European Motorhome Suppliers

For direct import to NZ or European use before shipping

We are intermediaries - not dealers. We work for you.

Be aware that there are changes to the emission regulations on Jan 1st 2012 and Jan 1st 2013

 If you'd like us to source a new vehicle on your behalf, either for use in Europe before shipping, or for direct export to NZ, we're happy to help with this. Our buying power means that even with our fee you're still likely to pay less in total than if you simply purchased the vehicle directly yourself - and you'll have a lot less worry! We can help you find the model of your choice at the best possible price, organise it's tax-free purchase in the UK and arrange it's export and shipping to New Zealand. We are service providers - "Intermediaries" - and we work for you, acting on your behalf and with your interests as our only concern.  Contact us to discuss your particular requirements and we'll give you an obligation free quote. If you already own a vehicle in the UK, or have bought one ready to export, or you simply prefer to source one yourself, we can still assist with the procedure and organise everything required from drop-off in the UK to the on-road procedure here in NZ. We'll even have the electrical warrant done and the self containment sorted. Our fee for this is charged in two stages as the transaction progresses. The first payment of 50% is due when the vehicle is ready for shipping in the UK, the remaining 50% is due when everything is completed in New Zealand.

A substantial purchase like this from the other side of the world should only be made through known and trustworthy sources. We have built relationships with several long established and reliable motorhome suppliers in the UK. Because we're independent we can shop around to source your chosen model at the best possible price. Our independence also means we can source many makes and models. We have no vested interest in any particular marque and we won't try to influence you to buy one type ahead of another. 

Electrical and gas compliance, and Self Containment to NZ standards

It's not just getting it on the road that requires certification to NZ standards. If you ever want to plug in to the mains the mains electrical system has to be compliant and issued with a certificate after inspection. The gas appliances also require certification which meets the Ministry of Energy's requirements too. We can do all of this for you so that your vehicle is ready for use when you collect it from us. In addition we can carry out whatever modifications are required to meet the NZ Self Containment requirements and have it inspected and a Certificate issued. Costs for these services vary from one vehicle to the next as they all tend to be different but we're happy to quote when we know what is required for your particular motorhome. (Note that from 2013 it will be illegal to sell any gas appliance in New Zealand which has not been certified. This includes gas appliances fitted in motorhomes)

Comprehensive Service

Our aim is to remove all the hassle from the importation procedure and present you with the vehicle when it's ready for use in NZ. In most cases we hand over a motorhome which is not only on the road, but also has a four year Electrical Warrant of Fitness, all the gas appliances certified and a four year Self Containment Certificate.

When only the best will do - Hymer of Germany.

Using it in Europe?

If you wish to collect your vehicle in the UK we can have it in a "ready to go" condition awaiting your collection. In some circumstances we can even have you met at the airport on your arrival. Our aim is to make your purchase as pleasant as possible.

If you're heading for continental Europe take a look at our section about Euro Travel. 

If you've toured Europe and you're ready for home...

If your trip is complete we'll organise the vehicle's shipping back to New Zealand using specialist shippers. It will be carried below deck, out of the weather, on a purpose built vehicle carrier. On arrival in New Zealand we'll take the vehicle through the Transport Agency's compliance procedure and we can register it and deliver it to you if you wish.

How long does it take?

From the time you leave your motorhome in the UK we can generally have it in New Zealand and on the road in eight to twelve weeks, dependent mainly on compliance requirements on arrival.

Kentucky Camp

Rear Wheel Drive & Twin Wheels

on many models

What's the saving?

If this is done correctly, with tax concessions you're likely to save 15% to 25% on the retail price of an equivalent model new in New Zealand. On a $150,000 vehicle that's a lot of money!

You could do it all yourself...

It's true that you could organise all this yourself but there's a surprising amount of time involved. Even for us, with our established connections and knowledge of the system there are many hours of paperwork, many phone calls and faxes, and lots of emails to ensure it all goes smoothly.

For example, there's the paperwork to avoid British VAT. Before shipping you may have to find a place to have the vehicle steam cleaned, source a reliable shipping agent, organise Bills of Lading etc. 

Is it FOB or CFR on the ship? 

Where's the best place to insure it whilst in transit? 

What do you need for customs and MAF clearance when it arrives in NZ?

Is it best to use a Customs agent - do you know where to find one who's reasonable?

If you've decided to go to Europe to use the vehicle you'll be doing all this whilst you're 12,000 miles from home, travelling around and difficult to contact.

And this is just the beginning, you haven't even started with the complications of NZ certification. Motor homes are classified as modified vehicles and attract special attention from the NZ Transport Agency. Recent rule changes have made motorhome importation and certification much more complex than it was even quite recently. You'll need specification sheets from both the base vehicle manufacturer and the motorhome builder. If the chassis was made by a third party, such the German company AL-KO you'll need specifications from them too. Some of these documents may not be in English and will need authorised translations. It can all get very stressfull!

We can look after all this for you.

We can access most European makes.

Just one error in this complex procedure could cost you many times our fee

A word about imported motorhome compliance in New Zealand...
Compliance is becoming more and more complex. It doesn't matter that the company that built your vehicle builds ten thousand a year to European standards - the NZTA will still consider it to be a "Low Volume Vehicle" and may require it be inspected by a specialist engineer. This procedure differs depending on the maximum gross weight. Vehicle specifications are constantly changing and occasionally NZ requirements are out of line with European standards. Sometimes with minor modification this can be easily rectified - sometimes it can be extremely expensive. Obviously it's wise to avoid models requiring extensive alteration. Compliance has become a minefield of complex requirements. If you're thinking of going it alone we strongly recommend you do your homework very carefully in this area. Make sure you choose a vehicle which requires only minor modification for New Zealand compliance. There are some vehicles, particularly pre-2007, which don't comply and cannot be made to do so at any cost. Importing one of these would be financially catastrophic.*** See below.

What about used motorhomes?

We can access used vehicles, but because of the tax concessions enjoyed only on a new motorhome purchased in the UK and exported from the EC buying 'nearly new' can be more expensive than new. Generally, only vehicles older than about three years are cheaper than new but there are a lot of variables and there's no hard and fast rule. Talk to us if you wish to consider used vehicles. We have access to a large range including Hymer.

Note that only European diesel vehicles meeting Euro 4 emission standards can now be imported into New Zealand.*** 

This rules out almost all pre-2007 diesel vehicles.

*** In mid 2010 the NZ regulations regarding emission standards were relaxed for new immigrants or returning residents who had been outside NZ for more than twenty one months and who wished to import a vehicle which they had owned for more than twelve months.

Contact us for more details.

Telephone or email us and we'll have a look at your plans. We can discuss the best way to approach everything to suit your personal requirements. We pride ourselves in giving an individual service. Once you've arrived at a decision about the make and model you require we'll get back to you with a reasonably accurate costing which can be finalised when you confirm your order.

We look forward to being of service, and hope you'll allow us to help.

 
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" (Lao-tzu)

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