Mad Campers – Mad 1 NZ

Mad Campers Mad 1 New Zealand – The compact solo camper for independent adventurers

Quick Overview

Seats

2

Sleeps

1

Transmission

Automatic

The Mad 1 from Mad Campers is New Zealand’s first self-sufficient single-berth campervan, perfectly tailored for solo travelers. Compact like a car based on a Nissan Cube (or similar), it offers maximum comfort at a minimum price – ideal for budget-conscious independent adventurers.

✅ Ideal for solo adventurers & savers
One-person camper with permanent single bed (2.12 m × 0.70 m) – no daily conversion necessary

Compact & environmentally friendly
Easy to drive: Automatic, 1.5 l petrol engine, fuel consumption approx. 8 l/100 km, lower CO₂ footprint
Dimensions approx. 4.1 × 1.7 × 1.7 m – fits effortlessly into any parking space and narrow mountain slopes

Life on the road – Kitchen & technology
Kitchenette with 2-burner gas hob, 10 l compressor refrigerator, sink with 2 m hose
17 l fresh water tank and 17.5 l waste water tank; additional battery for refrigerator, LED light and USB ports

️ Living & sleeping
Permanent, comfortable single bed – no need to move the bed
Additional seat in the rear with seat belt – possible for short journeys

️ Extras, comfort & safety
Airbag, ABS, front air conditioning, Bluetooth stereo, interior LEDs, curtains
Self-sufficiency and freedom camping with cassette toilet (10 l), fresh water and waste water
Breakdown service, automatic transmission, TÜV-tested & environmentally conscious

Conclusion – pure freedom for solo travelers
The Mad 1 is perfect for solo travelers who want to discover New Zealand self-sufficiently, inexpensively and flexibly – without sacrificing cooking facilities, a shower or toilet. Compact, economical and cleverly equipped, it is the ideal choice for adventurous people with a minimal budget.

Tip: Ideal for freedom camping and solo adventures – a comfortable introduction to van life without great luxury.

Note: Equipment and vehicle variants (model year, kitchen layout, technology) may vary.

Features

  • Honda Mobilio or similar
  • 2004 or newer
  • 2004 or newer
  • Automatic transmission
  • Gasoline
  • 12V
  • 4.10m x 1.70m x 1.70m
  • not relevant
  • 2.12m x 0.70m
  • from 21 years

Equipment

  • Kitchen with portable gas stove
  • 10L refrigerator
  • 17L fresh water tank
  • 17.5L waste water tank
  • Air conditioning and heating in driver's cab
  • Alarm system/immobilizer
  • 10L Toilet
  • Bluetooth, AUX, radio & USB
  • Water hose 2m

What's included

  • Kitchen equipment
  • Full gas cylinder (can be returned empty)
  • Bed linen and towels
  • Unlimited kilometers
  • Roadside assistance
  • Alarm system

Optional Extras

  • Camping chair - $1 per day (max. 15$)
  • Camping table - $3.50 per day (max. 40$)
  • USB fan - $0.50 per day (max. 10$)
  • Fleece blanket - $1.50 per day (max. 20$)
  • Fly net - $0.50 per day (max. 10$)

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    Maleen A.
    Von der ersten Anfrage bis zur Buchung ein rundum super Service. Wir wurden sehr gut beraten und fühlten uns zu jeder Zeit gut aufgehoben. Danke für die Mühe und die tolle Beratung. Wir würden hier wieder buchen.
    Tamara R.
    Super einfache Tourenbuchung mit top Beratung. Kann ich jedem nur empfehlen:)

    Camper FAQs

    Both are possible in Australia – it’s all in the mix!

    Campsites offer you comfort: electricity, showers, kitchens and often a nice community atmosphere.
    🚐 Freedom camping is ideal for anyone who likes to travel independently and inexpensively – but beware: overnight stays are only permitted in designated areas and vary from state to state.

    We recommend a good combination of both in order to travel flexibly and relaxed.

