FAQs

From the moment you drive your new motorhome or campervan off the lot, ZION is here to support you. We offer technical assistance Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You’ll also receive comprehensive documentation and a toll-free number to reach our ZION Care expert, ensuring that you always have a friendly voice ready to assist you with any queries regarding your motorhome or campervan, whether it’s about maintenance or road advice.

Both motorhomes and campervans provide very similar types of freedom and adventure, only they differ in size, amenities, and comfort levels. A motorhome is generally a larger vehicle designed to provide more living space, while a campervan is a more compact option that is easier to drive and may be suited for shorter trips or individuals who are new to RV travel. Motorhome is, thus, right up your alley if you are into comfort and storage, while campervans, if you appreciate something compact and easy to manoeuvre.

ZION Motorhomes offers a selection of premium brands, including Carthago, Dethleffs, Frankia, Morelo, Niesmann+Bischoff, and Sunlight. Each brand has its own unique advantages: Carthago: Offers vehicle options in the range between 7.6m and 8.9m. Multiple award winning motorhome company Dethleffs: Our best selling and mot popular brand. Frankia: High-End Luxury product. Specialists of rear-wheel drive vehicles and A-Classes. Morelo: The most exclusive motorhome. Highest quality made in Germany Niesmann+Bischoff: Extremely tasteful, high-quality interior and exterior designs and an automotive driving experience. Sunlight: Offers excellent value with practical designs for all types of travellers. Each brand ensures durability, comfort, and functionality for your travels.

Yes! Many motorhome and campervan owners enjoy traveling with their pets. Most vehicles are designed with pet-friendly features, such as spacious living areas, easy-to-clean interiors, and ample space for your pet to rest. However, it’s important to check with the motorhome company or manufacturer about their specific pet policies before booking or purchasing. Additionally, always ensure that your pet is secure and comfortable during travel, especially on long journeys.

Maintaining your motorhome or campervan is crucial for ensuring it stays in good condition and remains ready for your next adventure. Regular maintenance includes checking the engine, brakes, tires, and fluids. It’s also essential to keep the interior clean and inspect appliances like the fridge, stove, and heating systems. Most motorhome or campervans will also require some general maintenance at certain mileage intervals ever be sure to stick to what the manufacturer specifies. Always obtain professional support, just in case, to ensure that whatever vehicle one has will function at its best for safe travel.

You must fulfill the standards as specified by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) if you intend for your motorhome or campervan to be certified as fully self-contained. This means the inclusion of hygiene facilities such as a toilet, fresh water tank, waste water tank, and dump system. Upon equipping your vehicle with these features, you can apply for certification through NZMCA or another undertaking approved certifying authority. If the inspection is successful, a certificate of self-containment is then issued, which will allow the holder to legally freedom camp throughout designated areas in New Zealand. For more information on the certification process, visit the NZMCA Certified Self Containment FAQs.

When it comes to your motorhome or campervan, certifying it as self-contained offers several key features. First and foremost, you will be allowed to freedom camp legally in almost every part of New Zealand, allowing for increased flexibility and independence on your travels. Certification also makes certain that your rig has all the comforts needed for travelers-a toilet, fresh water tank, and waste disposal mechanism-that will enhance comfort and convenience on the road. Additionally, certification ensures you dance to the regulations in place and are not on the wrong side of the law with local councils to avoid nasty fines or penalties. Overall, certifying your rig will allow a better trip where you surely can enjoy the freedom and beauty of New Zealand on your own motorhome or campervan.

The 3-3-3 rule is a simple trick many Kiwi motorhomers live by to keep trips relaxed and fun. It means driving no more than 300 miles (roughly 480 km) in a day, staying at least three nights in each spot, and arriving by 3 pm. That way you’re never exhausted on our winding roads, you actually get to enjoy places like Lake Tekapo or the Catlins, and you can set up camp in daylight with a cold drink in hand. It turns a holiday into proper slow-travel magic.

It’s possible in some places, but it’s not straightforward in New Zealand. Rules are set by local councils and DOC, so always check for “No Overnight Parking” or “No Camping” signs fines start at $200 and go up fast. If there’s no ban, choose a large, quiet layby well away from the road, stay discreet, and leave early. For real peace of mind, stick to proper campsites or freedom-camping spots, especially in one of our self-contained ZION motorhomes.

Yes — New Zealand law requires every passenger to be in an approved seat and wearing a seatbelt while the vehicle is moving. Walking around, lying on beds, or using the toilet while driving is not allowed and can earn you (or the driver) a $150 fine per person. Once you are parked up with the handbrake on, the whole motorhome is yours to enjoy!

Prices vary with size and luxury level, but here's the current picture at ZION:

• Entry-level new models (e.g. Sunlight vans & smaller Dethleffs) start around $180,000–$220,000
• Mid-range integrated motorhomes (Carthago, Dethleffs, Niesmann+Bischoff) sit between $220,000–$400,000
• True luxury liners (Frankia Platin, Morelo Palace) begin at $650,000 and can exceed $1 million

Every vehicle we sell is built in Germany to the highest standards, and we'll happily walk you through the options that suit your budget and travel dreams.

Yes, full-time motorhome living is growing fast in New Zealand, and plenty of our customers do it very happily. With a self-contained vehicle from ZION, thousands of freedom-camping sites, NZMCA parks, and private options, it’s completely doable. You’ll join a friendly community of like-minded travellers who love waking up to a new view every week. It’s simpler than you think we have helped dozens make the switch!

A well-maintained German motorhome from the brands we carry (Carthago, Dethleffs, Frankia, Morelo, Niesmann+Bischoff, Sunlight) will easily last 20–30 years or more. Many 15- to 20-year-old examples are still on the road in pristine condition. Regular servicing, indoor storage when possible, and prompt attention to any moisture issues are the secrets to making yours last a lifetime.

