Quirky Campers New Zealand

Quirky Campers New Zealand Connecting owners of beautiful handcrafted campervans with those that want to hire them to explore NZ

We also love to help those self-building campervans... sharing ideas, inspiration and 'how-to" guides.

🐾✨ Van of the Week: George ✨🐾Meet George, a jumbo Toyota Hiace with room to spare and a big heart.He's the newest additi...
11/06/2026

🐾✨ Van of the Week: George ✨🐾

Meet George, a jumbo Toyota Hiace with room to spare and a big heart.

He's the newest addition to our fleet, freshly built by Brenda and Andy in Ohoka, just north of Christchurch. He's named after a little stray collie with a big personality who wandered into Brenda and Andy's lives and never left their hearts.

As a jumbo Hiace, George gives you genuine room to move. With 1.94m of interior height, most of us can stand and potter about in comfort.

Why adventurers love George:
🛏️ Fixed double bed (1.4m × 1.84m), always made up and ready
🍳 Tiled kitchen with gas cooker, sink, fridge and the basics
🌿 Green sticker for freedom camping
📺 TV and DVD player for cosy rainy afternoons
☀️ Solar panel topping up the leisure battery off-grid
⛱️ Awning, outdoor table and chairs included
🚐 Automatic, reversing camera, air con, easy to drive

From Brenda and Andy:
"George was a little dog with a big personality. He had a gentle, loyal nature that quickly made him part of the family, and a way of making everyone feel welcome. We named one of our campervans after him because this van carries a real sense of character, warmth and adventure."

Based 20 minutes from Christchurch Airport, George is a brilliant launchpad for a South Island adventure.

For slow roads, salty air, and the kind of travel where you always find your way home, George is ready to welcome you in. 🐾🚐💚

🏞️ Quirky Customer Favourites, Stop 2: Glendhu Bay 🏞️This year our customer, George, put Glendhu Bay Holiday Park firmly...
27/05/2026

🏞️ Quirky Customer Favourites, Stop 2: Glendhu Bay 🏞️

This year our customer, George, put Glendhu Bay Holiday Park firmly on our radar, saying "with lakefront camping spots and amazing views, it's hard to beat."

He's not wrong! Tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wānaka, close to Wānaka town and on the doorstep of Mt Aspiring National Park, Glendhu Bay makes the perfect spot for a lakefront campground. It's a Kiwi camp in every sense: spacious sites, a backdrop of the Southern Alps, and a setting that's drawn guests back each year since the 1920s.

Why guests love it:
🌊 Lakefront sites with uninterrupted lake and mountain views
🚐 Powered and non-powered sites, plus cabins, a lodge and a fully furnished house
🍳 Big shared kitchen, covered BBQ areas, laundry and playground
🛶 Boat ramp and boat parking right at the camp

Nearby
🥾 Roy's Peak trailhead (5 minutes), one of NZ's best hikes (see picture 4!)
🚵 Bike Glendhu just across the road, with world-class mountain biking trails
⛷️ Treble Cone ski field (15 minutes), the largest ski area in the South Island
🏔️ Mt Aspiring National Park, right on your doorstep
🧗 Rock climbing at Hospital Flat, Riverside and Diamond Lake
🍷 The cafes, restaurants and wineries of Wānaka town (10 minutes)

✨ Fun fact: There is a small island in Lake Wānaka called Mou Waho. On top of it sits Arethusa Pool, a tiny alpine lake. So technically, it's a lake on an island, on a lake, on an island. Geologists call it "recursive". We just call it quirky! 🌀

Big thanks to the team at Glendhu Bay for sharing brilliant photos! 🚐

📍 Tag:
📸 Photos: 1-3 , 4 - Roys Peak

🐾✨ Van of the Week: Millie ✨🐾Meet Millie, a beautifully finished, generously sized camper with a full house of features ...
19/05/2026

🐾✨ Van of the Week: Millie ✨🐾

Meet Millie, a beautifully finished, generously sized camper with a full house of features and a gentle insistence that the scenic route is the right route.

Named after a spirited little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Millie the van has inherited the same independent charm. She looks sensible enough from the outside, but she has a definite preference for unplanned stops and the long way round.

