Have you considered installing a shower in your campervan? There is a lot of great information out there, but it isn't always focused on what's available in New Zealand. We think it is important to stick to what is available locally to ensure after sales service and support should something go wrong.
We have taken a dive into some of the things you need to know - from off-the-shelf fiberglass units, to DIY-friendly shower kits, and some custom options.
Why Add a Shower to Your Campervan?
If you think about your time as a vanlifer, there are a few things that can make life a little easier, and having your own built-in shower is one of them - giving you more freedom and flexibility to go where you want.
Whether you're chasing the breaks around Raglan or Dunedin, heading off-grid in the Catlins or simply road-tripping around the country, having your own RV shower means:
- No more reliance on public facilities
- Added value and self-containment compliance
Some setups are very basic and compact, others more spacious. What matters is having a shower that fits your van, water system and travel style.
So, what are the options?
Shower Cubicle vs Shower Pod – What's the Difference?
Campervan Shower Cubicle
A cubicle is a custom-built shower using plywood walls with waterproof shower lining glued to the interior. We usually see these in DIY builds although overseas, kits, like the Evomotion Kit, are available (but not available within New Zealand).
Campervan Shower Pod
A pod is a one-piece fibreglass box, typically moulded in a factory. It is fully sealed, lightweight, and much less likely to leak. You'll see these types of showers used in professional or commercial builds such as those in Vanlifer and other commercial motorhomes. Pods are more durable and the better option if you intend to use the shower a lot.
However, your choice depends on the space you have available, your budget, and what type of build complexity you are open to.
Three of the Best available in Popular Campervan Shower Cubicle Options
1. Vanlifer Fibreglass Shower Pod (NZ)
- Fully moulded one-piece pod
- Made in New Zealand
- No seams or silicone edges — minimising the risk of leaks
- Easy to clean, durable, and professional-grade
- Ideal for premium camper builds and self-contained setups
Contact Vanlifer for sizing and install support.
An insight into Vanlifer workshop - Building a fibreglass shower pod for a Fiat Ducato campervan in New Zealand
2. Gecko 700x700 Fibreglass Shower Cubicle (NZ)
- One-piece, UV-stable fibreglass shell
- Made in New Zealand
- Lightweight and waterproof with high-end finish
- External dims: 700mm x 700mm x 1850mm
- Great for permanent installations
- Other sizes available via Gecko's product catalogue
3. DIY RV Solutions Shower Cubicles (AU)
- ABS and fibreglass cubicles in several sizes
- Options for combined toilet and shower use
- Matching trays and waterproof shower mixers available
- Extensive install guides and layout advice provided
Note: While DIY RV Solutions does not ship to New Zealand, their range showcases common Australian layouts for inspiration and includes helpful installation resources.
Should You Include a Toilet in the Shower Cubicle?
We think it's worthwhile if your space and budget allows it, to go for a campervan shower toilet combo. This is ideal if:
- You want a Green Warrant (NZ self-containment certification)
- You wish to travel off-grid or freedom camp
- You are building a family camper or a camper to sometimes rent
While many shower cubicles are designed to include a campervan toilet or portable toilet, it does add complexity to ensure the combo is waterproof and the toilet is vented so it complies with New Zealand standards. This type of setup is often referred to as a "wet bath" in the RV world.
Space-Saving Tips for Campervan Showers
To ensure your shower makes the best use of the available space, we recommend:
- Installing a shower curtain on a track or use bifold doors
- Combining the shower and toilet in the same cubicle for a compact wet bath
- Using rotating or retractable shower mixer heads
- Adding a second drain point to the shower tray — so the water still drains when you are parked on uneven ground. For small vans (like Toyota Hiace or Nissan Caravan), a 600–700mm square footprint is a practical target.
If you are building a custom shower cubicle, note that many slimline trays may not fit. Consider having a custom stainless-steel tray made to suit your exact dimensions. For small campervans with toilets and shower, a hidden bathroom that doubles as storage when not in use can be a clever solution.
