Anyone taken their van to New Zealand on holiday?

GraemeSmith · Jun 22, 2022

We are going to New Zealand for 5 weeks in November/December and were thinking of hiring a van out there. Seems to be fairly expensive to hire anything that‘s fairly new (£3-4k for 5 weeks). I looked into taking our own lovely California - which would come with the advantages of having all of our own stuff in there already, and the shipping costs for a return trip were about £3k. (Takes about 40 days each way though).

Has anyone tried this previously, and are there other costs to consider? (Obviously I’m not looking to import and sell, so would like to avoid VAT and other similar duties). Any experiences to share?

66tim99 · Jun 22, 2022

GraemeSmith said:
We are going to New Zealand for 5 weeks in November/December and were thinking of hiring a van out there. Seems to be fairly expensive to hire anything that‘s fairly new (£3-4k for 5 weeks). I looked into taking our own lovely California - which would come with the advantages of having all of our own stuff in there already, and the shipping costs for a return trip were about £3k. (Takes about 40 days each way though).

Has anyone tried this previously, and are there other costs to consider? (Obviously I’m not looking to import and sell, so would like to avoid VAT and other similar duties). Any experiences to share?

Cor, I admire your broad-minded adventurousness!
Following this thread with interest. Canada springs to mind...

Lambeth Cali · Jun 22, 2022

A friend once advised me to pay the 'walk away' car insurance when hiring a car in America. I did, and sure enough, someone then reversed into me and smashed the bumper of my hired Chrysler Sebring convertible. I handed the car back in LA and walked away.

Not the same, I know, but if someone was to reverse into your California or similar, I can imagine that being a total nightmare.

I suppose I could see the point for a 12 months trip. I would love to ship my van to Canada and drive to Tierra del Fuego. But for a 5 week trip? Things that are shipped don’t always arrive on time.

Velma's Dad · Jun 22, 2022

Talk to a reputable shipper that specialises in shipping cars. You will need an ATA Carnet, that costs several hundred quid to draw up so factor that in. But once you have that you are good for up to a year in NZ with your van.

(I have imported a car temporarily to NZ for a motorsport event, using a carnet. No problems at all but the shipper was very experienced and it as several vehicles were being shipped they doubled-up containers etc. No idea what it would cost for a one-off. EDIT - okay I see you've been given a quote, sounds good.)

Mattsv · Jun 22, 2022

We hired in NZ. I have never had an accident in a hire car so only took the basic insurance as top up was around £15-20 per day I think. Long story short, scraped it down a low wall exiting a car park - cost me about £2k :-(.

GrumpyGranddad · Jun 22, 2022

GraemeSmith said:
We are going to New Zealand for 5 weeks in November/December and were thinking of hiring a van out there. Seems to be fairly expensive to hire anything that‘s fairly new (£3-4k for 5 weeks). I looked into taking our own lovely California - which would come with the advantages of having all of our own stuff in there already, and the shipping costs for a return trip were about £3k. (Takes about 40 days each way though).

Has anyone tried this previously, and are there other costs to consider? (Obviously I’m not looking to import and sell, so would like to avoid VAT and other similar duties). Any experiences to share?

Wouldn’t ship mine unless I was emigrating

Being without the vehicle for 40 days or more either side of the holiday is a real disadvantage. Then there’s the risk of damage in transit.

Something I learnt when we did our New Zealand trip is that most people pick up their motorhome in Auckland, North Island and drop off in Christchurch, South Island. The hire companies therefore end up with the problem of driving them back to Auckland. Apparently, if you pick up in Christchurch and drop off in Auckland you can get better deals.

WelshGas · Jun 22, 2022

GraemeSmith said:
We are going to New Zealand for 5 weeks in November/December and were thinking of hiring a van out there. Seems to be fairly expensive to hire anything that‘s fairly new (£3-4k for 5 weeks). I looked into taking our own lovely California - which would come with the advantages of having all of our own stuff in there already, and the shipping costs for a return trip were about £3k. (Takes about 40 days each way though).

Has anyone tried this previously, and are there other costs to consider? (Obviously I’m not looking to import and sell, so would like to avoid VAT and other similar duties). Any experiences to share?

Insurance?

Velma's Dad · Jun 22, 2022

WelshGas said:
Insurance?