Running a motorhome doesn't have to break the bank, especially when you factor in the incredible value of skipping hotels and eating al fresco amid New Zealand's epic scenery. Costs vary by model and habits think fuel (around 10-15L/100km for larger rigs), insurance (NZD 1,000-3,000 yearly), WOF/COF fees, and maintenance but most owners budget NZD 5,000-10,000 annually for everything. Opt for efficient models like our Sunlight range to keep fuel down, and self-containment cuts campsite fees. It's an investment in freedom that pays off in unforgettable memories, and we're always happy to crunch the numbers with you at ZION.

There's no single "best" motorhome – it all comes down to how you love to travel – but when you look at recent European awards and real-owner feedback, the top performers all come from the exact German brands we stock at ZION:

• Carthago C2 Tourer I 147 RB-LE – Regularly voted one of the finest lightweight integrated A-Class motorhomes; perfect balance of luxury, driving ease, and clever storage for those twisty South Island passes.
• Dethleffs Globebus Performance 4x4 – A standout for Kiwi adventurers who want to get further off the beaten track without giving up comfort.
• Niesmann+Bischoff Arto 78 – Consistently praised as one of the most liveable and beautifully finished motorhomes on the market — ideal for extended or full-time travel.
• Frankia Platin models – The choice for anyone craving genuine luxury on wheels, with extraordinary build quality and self-sufficient features.
• Morelo Palace – The pinnacle of the industry; if you want the very finest, nothing else comes close.

Every one of these award-winners is part of our current range. Come in for a coffee, tell us about your dream trips – whether it's weekend escapes to the Coromandel or a full lap of the country – and we'll match you with the perfect ZION motorhome that's already proven itself as one of the best in the world.

When you’re looking for a quality second-hand motorhome in New Zealand, German-built vehicles consistently come out on top in owner satisfaction surveys and that’s exactly what we specialise in at ZION. Dethleffs (including our own Sunlight range) regularly scores around 85% for rock-solid build quality and longevity, while Carthago owners rave about the lightweight yet tough construction that handles our winding roads beautifully. Frankia, Morelo, and Niesmann+Bischoff are the go-to names if you want luxury that genuinely lasts for decades.

Our advice? Focus on vehicles under 10 years old with a complete service history, low mileage, and proof of garage storage, and (ideally) still holding a current self-containment warrant. Because we only deal in these premium German brands new, we’re perfectly placed to help you find a top-condition pre-loved example from the very same line-up so you can buy with complete confidence and hit the road knowing your motorhome is built to the highest European standards.

They're not for everyone, and it's good to go in with eyes open:

• Larger models can be tricky on narrow NZ roads or in city centres until you get used to them
• Storage space is clever but limited – you'll learn to travel lighter!
• Up-front cost is significant (though often cheaper than a boat or bach)
• Regular maintenance is a must-do, just like a house

That said, for most of our customers the freedom, the views from your bedroom window every morning, and the memories made far outweigh any downsides.

Age isn’t the only thing that matters when choosing a motorhome condition is what really counts. Most experts recommend avoiding anything over 15–20 years old unless it has full service records, low mileage, and has been stored indoors away from New Zealand’s harsh sun and salt air. A well-cared-for older model can still give you many happy years on the road, though you might want to update things like insulation or batteries for our changeable weather. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection. At ZION Motorhomes, our team loves helping you find timeless German-built models from our trusted brands that age beautifully, no matter the year.

For anyone who loves exploring New Zealand, a motorhome is absolutely worth it in the long run. Yes, new ones start from around $180,000 and can go well over $700,000, but think of all the hotel stays, restaurant meals, and flights you’ll skip. Regular users often find it pays for itself through spontaneous weekends at the beach, family adventures under the stars, and the pure freedom of the open road. It’s more than a vehicle, it’s a lifestyle upgrade. We’ve seen so many ZION owners say it’s the best decision they ever made, and we’re here to help you budget wisely for yours.

Yes, a 20-year-old motorhome can be a fantastic buy if it’s been properly looked after think garage-stored, low kilometres, and a complete service history. These German-built classics from brands like ours often outlast newer, cheaper alternatives. Just watch out for rust from coastal air, tired seals, or outdated wiring that might need refreshing. A thorough professional inspection is essential. While we specialise in brand-new premium models at ZION, we’re always happy to share our expertise and help you assess a quality older example so you can hit the road with complete confidence.

Motorhome prices in New Zealand vary depending on size, features, and luxury level, but here's what you can expect at ZION:

• Entry-level new models (e.g. Sunlight and smaller Dethleffs): $180,000–$220,000
• Mid-range integrated models (Carthago, Dethleffs, Niesmann+Bischoff): $220,000–$400,000
• Luxury liners (Frankia Platin, Morelo Palace/Grand Empire): $650,000 to over $1 million

Things like solar power, all-wheel drive for gravel roads, and full self-containment also affect the price. Most of our customers find the sweet spot around $220,000–$300,000 for a perfect balance of comfort and value. Pop in for a coffee – our ZION team will go through everything transparently and help you find the ideal motorhome that fits both your dreams and your budget.

Our ZION customers often laugh about these when they look back – here's what they wish they'd known sooner:

• Get the size right first time: too big and narrow NZ roads feel tricky; too small and longer trips feel cramped – always test-drive a few!
• Maintenance is part of the fun – budget for regular servicing just like you would for a house.
• Factor in the extras: insurance, solar upgrades, and campsite apps all add up.
• Try before you buy if possible – join NZMCA or rent one for a weekend to confirm the lifestyle is for you.
• The community is amazing – chat to other owners early for the best tips and hidden gems.

Come and talk to us first – we love making your first purchase smooth, exciting, and regret-free!