One of the larger vans in the Quirky fleet, Millie was handcrafted in the Christchurch with one clear goal: to build something genuinely special. No corners were cut. Premium materials run throughout, with beautiful timber at the heart of the build, and every inch of the layout has been thought through so the space feels generous.

Why adventurers love Millie:
🛏️ Fixed 1.8m × 1.4m bed - no nightly bed-building
🛋️ L-shaped sofa with fold-out table, and standing room even for guests up to 1.92m
🚿 Internal and external shower, plus toilet, with hot and cold water
🔋 Off-grid ready, with solar, lithium leisure batteries and 90L fresh and grey water
🌿 Green sticker for self-contained freedom camping
🔥 Quiet inbuilt diesel heater, with an outlet in the shower for warm post-adventure rinses
🍳 Well-appointed kitchen with double hob, large fridge and two sinks
☀️ Electric awning, table and chairs for a sheltered outdoor space
🐕 Big-hearted, easygoing and full of character, just like her namesake

Whether you're a couple after a longer escape, friends splitting the driving, or a small family heading out on their first campervan adventure, Millie has room for everyone.

Millie is based in Ohoka, just north of Christchurch airport and the CBD.

For slow mornings, scenic detours, and the unplanned stops that turn into the best memories, Millie is ready to be your home away from home wherever New Zealand takes you. 🐾🚐💚

🌋 Quirky Traveller Favourites: Campgrounds🌋Welcome to our new weekly series, where we'll spotlight awesome campgrounds a...
11/05/2026

🌋 Quirky Traveller Favourites: Campgrounds🌋

Welcome to our new weekly series, where we'll spotlight awesome campgrounds across New Zealand, all hand picked as favourites by our customers.

First up: Volcanoview, chosen by Martha and Tom - a small, hand-built spot tucked into the foothills of Mt Taranaki, with the mountain framed perfectly out the window. In their words: "Small campground with beautiful views of Mount Taranaki, plus a lovely restaurant and wine bar onsite!"

Just five minutes from the North Egmont National Park, Volcanoview is the kind of place Quirky Campers was built for: a unique, owner-hosted destination with a warm welcome. Park up on grass or gravel with low fees, hot showers and clean toilets onsite.

Why guests love it:
🌋 Uninterrupted views of Mt Taranaki (Taranaki Maunga)
🍷 On-site cafe, restaurant and wine bar (open Friday evening and weekends)
🚐 All vehicles welcome on grass or gravel sites
🐾 Pet-friendly at the hosts' discretion
🧡 Genuine, owner-hosted feel
💸 Brilliant value

Nearby:
🥾 North Egmont Visitor Centre and the summit trail
🌲 Egmont National Park walks and the Pouākai Range
🌊 Black-sand surf beaches (20 minutes)
🏙️ New Plymouth, Pukekura Park and the Coastal Walkway (around 30 minutes)
🗺️ The start of the Forgotten World Highway, one of NZ's great drives

✨ Fun fact: Thanks to it's near-perfect symmetry, Mt Taranaki stood in for Japan's Mt Fuji in the 2003 Tom Cruise film The Last Samurai. 🎬



📸 Photos: , Ashish Ansurkar (Unsplash) and Mario Amé (Unsplash)

☀️✨ Van of the Week: Sunny ✨☀️Meet Sunny, our Christchurch-based ray of sunshine who'll put a smile on your face the mom...
17/04/2026

☀️✨ Van of the Week: Sunny ✨☀️

Meet Sunny, our Christchurch-based ray of sunshine who'll put a smile on your face the moment you see her!

Sunny is a Mercedes Sprinter conversion filled with heart and thoughtfulness. Owner Julia created her as a statement of resilience and adventure, transforming her dream into reality. Every detail has been meticulously designed to maximise comfort, accessibility, and off-grid capability while celebrating a playful modern aesthetic.

