The van, the myth, the legend: we reveal all about self-contained campers
Book nowSelf-contained campervans are a great way to explore New Zealand, but what are they? Do they really offer more freedom? What are the pros and cons? We spill everything!
Read on to discover what counts as a self-contained campervan, why renting a self-contained campervan can save you $$$, and how they can get you stay across spectacular New Zealand.
Self-contained means that the campervan has everything it needs for you to travel and sleep self-sufficiently. In New Zealand, travelling in a self-contained camper is extra-important because it means you can freedom camp!
To qualify for freedom camping around New Zealand means that you will be able to stay in designated placed for free. To meet these requirements your camper needs to have these things:
A sink connected to a watertight greywater tank
A fixed toilet
Freshwater tanks holding 12 litres of water per person for three days
A blackwater tank that can hold the same or greater amount of waste for three days
An evacuation hose
A rubbish bin with a lid
A self-containment certificate displayed on the vehicle
Our JUCY Condo, Chaser and The Big Kahuna are all self-contained campers complete with the above features. They are custom designed to maximise space, without losing the ability to drive into small town centres and park like a pro. They are also more cost-efficient to dive compared to clunky motorhomes.
The JUCY Condo seats five people and sleeps four, perfect when you want to road trip with the whole fam (actual family or friend family!). Two comfy double beds mean you’re not laying on a rock/twig/ant hill, and the cool interior means more lay-in time when the sun rises compared to a tent!
The compact Condo kitchen means you can cook up a storm no matter where you are. Whether it be beachside, mountainside, riverside, and countryside, you can cook your brekkie, lunch, and dinner. While you can (and will) enjoy dining in at the Condo’s interior table, we’re also big fans of rugging up under a starry night sky for hot choccie and toasted marshmallows treats.
If you’d like to increase your comfort levels, consider renting a JUCY Chaser, this popular camper sleeps three people. It has a built-in shower and toilet, an 80-litre freshwater tank, plus a 50-litre fridge.
The Chaser is easily manoeuvrable and gives you the freedom to explore New Zealand your way. That means easy parking, lower-cost fuel-ups, and setting up camp wherever you fancy (in the designated zones, of course).
Travelling as a crew? The JUCY Big Kahuna is the perfect pick for families or groups of up to six people who want space, comfort, and all the essentials on the road. With three double beds, a fully equipped kitchen and generous storage throughout, it’s designed to keep everyone comfy on long adventures.
The Big Kahuna is easily the largest vehicle in our fleet, this means you have enough room to spread out, which is what makes it the obvious choice for larger groups. Enjoy the flexibility to explore New Zealand at your own pace, pull into scenic spots, and settle in for the night with ease. Keep in mind that the larger size might make it a little trickier to tackle tight parking spaces if you’re driving in the city.
All JUCY campers include unlimited kilometres, 24/7 roadside assistance, kitchen equipment, cutlery, dinnerware, towels, linen, duvet, pillows, and cleaning tools to ensure you have an effortless journey.
The freedom to take spontaneous ‘right’ turns (trust us, they’re better than wrong turns!) is the greatest benefit of travelling in a self-contained camper. When you’re not stuck following hotel bookings and check-in times, you can see a sign that says ‘this way to adventure’ and take it. It’s liberating!
Then there’s the cost! There are heaps of responsible (yes, free) camping sites across New Zealand, so your odds of finding a place to park your JUCY campervan without forking out any cash are pretty high. Especially when you travel outside of the peak season.
When renting a JUCY, the toilet and shower are a welcome perk. Especially if you’re someone who spooks easily when camping in the bush.
When you’re managing your wastewater in a self-contained vehicle, you can also feel great about your life decisions because you can be more environmentally conscious. You’re less likely to have a long shower in a camper set-up than at a hotel (yay, less water waste). Plus, when you deposit your grey and black wastewater in designated areas, you’re not contributing to the problem of dumping it in the ground.
As you may expect, there is a price difference in renting a vehicle with more bells and whistles (or tanks and sinks). What you pay for is marginal compared to hotel or Airbnb prices, though, and if you’re splitting your travelling costs with your mates, it is very doable. And, given you can save on campground fees as you travel, a well-planned itinerary could actually save your group money. If you’re not sure if freedom camping will be the right fit for your trip, our (non self-contained) JUCY Crib is a compact 2-berth, and our most economical on fleet. So if keeping to a tight budget is your top priority we recommend checking it out! Be sure not to freedom camp in a Crib, though, the fees can be hefty if you get caught!
The gift of exploring New Zealand isn’t just the beautiful places and friendly locals. It’s the bonus of being able to camp in public places for free! Before you take the plunge with freedom camping, there are a few rules to know about. This is why you’ll want to keep reading to get the complete low-down.
You can freedom camp if you have a certified self-contained vehicle. You’ve got to leave no trace, so be sure to take your trash with you, use the toilet in your vehicle’s facilities and only dump your waste at designated dumping stations. You’ll also want to check for signs before you park up: setting up camp in the wrong area can incur a mighty fine. Ain’t nobody got time for that, especially on anholiday!
Remember, while freedom camping may be free of charge, it’s not free of responsibility. You’re expected to take care of the whenua (land) during your travels. This help to preserve the beatiful country for generations of travellers and locals to come.
Anywhere! That’s the beauty of travelling with your bed and kitchen in tow. Whether you're in a non-self-contained or self-contained campervan doesn’t restrict where you can travel, however, freedom camping does open up some stunning locations to wake up in.
From the North Island to the South, you’ll find some incredible nature wonders that help you connect with the very best of New Zealand, without costing a cent.
So, you’ve booked your JUCY self-contained Condo, Chaser or the Big Kahuna and you’ve eyed up some top destinations. Now how do you find those epic free campsites? The Department of Conservation (DOC) is a great start as you can search for freedom campsites and find out what areas are prohibited for freedom camping.
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