Child seats in New Zealand campervans
A child seat needs to fit your child and the campervan. Checking the seating arrangements before you book helps you choose a van your family can travel in safely.
Check the exact campervan before booking
For a family trip, confirm the child-seat arrangements for the exact model you're considering. The questions to ask the rental company are:
- How many child or booster seats can this model take, and in which seating positions?
- Can it fit a rear-facing child restraint if your child needs one?
- Does the restraint need a top tether, ISOFIX fittings or a particular seat belt, and does the van have the fittings it needs?
If you're bringing your own seat, its make and model will help the rental company check compatibility. Whānau Āwhina Plunket's guide to choosing a child restraint explains why both the restraint instructions and vehicle manual matter.
New Zealand child-restraint rules
Children under 7 must use an approved child restraint that suits their age and size. At age 7, they must use an approved restraint if one is available in the vehicle.
The legal age rules are only part of choosing a seat. Plunket recommends keeping children rear-facing for as long as their restraint's height and weight limits allow, and at least until age 2. For older children, it recommends a booster until they're 148cm tall and pass its five-step seat-belt fit test.
NZTA's child-restraint requirements cover the age rules and approved standards. Your chosen van's child-seat conditions are worth checking with the rental company too.
Hiring a seat or bringing your own
For hired seats, confirm the type, number, availability and full hire charge with your quote. Give our team each child's age, height and weight when you enquire, and say whether you'll need a seat or bring your own.
A seat brought from overseas must meet an approved New Zealand standard as well as fit the vehicle. Common approved markings include AS/NZS 1754, European ECE 44 or ECE 129, or US FMVSS 213 with the additional New Zealand 'S' mark. Plunket's standards guide shows the markings to look for.
Fitting the seat at pick-up
Follow the child restraint's instructions and the vehicle manual, including the permitted seating position and any required tether or other fittings. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in front of an active passenger airbag.
Allow time to check the fit before you leave the branch. If you're unsure, a child restraint technician can advise on the seat and its installation.
Part of the New Zealand campervan handbook.
Other questions?
Not sure which campervan to book for your family? Contact our team to talk through the options.