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Expedition vehicle for New Zealand Expedition vehicle for New Zealand
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  #1  
Old 1 May 2018
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Expedition vehicle for New Zealand
Hi,
I'd love to buy an expedition vehicle to use for a long touring holiday in New Zealand. Any suggestions or offers?
I'm used to driving an old iveco 4*4 at 4 tonne, but I'd consider anything bigger than a Landover+tent
Thanks.
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  #2  
Old 2 May 2018
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New Zealand is the motorhome capitol of the world. You could pick an ex rental
for cheap just about anywhere.
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  #3  
Old 2 May 2018
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Just make sure you get one that is certified under their freedom camping legislation so you can use all the free and cheap campgrounds for self contained vehicles
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  #4  
Old 2 May 2018
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Any chance of getting a 4wd? I don't see them being rented.
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  #5  
Old 2 May 2018
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The only one I know of that rents 4WD campervans is Tui Campers (https://www.tuicampers.co.nz) who have a Bush Camper based on a Toyota Hilux. There are several 4WD campervans for sale on TradeMe.co.nz. Go into the motorhomes section (Trade Me Motors > Caravans & Motorhomes > Motorhomes) and search for 4WD or 4x4. About 20 of them at the moment.
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  #6  
Old 2 May 2018
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Thanks, that's helpful. I've seen one interesting vehicle on trade.me but I can't even contact the seller.becsuse I'm not a resident.
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  #7  
Old 3 May 2018
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Thumbs up I can help
Feel free to PM me. I can help with TradeMe.

Regards

Nigel in NZ
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  #8  
Old 3 May 2018
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You don't need a huge vehicle or a 4x4 to tour NZ, most vehicles would be fine on a gravel road & a big vehicle may be limiting as scenic roads can be narrow with steep drops.

Compared to the UK, you'll find the choice of vehicle to be more limiting and possibly older depending on your budget.
There are van-sized 4x4 campers made by Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan and VW - to name a few, but you're less likely to find European models.

If you're happy to camp, use a long-drop toilet & be fairly self-sufficient, I suggest hiring or buying a car & take a tent. It'll be much cheaper & if you find a car you can sleep in, that's an added bonus. You can't use the free sites but there are hundreds of DOC sites in amazing remote areas paying $0-15 per person per night.
Most tourists tend to avoid them because although they want a free camp site, they can't live without a toilet, shower, shops, a pub and the internet on their doorstep

Have a look here for ideas: https://www.backpackermarket.nz/

TradeMe is a pain requiring an NZ address. But thankfully, you don't need to be a resident to buy a vehicle here - just an address will do.
I moved from the UK 3 yrs ago so, like Nigel, if I can help, let me know
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  #9  
Old 3 May 2018
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Thanks for the helpful replies. A van conversion is probably best for us. Not a tent. I'll search trade.me and ask for a bit of help when I find something.

I'll firm up plans a bit first so that I don't waste people's time.

I have a substantial 4*4 here, but even in morocco, you can have a great experience without 4*4.
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  #10  
Old 6 May 2018
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A 4x4 Mitsubishi Rosa would be a good choice if you could find one. I've seen a couple converted to motorhomes, you can drive them on a car license and they have high ground clearance and high/low range gearbox. We use them on the ski field so I know they're pretty tough, the passenger version will take 22 people, I'd say they were about 7m long.
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  #11  
Old 7 May 2018
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They have a lot of Hiaces there, of course also campervans, and there are 4x4 versions of that one. They are quite capable, having parttime 4x4 and low-gearing.
(I have one too, a bit modified, takes me anywhere where a standard 4x4 goes)
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  #12  
Old 25 May 2018
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Hi, I was browsing camper adverts on trademe and came across a camper with a guaranteed buy-back.
This company offers different budget options but I haven't read all the details and I'm not sure how their prices compare with renting (although I know that's not cheap). Here's their web site:

Kiwi Road Trips | Backpacker Campervans for New Zealand Road Trips
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