Why adventurers love Sunny:
☀️ Bright mid-century modern design - sunshine yellow, warm timber & atomic starburst details
🛏️ Configurable queen bed (1.78m x 1.85m) or two singles with memory foam comfort
🪑 Full swivel passenger seat - transforms the cab into your living space
🍳 Well-equipped kitchen with 65L fridge, two gas hobs & microwave
🚿 Gorgeous tiled bathroom with inside shower, toilet & hot water
🔋 Powerful off-grid system - 400W solar, two lithium batteries, never worry about power!
☕ Stove-top percolator for excellent coffee
🌬️ Gas heater + ceiling fan for year-round comfort
🪰 Magnetic fly-screens on doors - keep sandflies out and air flowing in

From Julia:
"The name 'Sunny' is a tribute to my son. It ties back to a whakataukī (a Māori proverb) about turning your face to the sun. That's what this van is all about: choosing joy, choosing hope, and literally chasing the sun whenever we can. I want every customer to open Sunny's doors and feel like they've stepped into a cheerful little world of sunshine!"

The story: The whakataukī "Hurihia tō aroaro ki te rā" (turn your face to the sun) is often used to encourage focusing on the positive and letting difficulties fall away - much like how a sunflower always turns towards the light. It's a reminder that we can choose hope and joy, even after challenging times.

Sunny certainly brings joy to the Quirky fleet and the guests that travel with her - thanks for all your hard work, Julia!

📖✨ Quirky Tales from the Road ✨📖Meet Naïma and Florian from Switzerland, who just wrapped up an epic 2-month journey aro...
09/04/2026

📖✨ Quirky Tales from the Road ✨📖

Meet Naïma and Florian from Switzerland, who just wrapped up an epic 2-month journey around both islands with our Auckland-based Selma!

From basking in the sun at Tāpotupotu Bay to being surrounded by jungle amidst the mountain ranges of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier), these two showed Selma an abundance of gorgeous spots across Aotearoa.

In Naïma's words:
"Selma was our trusted companion in all kinds of weather and adventures! In return, we showed her an abundance of gorgeous corners all over both islands. I reckon the word she'd use to describe this trip would be 'sublime'… and windy!" 🪼🌸

We're glad Selma looked after you on those windy south island days guys!

Fun fact: Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere means "The Tears of the Avalanche Maiden" in te reo, after a tragic Māori tale. During Hine Hukatere's grief at losing her partner Wawe in an avalanche, the tears she shed formed a glacier in the mountains of the Southern Alps, now also called Franz Josef.

Thanks for showing Selma such a beautiful time and for sharing your adventure with us, Naïma and Florian! 🚐💚✨

Quirky Tales from the Road celebrates the real stories & favourite moments from our travellers exploring New Zealand.

🏡✨ Van of the Week: Milford ✨🏡Meet Milford, our cosy cottage on wheels, named after the beachy Auckland suburb near his ...
03/04/2026

🏡✨ Van of the Week: Milford ✨🏡

Meet Milford, our cosy cottage on wheels, named after the beachy Auckland suburb near his home.

Originally a 25-seat bus, Milford is now a spacious, open-plan camper lovingly converted by James and Lottie. After a winter of elbow grease and passion, he was transformed into the space they'd always dreamed of.

Why adventurers love Milford:
🛏️ Fixed super king bed - for the best night's sleep
🪟 Windows everywhere - endless visibility and natural light
🏔️ Spacious open-plan layout with plenty of headroom
🚐 Off-grid ready - solar power, batteries, fridge and 2 x 100L water tanks
🪵 Crafted with recycled & repurposed materials, giving a rustic feel
🛋️ Reworked seating for sofa comfort
🧵 Soft furnishings handcrafted by Lottie
📚 Perfect for curling up with a book or board-game after a long day exploring

From James & Lottie:
"Milford feels strong, charming and real - built for the kind of travel where you don't know what the day will bring. You know that feeling when you walk into a home and feel welcome? That's how we want our guests to feel each time they step inside the bus. Warm colours, soft textures and heart in every detail."

For slow mornings, adventures of a lifetime, and all the little moments in between -Milford is ready to be your home away from home, wherever New Zealand takes you. 🏡🚐💚

📖✨ Quirky Tales from the Road ✨📖Our French guests, Marine and Paul, just completed a 2-month journey around New Zealand ...
31/03/2026

📖✨ Quirky Tales from the Road ✨📖

Our French guests, Marine and Paul, just completed a 2-month journey around New Zealand with our Auckland-based Kākāriki!

After saying goodbye to Kākāriki at the end of their adventure, Marine told us: "We needed to calm our emotions after saying goodbye. Two months spent with him creates very strong bonds!" - we know the feeling, Marine!

