Campervan Essentials: Renting with Madcampers
- Sep 19, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 28, 2025
There’s something magical about hitting the open road in a campervan! This was definitely on my bucket list and I would totally do it again! You wake up somewhere new every day, make coffee by natural light and get to see the stars outside!
Although all of that may sound fun, with a campervan trip, I've learnt that you need to pack smart. Over time close to my trip, I’ve refined my “what goes with me” list. I did so much research to learn what I should bring and shouldn't bring.. plus I went in the winter time, so that was also another challenge.
Which Van I hired?
I hired the Mad Explorer van from Mad Campers. This sleeps 2 people, a larger and more comfortable van that is Certified Self-Contained. 👉 This allows the vehicle to camp legally anywhere including free campsites (like freedom camping spots in New Zealand).
How much did it cost?
My 8 day hire, 7 nights for 2 people inclusive of the highest insurance cover and road user charges with Madcampers was NZD $1,344.
What Features did the campervan have?
Indoor couch
Big double bed (2000mm x 1240 mm)
Plenty of concealed storage
Huge on board power supply
Connect to powered sites
Curtains and mesh on all windows
Interior and exterior LED lighting
Power steering and ABS
Air conditioning in cabin
Automatic gearbox
Diesel engine
Induction stove with extraction fan
Kitchen bench space
80L fridge
Pressurised tap
85 L fresh water tank
Shower - 1960mm tall x 560mm wide
Toilet
Internal table
Car alarm / immobiliser
Bluetooth stereo with Aux, radio & USB
Reversing camera
For its price, the below was ALSO included with the vehicle
All cutlery and dinnerware
Cleaning supplies
Small portable heater, blanket, pillows, dustpan, cleaning supplies
Linen, 2 x pillows and duvet
Bath towels
Tea towels
Frying pan, saucepan, bowls and plates
Can / bottle opener and kitchen utensils
AA Roadside Breakdown Assistance
Thankfully, MadCampers and most campervans in New Zealand include the above items, but make sure to email them to check in with them to see what they actually provide.
Even though the camper supplied all of that, I was really nervous and wanted to make sure I came prepared since it was my first time!
Here's some useful things I brought on the trip
My own gas stove
"Hot pot" pot! The asian in me really wanted to make hotpot in the van
Extra Sponges
Ladles for my hotpot 😂
Drip coffee
Instant noodles
Rubbish bag
Reusable shopping bag
Small First Aid Kit
Make sure to bring plenty of extra socks if you're going in winter!
House slippers to wear in the van
Normal slippers to wear outdoors
Extra small fleece blanket
Shampoo and Soap
Wet wipes
Portable Bluetooth speaker
Toilet paper (the van supplied but I brought extra just in case)
Ziplock bags and brown paper bags for packing food
Universal adapter
Hiking bag - torch, cap, hiking stick
What to Know for Mad Campers
If you’re using Mad Campers, here are tweaks I always remember:
Check their included gear first: When you make your booking with Mad Campers, they will contact you via email to give you the quote. During this time you can check with them if they will provide bedding, basic cookware, etc.
Get the insurance!: I really recommend this because a campervan will also mean driving on rocky roads or asphalts for lonnngg hours. With that said, stone chips on windscreens happen commonly and your insurance also protects you from having to pay any damages like that.
Freedom camping gear: If you're planning to freedom camp (where allowed), bring lots of extra water!!
Plan fuel stops wisely: The smaller campervans are more efficient than big RVs, but you’ll still want to avoid long empty stretches. I recommend downloading campermate on your phone, as it'll tell you all the nearest petrol stations near you.
Travel light but prepared. The van is cozy but small-ish and overpacking kills comfort. But skipping essentials (like, first aid) is too risky. Make sure to consider the things you really want to bring and will use on the trip.
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