If you mean insurance during shipping, that should be included in shipper's quote together with customs clearances etc etc (and to provide the ATA Carnet).

If you mean for insuring a foreign vehicle on the road in NZ, that's not difficult to set up online. (Although oddly enough, insurance is not actually compulsory in NZ as they have a government-run scheme that provides third-party cover.)

Now that I think of it, it's necessary to get a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) for your vehicle when it arrives. It's similar to a UK MoT test. It's something the shipper's NZ agent can arrange for you before the vehicle is collected from the port of arrival.

Ch1pbutty · Jun 22, 2022

Quarantine & Fumigation costs; NZ have very strict regulations.

Shipping line also likely to charge a Fuel surcharge (BAF / bunker adjustment factor) on top of sea freight to cover increased fuel prices.

Velma's Dad · Jun 22, 2022

Ch1pbutty said:
Quarantine & Fumigation costs.

NZ have very strict regulations.

Wasn't a huge problem for me. Shipper cleans down the vehicle before shipping, basically to remove any crud etc underneath that could harbour seeds. Not a big deal.

Ch1pbutty · Jun 22, 2022

Velma's Dad said:
Wasn't a huge problem for me. Shipper cleans down the vehicle before shipping, basically to remove any crud etc underneath that could harbour seeds. Not a big deal.

Checklist as below:

Steps to importing vehicles, machinery, or parts | NZ Government

If you're importing vehicles, machinery, or parts (including tyres) you need to make sure they're clean and meet other requirements. We've created a step-by-step process so you can see what's involved.

www.mpi.govt.nz

Camperfamily · Jun 22, 2022

Not sure if he’s still active on here, but I think I recall reading that @NZCol had shipped a Cali from UK to NZ

GraemeSmith · Jun 23, 2022

Thanks everyone. Some interesting points there. Still mulling this over, but in the mean time I had this supplementary info from the shipping company of charges on top of just shipping:

“Based on the shipment method and specifications (totalling 22.43m3) provided we can advise the relevant NZ arrival charges (Port & Line fees, all Customs & Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) clearances, NZTA Border Check & Levy, Port Gate Fee & transfer fees, Administration & NZ Health & Safety Levies) would total NZ$1216.50 + local Goods & Services Tax (GST) + 15%.

NOT included are:

A. Import duty & GST as/if applicable.

Any MPI directed cleaning and re-inspection fees if they determine the unit requires cleaning treatment following the initial check post-discharge at the Port.
Uplift from our Auckland depot once all Customs, NZTA Border Check & MPI clearances are completed – your care.
Any and all NZ Compliance and related on-road charges.”

That’s just for the outward leg. I’ll have to figure out the equivalent for return to UK.

vmaxkiddy · Jun 23, 2022

NZ is very strict on the regulations for camper van, ie: self contained, amount of water on board, toilets etc. I don’t know if the regs are applicable to temporary imports though.

How to Get Your Campervan Certified Self-Contained [2024]

Find out how to get your campervan certified self-contained with this guide to getting a campervan self-containment certification.

nzpocketguide.com

Ting Tong · Jun 23, 2022

I’ve looked at shipping our Cali back from China but it’s 10k for a 20ft atm. A Cali only just fits widthways in a container and unless you load and lock it, expect to have most of your contents stolen. Also Google ‘General average’ and ensure you’re insured for it as well as the obvious. It seems quite common to export motor homes to AU/NZ for a trip and then to sell it there at a premium before return if you haven’t considered that. Join the overland sphere fb group for shipping tips and you may find someone to share a 40ft container.

Sounds an adventure tho. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

GraemeSmith · Jun 23, 2022

vmaxkiddy said:
NZ is very strict on the regulations for camper van, ie: self contained, amount of water on board, toilets etc. I don’t know if the regs are applicable to temporary imports though.

How to Get Your Campervan Certified Self-Contained [2024]

Find out how to get your campervan certified self-contained with this guide to getting a campervan self-containment certification.

nzpocketguide.com

Thanks for that. As far as I can see this applies to what we call wild camping to prevent campers abusing the wilderness. We always go to camp sites and use facilities there, so I’m not sure it applies, but will research further.

