Our Dream New Zealand Roadtrip: Kia Ora Camper's Review

Finding the perfect campervan is like finding the perfect bra. Firstly, you need to be able to fit everything you need to in there. Secondly, it's got to fit your purpose. And thirdly, you need to know that regardless of what life throws at you, the support and help is there! The problem is of course there are so many brands to choose from... both campervans and bras! Shopping around is a must, but sometimes word of mouth is the best way to go! So let us be that for you with this campervan review. This post forms part of our New Zealand series, from how we booked our dream flights using Avios, to flying Qatar Airways A380 in Business Class.

If you’ve ever dreamt of exploring New Zealand on the open road, hiring a campervan is the ultimate, if not the only, way to do it, and we had the trip of a lifetime in our Kia Ora Campers, 3-berth, Mercedes Nomad.

Our 3-Berth Kia Ora Campervan, affectionately nicknamed by us Milky due to it's number plate!

For over 2.5 weeks in January and February, Sam and I travelled from Christchurch down to Queenstown, along the rugged West Coast of the South Island, and all the way up to Auckland. This campervan wasn’t just our transport. It was our home, our kitchen, and our front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

We opted for a larger campervan than we technically needed. Partly because we’d been dreaming and saving for this New Zealand road trip for years and partly because Sam is very tall, he needed a bed he could actually stretch out in. This van delivered on both counts: it was spacious, practical, and surprisingly cosy, making every night’s sleep easy and comfortable.

Kia Ora - A Match Made In Heaven

We spent hours (and I really mean hours) trawling through different campervan hire companies in New Zealand. There are so many options out there, and most of them are big, faceless brands that seem to dominate the market. Then we stumbled across Kia Ora Campers. an independent, family-run business, and they instantly felt different. Plus, they had vans with beds long enough for Sam, which was non-negotiable given his height!

For 20 days we paid £3,923.92 in total. That included a one-way fee of £109 and a credit card fee of £111.10. Airport pick-up in Christchurch and drop-off in Auckland was included in the total we paid. Yes, it’s a lot of money. But believe me, it was actually one of the most reasonably priced options we found. Some quotes we got went all the way up to £6,500, which was never, ever going to happen.

So with Kia Ora, you’re not just getting a solid, reliable campervan that’s easy to live and travel in, you’re also paying a fair price for it. For us, it struck the perfect balance between comfort, quality, and cost.

Comfort and Convenience on the Road in New Zealand

The Mercedes Sprinter Kia Ora campervan came fully equipped for a New Zealand road trip. It had a built-in shower cubicle, which we mostly used for the toilet, and a gas BBQ that quickly became the highlight of our evenings. There’s something magical about stopping by a lake or mountain viewpoint and cooking dinner on your own BBQ, whether that is some gorgeous New Zealand Lamb, or a bit of fish which the seagulls will go after if you aren't careful! We loved cooking and then sitting under the awning, eating our dinner and of course partaking in some beautiful local beers and wines.

Everyday practicalities were easy too. Filling up fresh water, emptying grey water, and managing the toilet waste was simple, clean, and stress-free, a godsend when freedom camping in New Zealand. Storage was generous, the cutlery and kitchen equipment were well supplied, and the van came with comfy bedding, camping chairs, a microwave, and even a TV. On one rainy night, we curled up and watched Jurassic Park, pure bliss! Kia Ora Campers also offer DVDs and books from their hub, which was a lovely touch.

Even in the rain the BBQ was a god-send!

About the Campervan

We had such a great time travelling around New Zealand in the Mercedes Nomad 3-berth campervan. It’s one of Kia Ora’s most popular vans, and it’s easy to see why. Based on a Mercedes Sprinter, and built locally by Action Manufacturing, it feels solid and well thought-out without being intimidating to drive.

The van sleeps up to three people, there’s a king-size bed at the back and a small folding single at the front. That worked perfectly for us, giving Sam enough room to stretch out while still having a bit of extra space. The inside felt bright and open, with a light, summery vibe that somehow made even rainy days feel cheerful.

Photo Credit: Kia Ora Campers

The kitchen had pretty much everything we needed: a three-burner gas stove, microwave, 130L fridge with freezer, and a slide-out BBQ that quickly became our favourite way to cook dinner when we stopped somewhere scenic. Hot and cold running water, a shower, and a toilet made life on the road easy, we didn’t have to rely on public facilities, though those are actually surprisingly good in New Zealand anyway. A random idea that a friend suggested to me was to take some good shopping bags with you for your food shops, rather than having to purchase ones that you'd leave there or bin. Bags weren't provided in the van, so we were very happy that had taken enough to make even the biggest food shop we did possible.

The inside was spacious and light, even if we did hit our heads a few times!

There are loads of little extras that make a long trip comfortable: Webasto diesel heating, air conditioning, a solar panel, battery and mains power, a DVD player, and a stereo. The internal layout makes it easy to move around, and it’s certified self-contained, so it’s safe to freedom camp. We also loved the awning for sitting outside, and there’s an optional bike rack if you want to bring your bikes along.