From the Southern Alps to starlit lakesides, Marine and Paul discovered some of New Zealand's most breathtaking corners - check out the epic photos of Kākāriki in the wild...

Highlights:
🏔️ Favourite place to drive: Near Mount Cook - "Sleeping near Lake Pukaki under the stars was one of the best experiences of our lives." ✨

🎨 Favourite van feature: "The unique coloured ceiling! Many people thought it was beautiful, and it sparked some lively conversations. We loved the design so much that we found it in a store to bring a piece of our trip home with us!"

Two months on the road creates a bonds with your home on wheels - thanks for sharing your story, Marine and Paul. We love that you're taking a piece of Kākāriki home with you.

Fun fact: Kākāriki means 'Small Green Parrot' in te reo Māori - but they can be orange, yellow or red too! They're full of energy and found in the forests of New Zealand, feeding on berries and insects on the ground or up in the trees.

🏡

🌼✨ Van of the Week: Kōwhai ✨🌼Meet our Christchurch-based camper, Kōwhai! A brilliant Mercedes Sprinter conversion that's...
27/03/2026

🌼✨ Van of the Week: Kōwhai ✨🌼

Meet our Christchurch-based camper, Kōwhai! A brilliant Mercedes Sprinter conversion that's as effortless to drive as she is beautiful inside!

Named after New Zealand's stunning yellow native tree, Kōwhai was self-converted by owner Paul with recycled cedar timber and eco-friendly NZ sheep's wool insulation, keeping her warm, natural and sustainable.

Why adventurers love Kōwhai:
🪵 Warm cedar ceiling & wool insulation for cosy comfort in all seasons
🛏️ Fixed double bed (1.6m x 1.78m) - no nightly bed making (mornings optional)!
🚴 Generous under-bed storage (room for bikes!)
🪑 Two bench seats + pull-out table for relaxed dining or laptop time
🎬 Mini projector & screen for movie nights
🍳 Well-equipped kitchen with 85L fridge/freezer
🔥 Diesel heater to keep you toasty warm
🚿 Fully self-contained - 48L fresh & grey water, fixed toilet, outdoor shower
☀️ Powerful 400W solar system + 1200W inverter for off-grid power
🌬️ Maxx Air Deluxe fan for perfect ventilation
🪑 Slide-out rear table - transform any patch of grass into a café-with-a-view

From Paul:
"I wanted Kōwhai to feel warm, natural, and sustainable - a van with character as well as comfort. The name comes from the beautiful yellow native tree, a symbol of new beginnings and connection to nature, a perfect fit for a van made to explore the outdoors."

With thoughtful design, generous storage, and everything you need for freedom camping, Kōwhai makes exploring effortless.

Where would you take her? 🌼

💍✨ Quirky Tales from the Road ✨💍This week's tale is extra special... meet Emma and Conor from Ireland, who got engaged a...
24/03/2026

💍✨ Quirky Tales from the Road ✨💍

This week's tale is extra special... meet Emma and Conor from Ireland, who got engaged at Bob's Cove near Queenstown during their adventure with our Christchurch-based Bertie!

After 11 years together, Conor found the perfect moment to pop the question on the beautiful banks of Lake Wakatipu. Emma said yes, and they spent the next few days celebrating in Queenstown and Wānaka. It doesn't get much better than that! 🥂

New Zealand is Emma and Conor's favourite country - they've visited before and rented a number of our vans over the years. We're so pleased to have played a small part in their 3-month trip around the world and special moment this year!

Emma and Conor's Highlights:
🏕️ Favourite campground: Driftaway in Frankton - "Scenic grounds with fresh views of the Remarkables mountain range."

🚐 Favourite van features: Bertie's big fridge and the handcrafted mosaic splash-back tiles in the kitchen

🍽️ Favourite restaurant: The Stoaker Room in Wānaka - helping celebrate the engagement with delicious food!

A special goodbye: This is also Bertie's final season with Quirky after many years of creating epic memories for visitors like Emma and Conor. A huge thank you to owners Caleb and Lanelle for all their hard work. Bertie, you'll be missed! 🚐💚

Congratulations Emma and Conor - here's to more adventures like this one! 🥂💍✨

Quirky Tales from the Road celebrates the real stories & favourite moments from our travellers exploring New Zealand.

Address

Christchurch

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

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