Campervans for Work and Travel in New Zealand: The safe way to buy
Premium cars and campervans from local businesses in New Zealand
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Information and Procedure
Everything about this offer can be found below. If you have any questions, feel free to write us.
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Highlights
User-Frage:
How will I know whether the offer is right for me?
In the end, the decision is up to you.
Generally, over the past 5 years we have come to the following conclusion:
No, the offer won’t be right for you if…
… you prefer exploring the New Zealand car market yourself and want to experience this as part of your travel journey. This means you don’t mind spending time on looking for and comparing offers, negotiating prices, undertaking vehicle check-ups at the garage and generally informing yourself about topics such as dangers and traps when buying a vehicle in New Zealand.Yes, the offer is right for you if…
… you prefer hitting the road in a reliable vehicle straight after your arrival in New Zealand. This means that you’re not all that comfortable with looking for suitable vehicles, don’t have much knowledge when it comes things such as mechanics around cars and would much rather be safe than sorry. If that is you, then our offer is probably perfect for you.Our experience?
We have tried purchasing vehicles both ways, going through a reputable dealer and finding a vehicle ourselves. In our experience, the latter is always the more stressful option and leaves a lot of backpackers frustrated and with financial losses. However, it can be a meaningful experience for some. -
Pictures and Impressions
Which is the perfect model for your New Zealand adventure?
Model Overview
This is an overview of all the categories available to you. All our models have sufficient room to sleep at least 2 people and come fully configured, with all necessary licenses, safety checks, guarantees and equipment for when you’re on the road.
Live Impressions
Are you ready for your home on wheels? Below are a few examples of how your vehicle may look like. Of course, the model you are being presented with may differ from these pictures because our mechanics on site have to work with the models that are currently available.
Note:
About the above shown sample pictures
Just to avoid misunderstandings: The pictures shown above are only samples of what your vehicle may roughly look like. They are a general guidance only. The look and size of your actual vehicle may differ depending on what’s currently available on the vehicle market when your request is being processed by our local mechanics.Especially during peak season, bigger models are harder to come by. Should that be the case, then we will choose a smaller model which, however, will be in much better shape.
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Configurations and Equipment
For traveling comfortably, safely and with good music :-)
Highlight 1 – The Camper Kit
Our Camper Kit includes everything you need to live in and travel by car. That saves you plenty of time having to spend hours looking for the right equipment once you’ve purchased your vehicle. Instead, you can start straight into your adventure. Sweet as!
A short overview:- kitchen
- car stereo
- portable toilet
- water tanks and sink
- gas cooker with cartridges
- cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils
- bedding, blankets and pillows
Highlight 2 – Bed Modifications
All vehicles offer sufficient space to comfortably sleep 2 people. This sleeping space can easily be converted into seating space so you don’t have to worry about where to sit or sleep at night which saves you heaps of money on accommodation cost.
Included in our bed modification is:- A comfortable mattress
- bedding and linen
- curtains for more privacy
About the seating space
All vehicles are modified to fit 2 people. If you need additional seats we possibly have to charge extra fees because further, more complicated modifications are necessary.
Note:
About the above shown sample pictures
Just to avoid misunderstandings: The pictures shown above are only samples of what the inside of your vehicle may roughly look like. They are a general guidance only. Each modification is made individually as per request and may differ between vehicle model and garage. -
Extras
The most comprehensive offer for German backpackers in New Zealand.
Highlight 1 – The Buyback Option
At the end of your travels you have the option of selling your vehicle back to the garage you originally purchased it from. That gives you the guarantee that you won’t have to go home empty-handed which would be a sad ending to your adventure.
How does the buyback work?
Generally, the conditions for our buyback option will differ from garage to garage. However, each garage has to offer you the option of buying back your vehicle and will try their best to pay you as much as possible of your original purchase price.How much will you get?
The buyback option is a safety net for backpackers who are unable to re-sell their vehicle before returning home. All the garages we work with will try their best to return up to 50% of your original purchase price, however, that greatly depends on the shape your car is in upon returning it as well as other current circumstances. We recommend to only use the buyback option as a last resort.You will definitely make more money by selling your vehicle on to other backpackers. That is what most KiwiQuesters do anyway.
Highlight 2 – The Breakdown Warranty
All of our partner garages offer a so-called breakdown warranty. That means you are covered for the event that our mechanics missed anything during their mechanical safety check. Sexy!