GrumpyGranddad · Jun 23, 2022

GraemeSmith said:
We are going to New Zealand for 5 weeks in November/December and were thinking of hiring a van out there. Seems to be fairly expensive to hire anything that‘s fairly new (£3-4k for 5 weeks). I looked into taking our own lovely California - which would come with the advantages of having all of our own stuff in there already, and the shipping costs for a return trip were about £3k. (Takes about 40 days each way though).

Has anyone tried this previously, and are there other costs to consider? (Obviously I’m not looking to import and sell, so would like to avoid VAT and other similar duties). Any experiences to share?

GraemeSmith said:
Thanks for that. As far as I can see this applies to what we call wild camping to prevent campers abusing the wilderness. We always go to camp sites and use facilities there, so I’m not sure it applies, but will research further.

Hi @GraemeSmith
If you only intend to stay at ‘regular’ campsites, get yourself a Top10 membership. Gives you discount at their sites along with entrance fees for attractions, Wellington to Picton Ferry, etc.

https://top10.co.nz/

Just my opinion but only staying at regular campsites would mean missing out on the NZ experience. Apart from truly wild camping there are the government sites (DOC). They are often in wonderful locations but some have very basic facilities.

Have a great trip

Campsite categories: facilities and fees

DOC provides facilities and charges fees on the basis of the campsite category.

www.doc.govt.nz

pluc99 · Jun 23, 2022

Do you really want the additional stress and hassle at the beginning and again at the end of your 5 week vacation that transporting you own campervan would entail?

By the time you add insurance and incidental costs you won't be far away from the £4000 you quoted (which I suspect was for a motorhome and not a campervan).

Now factor in

the risk that your lovely van with all your own things may be less lovely after 80 days at sea
some of your own stuff may end up becoming someone else's stuff in transit
what do you do if NZ shuts the borders due to another Covid breakout while your van is on its way over there?

Velma's Dad · Jun 23, 2022

pluc99 said:
Do you really want the additional stress and hassle at the beginning and again at the end of your 5 week vacation that transporting you own campervan would entail?

By the time you add insurance and incidental costs you won't be far away from the £4000 you quoted (which I suspect was for a motorhome and not a campervan).

Now factor in

the risk that your lovely van with all your own things may be less lovely after 80 days at sea

some of your own stuff may end up becoming someone else's stuff in transit

what do you do if NZ shuts the borders due to another Covid breakout while your van is on its way over there?

I think the OP has already contemplated that, is obviously motivated by being able to drive his own Cali around NZ not a rental company's bettered old nail plastered in their logos, and I'm guessing is considering the process (what you describe as "stress and hassle") of getting his van there and back as part of the adventure.

I'm not sure why you believe a van locked up in a shipping container from end to end (loaded onto container ship in say Felixstowe, and offloaded in Auckland) is likely to be pilfered?

Okay I guess the ship might sink. On the other hand if you leave the van garaged in UK while you go to NZ, the garage might catch fire.

I guess what I'm saying is people's attitude to risk varies.

subthree · Jun 23, 2022

@GraemeSmith There are a couple of NZ Cali owners on this forum. Have you considered discussing a swap with one of them? You use their Cali whilst in NZ and when they come to UK/Europe they use yours.

pluc99 · Jun 23, 2022

Velma's Dad said:
I think the OP has already contemplated that, is obviously motivated by being able to drive his own Cali around NZ not a rental company's bettered old nail plastered in their logos, and I'm guessing is considering the process (what you describe as "stress and hassle") of getting his van there and back as part of the adventure.

I'm not sure why you believe a van locked up in a shipping container from end to end (loaded onto container ship in say Felixstowe, and offloaded in Auckland) is likely to be pilfered?

Okay I guess the ship might sink. On the other hand if you leave the van garaged in UK while you go to NZ, the garage might catch fire.

I guess what I'm saying is people's attitude to risk varies.

Fair enough, but I'm not trying to dissuade him, I'm just pointing out some aspects that he may or may not have thought about. His tale will certainly be more interesting if he does do it (and to be honest, more so if something does go wrong).

My cousin had some things stolen in transit when she shipped her camper from Belgium to Argentina 2 years ago.

GraemeSmith · Jun 24, 2022

Ha, thanks guys. I’m sure my tales of woe and anguish would provide good reading and much tutting and much entertainment for everyone!

