Motorhoming is the ideal way to explore New Zealand in comfort. You can get off-the-beaten track, spend the night under the stars, and wake up to the sound of the water lapping on the sand all from the comfort of your own vehicle. To find out whether motorhome ownership is worth it for you, you’ll need to think about your own unique situation. You should consider the initial purchase price as well as the 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 any time. If this doesn’t sound like you, renting a motorhome may be a better option.

Motorhomes vary in price depending on age, size, make and model, base vehicle, and specification. You can buy a motorhome in New Zealand for anything from $70,000 to $700,000. For more detail on what motorhome you might get in each price bracket, check out our buyer’s guide on budget.

The resale value of a motorhome depends on the brand, its condition, the aftermarket additions, and the market. Premium motorhomes tend to depreciate less than budget motorhomes because of the reputation for providing many years of trouble-free touring. In the current New Zealand market, motorhomes have lower depreciation than the long term average of 8-10% per year due to a limited number of new motorhomes being supplied to the market. This has resulted in high demand for used motorhomes and high resale values.

Owning a motorhome comes with various ongoing costs. These include registration, compliance (CoF or WoF), insurance, road user charges, annual servicing, water tightness tests, replacement parts such as tyres, depreciation and storage (if required). You can calculate the cost of ownership of your preferred new motorhome by using our handy 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 motorhomes built on a European base vehicle such as Fiat or Mercedes Benz will still perform well after many years and many miles. Unlike many 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 is dependent on the quality of the build. This includes materials, construction methods, and quality assurance processes. German motorhome brands have built their reputations on quality. For example, Carado motorhomes are designed with a high price to value ratio meaning that quality is not sacrificed even though they are designed for a price conscious market.

Many locally manufactured motorhomes that are handbuilt 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 of motorhomes 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 renting a few different types of motorhomes to work out what you like. Before you settle on any particular brand or motorhome model, make sure you carefully consider both your needs and what the perfect motorhome looks like for you.

The best second hand 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 are buying from.

You do not 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 GVM of up to 6000kg.

When buying a motorhome, 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, make sure to shop around and read insurance policies carefully to see if they cover what you require.