How easy is it to buy a campervan or car?

Far easier than you might think. Thousands of backpackers choose to do this in New Zealand every year and as a result there is a constantly re-fed source of vehicles of this kind available to buy. Notice boards in hostels are often plastered with vans and cars for sale along with lots of camping gear included. Alternatively you can buy a vehicle through car auctions – the ones in Auckland allow you to get pre-purchase mechanical checks, insurance and change of ownership all on site. There is also an organisation in Auckland called the Backpacker's Car Market whose premises are just off Karangahape Road where travellers come to buy and sell vehicles.

Some companies do a 'buy back' scheme but read their conditions carefully as many only offer a fraction of the price you paid when you sell the vehicle back to them.