Owner guides
Best caravan to buy NZ: top touring & off-road picks
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Each year, holidaymakers and offroad adventurers ask our travel experts the same question: “what’s the best caravan to buy?”
To answer this question, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best caravans to buy in 2022. In compiling this list, we have researched every aspect of each caravan and considered the price, build quality, layout, specifications and features.
Making our shortlist of the best caravans to buy in 2022 are the:
Bailey Pegasus - Best value caravan overall
Swift Challenger - Best light caravan
Swift Sprite - Best budget caravan
Jayco Journey - Best value off-road caravan
NextGen Matai - Best luxury off-road caravan
After providing a full rundown of each caravan, we also explain how to “try before you buy” and immediately start earning a return on your investment. So hang around till the end or you’ll kick yourself!
The best caravan to buy in 2022
1. Bailey Pegasus - Best value caravan overall
Cost
New from $84,990. Used from about $39,990.
Description
The Bailey Pegasus provides a massive amount of internal living room at an affordable price. Designed for both touring and holiday use, its wide design will give the average family more than enough space for sleeping, dining and washing. Despite this, the Bailey is a fairly light caravan and can be towed by a medium to large vehicle. It also uses Bailey’s Alu-Tech construction system, providing greater durability and insulation.
Layout options and specifications
The Bailey Pegasus caravan range includes 6 different models. Layout options include:
4 to 6 person sleeping berth.
Single, double, island and floor bedding options.
7.381m to 7.863 external length.
1490kg to 1669kg tare weight.
Single or twin axle.
Features
Fully-equipped kitchen with combined oven, grill, hob and 800W microwave oven
Domestic 145-litre tower refrigerator
Large fully lined shower cubicle
Thetford cassette toilet
100w solar panel
Vertical front skylight
Alu-Tech body shell system
Concealed security data chip
Truma combi heating system
Slatted front bed make-up system on easy-glide track
Best for:
The average family wanting an affordable and spacious caravan for holidaying and basic off-roading.
2. Swift Challenger - Best Light Caravan
Cost
New from $62,995. Used from about $29,990.
Description
The Swift Challenger can be towed by most family cars, making it the best light caravan and one of the most versatile options on the market. Despite its streamlined and aerodynamic design, the Challenger retains a spacious interior and boasts a range of comforts including a fully fitted kitchen, washroom and large comfortable beds. It’s got everything you need at a highly competitive price.
Layout options and specifications
The Swift Challenger caravan range includes 5 different models. Layout options include:
2 to 4 person sleeping berth.
Single, double, island, bunk and lounge conversion bedding options.
6.66m to 7.98 external length.
1394kg to 1709kg tare weight.
Single or twin axle.
Features
Swift Command control system with large 7″ LCD colour touchscreen
Fully equipped kitchen with thermostatic oven, 1x hotplate, 3x gas burners, grill and microwave oven
110L fridge with freezer
Thetford C260 toilet with electric flush and 18 litre wheeled waste tank
100W solar panel
Panoramic sunroof and triple opening front windows
AirWave cushioning on bedding, topped with a Duvalay Duvalite™ Apollo Luxe mattress
Swift's SMART construction system for improved durability and moisture resistance
Best for
Couples or small to medium-sized families wanting a light caravan that’s comfortable and easy to tow behind a family car.
3. Swift Sprite - Best Budget Caravan
Cost
New from $50,995. Used from about $40,995.
Description
The Swift Sprite is one of New Zealand’s best selling caravans. No matter how small or large your family is, you’ll find a layout option that is both comfortable and affordable. Built using the SMART construction system, it comes with all the essentials, including a touchscreen control system, grade 3 heating and quality mattresses. The interior is lined with quality fixtures and flooded with light from the three opening front windows.
Layout options and specifications
The Swift Sprite caravan range includes 7 different models. Layout options include:
2 to 6 person sleeping berth.
Front and rear double, single and bunk bed options.
6.05m to 7.98 external length.
1218kg to 1630kg tare weight.
Single or twin axle.
