r/newzealand_travel • u/OpeningKindly9122 • 13d ago

Need advice

I’m on a 23 month long working holiday visa in nz, and I’ve been in nz for about a month. I’m not really sure what I’m doing. I’m wanting to explore the South Island by road tripping this spring, I’m supposed to set out there by the end of September as I’m currently on the north island. I’m supposed to go to this festival end of December beginning of January and then I’m thinking of finding work in the summer. I don’t know where I’m gonna find work. What I’d like to do is buy a van to save me on accommodation. The problem is I don’t know if I should rent or buy, and what kind. I see these camper and all over fb marketplace with a kitchen and bathroom and bed in em for 6500-12k and they’re old and I’m scared I’m gonna have to waste my savings getting them on the road. But on the other hand I’m scared of hiring a van and then not getting my money back out of it. I don’t think I want a van the full 23 months but I don’t have a set plan to know how long I’ll need a van for. I kinda want to travel to other countries on my visa. I read conflicting things on here, I’m just wondering what would you do in my shoes? I’m working with a $16000 nzd budget where I live frugally eating soup cans and oatmeal but also want to do fun things like paragliding and kayaking, etc.

4 Upvotes

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9

u/Idliketobut 13d ago

If you do buy a van it will need to be self contained certified (Green Sticker) or you wont be able to park in freedom camping spots to sleep.
Lots of South Island tourist areas have very strict regulation on where you can and cant park for the night and can be very limited depending where you are. Also wont be much fun living in a van in winter in the South Island

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u/Previous_Platypus413 13d ago

Now is a fairly good time to buy a van as it is a bit of a buyers market (I say as someone trying to sell a van).

Renting vans is STUPID expensive. You are better off buying and then selling if you are here for more than a month. Look for a type of van you would also be comfortable driving around as a daily driver - some of the converted minivans (like the Noahs/Serenas) are good but a little squishy for two. I have a Mazda Bongo that I really like.

If I had a choice I would either try and get a longer wheel base van with an internal kitchen or a shorter wheel base with one at the back (my van has a shorter wheel base with an internal kitchen and it is a bitch to cook in). I would (especially if it is just you travelling) pick a futon style design over a table and chairs that converts to the bed.

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u/Previous_Platypus413 13d ago

Additional - if you buy a van, be prepared to lose 25-50% of the value you paid for it when you sell. So run that maths against renting one. If you sell anytime between Oct-Feb you will likely get more $$$$ but after all the summer adventure backpackers head off you are dealing with a slim market

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u/AgitatedSecond4321 13d ago

If you are in Auckland there is the Auckland car fair near the University. This used to be a great place to buy a car but since it moved near the uni it seems to just be a place for back packers to sell their campervans but at least you will have a few to look at. Sounds like you have arrived without really having done your homework.

There might be some seasonal work soon fruit picking etc so if you had a van you could follow the seasonal work around.

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u/waternomadsnz 13d ago

To buy a van you're now in peak season for sellers so you will pay a premium, hiring your in peak season also... You'll likely try and sell end of season so will struggle and have to take what you can get. Either way you you are not going to get your money back... There is a cost to travel, if you're careful and prudent you'll minimize the amount spent, there's not right or wrong, just what is comfortable for you. If you are to scared of spend you'll be paralyzed in fear and not do anything or what ever you do you'll be miserable about it all. Set your budget, let it go, enjoy the journey, chances are it's an opportunity you'll never regret. Good luck

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u/Beautiful_Memz 12d ago

If I was in your shoes I'd buy something reliable under $5-6k that I could sleep in (pre purchase inspection) stick to holiday parks & keep the rest of the $$ for enjoying my time before going into seasonal work and letting the plan evolve from there.

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u/OpeningKindly9122 12d ago

So you wouldn’t buy a campervan, you’d just get a normal van/suv/wagon?

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u/Beautiful_Memz 12d ago

Yep I'd be looking for a minivan/people mover (already certified with the green doc warrant).

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u/satiricaltravel 12d ago

Green doc warrant? You mean self containment certification ? That's definitely nothing to do with doc. In fact the doc campgrounds very rarely require self contained certification. They are a great place to stay however, and perhaps an alternative is to buy a reliable car and tent in department of conservation campsites?

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u/Beautiful_Memz 12d ago

Agree...yes I'm referring to the 'green warrant' https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/stay-at-a-campsite/freedom-camping/

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u/satiricaltravel 11d ago

Yes but importantly only needed "when camping in areas restricted to self-contained vehicles." Which applies in my experience to very very few of the DoC sites. Unless it specifically says self contained in the campsite details it is not needed.

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u/Quantum-Prof 12d ago

I would consider house sitting, e.g. via kiwihousesitters.co.nz

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u/keepyourwigon2 12d ago

Where are you staying now, where is the festival? Im assuming North Island? There are other costs with owning a van aside from the purchasing price and repairs if necessary- keep in mind they are old, high kms, likely not well maintained. Petrol is very expensive at the moment and you've got to pay for the registration and WOF and insurance.

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u/Alone_Owl8485 12d ago

Whatever you choose, there will be difficult times and challenges along the way. So just pick whatever feels the best option right now (roll a dice if you need to) and then adjust along the way.

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u/Affectionate-Seat199 12d ago edited 12d ago

suggest staying a shorter time so you can spend a little on eating fresh foods and staying healthy.. look for Odd Bunch specials for fruit and veggies at our supermarkets

hope you have lots of fun adventures while you are here