{"id":23028,"date":"2022-02-08T12:25:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-07T23:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/?p=23028"},"modified":"2026-02-03T17:04:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T04:04:42","slug":"the-benefits-of-compact-campervans-in-nz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/the-benefits-of-compact-campervans-in-nz\/","title":{"rendered":"The benefits of compact campervans in NZ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Is bigger really better? Don\u2019t the best things come in small packages? The jury is out when it comes to the size of a campervan\u2026 whether you\u2019re hiring, purchasing or building one. So, let\u2019s explore the benefits of compact campervans in NZ.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Looks can be deceiving<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unlike a hotel, where you could argue that the main purpose of the room is to sleep, a campervan needs to accommodate everything you\u2019ll need in a self-catered apartment, in one space. So, you can be forgiven for thinking that in order to fit everything you need for one week or more away, you need a large van.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

However, if designed well, compact campervans are surprisingly roomy \u2013 they\u2019ve often been put together in a very clever way to create workable, liveable spaces.  Take the incredible Selma<\/a>! She’s a Toyota Hiace. The bed runs from a small floor area to the end of the van. But her ingenious, configurable layout means you can work, dine and even kick back and watch a movie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/figure>\n
Selma<\/a> – a clever design<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Do you really want\/need a fixed bed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Larger campervans often have the perceived luxury of a big fixed bed.  However, you may find that you sacrifice a lot of living space for this and lose out on comfortable, spacious and sociable seating during the daytime.  For full time van life, a fixed bed is definitely appealing.  However, if you\u2019re off on a shorter break, then really think about what you will spend most of the time doing in and outside the van.  If it\u2019s chilling out, cooking, socialising, then a smaller van might be right for you! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A fixed bed in a compact campervan?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ok, we hear you. You don\u2019t want to faff around making up the bed every night. But is a fixed bed in a compact van possible or practical? Take a look at Morrison<\/a> here. He\u2019s a Mazda Bongo Brawny with a super clever feature providing the best of both worlds. The bed is fixed aside from one corner, which flips up to create a seat for two in a matter of seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The fixed bed means the kitchen in Morrison<\/a> is accessed from the back \u2013 under the cover of the rear door \u2013 using slide-outs which house the camping stove, fridge and all the crockery, cutlery, pots and pans! We love this design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can always add space<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The interior height of many compact campervans \u2013 without high tops \u2013 may only measure between 1.1m to 1.3m from floor to ceiling. Unless you\u2019re a Hobbit, it can make moving around \u2013 and dressing! \u2013 a bit of challenge. A great way to solve this is to add a tent. Morrison<\/a> has a 3m x 2.5m awning with an attachable awning tent which triples the available floor space and provides the headroom you covet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driving a smaller van<\/strong> is a breeze<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chances are, you\u2019re not overly familiar with driving a larger vehicle. It\u2019s quite common for people to feel intimidated by the thought of handling a large campervan.  Behind the wheel of a smaller campervan, you\u2019ll find it isn\u2019t much different to driving a car.  And, there are a number of benefits that come with that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n