Discover the cost of owning a motorhome in New Zealand
Owning your own motorhome gives you the freedom to hit the road anytime, so it’s no wonder that Kiwis are lining up in their thousands to purchase their first one.
The financial commitment that comes with being a motorhome owner goes beyond the initial investment. But just how much are the ongoing costs of motorhome ownership?
That’s where our motorhome cost of ownership calculator can help. We’ve designed this calculator to guide you through the costs of motorhome ownership so you can make an informed decision on whether owning a motorhome is right for you.
Our calculator includes the indicative costs of compliance, road user charges (RUC), servicing, water tightness test, parts, depreciation and storage.
Simply enter the purchase price of your prospective motorhome, whether it'll be on a certificate of fitness (CoF) or warrant of fitness (WoF) and where it'll be stored. Our calculator will then give you an indicative yearly cost of ownership.
Road User Charges (RUC) are a tax on diesel vehicles, including most motorhomes. Since diesel isn't taxed at the pump like petrol, you pay separately based on distance. You simply buy a licence in 1,000km blocks calculated on the vehicle's weight.
Learn more: Waka Kotahi NZTA - RUC.
In addition to the standard servicing schedule, it is important to regularly check your brakes and tyres. Tyres should be changed if the tread is less than 3mm, or if there are any cracks or significant damage. Brake pads should be changed if they are less than 4mm, and brake rotors must be replaced when their thickness is under the manufacturer’s minimum limits.
Diesel motorhomes pay Road User Charges (RUC) to help maintain New Zealand’s roads. These cost $76 per 1,000km for vehicles weighing 3,500kg or less, while those between 3,501kg and 6,000kg pay $82 per 1,000km.
You can buy RUCs in 1,000km blocks from NZTA online, where your rate is automatically calculated based on your licence plate details. Once purchased, the paper licence must be clearly displayed on the inside of the front passenger-side windscreen.