Featured Van: Nicole’s Ex-Ambulance Mercedes Sprinter Conversion

When it comes to unique van conversions, this ex-ambulance Mercedes-Benz Sprinter campervan is one of our favourites. Nicole and her partner returned to New Zealand with fresh memories of European van travel and a clear vision for their next adventure rig. They wanted a compact Mercedes Sprinter campervan that could brave Wellington's wild weather, store dripping wetsuits and kitesurfing gear, and still feel calm and light inside.

Off-the-shelf van layouts didn't cut it—so we helped them transform a decommissioned Sprinter ambulance into a fully self-contained, off-grid-ready campervan with a Scandinavian feel, built for coastal weekends and stormy road trips alike.

The Vision: Smart Layouts, Minimal Design, Maximum Useability

Nicole's brief for the van conversion was clear:

• Keep wet gear isolated from the sleeping and kitchen zones
• Make space for two adults and a full-sized Vizsla dog
• Design a camper interior that felt like a peaceful cabin, not a cramped vehicle
• Include everything needed for off-grid escapes: power, water, ventilation, and heating

Standout Features of This Mercedes Sprinter Campervan Conversion

1. Scandinavian-Inspired Birch-Ply Interior with Custom Cabinetry

Every detail in this Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was designed to feel warm, clean and practical. We lined the interior with clear-coated birch plywood—from the overhead lockers to the bench seating and slide-out dining table. Our custom cabinetry, paired with soft blue upholstery and crisp white joinery, bounces natural light through the space and creates a modern, Scandi-style tiny home on wheels.

Durable laminated benchtops and a commercial-grade vinyl floor mean you can bring in sandy feet or wet gear without worry—this camper is made for real use, not just for show. The addition of alpine windows enhances natural light and provides stunning views during travels.

2. Rear Wetsuit Locker & Kiteboard Garage

No more soggy towels or musty gear in the living space. This van features a sealed rear wetsuit locker with drainage, so wetsuits and wetshoes can dry out of sight. Above that, a custom rack system with custom brackets holds two full-sized kiteboards securely in place, even in strong crosswinds—ideal for kitesurfers, surfers or paddleboarders.

3. Flexible Lounge-to-Bed Setup

By day, the dual bench seating offers a roomy social zone for map planning, remote work or meals. At night, they slide together quickly to form a sideways queen-size bed—plenty of room for two people over 6 feet tall, plus space for their dog to stretch out in the centre aisle.

The foam cushions were custom-cut to fit perfectly, providing a comfortable and supportive sleep without the hassle of constantly converting between lounge and bed. A bulkhead door separates this area from the front cab, enhancing privacy and insulation.

4. Heating, Cooling & Ventilation for Optimal Air Quality

This Mercedes Sprinter campervan is ready for any climate. A Webasto diesel heater keeps things cosy through the South Island's colder nights, while the MaxxAir Deluxe roof fan brings in fresh air and vents steam and cooking smells, maintaining excellent air quality. These units are quiet, efficient, and easy to operate—making spontaneous overnight trips a breeze.

5. Off-Grid Kitchen & Water System

The kitchen is designed for simplicity and self-sufficiency. It includes:

• A two-burner gas hob (perfect for post-surf coffees and one-pot dinners)
• A deep stainless-steel sink with a quality Dometic tap unit
• A 50L Dometic fridge to keep essentials chilled without draining the battery
• Twin under-chassis water tanks (50L fresh, 50L grey) for full compliance with New Zealand's self-containment regulations
• A rear shower unit, ideal for rinsing sandy feet or cleaning off gear at the beach
• A compact water heater for comfortable washing, even off-grid
• A composting toilet, further enhancing the van's self-contained capabilities

6. Campervan Electrical System with Dual Batteries and Solar Energy

To stay powered off-grid, this Mercedes-Benz Sprinter campervan uses a dual 120Ah AGM battery setup with a campsite hook-up option. Charging is controlled via a reliable Hella Marine switch panel, and there are multiple USB and 12V points throughout the cabin to keep devices charged on the go.

The van's roof is equipped with solar panels, harnessing solar energy to keep the batteries topped up during extended off-grid adventures. LED lighting throughout the interior provides energy-efficient illumination, creating a warm ambiance while minimizing power consumption.

This thoughtful van conversion transforms a utilitarian Mercedes-Benz Sprinter into a cozy, functional home on wheels, perfect for adventurers who value both style and practicality in their travels.

Quick Spec Overview

What Nicole Had to Say

“Firstly, just wanted to say how awesome the camper has turned out… we are super happy with the layout and space and it looks great. The fan is really awesome too, totally recommend this one for sure.” — Nicole

Interested in Building Your Own Ex-Ambulance Camper?

Former ambulances like the Mercedes Sprinter make excellent donor vehicles for camper conversions. They're usually well-maintained, already lined and insulated, and often come with extra headroom or electrical setups. If you’re looking to start your own campervan build in New Zealand, we can help.

Whether you’re a surfer, cyclist, kiteboarder, or just want a van that feels more cabin than cargo, Vanlifer can help bring your custom camper vision to life.