This is probably our most favourite feature of everything we offer. We had to fight a long time to get it and you won’t find this with any other provider. Yay!What does the breakdown warranty include?
Covered is any damage to the engine and transmission or gear box. If your car stops working due to faults, you are all sorted.What does the breakdown warranty NOT cover?
Any damage to the vehicle interior as well as damage caused by an act of nature beyond our control (such as stone-chipping on the windscreen) are not covered. After all, that is clearly not the fault of any mechanic.Is the warranty limited?
Yes it is. After all, nobody can guarantee a lifelong flatrate on repairs. If you’re driving up and down New Zealand’s mountains for months on end, even the most perfect vehicle will have signs of wear and tear.Therefore, any operational warranty will always be limited to keep things fair for the garage.
Highlight 3 – The Self-Contained Certificate
Especially when you’re planning a longer trip through New Zealand, it pays to invest in a vehicle that is self-contained. The certificate allows you to enjoy freedom camping so you don’t have to keep paying fees for campgrounds.
Highlight 4 – The Mechanical and Mackground-Check
All partnering workshops carry out a technical check of the vehicle before selling a camper. A background check is also carried out on the previous owner and any outstanding traffic tickets, etc. This way you can be sure that the camper is handed over safely, both technically and legally.
Do you have any more questions? Sweet! Get in touch with:
The mighty Team KiwiQuest! -
The Process
play audioHere is a brief overview of how a request works. Important to know: You are under no obligation to make a purchase and can cancel your request at any time.
Step 1: You fill out a request
After you have filled out a request, we will look at it first. We will answer your questions and check whether everything is complete. We will also check whether one of our partner workshops in New Zealand has the capacity to prepare your desired model.
Step 2: Your place is secured
If everything is OK, we will block a place for you straight away. So you can rely on a car being prepared for you in New Zealand. Important: The request remains non-binding up to this point. So you can cancel at any time.
Step 3: You make the deposit
As soon as we have confirmation from at least one of our partner workshops, we will contact you regarding the deposit. The mechanics on site will then start looking for a car, repairing it and carrying out all the safety checks (but no earlier than 4 weeks before your arrival). You don’t have to do anything else and you save yourself all the stress of looking for a car on site.
Step 4: You pick up the camper
Well, and then you fly to New Zealand. Your car will be ready for you on your desired pick-up date. You can then take a look at it at your leisure and buy it (or not). The mechanics on site will support you with all the necessary steps.
Then it’s time to set off on your adventure.
Have fun!
User-Frage:
What do I do if I don't like the camper?
If you don't like the camper, you don't have to buy it. In that case, you can cancel the request at any time. We will then refund your deposit and will be happy to give you a few more tips on buying a camper on your own.
Good to know:
We work with several partner workshops throughout New Zealand. If you don't like the camper, other partner workshops can often step in and offer a vehicle. You can then use your deposit there too. So just talk to us about it. 👍 -
The Deposit (415 €)
To keep it fair and safe for all parties involved. Each vehicle takes about 40 hours to prepare (modification, customer service, mechanical checks, repairs etc) to ensure it’s safe and in perfect condition to drive upon pickup.
We tried working without deposits for a long time.This is what happened:
After our local guys compared vehicles, purchased, repaired and reserved vehicles, the people originally interested simply didn’t show up. Without saying a word. We can’t tolerate that.To ensure that each request is being made in honest, we need to ask for a deposit.
Important to know:
You DO NOT have to purchase the vehicle when you arrive in New Zealand. Come around and have a good look at it, then make a decision. If you end up not buying it, your entire deposit will be refunded.This way things stay fair for everyone involved.
Some providers ask for a deposit of up to 50% of the purchase price. We certainly didn’t think that was fair. At the same time, we have to design our offer fair and safe for you and our partners in New Zealand. 415 € just seems a good amount to keep it that way.Create a Moment (KiwiQuest) will invoice you for 415 € which is the deposit for your vehicle. It’s also a payment for organisation and planning.Important to know:
You would also have to pay a deposit with any other garage in New Zealand while trying to purchase a vehicle. However, usually those deposits are a lot higher. Always be sceptical and ask about whether there is a refund and what the deposit is actually being used for.User-Frage:
What happens with my deposit if I choose not to purchase the vehicle?
If you don’t want to purchase the vehicle after you have inspected it, your entire deposit will be refunded if you have booked the deposit-protection.
