A great night's sleep is the secret ingredient to an unforgettable New Zealand road trip. It's the difference between waking up refreshed and ready for a stunning hike, versus waking up exhausted and feeling like you've spent the night on a concrete floor.
But what does a good night's sleep in a motorhome actually look like? Campervan bedding in NZ can vary wildly between rental providers, and knowing what to look for is key.
Here at Wilderness, we believe the little things make a big impact. That's why our rental motorhomes come with a pre-made bed. After a long day of travelling, our guests can get straight into bed without wrestling with sheets and duvets. Instead, you can sink into our luxurious memory foam mattresses, stretch out and drift off to sleep. It's just one of the attention-to-detail promises made by Melanie Crichton, our Christchurch Detailing Leader, and her dedicated team.
"Knowing that your bed is already waiting after your day of memory-making is always welcoming," says Melanie. "You won't need to pull it out or build it up."
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything—with insights from Melanie about mattress quality and bed setups to what linen to expect—so you can choose a motorhome that guarantees restful nights on your adventure.
Part 1: The keys to campervan sleeping comfort: knowing what really matters
Before worrying about sheets and pillows, let's focus on the fundamentals that significantly impact your sleep quality.
Bed sizes and configurations
This is often a key decision point when choosing a motorhome. Understanding the different types of rental camper bed setups is crucial.
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Convertible beds: These are common in many campervans. They are dining or lounge areas that convert into beds each night. This requires daily setup and takedown, and you end up sleeping on seat cushions.
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Fixed beds: These are permanent beds, often at the rear of the motorhome or over the driver's cab. They are always ready for you and provide a consistent and more comfortable sleeping space.
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Drop-down beds: A clever space-saver, these beds lower from the ceiling with minimal effort, often allowing you to leave the duvet in place. They provide the comfort of a real mattress without taking up daytime floor space.
Bed sizes can range from single to king, though they may differ slightly from standard residential dimensions. Always check the measurements if you're tall or like to spread out.
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I love how we cater to young families' needs — including setting up the king bed so the kids can co-sleep with the whānau (family) Melanie Crichton |
The Wilderness standard: Your bed should always be a bed. We believe your holiday time is too precious for daily bed-making, which is why none of our motorhomes require you to convert your dining area to sleep.
Mattress quality and bed base
The mattress is the foundation of good sleep. In motorhomes, you'll typically find:
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Basic foam: An economical option offering fundamental cushioning.
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Springs: Provides good support and airflow, similar to a traditional mattress.
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High-density foam: A step up from basic foam, offering firmer support and durability.
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Memory foam: The premium option. It moulds to your body, relieves pressure on your joints, and minimises aches and stiffness—perfect after a long day of driving and exploring.
The bed base on which it rests is also important. Slatted frames offer better air circulation to prevent moisture buildup, while solid platforms provide firm support.
The Wilderness standard: A great mattress is non-negotiable for us. That's why every motorhome in our fleet features a premium memory foam mattress for a truly restorative, hotel-quality sleep.
Heating, ventilation and temperature control
A comfortable temperature is crucial for uninterrupted sleep, and this is where the quality of your motorhome makes a real difference. Many standard campervans lack proper insulation or a built-in central heating system, forcing you to rely on noisy, inefficient fan heaters that can leave you either too hot or still cold.
In contrast, a premium motorhome with full insulation and a quiet, ducted central heating system allows you to simply set your ideal temperature for a peaceful and cosy night's sleep.
Your pre-sleep parking checklist
Where you park for the night directly affects how well you sleep, so make sure you choose your campsite carefully and considerately. If you're freedom camping in towns, beware of your surroundings. Avoid parking close to businesses operating in hours that conflict with your sleep schedule.
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I once freedom camped in Raglan. I had just put my children to bed and was all set for a relaxed evening. That’s when the pub night two roads down from where I was parked kicked in! My kids were asleep and I didn’t want to wake them, so I just had to listen in on the show till 1 am. Renata — Wilderness’ Marketing team leader |
For a more settled night's sleep, try parking your motorhome in a sheltered spot. Tucking in beside a hill or some trees shields it from the wind, minimising noise and rocking.
Parking on a level surface is essential for a comfortable night without rolling to one side. It also helps the onboard appliances, like the refrigerator and water drainage systems, work properly.
Part 2: The nuts and bolts: Your NZ campervan bedding essentials
Once you've sorted out the fundamentals, it's time to look at the linen and other items included with your rental.
Motorhome linen options and inclusions
Most NZ rental operators provide a basic bedding set, which usually includes sheets, one or two pillows per person, and a duvet or blanket. However, the quality of these motorhome linen options can vary dramatically. Some offer basic kits, while premium operators provide higher-quality, hotel-style linen with softer sheets and more substantial duvets for a far more comfortable experience.
Cleaning and hygiene standards
Reputable motorhome rental operators follow strict cleaning protocols, which are crucial for holiday makers' comfort and peace of mind. Cheaper operators may have variable standards, so it's always worth checking reviews. At Wilderness, our detailing teams go the extra mile to ensure our guests enjoy a meticulously clean motorhome.
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When a motorhome returns from hire, every piece of linen, from the sheets to the mattress protectors, is stripped out and laundered in a high-temperature hot wash. After machine drying, all bedding is meticulously inspected, sorted and stored in our dedicated, clean laundry room. We ensure every guest starts their adventure with clean, fresh, hygienic bedding. Melanie Crichton |
Storage space for bedding
If you have extra blankets or simply want to keep things tidy, clever storage is a must. Motorhomes with permanently fixed beds have a huge advantage, as they free up cupboards and lockers for your personal gear instead of bulky bedding.
"With a fixed, made-up bed, you'll find more cupboard space available," says Melanie. "Your linen will be neatly stored, providing plenty of space for your personal gear."
Your adventure starts with a great night's sleep
Your time exploring New Zealand is precious. By choosing a motorhome with the right campervan bedding for your needs, you ensure that your adventure begins with energy and excitement every day. You'll be ready for more hiking, exploring and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready for a holiday where your rest is as memorable as your adventures? Sleep as comfortably as you would in a hotel—right in your motorhome. Book your Wilderness adventure today.
Check out our guide to choosing a Wilderness motorhome — which highlights a number of benefits, including the convenience of made-up beds.
