You are legally entitled to drive for up to 12 months in New Zealand if you have a current driving licence in your home country, or an IDP (International Driving Permit). Click here to visit the AA website for more information on obtaining an IDP. Beyond 12 months you are required to convert to a New Zealand driving license.

You must ensure your license is current, you can only drive the same type of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country, and if your license is not in English you must bring a translated English copy or obtain a IDP. You must carry your license with you at all times when driving in New Zealand.

First up, before you even so much as look at a campervan, there are a few legal things you need to know about buying a vehicle in New Zealand. If nothing else you are legally entitled to at least fulfil the obligations listed below, however we strongly recommend you also take a look at our ‘What else should I know?’ section for a more comprehensive overview that will stand you in good stead.

Most of these items are covered in more depth elsewhere in our FAQ section, but here is a basic checklist to bear in mind when buying a vehicle:

1. When you buy or sell a vehicle, you should ensure it has a warrant of fitness (WoF) that is no more than one month old when the buyer takes possession.


2. If the vehicle is subject to road user charges, it should have a current RUC license (e.g. diesel vehicles are subject to RUC).


3. You will need to fill in a MR13A form to transfer the car's ownership. This will cost around $9.20 and can be done at any New Zealand Post Office. This must be done within seven days of the sale of the vehicle.


4. The VanExchange does not warrant, represent, authorise or endorse the reliability, accuracy or completeness of any of the vehicles listed on our site. Any sale or agreement is made between the buyer and seller independently of the VanExchange.

For more information on your legal responsibilities visit the Land Transport Safety Authority website at: http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/factsheets/41.html

Further to your legal obligations there are a host of other factors that you should consider when buying a vehicle:

• You will need to ensure that there is no money owing on the vehicle. In New Zealand motoring penalties (such as a parking or speeding fine) and outstanding debt finance (e.g. a hire purchase agreement) belong to the vehicle. Therefore if you buy a vehicle that the owner is still paying for, or has outstanding parking tickets on then you inherit that debt! You could even find yourself in a situation where the car is repossessed to repay the previous owners debts, or worse! For $3 you can check the vehicle with the Personal Property Securities Register (www.ppsr.govt.nz). Other useful websites include: www.lemoncheck.co.nz and www.autocheck.co.nz. You will need to provide details of the car’s registration, VIN and chassis number.
• It is recommended that the vehicle has a current vehicle licence (or exemption from licensing).
• To confirm a vehicle is not reported as stolen and is properly registered and licensed, you can complete a Request for motor vehicle details (form MR 31) at a Land Transport NZ agent. The fee is $2.25 (incl GST).
• Insurance is NOT compulsory, but we strongly recommend that you get third-party insurance.
• Before you buy, take the vehicle for an independent mechanical check – it may unearth problems you might not otherwise have spotted (unless you're a mechanic!). This may help you avoid buying a lemon, but it may also give you a good bargaining position if you find something minor, but still want to purchase the vehicle.
• If you’re planning on doing a lot of driving you may consider joining the Automobile Association (www.aa.co.nz). Membership in the AA has a lot of benefits including breakdown assistance, discounts and travel information.