Meg

Location: Meg's pick-up location is in Nelson town centre and only approx. 8km (10 mins drive) from Nelson airport. Arriving into Picton? There's an Intercity bus service that connects Picton and Nelson and if you’re driving your own car, it can be safely parked at the property (off-road) while you’re away.

In The Cab: 3 seats in cab up front (2 with 3-point seat belts and centre seat with lap belt); stereo with bluetooth connection

Kitchen Area: Meg has a simple but very effective layout with the kitchen space running behind the cab providing lots of storage, along with a timber countertop, tiled splashback and generous sink with electric pump tap.  There’s a 40L compressor fridge stored under the bed which slides out on runners. And for cooking, Meg has a 2-burner camping stove (with 2kg gas bottle) and all the essential utensils, pots, pans, knives, crockery and cutlery etc.

Dining/Living/Sleeping Area: Meg has an internal height of 1.65m – so standing room if you’re on the shorter side! The main feature of Meg is the generous fixed bed which measures 150cm x 190cm, basically the same width as a queen size bed. Such a a luxury in a compact van! There are also two shelving units for keeping things close to hand. Meg is insulated and has mid-weight curtains for privacy. Note: we list bedding and towels as Extras at the booking stage in case guests prefer to bring their own. There is storage space over the cab and of course, under the bed (accessed from the rear) where you’ll find two huge drawers.

Water Facilities: Like all Quirky Campers in NZ, Meg is certified self-contained… she has been upgraded to to meet the new regulations requiring a fixed toilet so is suitable for freedom camping. There are removable 25 litre fresh and grey water tanks. The toilet slides out from under the bed as needed.

Electrical/Lighting and Audio Equipment: Meg has a leisure battery charged via a roof-mounted solar panel and also while the engine is running which then powers the fridge, lights and an inverter with USB sockets for charging devices. There is also 240V camping lead available for use on powered campsites (essentially an extension lead that can be run through the window).

Type of Heating: Insulated but no other heating besides cab heater.

Outside: Meg has a 2.5m x 2.5m awning for that all-important shade as well as camping chairs, an outdoor table and a solar shower pack.

Conversion Story: Every handy boy needs a project on the go (and an excuse to buy new tools), and Hunter found Meg at the perfect time. I was a wee bit dubious that he could pull off the carpentry, electrical wiring and plumbing in his first fit-out, but I'm bloody proud to say he killed it! We chose this layout and all the little details after spending a lot of time living and travelling in other vans, and we reckon it's damn near perfect. Her name came about after a housesitting stint, where we fell in love with a crusty old dog called... Meg! Not to mention the strong resemblance to a very large, very silver shark - The Megalodon - Emma