raw materials where I can put my tent and enjoy the sky view?
When hiring a campervan like the Jucy Crib, which is not self-contained, there are indeed additional costs and considerations to keep in mind:
Campsite Fees: While the Jucy Crib allows for basic sleeping arrangements, you will need to park overnight at campsites, which often charge a fee. These fees can vary greatly depending on the location and facilities offered.
Electricity Charging: If your campervan setup requires electricity, such as for heating or kitchen appliances, campsites with powered sites will charge an additional fee for access to power. The $100 figure you mentioned seems quite high for just electricity charging; this might be a misunderstanding unless it's referring to a package of several nights at a higher-end campsite.
Fuel Costs: Campervans, especially larger models, can be less fuel-efficient than a standard car. This can significantly add to travel costs, especially over long distances.
Dump Station Fees: If your vehicle has onboard facilities (not applicable for the Jucy Crib), you might need to use dump stations to dispose of greywater and sewage, which may have a small fee.
Equipment Rental: Some campervan rentals don’t include all necessary equipment, such as bedding, kitchen gear, or outdoor furniture. Check what's included and what might be an additional rental fee.
Regarding choosing between a campervan and a car with hotel/hostel accommodation:
Flexibility vs. Comfort: Campervans offer more travel flexibility-you can stay at beautiful, remote spots and move on your schedule. However, using a car and staying in hostels/hotels can be more comfortable and might offer more amenities.
Cost Comparison: Calculate the total costs for both options, including vehicle rental, accommodation, fuel, and any additional fees like for camping equipment or power.
As for enjoying holiday parks or freedom camping with a car and tent:
Camping with a Tent: You can absolutely enjoy holiday parks or designated freedom camping sites with a tent. This is often a cheaper option than a campervan and allows you to enjoy the outdoors. Ensure you follow local guidelines and only camp in permitted areas, especially as New Zealand has specific rules regarding where tents can be pitched.
For more detailed advice and to weigh your options based on your specific travel plans, check out our community on patreon.com/nzpocketguide. We offer detailed guides and tips, and you can ask questions during our weekly group calls or in our secret Facebook group.
Oh and Jucy may not be the best deal for you, check out this page for more options -> nzpocketguide.com/the-best-campervan-rental-companies-in-new-zealand/
@@NZPocketGuide you guys are really awesome! Thanks for the awesome explanation
This debate is going on in my head for when I visit NZ, so was very excited to see your video. You didn't speak about food. Can you not save a lot of money by being able to cook your own meals in your own campervan.
Absolutely Joan, you've touched on a significant point that we didn't delve into in the video. Cooking your own meals in a campervan can indeed be a substantial money-saver during your trip to New Zealand. Having a campervan equipped with kitchen facilities allows you the flexibility to prepare meals according to your budget and dietary preferences, which can be much more cost-effective than dining out for every meal or relying on the often more limited kitchen facilities in hostels.
Here are a few benefits of cooking in a campervan:
Cost Savings: Groceries in New Zealand can be more affordable than eating at restaurants, especially if you shop at local supermarkets or farmers' markets.
Flexibility: With a campervan, you can cook and eat whenever it suits you, without being bound to restaurant opening times or hostel kitchen availability.
Healthy Eating: Preparing your own meals allows you to control what you eat, making it easier to maintain a healthy diet while traveling.
Experience: Cooking and dining in some of New Zealand's most scenic spots can enhance your travel experience, offering meals with a view that no restaurant can match.
However, it's also good to consider the initial cost of renting a campervan with kitchen facilities versus the potential savings from cooking your own meals. For many travelers, the balance tips in favor of the campervan for both the savings and the added adventure it brings to the trip.
For more travel tips and to explore the benefits of campervan travel further, consider joining our Patreon group at patreon.com/nzpocketguide. We offer weekly group calls and access to a secret Facebook group where you can ask questions and share experiences with fellow travelers. Enjoy planning your New Zealand adventure! 🚐🍳🌿
Nice video..thanks
So nice of you, thanks for the positivity :)
Hii is there any update regarding nz student visa? If any , please give me info
Not just yet sorry. Stay subscribed, we will ppst a new update after the NZ election in late October ;)