The New Zealand Caravan Buying Guide

Pros: NZ’s most recognised brand. Helpful in offering a huge range of layouts and price points, from entry-level to luxury. Easy to find parts and servicing.

Cons: Build quality can vary depending on the model and year. They’re everywhere, so they don’t always stand out.

View Jayco Caravans listings on Trade Me Motors

Pros: Known for modern, comfortable interiors and competitive pricing. They often pack a lot of features into their standard models.

Cons: A newer brand in NZ, so long-term resale or parts access might be less established than others. It is however, a well established brand in Australia.

View Snowy River Caravans listings on Trade Me Motors

Pros: Contemporary Kiwi design! These are New Zealand-made for our unique conditions and roads. Straight up local support and high-quality construction.

Cons: Command a higher price tag due to local manufacturing and focus on premium specification. Fewer models available compared to global giants.

View Leisureline Caravans listings on Trade Me Motors

Pros: Often imported from the US, they offer spacious, wide-body layouts and are feature-packed. Great for families who need room to spread out.

Cons: American sizing can make them trickier to tow and park on smaller NZ roads or campsites. As most models weigh over 3-tonne, you need a hefty vehicle to tow them safely.

View Rockwood Caravans listings on Trade Me Motors

Pros: Very popular lightweight UK brand. Easy to tow and known for modern, stylish interiors. Many models fit well into standard NZ campsites.

Cons: A particular concern for many older imported caravans from the UK (of any brand) is leaking and moisture. This is less of a concern for newer models.

View Swift Caravans listings on Trade Me Motors

Pros: Tried and true brand reputation in New Zealand. Built with the Kiwi family getaway in mind. Newer models have premium components and contemporary design. Great resale value.

Cons: You pay a premium for that local build expertise and stylish finish.

View TrailLite Caravans listings on Trade Me Motors

Pros: Another major UK player known for good insulation and a strong history in the market. They often offer high specifications for the price.

Cons: Similar to Swift - a particular concern for many older imported caravans from the UK is leaking and moisture. This is less of a concern for newer models.

View Bailey Caravans listings on Trade Me Motors

Pros: Strong reputation for long-term rentals and repairs; often have generous layouts. Excellent local service and experience.
Cons: Can be confused with a dealer/rental company. May have older models with traditional layouts on the market.

View Ace Caravans listings on Trade Me Motors

Pros: Australian-made with superior one-piece composite construction, making them very durable, lightweight, and well-insulated.
Cons: Some owners report minor initial factory issues with fittings/QC. Generally a higher price point than UK imports.

View Crusader Caravans listings on Trade Me Motors

Pros: Known for lightweight, easy-to-tow models, often with high spec for the price. Strong 10-year water ingress warranty.

Cons: Like other UK vans, some imports can be susceptible to damp if poorly maintained. Front storage lockers can sometimes lack waterproofing.

View Elddis Caravans listings on Trade Me Motors

When deciding whether to purchase a new or used caravan, we encourage you to weigh up what works best for your situation.

• Dealers are your mate: If you want the latest model, full warranty coverage, and all the bells and whistles, a new caravan is the way to go. You can easily find a fantastic range of New Zealand Caravan Dealers right here in the Trade Me Motors Dealer Directory.
• Caravan Insurance: Before you drive that sweet new ride away from the dealer’s yard, you need to sort out your insurance. New Zealand law requires cover to use it on the road, but more importantly, it protects your investment.

• Shop Around: You'll find a massive selection of secondhand caravans on Trade Me Motors. This is a great way to get a fantastic caravan that fits your budget.
• Inspection is Key: When buying used, you must arrange a full inspection before you commit. Get a professional pre-purchase check to save yourself time and money down the track, and read our buyer’s guide to identifying lemon listings.

Think about what you'll use it for.

• Long-Term Living: If you plan on long tours, you need a larger caravan (like a Rockwood or larger Jayco) for comfort and storage.
• Weekend Warrior: A smaller van (like a Swift or Teardrop) is easier to store, tow, and manoeuvre, making weekend getaways nice and cruisy.

A berth is simply a designated sleeping area in a caravan. We encourage you to think ahead: how many people are you likely to take on your road trip adventures?

• 2-Berth: Perfect for solo travellers or couples. These are often lighter and more compact. The main lounge seats usually convert into one double bed (or two singles).
• 4-Berth: The most popular choice, as it suits couples who want extra space, or small families (up to four people). You often get a combination of fixed beds (like an island or single beds) and a lounge that converts into an extra bed.
• 5 and 6-Berth: Ideal for growing families or larger groups. These vans utilise clever layouts, often including fixed bunk beds for the kids or converting dinettes into singles.

Top Tip: More berths usually means less living space during the day, as those extra beds have to go somewhere! Consider if a smaller caravan with a spacious awning is a better fit for guests who only join occasionally.

This is seriously important! Your car must be able to tow your caravan safely.

• GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass): The maximum weight the caravan can be, including your gear, water, and accessories.
• Tow Vehicle Rating: Your car's towing capacity must be greater than the GVM of the caravan. You find this in your car’s manual.
• Straight up: If your car can only tow 1,500kg, you simply cannot buy a caravan with a GVM of 2,000kg. Safety comes first, always.

When selling or buying, you want to know the price is straight up and fair.

• Market Price: Check Trade Me Motors Caravan listings for similar caravans (same brand, year, size, and condition) to understand the current market price.
• Condition: A tidy, well-maintained van with a current Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and Electrical Certificate will always get a higher price.

The true fun starts when you deck out your caravan! These popular accessories add comfort and function to your holiday.