Water Requirements for Self-Containment in NZ
When you're off-grid, the last thing you want is to run out of water. Keep in mind that most showers will use 5–10 litres of water per minute, and a short 3-minute shower will use 15–30 litres of water.
You will therefore need at least two 100 litre tanks for your fresh and greywater disposal.
You will also need a gas or diesel water heater if you want instant hot water at a decent water pressure.
Proper water storage and management are crucial for a comfortable van life experience. Consider installing a greywater disposal system to manage your used shower water responsibly.
To have a water tank large enough to supply your showers, you need to opt for a fixed container (rather than portable tanks), located under the vehicle. Here, an external water tank installed by Vanlifer on a LDV Deliver 9 Campervan in New Zealand.
Installation Considerations
Whether you install a pod or a cubicle you need to consider the following when deciding where to locate your shower in your van:
- Access to plumbing and water lines for ongoing maintenance
- Weight distribution (fibreglass vs ABS vs composite)
- Access hatches for cleaning/maintenance
- Waterproofing and vapour barriers for moisture control
- Electrical isolation if you intend to fit a water heater
- Fibreglass pods are available in limited sizes
- Shower cubicles are less likely to leak if you build it with a stainless steel shower tray formed made to fit your space
DIY RV Solutions (diyrvsolutions.com.au) have an excellent installation guide on their website covering plumbing layout, drainage angles, tank placement, and venting systems.
Ventilation
Allowing moisture and humidity to build up in your shower will lead to mould or rot, especially if you are building a shower cubicle with plywood framing. To prevent this, we recommend:
- Installing a dedicated roof vent (e.g. MaxxFan or Fiamma TurboVent)
- Using passive wall vents if power is limited
- Consider installing 12V extractor fans on a timer for automatic ventilation
DIY RV Solutions recommend additional upper wall venting to reduce humidity build-up. Proper moisture control is essential for maintaining a healthy living environment in your campervan.
A roof vent installed by Vanlifer inside a LDV Deliver 9 Campervan in New Zealand.
Lighting
Since shower pods and cubicles are completely enclosed, they will often be dark inside.
We recommend installing a light within the pod or cubicle. Choose an IP-rated LED light (IP65 or higher) that resists steam and moisture. Install a sealed switch outside the wet area, or use a motion sensor for safety.
Shower with lighting inside a LDV Deliver campervan - installed by Vanlifer in New Zealand
Shower Door
Your shower door choice is important, as it needs to keep the water inside and provide a level of privacy. Options include:
- Shower curtains – widely available from outlets like Bunnings and The Warehouse. Affordable, lightweight, and easy to install. Great for temporary or compact setups
- Acrylic sliding doors – a more premium, rigid option
- Rollaway shower screens – like Camec's 1800 x 925mm model, ideal for a compact, retractable door solution
- Fabric shower doors – such as the ZipDour Insulated Shower Door, designed for overland and camper use, offering privacy and thermal insulation with a lightweight, zip-close design
- Magnetic seals or threshold lips – help prevent leaks
For those who enjoy DIY projects, creating a custom diy shower door can be a fun and cost-effective option.
The shower door is essential for preventing leaks and ensuring your privacy - Premium shower kit installed by Vanlifer in a LDV Deliver 9 campervan in New Zealand.
Vanlifer's Recommendation
At Vanlifer, we have installed dozens of showers – for rental fleets, for luxury off-grid campers, and for casual weekenders.
If you want a durable, low maintenance shower, then we recommend:
- Vanlifer's fibreglass pod shower, with or without a toilet, or
- Gecko's fibreglass pod shower.
Need help choosing or fitting a shower into your van? Get in touch.
💡 For those who prefer more flexibility, consider an outdoor shower setup. This can be a great option for beach trips or when you want to rinse off before entering your van.
Remember, whether you choose a built-in shower or an outdoor shower, having access to clean water and proper hygiene facilities can greatly enhance your van life experience.