If you’ve been searching for campervan conversion kits NZ or campervan conversions NZ, you’ll quickly discover two main pathways to turning a van into a mobile home: a ready-made campervan conversion kit or a custom campervan conversion. Both have their place, but the best choice depends on your budget, timeline, skills and travel needs.
At Vanlifer, we’ve built everything from flat-pack CNC kits to fully bespoke campervan fitouts in NZ, so we know the pros and cons of each. Here’s your complete guide.
A Nissan Serena fit out with Vanlifer's campervan conversion kits in NZ
Campervan Conversion Options in New Zealand
If you’re in New Zealand, there are currently only two main players producing true flat-pack style campervan conversion kits locally: Vanlifer and VanLab.
While imported kits are available online, these often require costly freight, may not meet New Zealand’s green warrant self-containment requirements, and may not be optimised for our road conditions.
Vanlifer stands out as the only local manufacturer whose kits are developed from years of fleet-tested experience. Every design has been refined through real-world use, ensuring practicality, durability and compliance. We welcome visitors to our Auckland workshop to see our kits in production, explore our demo vans, and talk directly with the team who design and build them. This transparency gives customers confidence in their purchase and the opportunity to see the quality first-hand.
VanLab offers modular flat-pack kits aimed at DIY vanlifers, but for those wanting proven layouts, professional craftsmanship and a chance to experience the product before buying, Vanlifer is the clear choice.
What is a Campervan Conversion Kit?
A campervan conversion kit is a pre-designed package that includes all the key components you need to transform your van into a livable space. These typically include a bed system, storage, kitchen bench, water tanks, and sometimes a power system.
Kits are designed for quick assembly, often using pre-drilled CNC-cut panels so even beginner DIYers can achieve a professional result.
Vanlifer's campervan conversion kits are easy to assemble - here, a Ford Transit fit out.
Benefits of Using Campervan Conversion Kits
Using a van to campervan conversion kit in NZ offers multiple advantages:
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Cost-Effective – Generally far cheaper than a custom build
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Quick Installation – Many can be installed in a weekend
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DIY-Friendly – Perfect for those with limited tools or woodworking experience
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Flexible – Modular designs can be removed, rearranged, or upgraded later
Limitations
Note that campervan conversion kits may have limitations:
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Less Personalisation – Limited to the set design
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Design Constraints – Styles and finishes may be fixed, and due to the amount of time spent designing kits, it’s hard for kit manufacturers to change the design
The Appeal of Custom Campervan Conversions
A custom campervan conversion is built from scratch to your exact specifications, either DIY or by a professional fitter like Vanlifer.
Advantages
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Fully tailored layout
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Higher-quality materials and finishes
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Integrated electrical and plumbing systems
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Greater comfort and insulation
Disadvantages
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Higher cost
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Longer build time
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Requires advanced skills if DIY
A example of custom campervan conversion by Vanlifer in New Zealand (LDV Deliver 9 Campervan).
Campervan Conversion Kits vs Custom Builds – Quick Comparison
|
Feature |
Campervan Conversion Kits |
Custom Campervan Conversions |
DIY Build from Scratch |
|
Cost |
Lower – design optimised for material savings, and manufacturers buy parts in bulk to save on material and hardware cost |
Higher – but can deliver exactly what you want if budget allows |
Can vary widely, but often ends up more expensive than expected due to tool purchases, mistakes, and rework |
|
Install Time |
Days – fastest option if you want to be on the road quickly. If Vanlifer installs your conversion kit, expect around 2–3 days for completion. |
Weeks to Months – depending on complexity and features. A fully custom campervan built by Vanlifer typically takes 4–8 weeks |
Months or longer – highly dependent on skill, tools, and available time |
|
Customisation |
Limited – designed for the most common use cases, making them practical and easy to resell |
Fully tailored – every detail built to your needs |
Fully tailored – but requires all design decisions and problem-solving to be done yourself |
|
Quality |
Consistent – professional manufacturing ensures parts fit and last |
Typically higher – especially if built by a company like Vanlifer. DIY custom builds often end up lower quality than a professionally made flat-pack kit |
Highly variable – can be excellent if you have advanced skills, but often lower quality than a kit or professional build |
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Skill Needed |
Minimal – ideal for DIYers who want to assemble rather than fabricate |
Advanced – best handled by a professional like Vanlifer to save time and ensure a high-quality finish |
Very high – requires carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and finishing skills, plus access to a well-equipped workshop |
|
Resale Value |
Moderate to High – because layouts suit the most common needs and are easier to sell |
Higher potential – if designed with broad appeal, but custom layouts for niche needs may be harder to sell |
Lower to Moderate – resale value depends on workmanship and whether the design appeals to a wide audience |
Recommendation: If you want to build your own van but don’t have advanced fabrication skills, a Vanlifer kit is the perfect middle ground – all the satisfaction of DIY without the months of complex work. For those who want a one-of-a-kind camper without lifting a finger, Vanlifer’s custom conversions deliver premium results. Only attempt a full DIY build from scratch if you have the time, tools, skills and patience to see it through.
