How to use your Cosmo Campervan

The Cosmo Campervan is the first Volkswagen campervan category in the Spaceships New Zealand fleet. European quality combined with Kiwi ingenuity has turned the Volkswagen T6 into a high-quality campervan that is perfect for off-the-grid camping.

The 3-berth campervan will be your spacious and comfortable home on wheels while exploring the outer space of New Zealand. A built-in kitchen, plenty of head-space and comfy beds make this VW campervan the ultimate camping machine. And as it the internal heating and induction stove runs on the diesel tank, it's the perfect year-round campervan.

Watch the instructional video below and download the Cosmo Instructions Manual (PDF) to hit the road fully prepared.

Discover the Cosmo VW Campervan

Explore New Zealand in style with the Cosmo VW Campervan, a modern twist on the iconic VW Transporter T6. This 3-berth, self-contained campervan is packed with everything you need for an epic road trip: a king-size bed, pop-top single bed, fully equipped kitchenette, portable toilet, and smart battery system for off-grid freedom.

• Sleeps & seats up to 3
• Automatic or manual transmission (select when making the booking)
• Diesel-powered with 6.9L/100km fuel efficiency
• Integrated fridge & cooking gear
• USB sockets & Bluetooth stereo
• 24/7 pick-up & no hidden fees

Perfect for couples, small groups, or solo adventurers, the Cosmo blends retro charm with cutting-edge comfort. Whether you're cruising the Coromandel coast or camping under the Southern Alps, this campervan is your home on wheels.

Get To Know The Cosmo VW

It’s time to blast off in the Cosmo VW! So before you land at the depot, here’s a quick rundown on all the epic features and how they’ll make your New Zealand road trip a memorable one.

Driving the Cosmo VW

Spaceships Cosmo VW comes in both automatic or manual transmission so be sure to choose the right one when booking. Both have the same features, just with a different gearbox. Before you take off, adjust the seat and mirrors (side & rear view), so you can comfortably see around the vehicle and reach the gas pedal and brakes. Make sure you know how to use the window wipers, air conditioning, lights and indicators so that you don’t have to search for them and lose focus while driving.

The Volkswagen campervan itself is a size up from the rest of our Toyota Estima fleet. It’s custom designed to give you more room to live in, but is still car-like to drive. The power steering and reversing camera take the guesswork out of parking and tight campsite manoeuvres so the extra size doesn't translate into a harder to drive vehicle. Up front, the cab seats three across meaning if you're travelling as a small group or family, no one is relegated to the back seat AKA everyone gets a say in the playlist!

Because the Cosmo VW runs on diesel, Road User Charges (RUCs) apply on top of your rental. These get calculated at drop off, not upfront. See our Advanced Support Station for how RUCs are calculated.

Sleeping in the Cosmo VW

The larger than a king size bed is fixed in the rear (2.0m x 1.65m), and long enough that taller travellers won’t need a bed extension. Because it’s fixed rather than a fold-out or a convertible bench, there’s no set up or pack down each day. 

Above it, the pop-top roof lifts from the inside to create standing room in the cabin along with an optional second bed in the loft (1.85m x 1.08m). It’s a good fit for couples, friends or small families who need more space than a regular 2-berth van.

All bedding is included, so there’s nothing extra to pack or hire before you hit the road. Just pick up the van, make up the bed once and you're ready for the entire trip.

Cook & Dine Cosmo Style

The interior kitchen is set up with a cooking kit along with a 2-ring hob, sink and a 75 litre fridge. Swivel the passenger seats around, clip in the removable table and the cab becomes a dining spot for breakfast or a desk if you need to get some remote work done. The hob & heater both run on diesel drawn straight from the van's diesel tank so it’s one simple fuel source for driving, cooking and staying warm. One thing to know is: keep at least a quarter tank (25%) of diesel at all times. If it’s lower, the hob or heater won’t start up. Treat a quarter tank as your real “low fuel” line, not empty.

Off-Grid Battery & Self-Contained Living

The smart leisure battery is what keeps the lights, fridge and USB charging points running when you're parked at a campground with no power hookup. The leisure battery safely lets you camp off-grid for extended periods of time so you can freedom camp at even the most remote NZ campsites. When you do want mains power, simply plug into the electric hook-up available at most paid holiday parks or campsites using the cord provided (make sure to always plug into the van first and unplug from the mains source first).

The Spaceships Cosmo VW has a fixed toilet on board, stored discreetly under the bed. Pull it out when needed and slide it back under the bed when you're done so it’s completely out of sight most of the time. Having the toilet and fresh/grey water systems means the Cosmo VW is Green Sticker certified self-contained.

Savvy Van Control

Above the kitchen sink sits a touchscreen control panel. Double tap to turn it on and the home screen gives you full control over the Cosmo VW’s systems. See battery life, fresh and grey water levels, controls for master power, water pump and the hob along with the lights all around the van.

Lighting is split into a few zones - roof lights and kitchen lights can be switched on individually, while other ring lights around the van are touch activated. Tap the “Master Lights” switch to turn all lights off at night. The water pump and kitchen hobs work in similar ways, press their button on before you turn the tap or hob on, and turn it off when you're finished using them.

Stay Connected

Pair your phone to the Bluetooth stereo and you've got music, podcasts and maps sorted for the driving stretches between stops. USB-A and USB-C sockets are fitted in multiple spots around the van, not just up front, so charging your phone doesn't mean giving up the driver's seat or fighting over the one plug. Between those and the smart touchscreen controls, staying connected on the road is one less thing to think about.