Best campervan conversion kits NZ: complete guide

If you’re thinking of buying a campervan, a pre-made campervan conversion kit might be the way to go. Not only do these kits dramatically reduce the cost of converting a campervan, but they also minimise the time and effort required.

Currently, two of the best campervan conversion kits in NZ are made by Vanlifer and VanLab. Both businesses make a wide range of products that can be easily installed in just a few hours. Below, we break down the best kits on offer and help you identify which is best for your campervan.

Prefer to go down the DIY route? Check out our ultimate campervan conversion guideto get started!

Best campervan conversion kits in NZ: Vanlifer vs VanLab

Vanlifer

Vanlifer make and sell flat-pack conversion kits for most popular vans in New Zealand. They focus on offering a high-quality product that is affordable and can be easily self-installed. If they don’t already sell a kit for your van, they also design and create custom conversion kits.

The Vanlifer website is great and makes the process simple. Choose your van, add some self-containment options, finalise the layout and you’re good to go. Your campervan conversion kit can be delivered directly to your door within 2 - 4 weeks or you can choose to pick it up from their workshop in Auckland. Alternatively, Vanlifer can also install your kit at an additional cost.

The kits use premium materials and clever campervan interior ideas to give your vehicle a Scandinavian feel. Simply slot the numbered pieces together, screw in the pre-drilled holes and follow the instructions. Within a few hours, you’ll have your very own campervan!

Models of campervan

Vanlifer sell campervan conversion kits for 8 of New Zealand’s most popular vans :

• Nissan NV200

• Mazda Bongo

• Toyota Hiace

• Nissan Caravan

• Nissan NZ350

• Toyota Hiace ZX

• Ford Transit

• LDV Biggest Deliver 9

However, if your van’s not on the list, you can send them an email and they’ll knock up a custom build for you.

Layout options

The layout varies slightly from vehicle to vehicle. Small vans have the choice of a rear or side kitchen whereas large vans can pick between a rear kitchen or front kitchen.

If you choose to add extras such as plumbing, your campervan will meet New Zealand’s self-containment standard for two people.

Included in the campervan conversion kit

All Vanlifer campervan conversion kits have the same basic features:

• Bench seats that convert to a bed (with under-seat storage)

• A removable table

• A kitchen unit with cupboards

They also offer the following options:

• Poplar plywood, plywood laminate or premium materials

• Premium squabs made of high-density foam

• 5 fabric colours

• Standard or blackout curtains

• A self-containment plumbing system (sink, tap, 10L toilet, tanks, rubbish bin and more)

• A 12v power system, solar panel, battery, fridge and/or electric water pump and tap

Price

Vanlifer campervan conversion kits start at about $3,000 for the basics and can cost up to about $10,000+ if you add all the premium extras.

VanLab

[VanLab](https://vanlab.co.nz/range# Comp-Table) also sell campervan conversion kits for the most popular vans in New Zealand. Designed to be self-installed in only a matter of hours, these kits come with everything you need, including woodwork, self-containment plumbing, battery systems, toilet and squabs.

The VanLab website is as simple and stylish as their kits. Choose the size of your campervan and fill out the online form, it’s that easy! Within 10 days , they’ll have your conversion kit ready for domestic shippin g or pick up in Auckland. They can also install your kit for you at an additional cost.

Once you have the panels, fit them together like a jigsaw and use the tools provided. The whole kit is designed to be plug-and-play, meaning novices can assemble not only the furniture but also the plumbing, electrical system and lighting.

Models of campervan

VanLab sell campervan conversion kits for 20 of New Zealand’s most popular vans :

• Nissan NV200 and Nissan EVN200

• Nissan Elgrand E50 (1997-2002) and Nissan Elgrand E51 (2002-2010)

• Toyota Alphard First Gen (2002 - 2008)

• LDV G10 Cargo and Passenger (2014- Present)

• Toyota Hiace 5th Gen LWB (2004-2019)

• Toyota Hiace 4th Gen LWB (1989-2004) and Toyota Hiace 4th Gen SWB (1989–2004)

• Nissan Caravan NV350 E26 Low Roof (2012-Present)

• Nissan Caravan E25 Low Roof (2001-2012) and Nissan Caravan E25 High Roof (2001-2012)

• Mitsubishi L300 SWB (1999 – 2011)

• Nissan Vanette (1999-2011)

• Mazda Bongo (1999 - 2011)

• Toyota Hiace 5th Gen Commuter Cargo and Passenger (2004-2019)

• Ford Transit 4th Gen 350 Passenger

• LDV V80 Biggest and LDV V80 Bigger

Layout options

Depending on the size of the campervan you are converting, VanLab offers 5 different layouts.

Small campervan kits have 570L of storage, a king single bed and a side kitchen. People mover kits have 650L of storage, a double bed and a rear side kitchen. Medium campervan kits have 750L of storage, a double bed and a horseshoe kitchen.

Large passenger kits can have 1000L of storage, a queen bed and a rear galley kitchen. And finally, large cargo van kits have 3,300L of storage, a double bed and a front L shape kitchen.

Included in the campervan conversion kit

All VanLab campervan conversion kits come standard with wood panels, tools, instructions, hinges, screws, door magnets and hatches.

They also offer the following options:

• Squabs and curtains

• Self-contained plumbing, 10L toilet and bins

• 24L fresh and grey water tanks

• Wiring looms, leisure battery and lighting

• 100 or 120AH battery that charges while you drive

• 2x USB chargers, 3x LED lights, 2x voltmeters, master switch and optional inverters

Price

VanLab campervan conversion kits start at about $2,250 for the basics and can cost up to about $9,000+ if you add all the extras.

The verdict: Best campervan conversion kits

Both campervan conversion kits are very easy to install and offer quality fittings. Your choice will ultimately come down to your vehicle model, budget and personal preferences in terms of styling and layout.

Vanlifer kits might generally cost a little more but their stylish and comfortable designs make you understand why they are one of New Zealand’s favourite van conversion kit companies!

Meanwhile, VanLab’s campervan conversion kits also bring a lot to the table! They are highly affordable , have a quick turnaround time and offer a tonne of storage space.

How to earn a return on your campervan conversion

There is one way to quickly make back the money you spend on a conversion kit - hiring out your campervan when it’s not in use!

Each year, heaps of Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their campervan through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.

And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:

• Comprehensive hire insurance.

• 24/7 AA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.

• Dedicated customer support.

If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year by renting out your unused campervan!