Features
Swift Command control system with large 7″ LCD colour touchscreen
Thermostatic oven, 3x gas burner hob and microwave oven
98L under counter fridge with freezer compartment
One-piece shower cubicle with sliding door
Thetford toilet with electric flush and 18L wheeled waste tank
Dual fuel heating with Truma Combi Boiler
Panoramic front sunroof and three front opening windows
Swift's SMART construction system for improved durability and moisture resistance
Best for
Families of all sizes that want a highly affordable holiday caravan with all the essentials.
4. Jayco Journey - Best value off-road caravan
Cost
New from $72,990. Used from about $65,490.
Description
The Jayco Journey is a best-seller because it offers both touring and outback design options at competitive prices. The touring model is designed to be low riding and aerodynamic, giving you greater fuel efficiency when travelling along New Zealand’s highways. Comparatively, the outback model is specifically designed for off-road exploring and has improved suspension, electric brake magnets, higher ground clearance, protective plates and a 120W solar panel.
Layout options and Specifications
The Jayco Journey caravan range includes 14 different models. Layout options include:
2 to 6 person sleeping berth.
Single, double and conversion bedding options.
5.33m to 6.98m external length.
1790kg to 2320kg tare weight.
Single or twin axle.
Specifications and features
LCD Projects Control Panel
Sphere WiFi + GPS
Fully equipped kitchen with Thetford four-burner oven/griller and microwave.
171L Thetford Fridge/Freezer
Swivel toilet
Dual 82L freshwater tanks
160W solar panel
Double Glazed Push Out Windows and roof hatch
Best for
Families or couples wanting an affordable caravan that they can take on longer off-road adventures.
5. NextGen Matai - Best Luxury Offroad Caravan
Cost
New from over $100,000.
Description
The NextGen Matai is a custom caravan design that is currently being rolled out across New Zealand. It is the ultimate in off-road caravans, offering superior comfort, insulation and driveability when venturing off the beaten track. Boasting dual solar panels and water tanks, there’s nowhere this caravan won’t go! However, you will require an SUV or 4x4 to tow this beast.
Layout options and specifications
The NextGen Matai caravan comes with:
2 person sleeping berth.
A fixed double bed and a day bed option.
6.54m external length.
2,350kg tare weight.
Twin axle.
Features
Reversing camera
Internal and external speakers
Diesel heater
4x gas stove, grill and oven with rangehood
Large internal shower with opaque glass sliding door
Additional external shower and tap
Domestic swivel toilet and 16L waste cassette
2x 95L water tanks
2x 170W solar panels
Roof hatch and ranger windows with mesh flyscreen
Queen size, pillow top mattress
Fully insulated walls and floors
Best for
Couples or small families wanting the ultimate off-road caravan.
Always try before you buy
Avoid making a poor investment by “trying before you buy”. Hire and test the caravan you are interested in before making your purchase. Does it meet your needs? Exceed expectations? Is there anything you’d change?
Camplify is a platform that allows travellers to quickly search through privately-owned rental caravans and motorhomes.
All of the best caravans to buy in 2022 are currently available for you to try before you buy through Camplify:
Bailey Pegasus
NZ4U2U (Christchurch)
Swift Challenger
Kapiti Caravan (Paraparaumu)
4 Berth Challenger (Rangiora)
Swift Sprite
Sprite (Auckland)
Jayco Journey
Jake the Jayco (Papakura)
NextGen Matai
Matai (Auckland)
You may even wish to hire other types of vehicles and see whether you prefer a caravan vs motorhome.
Earn a Return on your investment
There is one way to immediately start earning a return on your investment - renting out your caravan when it’s not in use!
Each year, many Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their caravan through Camplify. By doing so, they can quickly generate a long-term passive income stream. And the best part is that Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:
Comprehensive hire insurance.
24/7 nationwide AA Roadside breakdown cover for hirers.
Dedicated customer support.
If you’re interested in earning a return on your investment, see how much income you could generate each year with our earnings calculator or email our team at support@camplify.co.nz for more information!