All in all, it felt like a proper little home on wheels, comfy, practical, and easy to live in. Whether you’re doing a long South Island loop, hopping between beaches, or chasing waterfalls up the North Island, this van makes a road trip feel effortless.

Driving a Campervan in New Zealand: Easy, Comfy, Fun

I was nervous about driving such a big vehicle, but the Kia Ora 3-berth campervan was one of the comfiest vehicles I’ve ever driven. Seriously, this thing took corners and hills better than two of my previous cars! Smooth, stable, and easy to park at campsites, it gave us complete freedom to explore both the South and North Islands at our own pace. The Mercedes 2.2L turbo diesel engine with automatic transmission felt smooth and responsive, whether we were winding along backroads or cruising through towns. Even though it’s roomy inside, it’s not awkward to park or manoeuvre, which was a relief.

Driving this thing was a joy, and I loved it!

Sure, Sam hit his head a few times on the interior (tall-person problem!), and to be fair so did I when stood on the bed to get a jumper out from the storage, and we had a minor hiccup on the first day when a cable for the battery powering the interior lights and TV came loose on an unsealed road. But Kia Ora Campers were brilliant, they arranged a spare battery for us to pick up in Queenstown at Repco (the NZ equivalent of Halfords). Problem solved, no stress, no drama. That’s the kind of support that makes a campervan hire company stand out. Because you aren't just dealing with a member of staff, you've literally got the owner Steve at the end of the phone.

Being able to easily navigate out in the sticks was an important aspect of your trip

Why We’d Recommend Kia Ora Campers

From the moment we picked up the van in Christchurch, the Kia Ora Campers team made everything easy. Their detailed briefing gave us confidence, and the van itself made the journey smooth, comfortable, and genuinely fun.

Would we hire a campervan from Kia Ora Campers again? In a heartbeat. If you’re planning a New Zealand campervan road trip, whether you’re exploring the majestic mountains of the South Island, the wild rainforests of the West Coast, or the sunny beaches of the North Island, we cannot recommend them enough. The 3-berth campervan is perfect for couples or small families seeking comfort, convenience, and a touch of adventure on the road.

Or Marshmallows kept us company throughout the trip!

They have hubs in both Christchurch, and Auckland, but they can also deliver campers to Queenstown, Dunedin, Timaru, and Picton, offering a great level of flexibility if you are planning to start on one Island and go to the other. They also do 2 and 4 berth campervans, so the choice of sizes couldn't be better.

Why We'd Recommend Campervanning in New Zealand

New Zealand is made to be seen and experienced on the road, period. A friend of ours’ kids affectionately named the South Island the "Wow Island," and it’s so true, every corner you turn brings another jaw-dropping landscape, whether it’s towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, wild coastlines, or mirror-like lakes. Campervanning lets you experience it all at your own pace, without the rush of moving from one hotel to the next. There’s no unpacking every night or wrestling with luggage, you simply park, step out, and soak it all in.

One of the things that makes campervanning in New Zealand so special is how well the country is set up for it. Campsites are fantastic, often with beautiful views, reliable hookups, and thoughtful facilities. Public toilets are clean and plentiful, even in remote spots, and many freedom camping areas are surprisingly well-maintained. Everything is designed with campers in mind, from clearly marked dumping stations to well-kept picnic areas. It makes travelling in a campervan easy, comfortable, and really enjoyable, letting you focus on the adventure rather than logistics.

Wine glasses provided, and they were perfect for sampling the local wines when sat basking in the sun

There’s also something about the freedom of being in a campervan that makes the journey itself part of the experience. You can wake up beside a lake, eat breakfast with a mountain view, and pack up only when you’re ready to move on. For us, this sense of freedom made our New Zealand road trip unforgettable.

Tips for a New Zealand Campervan Adventure

• Choose a van size that suits your height and sleeping needs, trust me, Sam’s ability to actually sleep proves it matters.

• Don’t be afraid to treat yourself: a slightly bigger campervan makes the experience feel luxurious and stress-free. We would also thoroughly recommend getting a self contained one with a toilet. This allows you the freedom (no pun intended) to freedom camp and when I say you will want to be able to do this, please believe me.

• Take advantage of the extras Kia Ora Campers provide — from comfy bedding to DVDs and books, it adds so much to the journey.

• Ask questions during your briefing. The team’s guidance makes set-up and pack-down at campsites a breeze.

The best way to see New Zealand? In a Kia Ora Campervan.

Kia Ora Campers Review: Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the best campervan hire in New Zealand for your South Island or North Island road trip, Kia Ora Campers is a brilliant choice.

We were so impressed by the whole experience: the clear briefing in Christchurch, the ease of driving, and the way the team quickly helped when we had a small battery issue. It made the trip stress-free from start to finish.

Campervanning is hands-down the best way to see New Zealand. No endless unpacking, no strict schedules, just the freedom to stop wherever the view takes your breath away. And with Kia Ora, we had all the comfort and reliability we could have hoped for.

Would we book again? Absolutely. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime journey across the South Island, a family holiday up north, or just a long weekend escape, we’d recommend Kia Ora Campers in a heartbeat.

Helena

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