You need some tools to install our conversion kits. If you have no DIY experience and no tools at home, we can take care of it in our Auckland workshop.
Vanlifer Campervan Conversion Kits NZ
We’ve used years of fleet-building experience to create kits that are durable, functional, and easy to install. Popular options include:
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ABEL Kit – Designed for the 5th generation Toyota Hiace, this kit maximises interior space with a fixed or convertible bed system, generous under-bed storage, and a compact kitchen unit. It’s ideal for couples or solo travellers wanting a balance between comfort and manoeuvrability.
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PIHA Kit – Perfect for rentals and weekend getaways, adaptable to some 4th gen Hiaces. Features a simple bed-and-storage layout, a rear-access kitchen, and easy-clean finishes, making it durable and low-maintenance.
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Ford Transit Kit – Designed for maximum storage and a comfortable 2-berth or 4-berth setup. Includes larger kitchen facilities, overhead lockers, and the option for additional seating or family sleeping arrangements.
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Mercedes Sprinter Kit – Optimised for larger layouts, long-distance travel, and premium fitouts. This kit offers expansive bench space, full-height storage, and the ability to integrate a bathroom or workspace.
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LDV Deliver 9 Kit – A spacious, high-roof option suited to larger builds or commercial conversions. Offers multiple layout possibilities, generous kitchen and storage areas, and is ideal for both 2-berth and 4-berth designs.
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Serena Kit – Designed for smaller vans like the Nissan Serena, this compact kit delivers a clever bed-and-storage system with an easily accessible rear kitchen, perfect for weekend escapes and short trips.
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Flat-Pack CNC Kits – Auckland-made and freighted nationwide, available for multiple van models. Each kit is precision-cut for easy DIY assembly and designed for green warrant self-containment compliance.
All kits are designed with green warrant self-containment in mind, and draw from our experience fitting out hundreds of vans to ensure the most practical layouts for New Zealand conditions.
See how easy it is to install our campervan conversion kits 👇
DIY Campervan Conversion Plans PDF – Worth It?
A DIY campervan conversion plans PDF can be a great alternative if you want to cut costs and enjoy building from scratch. Vanlifer is also working on plan PDFs, but these still require a lot of DIY skills and access to workshop tools, so they come with more complexity and risk of error.
Campervan Fitouts NZ – Professional Installation
We can install your kit or create a fully custom build, fitting out popular vans like Toyota Hiace, Nissan NV350, Ford Transit, LDV Deliver 9 and Mercedes Sprinter.
See our campervan conversions portfolio for an idea of what we can do for you.
Which Option is Best for You?
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Budget Tight? Choose a kit
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Need it Fast? Kits are quickest
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Want a Unique Layout? Go custom
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Love DIY? Kits or plans will suit you
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Require Green Warrant? Ensure compliance from the start
Final Take
Both campervan conversion kits and custom builds have their place.
✅ If you want speed, affordability, and simplicity, a Vanlifer conversion kit is hard to beat.
✅ If you want ultimate flexibility, a custom build will give you exactly what you’ve imagined.
Camper Van Builders Near Me
If you’re trying to find reliable “camper van builders near me” in New Zealand, Vanlifer is here to make your search easy.
We’ve earned a strong reputation for producing some of the most practical, durable, and road-ready conversions in the country, designed to handle New Zealand’s unique conditions. From our Auckland workshop, you can see exactly how our kits are made, meet the team who build them, and walk through our demo vans to get a feel for the layouts in person.
We provide campervan fitouts across the entire country, so you don’t need to be in Auckland to have a Vanlifer build. Our flat-pack kits are shipped from Northland to Invercargill, and we offer full installation services for those who prefer a professional finish. No matter where you’re based, Vanlifer makes it straightforward to get a high-quality, well-designed campervan conversion that’s ready for adventure.
Contact us to learn more about the custom options available!