A Question for the Kiwis amongst Us - Importing an Motorhome to NZ WOF vs COF

[orridge]

Hi

A question for the Kiwis amongst us. We are looking to move back to New Zealand next year and looking an importing either a new or used Motorhome.

What are peoples thoughts on keeping under 3500kgs and therefore going with the Annual Warrant of Fitness vs over 3500kgs and needing to go with COF which is checked twice a year.

As I understand RUC charges are applicable either way if the Motorhome is Diesel ?

Secondly Gas Options I assume no point in bringing back Gaslow or fixed LPG tanks as they would need to be NZ Gas certified so is it just swop and replace bottles as you would with a BBQ at Bunnings etc or having the service station refilling for you ?

Cheers.

 

[tanex]

We found our MH in Germany and went for one under 3500 and glad we did.
WOF is no hardship.
it will need to be a clean diesel unless 20 years old
Lots of hurdles to jump through when you get it here so get all the paperwork you can
In our case HYMER were very helpful
Gave our gas bottles away at southhampton docks
No use in NZ
Yes Bunnings sell them and stations fill them
If you want to go places here get 4WD or at least RWD

 

[orridge]

Did you buy new or used from Germany ? LHD or RHD ?

Looking like WOF is preferred option as only Annual and less cost but more options with a heavily plated van.

Still trying to work out if Personal Export (VAT Free) and Duty/GST depreciation is better than owning for 12 months and import Duty/GST free as returning migrants.

 

[Blue Knight]

I could be wrong but I do get the impression that the Kiwi authorities are quite well versed in stopping motorhomes for weight checks etc. I also don't think that much allowance is given for being over your registered weight or axle weights.

Here's a very recent example of a Kiwi MoHo owner who is worried about his new Autotrail Tracker FB:

 

[orridge]

Weight per say is not so much of the issue but the equivalent of our UK Mot has two flavours the standard car version WOF (Warrant of Fitness) which is annually after the first 3 years and applies to motorhomes under 3500 and costs about $63 or COF (Certificate of Fitness) which is every 6 months and costs $150.

So cost wise compliance is 300 per year for a heavier vehicle but is that the only consideration.

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[KiwiKampers]

I have heard recently that NZ will no longer allow motorhomes into the country with sideways-fitted seat belts for passengers sitting in the back. They must be forward or rear facing.
Also, if a Motorhome has more berths than seatbelts, either the excess berths must be permanently removed or additional seatbelts must be retro fitted.
Take a look at www.nzta.govt.nz section entitled seatbelts in motorhomes.

 

[orridge]

I have heard recently that NZ will no longer allow motorhomes into the country with sideways-fitted seat belts for passengers sitting in the back. They must be forward or rear facing.
Also, if a Motorhome has more berths than seatbelts, either the excess berths must be permanently removed or additional seatbelts must be retro fitted.
Take a look at www.nzta.govt.nz section entitled seatbelts in motorhomes.

I expect we are ok as looking at models that are sold in New Zealand by the Manufacturer and have 4 berths and 4 seatbelts, they do have a model with sideways seats but not looking at that.

 

[tanex]

Yes things are quite strict down here
Get as much info before you ship and if it is of any age it will be subjected to rigorous examination and each test costs. Our Hymer was LHD and Euro 4 but as it was 20 years old it was allowed to be registered. And yes the S520 is under 3500. We live here on the coast of the South Island and have a Domain next to our property where self contained vehicles come and go. We mainly see "whizz-bangs" which are the small Japanese vans with sliding doors which carry a portable toilet that qualifies as a "self contained" vehicle.
Spoke to a chap with a large Dethleff that was grounding out on the front suspension. It was sold to him as a 3500 MH but when he had it weighed with wife water etc it was well over. He managed to get a full refund.
And correct about side facing seats not being allowed.
Yes we bought a LHD as the model we have in RHD did not change wiper location and it does rain here.
There is great variety in the South Island so arriving in CHCHCH would be a good idea and you can either go North on the coast or South.
Plenty of places to pull over