Just Go Campers: Christchurch photography to van rental

Have you ever had a lightbulb moment that completely changed your life? For Andy and Camila, that moment involved a campervan, a love for the outdoors, and a desire to share the beauty of Aotearoa with others. This Christchurch-based couple has built a successful business on our Camplify platform with their four thoughtfully themed vans, each with its own unique personality. Last updated: December 2024

The story began when Andy and Camila, originally from Scotland and Colombia respectively, met in New Zealand a nd bonded over a love for adventure. "Our first date was in a campervan," recalls Camila with a smile, "so our relationship has always been connected to campervans." After a four-month stint of globetrotting, they decided to purchase their own van upon their return to Aotearoa, initially for personal use. They soon realised their love of van life could be shared with others , and it wasn't long before the idea of sharing their van with other travellers sparked a new chapter.

From personal travel to a blooming business

Their choice of Christchurch as their base was strategic. For Andy, the location made perfect sense: "One of the things that's so good about Christchurch is that with it being a small international airport, there's a lot of tourists coming through. It's a good base, a perfect location geographically for people to come from overseas, travel around the South Island of New Zealand, and return to Christchurch ready to go home."

This perfect location , combined with growing demand , soon led to expansion. "We realised how quickly that van had filled up for the summer," Andy recalls, "and we decided we needed another van." One van turned into two, then three, and now four. And the secret to their success? A combination of great vans, a knack for photography , and a genuine desire to create memorable experiences for their customers. "The thing I really enjoy the most is the responsibility of someone putting their holidays in our hands," Andy reflects.

The magic touch: What makes Just Go Campers stand out

For Camila, a self-confessed photography enthusiast, visual appeal is crucial to attracting customers. "I think everything comes through your eyes. If it looks appealing, then we'll get more and more customers." Each van in their fleet tells its own story, from the Colombian-inspired "Tayrona" to the ocean-themed "Moana," and the boho vibes of "Yeti." Describing her favourite van, Camila explains, "We decorate it with colours like you're in Colombia - and the lights inside create a beautiful glow at night." They even have a van inspired by flowers, named "Flora ."

The couple's philosophy goes beyond aesthetics. "We're not just hiring out a campervan, we're offering an experience ," Camila emphasises. Andy nods in agreement: "When a customer comes to pick up keys from us, we don't want to just hand them a set of keys. Like Camila says, we want to set them on their journey as if they're taking a little bit of home with them." This includes high-quality bedding, a welcome basket with their company logo, a personal note for each client, and even asking clients for their milk preference beforehand. They provide coffee, cooking oil, and spices - those small touches that make a big difference.

The complete travel experience

Their commitment to service extends far beyond the basics. Andy provides free airport runs, stores luggage, and is always happy to give advice on the best camping spots. His enthusiasm for the country is contagious: "New Zealand is so beautiful. We love sharing our favourite spots with clients and helping them discover hidden gems along their journey." One of the greatest advantages of hiring a campervan is the freedom it offers—you're not tied to a fixed itinerary and can explore at your own pace. To assist with planning, they recommend using the CamperMate app, which is an excellent resource for finding campsites, attractions, and services throughout New Zealand.

Most of their clients are international travellers, with Australians making up a large portion. As Camila explains, the business model makes perfect sense for overseas visitors: "If you come from overseas, you need to take into account accommodation and transport. If you hire a campervan, then you have both for the price of one - it's the best way to see the country." This practical approach, combined with their attention to detail, has helped them build a loyal customer base.

How do they do it?

Andy and Camila have created a lifestyle that perfectly complements their business. When their vans are hired out, they house-sit, looking after dogs and cats throughout the region. "And then when the vans aren't hired, we use them," Camila mentions with a twinkle in her eye. This creative approach not only saves on living costs but helps them maintain firsthand experience with their vans. Their efficient system includes a conveniently located storage facility near Christchurch airport, making van handovers and maintenance seamless for both them and their customers.

When it comes to choosing their favourite route, they both agree that the drive from Christchurch to Queenstown, via Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and Mount Cook, is unforgettable. The scenery, as Camila describes it, "makes the long days of driving more enjoyable." For Andy, this region holds special significance: "It's what I believe is the heart of New Zealand." His eyes light up as he describes his favourite spot at Lake Pukaki:"On a clear night around 2 AM, the stars are so bright you can almost pick them out of the sky. It's absolutely incredible."

What does the future hold?

While their current focus is on ensuring each customer has a fantastic experience, they're also keen to explore other avenues for growth. Social media has proven to be a valuable tool, with many bookings coming via their Instagram page and, surprisingly, even a Chinese social platform. Andy: "Someone told us they found our vans on a website similar to Pinterest but in China - we were amazed!" The couple is also looking at ways to boost bookings during the colder months , including offering winter experiences like a free day pass to a ski field. "Maybe if you hire with us, we'll give you a weekend free pass or something to go skiing. We are thinking about this already."

Behind the scenes of their growing business, Andy and Camila appreciate the support they receive from the local team. "Working with the local team has been a great experience," Andy reflects. "They're always easy to work with, and we're grateful for where we are at the moment. The platform keeps improving, which makes running our business smoother."

Ready to share your adventure?

Are you inspired by Andy and Camila's story? If you own a van and are passionate about travel, sharing your vehicle could be the start of your own incredible journey. Whether you're looking to offset costs or build a business like Andy and Camila, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with adventurers from all over the world**. List your van on Camplify.**