    👉 You can find all the tips and information on how free camping works legally, safely and stress-free in our blog:
    Free camping in Australia – how to do it legally, relaxed & free of charge

    Australia is a popular travel destination – especially during the school vacations, in summer (Dec-Feb) and spring (Sep-Nov) it can quickly become scarce. We recommend this especially for routes with one-way rentals or special camper models:

    🕒 The earlier the better – 6+ months in advance is ideal
    In the short term, many providers may already be fully booked or only more expensive options may be available.

    👉 You can find more tips on the best time to book in our blog article:
    What you should book well in advance – your Australian adventure

    The battery life depends on the type of vehicle and how it is used. On average, the following applies:

    1-3 nights self-sufficient – then the vehicle should be reconnected to the power grid (e.g. at a campsite).

    🚐 Important to know:
    The on-board battery is only fully recharged while driving (slightly) or when connected to the mains.

    ☀️ Some campers also have a solar panel that supports the battery when parked – ideal for short stops without a power connection. Nevertheless, we recommend:
    🔌 Connect to the mains every 2-3 nights – to ensure that the fridge, lights etc. run smoothly.

    🚐 With a standard camper (2WD), you may only drive on paved roads.
    This means: paved roads or partially well-maintained access roads to official campsites or tourist attractions (depending on the provider).

    🌄 O nly with a 4WD camper are you allowed to deviate from paved roads and drive on gravel or off-road routes.
    But be careful:
    For certain routes (e.g. Gibb River Road, Oodnadatta Track, Cape Leveque Road), written permission from the rental company is often required – and not all providers allow beach drives or river crossings.

    💬 O ur tip: If you’re planning an off-road adventure, just let us know – we’ll tell you which routes are permitted and which campers are suitable.

    💳 Yes, a credit card is required to collect the vehicle.

    Even if you can pay for your booking with Ausventure Travel conveniently by credit card or bank transfer, all rental companies require a valid credit card on collection.

    This is required in order to:

    • pre-authorize the deposit (liability sum)(depending on the insurance package selected),
    • to charge any additional fees such as tolls, fines or fuel costs retrospectively.

    💡 Tip: A prepaid credit card or debit card is not accepted in most cases. Make sure that your credit card is valid at the time of collection and has a sufficient limit.

    You can choose between different insurance packages – depending on how much security and comfort you want for your trip:

    🟥 Risk package (standard)
    This option is included in the basic price. It includes a higher excess (liability), which is payable in the event of damage – regardless of who is at fault.
    💡 Important: The full liability amount will be blocked on your credit card as a deposit when you collect the vehicle.

    🟩 Premium package
    Our most popular option: This package significantly reduces liability – in many cases even to $0. At the same time, you benefit from many practical extras such as:
    ✔️ Camping chairs & table
    ✔️ Child seats (on request)
    ✔️ Second driver included
    ✔️ Additional insurance for e.g. tires, windscreen, single vehicle accidents (depending on provider)

    💬 O ur tip: The premium package not only offers more protection, but often also the best value for money.

    If you are unsure which package suits you best, we will be happy to advise you personally!

    The perfect camper depends entirely on your personal travel plans. The more clearly you know what you want, the easier the decision will be. It’s best to ask yourself a few basic questions:

    What is my budget?
    How many people are traveling with me – and how many beds do I need?
    Do I absolutely need a shower & toilet in the vehicle?
    (In Australia there are campsites with all amenities almost everywhere!)
    Is there anything I would definitely not want to do without? (e.g. headroom, automatic system, solar system, etc.)
    Where do I want to travel to? (For some routes you need a 4WD, for example)

    You’ll find all the important information about features and functions in the individual offer we send you. And if you’re unsure – just write to us! We’ll be happy to go through the right options with you personally.

    👉 Still unsure? You can find more tips in our blog:
    Which camper is right for me?

    As a rule, you must be at least 21 years old to rent a camper.
    However, some of our partners also allow trips from the age of 18 – provided you have a full driving license in English or an Australian P2 driving license (Green P Plate).

    Please note:
    👶 Restrictions sometimes apply to young drivers when choosing a vehicle
    💰 Afee may apply

    We will be happy to tell you which options are available for your age!

    Mad Campers – Mad 1 NZ
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