The question we hear most often, by WhatsApp, by email and at the yard, is a simple one. Can I buy a campervan in New Zealand if I am only visiting?
Yes. Plainly, legally, yes. This page explains exactly how it works.
Visitors can legally buy a vehicle in New Zealand
There is no citizenship rule and no visa requirement for owning a vehicle here. Buying a campervan as a visitor is legal and completely normal.
You do not need to be a resident. You do not need a work visa. A tourist on a three-month holiday can own a campervan just as easily as someone who has lived here all their life.
What you actually need
- Your passport. This is your identification when you register as the new owner.
- A New Zealand address. A hostel or campground address is fine and is what most travellers use.
That is the whole list. You do not need any special visa or permit to put a vehicle in your name.
How ownership transfer works
Vehicle ownership in New Zealand is recorded with Waka Kotahi NZTA, the national transport agency. When a van changes hands, the buyer and the seller each tell NZTA the sale has happened.
You do your part online. If you prefer paper, you can do it in person at an NZ Post shop, VTNZ or AA agent instead.
Do it the day you buy. Once it is done, the van is officially yours, and any fees or fines from that day forward belong to the right person.
At our yard you can do the online notification on your phone before you drive out, and we will happily show you where to click.
How payment works at our yard
We keep it simple. You come and see the van, you test drive it, and if you want it you pay by bank transfer, Eftpos or cash.
There is no online checkout on this website and we never ask for card details online. Every van is bought in person, so you have seen, touched and driven it before any money moves.
How long does it all take?
Usually one afternoon. The viewing and test drive take an hour or so. Payment takes as long as your bank transfer takes. The ownership notification takes minutes on your phone.
Plenty of travellers arrive by bus at lunchtime and drive out in their own campervan before we close at 6pm.
Want to know what the visit itself looks like? Read what happens at a viewing.
What you leave the yard with
- A current self-containment certificate. This is the green certificate that lets you freedom camp where councils require self-contained vehicles. Our guide to self-containment explains it in full.
- A new WOF. The Warrant of Fitness is New Zealand's regular vehicle safety inspection, so your van starts its trip with a fresh pass.
- A fresh service. Every van is serviced before it is sold.
In other words, you drive out ready to travel, not ready to start a list of jobs.
One more thing: your licence
You can drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months from arrival on a valid overseas licence, as long as it is in English or you carry an accurate English translation or an International Driving Permit.
Insurance is not compulsory here but we strongly recommend it. Our guide to driving and insurance on a foreign licence covers both.
Come and see the vans
Our Auckland yard is open 7 days from 8am to 6pm, viewings by appointment. Ring or WhatsApp 020 444 3304, or send us a message. Wir sprechen Deutsch. Nous parlons français.