We pressed pause on our six month New Zealand motorhome trip to fly back to Australia for the weekend to attend my cousin’s wedding.

The 3.5-hour flight from Auckland to Brisbane went smoothly, and thankfully the two hour time difference didn’t throw the kids off. By 8:30am we were off the plane and heading straight to Hippie Campers to collect our hire vehicle.

A Free Upgrade Surprise

We’d booked a budget friendly Toyota Hiace campervan for the weekend ($492 hire cost), fully prepared to “rough it” with our two kids, aged one and four since it was just for the weekend.

BUT when we arrived, the woman at the counter looked at Shaun and said:

“You’re the one with the free upgrade.”

Shaun’s face lit up instantly. Instead of the tiny van we’d been mentally preparing for, we were handed the keys to a 2024 Mercedes Maui motorhome—basically the penthouse suite of campers!

To make it even better, it had almost the exact same layout as our motorhome back in New Zealand, so we felt right at home.

Why the Motorhome Was a Game-Changer

The wedding was held on my cousin’s grandparents’ farm, with lots of guests camping on-site. Having the motorhome made things so much easier with kids.

We had:

• Our own toilet and shower
• A kitchen to cook meals
• Comfortable beds for naps and nighttime

This meant no late night drives back to town or packing the kids up early. The little ones could sleep while we ducked back out to the dance floor to celebrate with everyone.

What It Really Cost Us

Here’s the breakdown of our weekend expenses (all in AUD):

• $1,710 – Flights (Auckland to Brisbane return)
• $492 – Motorhome hire (Toyota Hiace, before upgrade to the Maui)
• $390 – Insurance + refill package (worth every cent – see below why!)
• $80 – Car seat hire for the kids
• $500 – Speeding fine (ouch!)

Why Insurance Was Worth It

We’re so glad we took out the insurance. After we picked up the van, first things first – a grocery run! After packing the cupboards, I forgot to lock one of the drawers. It slid out while driving, smashed the glass shower door, and would’ve been an expensive fix.

Luckily, the insurance covered it with no excess – thank goodness!!

The Not-So-Fun Part

On the way back to Brisbane Airport, Shaun missed a speed limit drop from 100km/h to 80km/h. With cruise control still set, we were clocked going 17km over.

That mistake cost us a $500 fine, an expensive reminder to always watch speed signs in Australia.

Would We Recommend It?

Absolutely 100%! Even just for a weekend trip or event, hiring a motorhome is brilliant.

It gave us:

• Flexibility and comfort
• A home on wheels that worked for everyone
• Beds for the kids to nap while on the road
• Less stress about logistics

For us, it was the perfect way to enjoy the wedding without missing out on the fun.

Tips for Hiring a Motorhome in Australia

• Book early for the best price – We paid $492 for a 3 night weekend hire, but prices can vary a lot.
• Check what’s included – Our van came with all bedding, pillows, and cooking gear.
• Consider insurance – It added $390, but it saved us from a costly repair when the shower door smashed.
• Car seats for kids – You can hire them (we paid $80 for two), or bring your own if you’re flying.
• Watch the speed limits – They can change suddenly, especially near towns, and fines are steep (learn from our mistake).
• Perfect for short trips – Even for just a weekend, it was worth it. No packing/unpacking for hotels, just drive away with your home on wheels.

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If you have any questions, send us a message over on our instagram!

❤ Britt
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