Guide to Renting a Campervan in New Zealand in 2024

In 1926, New Zealand saw its first caravan with a bathtub but no toilet. A century later, in Wanaka, a lack of facilities in campsites led to hundreds of complaints and a search for legislative solutions.

Almería is putting up physical barriers to keep motorhomers off its former fairground — while Turkey simply evicts them from the beach. Lightship is quadrupling its electric-caravan factory in Colorado, even as 50% of Italian motorhome renters turn out to be under 35. Plus 800 kg of hashish in a motorhome at the Spanish border, Anker's 800 W charger running off the alternator, and Carstay as the mobile HQ of a Tokyo festival — all in this issue.

New Zealand-based Tourism Holdings Ltd (THL) operates one of the world's largest RV and campervan rental fleets, dominating Oceania and North America. Rental income accounts for over 80% of its revenue.

Queenstown Lakes District Council has extended the temporary ban on freedom camping at Allenby Place carpark in Wānaka until January 31, 2027, citing access and safety concerns. Over 2000 fines were issued in four months.

Spain introduced new road sign S-128 and banned camper vans from parking near beaches. Germany responded with a 3.82-metre electric camper van — fits anywhere, furniture not included. JAL now rents out motorhomes from Narita with miles earned per rental. Storm Ali blowing a traveller's caravan off an Irish cliff, and the Outbound demo for PS5 — all in this issue.

ARI Motors released a camper van the size of a regular van — and it's now Germany's smallest production electric camper at €30,000. JAL decided its passengers hadn't traveled enough and offered a sequel: a motorhome pickup straight from Narita. The lawsuit against Stellantis over "cheat" diesel software, a yellow DHL van in the hands of a retiree, and 413 million campsite overnight stays across Europe — all in this issue.