This is one of the better-value options for three travellers. You get proper cooking facilities, plenty of storage, and separate beds without stepping up to a much larger campervan. The kitchen in the main cabin makes meal preparation much easier than basic sleepervans that have the kitchen area in the boot.
The roof bed gives you good flexibility for splitting costs with a third traveller or travelling as a couple with a child. Pack the bed away during the day so you have proper living space inside the vehicle. It's surprisingly comfortable for a budget camper — the practical layout makes day-to-day travel easy.
The trade-off is modern driving convenience. You're looking at a manual transmission, which may not suit everyone, particularly if you're unfamiliar with driving manual vehicles on New Zealand's winding roads. If you've only ever driven automatics, look at another option.
The camper setup itself is straightforward, making this a good choice for first-timers who are comfortable with manual transmission. Spend a few minutes learning how the roof bed works before you leave — it's simple once you've done it once, but knowing the setup process makes arriving at your first campsite much easier.
This vehicle isn't currently certified self-contained, so plan to use campgrounds and facilities where required. Check the vehicle for any existing damage and ask staff any setup questions before departing.