New Zealand is an epic playground for happy campers, offering jaw-dropping landscapes, remote wilderness and a freedom camping scene that’s hard to beat. But if you wanna roam wild and free—without being tied down to holiday parks or crammed campsites—you’ll need a self-contained campervan. Lucky for you, Wicked’s got your back!
What The Hell Is a Self-Contained Campervan?
A self-contained campervan is your golden ticket to unrestricted adventure in NZ. Basically, it’s a van that meets the NZS 5465:2001 certification, meaning it’s got all the essentials to keep you self-sufficient for at least three days.
To score that sweet green self-containment sticker (aka your VIP pass to the best free campsites), your van needs:
- Freshwater storage (29L)
- A wastewater storage tank (29L)
- A sink with a proper water tap
- A toilet (yep, gotta have one, even if lots of campsites still have public toilets)
Why Self-Contained Campervans Kick Ass
Rolling in a self-contained campervan is more than just convenience—it’s absolute freedom on four wheels. Here’s why it rocks:
- Crash (almost) Anywhere (Legally!): With a self-contained van, you can park up at epic freedom camping spots without getting the dreaded knock from the rangers.
- Save Your Cash for Fun Stuff: No need to fork out for pricey campgrounds—spend that money on skydiving, bungee jumping or a ridiculous amount of meat pies instead.
- Be a Green Legend: Self-contained vans help keep NZ’s nature pristine by managing waste properly. Respect the land or the land will spit you out.
- Escape the Crowds: Who needs packed holiday parks when you can wake up next to a lake, mountain or beach without too many annoying neighbors?
Why Wicked Campers Is Your Ultimate Travel Buddy
Wicked Campers is all about raw, unfiltered adventure. Our self-contained vans are perfect for budget-conscious, thrill-seeking travelers who wanna take on New Zealand without rules holding them back.
When you road trip with Wicked, you get:
- A compact, certified self-contained setup that ticks all the boxes
- Rock-bottom prices so you can spend more on your actual adventure
- Cool designs that make your road trip a one-of-a-kind experience
Awesome Free Camping Spots for Self-Contained Vans
Looking for the ultimate spots to park up without spending a cent? Try these:
- Lake Pukaki, South Island – Insane views of Mount Cook and water so blue it looks photoshopped.
- Twelve Mile Delta, Queenstown – Chill by the lake just minutes from Queenstown’s adrenaline scene.
- Purakaunui Bay, Catlins – Wild cliffs, epic surf and maybe even some sea lions as your neighbors.
- Moke Lake, Queenstown – Remote AF, surrounded by mountains and perfect for kayaking.
Don’t Be That Guy—Respect the Rules!
- Dump your waste at legit dump stations (not in the bushes, ya grub!)
- Stick to designated freedom camping areas—don’t park up where you’re not supposed to. Use the CamperMate app to find all the best Freedom Camping spots.
- Keep it quiet and leave no trace. Nobody likes a disrespectful camper.
- Be cool to the locals—smiles go a long way!
Let’s Get This Adventure Started!
A self-contained campervan is your ultimate weapon for an off-grid, unfiltered, no-rules New Zealand adventure. Wicked Campers is here to make sure you do it right— dirt cheap and full of epic memories. So what are you waiting for? Book your self-contained camper now and hit the open road!