I must admit, that my original thought came from the shock of the cost of hiring a camper and wondering if it was cheaper to just take my own - all without any thought (at that specific time) of what could go wrong or what other charges might be involved. Thanks to all for helping fill out more of the details and pitfalls. And so far we haven’t even discussed the return leg

. What an adventure it would be though.

I’m going to continue picking away at this, but at the moment I suspect that the costs would be cheaper to ship for a trip greater than 5 weeks, and cheaper to hire for less than 5 weeks.

WelshGas · Jun 24, 2022

GraemeSmith said:
Ha, thanks guys. I’m sure my tales of woe and anguish would provide good reading and much tutting and much entertainment for everyone!

I must admit, that my original thought came from the shock of the cost of hiring a camper and wondering if it was cheaper to just take my own - all without any thought (at that specific time) of what could go wrong or what other charges might be involved. Thanks to all for helping fill out more of the details and pitfalls. And so far we haven’t even discussed the return leg . What an adventure it would be though.

I’m going to continue picking away at this, but at the moment I suspect that the costs would be cheaper to ship for a trip greater than 5 weeks, and cheaper to hire for less than 5 weeks.

If you are going for 5 weeks do you need to hire for 5 weeks.
When we fly to Australia we are washed out for the first few days and like wise at the end it's nice to have a nice hotel for a few days, so 4 weeks traveling in-between.
Also, I presume you looked at self hire? When we travel to Australia we use Trailfinders, a large family owned firm, and we have had better deals on hire cars for 5 weeks than doing it yourself. Full insurance, unlimited miles, only additional charges any tolls and I pay the 40 Aus$ fuel surcharge so I can return empty. They do similar packages for Campervans/RV s. Worth a look/chat. They can arrange bespoke rentals .

NessL · Jun 24, 2022

WelshGas said:
If you are going for 5 weeks do you need to hire for 5 weeks.
When we fly to Australia we are washed out for the first few days and like wise at the end it's nice to have a nice hotel for a few days, so 4 weeks traveling in-between.
Also, I presume you looked at self hire? When we travel to Australia we use Trailfinders, a large family owned firm, and we have had better deals on hire cars for 5 weeks than doing it yourself. Full insurance, unlimited miles, only additional charges any tolls and I pay the 40 Aus$ fuel surcharge so I can return empty. They do similar packages for Campervans/RV s. Worth a look/chat. They can arrange bespoke rentals .

Love Trailfinders. We were booked to go on an expensive holiday, then lockdown was announced one week before we were due to fly. They kept us updated and refunded all our money with no quibbles.

Busdarren · Jun 25, 2022

we hired a MoHo in NZ for 5 weeks. Some good points above.
NZ very strict on import re bio-hazards friends have emigrated taking cars and yes it’s a hassle and long time without.
You will do lots of wild camping - or sites with very basic facilities in order to get to the best locations. Toilet and shower highly recommended.
Don’t hire cheap! We had a wreck old thing and the hassle of maintenance and changed it! There are companies that hire euro MoHo’s. Choose them. We had MoHo envy!
Book as soon as possible as that is the height of their summer season!
Very true collect one end and drop the other! (We did Christchurch to Auckland).
Lots of MoHo’s so you won’t be alone. Very welcoming and spectacular locations so do lots of research! Lonely planet books are great.
Most of all relax and enjoy!

Anyone taken their van to New Zealand on holiday?

GraemeSmith

66tim99

Lambeth Cali

Velma's Dad

Mattsv

GrumpyGranddad

WelshGas

Retired after 42 yrs and enjoying Life.

Velma's Dad

Ch1pbutty

Velma's Dad

Ch1pbutty

Steps to importing vehicles, machinery, or parts | NZ Government

Camperfamily

GraemeSmith

vmaxkiddy

How to Get Your Campervan Certified Self-Contained [2024]

Ting Tong

GraemeSmith

How to Get Your Campervan Certified Self-Contained [2024]

GrumpyGranddad

Campsite categories: facilities and fees

pluc99

Velma's Dad

subthree

pluc99

GraemeSmith

WelshGas

Retired after 42 yrs and enjoying Life.

NessL

Busdarren

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