Question 1

What is Vanzy?

Accepted Answer

Vanzy is New Zealand's dedicated marketplace for buying and selling campervans and other sleep-capable vehicles. It's built specifically for the NZ van life community, making it easier to find or list the right vehicle without the noise of a general classifieds site.

Question 2

How does Vanzy work?

Accepted Answer

Sellers create a free listing with photos, specs, and a description. Buyers browse listings and filter by location, price, and features, then contact the seller directly via WhatsApp or phone. No middleman, no fees - just a direct connection.

Question 3

Is listing a campervan on Vanzy free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, listing on Vanzy is completely free. Create an account, fill in your vehicle details, upload photos, and your listing goes live in minutes.

Question 4

How is Vanzy different from TradeMe and Facebook Marketplace?

Accepted Answer

Vanzy is free to list, purpose-built for vans, and properly organised. TradeMe charges upfront listing fees of up to $199 per vehicle. Facebook is free but chaotic - listings are unstructured, details are buried in post descriptions, and you're competing with furniture and bikes for attention. On Vanzy, every listing has the same relevant fields (WOF, rego, self-containment, mileage, sleeping capacity) and every person browsing is specifically looking for a campervan.

Question 5

How do I list my campervan on Vanzy?

Accepted Answer

Go to vanzy.nz, create a free account, and click "Sell". Fill in your vehicle details, upload photos, and publish. The whole process takes about 5 minutes - and our AI tool can auto-fill most fields if you paste in an existing listing.

Question 6

How does the AI listing tool work?

Accepted Answer

Paste in text from a Facebook listing and Vanzy's AI automatically extracts the make, model, year, price, mileage, and other key details - filling your listing form in seconds. You review, adjust if needed, and publish.

Question 7

Can I contact a seller directly on Vanzy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each listing shows the seller's WhatsApp link or phone number so you can reach them directly. There's no messaging system to navigate - just a direct line to the person selling.

Question 8

What vehicles can I list on Vanzy?

Accepted Answer

Vanzy is for any vehicle set up for sleeping - campervans, motorhomes, converted vans, camper trailers, and sleeper SUVs. If you can sleep in it, you can list it.

Question 9

How much does a campervan cost in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Prices vary widely. Basic converted vans start around $5,000-$15,000, mid-range self-contained campervans typically run $15,000-$40,000, and high-spec motorhomes can exceed $100,000. Browse Vanzy to get a real sense of current NZ market pricing.

Question 10

What should I check before buying a used campervan in NZ?

Accepted Answer

Always verify the WOF, registration, and odometer. Check for rust, water damage, and the condition of the habitation area (gas, water, electrics). On Vanzy, WOF and registration status are shown directly on every listing so you can check before you even contact the seller. A pre-purchase mechanical inspection from an independent mechanic is also strongly recommended.

Question 11

Do I need a WOF and registration for a campervan in NZ?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All vehicles driven on NZ roads require a current Warrant of Fitness (WOF) and registration. Campervans are treated the same as other vehicles under NZ road rules. On Vanzy, WOF and rego status are displayed on every listing so buyers can see the vehicle's current compliance at a glance.

Question 12

Can a tourist or backpacker buy a campervan in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Yes - tourists can legally buy and register a vehicle in NZ on most visa types. If you don't have a NZ driver's licence, you'll need to complete the ownership transfer forms in person at an NZ Post Shop, AA, or VTNZ branch rather than online. Many travellers buy at the start of their trip and resell before leaving - it's a well-worn path.

Question 13

Is it cheaper to buy or hire a campervan in NZ?

Accepted Answer

For trips of 4 weeks or more, buying almost always wins. In peak summer season, hire rates commonly run NZ$180-$350+ per day for a standard van - that's $5,000-$10,000 for a single month, before insurance extras that can add up to $89/day on top. A solid used campervan can be bought for $10,000-$25,000 and resold at the end of your trip, often recovering a large portion of the cost. For a 6-8 week trip, buying and reselling can be $5,000-$15,000 cheaper than hiring - and you get full freedom to travel on your own schedule.

Question 14

What is a self-contained campervan in NZ?

Accepted Answer

A self-contained vehicle has a fixed toilet, freshwater supply, and waste storage that meets the NZ self-containment standard (NZS 5465). Self-contained vehicles can freedom camp in many more locations across NZ and display a green self-containment certification card.

Question 15

How do I price my campervan for sale?

Accepted Answer

Check recent active listings on Vanzy for comparable makes, models, and years. Factor in mileage, age, condition, and what extras are fitted (solar, toilet, insulation, etc.). Price honestly - buyers can see the WOF and rego status on your Vanzy listing, so transparency builds trust and speeds up the sale. Overpricing is the single most common reason campervans sit unsold.

Question 16

How long does it take to sell a campervan in NZ?

Accepted Answer

Well-priced vans in good condition typically sell within 2-4 weeks. Summer and shoulder season (October-March) see higher buyer activity. On Vanzy you can set an availability date on your listing, so buyers searching in advance can find and contact you before you're ready to hand over the keys - great if you're still travelling and want to line up a buyer early.

Question 17

What documents do I need to sell a campervan in NZ?

Accepted Answer

The legal requirement is completing the change of ownership via NZTA - the seller files a Notice of Disposal (MR13A) and the buyer completes the Change of Ownership form (MR13B), both within 7 days of sale. This can be done online or in person at a PostShop, AA, or VTNZ branch. Beyond the legal minimum, the more documentation you show a buyer, the smoother and faster the sale. Bring everything you have: current WOF, registration, full service history, recent mechanical inspection reports, and if the van is self-contained, the green certification card. If it has 230V hookup capability, a Warrant of Electrical Fitness (WOEF) is also required by law. A buyer who can see the full paper trail trusts you faster - and is far less likely to negotiate the price down.

Question 18

Do I need a special licence to drive a campervan in NZ?

Accepted Answer

No special licence is required for most campervans. A standard NZ or international driver's licence covers vehicles under 6,000kg gross weight. Larger motorhomes may require a class 2 licence - check the vehicle's gross laden weight before you drive.

Question 19

What are the freedom camping rules in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Freedom camping is allowed on many public lands in NZ, but rules vary by council and location. Self-contained vehicles have access to significantly more sites. Always check the CamperMate app or the relevant council website before camping. Fines apply for breaches.

Question 20

What's the difference between a campervan and a motorhome?

Accepted Answer

"Campervan" usually refers to a converted van or smaller purpose-built vehicle, while "motorhome" typically describes a larger, purpose-built unit with more living space. The terms are often used interchangeably in NZ - on Vanzy, both are welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Vanzy

Buying a Campervan

Selling a Campervan

Van Life in New Zealand

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