No obligation to buy:
It’s a popular thing to do among vehicle dealers in New Zealand: They take your deposit and simply keep it if you don’t buy. Even if the vehicle they provide you with is nothing like what you had ordered or expected.
We do not want to support these business methods!
We function as middleman between you and the garage to avoid these scams from happening.
If you chose not to purchase the vehicle after inspecting it, simply get in touch with us. We refund your entire deposit and sort out the rest.
Further Information:
Fair is fair: If you don't show up at the arranged pick-up time without giving us any notice, you forfeit your right to have your deposit refunded. Many people will have invested their time and energy into your vehicle for nothing. We can't tolerate that.
User-Frage:
Are there any hidden catches regarding the refund of my deposit?
No.
If you decide not to buy the vehicle, you will get a full refund of your deposit if you have booked the deposit-protection. You don’t need to give a reason and you don’t need to justify your decision (even though we’d appreciate your feedback so we can work better next time). There are no special clauses or hidden catches. The offer is always non-binding.
So if there is anything you are not happy with, simply get in touch, we refund your money and will sort out the rest with the garage.
User-Frage:
Will I get a receipt as a security?
Yes. Once you pay the deposit you get a normal receipt as with any other purchase.
The receipt gives you and us clarity and security. Mainly for you, so you can proof any time that you have paid the deposit. It’s always better to have a document like this.
In addition, there will be an official contract of purchase that will explain everything in detail. You only have to sign this once you have actually seen the vehicle and taken it for a test drive.
Be aware of companies that ask you to sign such a contract before you even get to inspect the vehicle!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What other KiwiQuesters wanted to know…
User-Frage:
Is my request binding?
No. We’ll just reserve a spot for you. Once you have paid the deposit which is required about a month before your arrival, then your request becomes semi-binding.
Semi, because you still have the right to withdraw from your purchase once you have inspected the vehicle in New Zealand. The choice is yours.User-Frage:
Where can I pick up my vehicle?
All vehicles are sold in Auckland only. You will receive details about exact location of our garage via email once your request has been processed.
User-Frage:
What do I do if my car has any issues or gets damaged?
Whenever you notice any kind of damage or fault with your vehicle, get in touch with our partner garage in New Zealand straight away. Then we’ll figure out how to proceed. You are covered for many things through our breakdown warranty, but we’ll need to establish the reason for the damage first.
User-Frage:
Where can I re-sell my car at the end of my journey?
If you’re wanting to make use of our buyback option, this can use it in Auckland or Chirstchurch. However, you are welcome to sell your car yourself anywhere in New Zealand.
User-Frage:
If I purchase the car, how do I pay for the rest?
You have 2 options to do so:
Option 1: cash (not possible with all partners)
Using an Eftpos card in New Zealand only allows you to withdraw up to NZ$800 per day from any bank. Please keep that in mind when wanting to make a cash purchase. We recommend to organise part of your payment before your arrival and bring it along, then just topping up the rest in New Zealand.Please make sure you have the amount in full before arriving at your garage to avoid wasting your time and ours.
Option 2: credit card (not possible with all partners)
Visa and MasterCard are both widely accepted in New Zealand and you can use them to purchase your vehicle with us. Check with your bank what your daily as well as your total spending limit is and adjust it accordingly if needed to avoid the embarrassment of your purchase falling through.Option 3: bank transaction (recommended)
This is highly recommended via wise.com, since transactions will be instant. The account opening takes only 15 minutes and is free.Please make sure that your credit card has been unlocked for usage in New Zealand.
User-Frage:
How much can the actual model deviate from the desired model?
In general, the partner workshops usually manage to provide a suitable model. However, if there is nothing suitable available on the public market, they may have to resort to a slightly smaller model to ensure that you don't end up completely without a camper upon arrival.
In that case, of course, you still have the option to decide against the purchase or choose another model (if available) on-site.
User-Frage:
What is the difference between the Medium Camper Basic & Plus?
Generally, both vehicles mainly differ in size. Models of the Medium Camper Plus category are longer overall, which gives you more storage space and a bigger sleeping area. The lying surface itself can also be converted into a seating area in the Plus model. Although it is not designed for long-term sitting in the camper, it can be helpful on rainy days.
In addition, by choosing a Medium Camper Plus you’re giving the garage more financial leeway to prepare and modify your vehicle. This usually enhances the quality immensely.
Wir wünschen dir ein super Abenteuer!
Welcome to Team KiwiQuest!
Team KiwiQuest