2021 Carado T449

Motorhoming is the ideal way to explore New Zealand in comfort. You can get off-the-beaten-track, spend nights under the stars, and wake up to the sound of water lapping on the sand — all from the comfort of your own vehicle.

To find out whether motorhome ownership is worth it, you’ll need to think about your own unique situation. You should consider the initial purchase price as well as ongoing ownership costs.

Motorhome ownership is best suited to those who like to take multiple trips a year and enjoy the flexibility of being able to head off anytime. If this doesn’t sound like you, renting a motorhome may be your best option.

Motorhomes vary in price depending on age, size, make and model, base vehicle, and specifications. You can buy a motorhome in New Zealand for anything from $70,000 to $700,000.

For more details on what motorhome you might get in each price bracket, check out our buyer's guide to working out a budget.

The resale value of a motorhome depends on its condition, what brand it is, any aftermarket additions, and the market. Premium German motorhomes in NZ tend to depreciate less than budget motorhomes because of their reputation for providing many years of trouble-free touring.

Owning a motorhome comes with various ongoing costs. These include registration, CoF or WoF compliance, insurance, road user charges, annual servicing, water tightness tests, replacement parts such as tyres, depreciation and storage.

You can calculate the cost of ownership of your preferred new motorhome by using our motorhome cost of ownership calculator.

The most reliable motorhome is one that will give you many years of trouble-free touring. This means that the base vehicle needs to perform, and the interior fit needs to withstand years of use.

Most premium RVs built on a European base vehicle, such as Mercedes Benz or Fiat Ducato motorhomes, will still perform well after plenty of years and many miles. Unlike a lot of cars, these truck bases are designed to go the distance — even with several hundred thousand kilometres on the clock. 

The reliability of the motorhome fitout depends on the quality of the build. This includes materials, construction methods, and quality assurance processes.

German motorhome brands in NZ have built their reputations on quality. For example, Carado motorhomes have a high price-to-value ratio, meaning that quality is not sacrificed even though they're designed for a price-conscious market.

Many locally manufactured motorhomes that are hand-built to high quality standards will also stand the test of time. The best way to get a quick indication of reliability is to check the warranties that a manufacturer offers. Longer warranties indicate that the manufacturer has a high degree of confidence in the reliability of its products.

Motorhoming is so popular in New Zealand that there are plenty to choose from. No one brand suits all, so it’s best to think about your needs and wishes.

If you’re new to the market, it’s worth trying before you buy and renting a few different types of RVs to work out what you like. Most motorhomes are for sale in Auckland or Christchurch, making these cities the most likely places where you'll be able to try a model out.

Before you settle on any particular brand or motorhome model, carefully consider your needs and what your perfect motorhome looks like.

The best used motorhome to purchase is the one that suits your requirements and budget — as well as being resalable. Purchasing from a reputable licensed dealer can be a great option as the motorhome will have a service history, detailed specification information and a warranty.

Always do your due diligence and check that the motorhome is sound and compliant before purchasing — no matter where you're buying from.

You don't need a special licence to drive most motorhomes in New Zealand. Your standard Class 1 car licence allows you to drive a motorhome with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of up to 6000kg.

When buying a luxury motorhome in NZ, you’ll want to insure it against any accidental damage. Many car insurers do not cover motorhomes. Most owners choose to insure their motorhomes with specialists who focus solely on motorhome owner's insurance.

The two motorhome specialist insurers in New Zealand are Covi and Star Insurance. When choosing an insurance company, be sure to shop around and read insurance policies carefully to see if they cover what you require.