This post was translated into English by Roberto Rocha

New Zealand, is after all, the land of extreme sports. So it’s only fitting that taking risks is integral to the culture experience.

Instead of buying a car an sleeping in backpacker hostels every night, we decided on a campervan that converts into a bed. Bonus: you have your meals with a different natural landscape every night.

You can even give it a nickname and, if you’re a child of the 80s like us, you might fully realize your fantasy of living like a hippie for a month.

There’s a catch: at least in the North Island, it’s illegal to camp overnight in public areas (legend says the South is a lot more laid back). The independent traveler has to consent to paid campsites.

Of course, these are good for a warm shower and a clean kitchen so you can give the propane burner a break and do the dishes without squatting. But not every night: we want to sleep before the mountains, dine with an ocean view, fancy ourselves intrepid explorers, and  have no other light source beneath the stars.

And besides, we’re Brazilians. We never give up in the quest for saving a few clams, which we’ll reinvest in extreme sports market.

Here are our tips on how to dribble around the system:

1. Overcome the fear of getting caught

This is fundamental, and perhaps the easiest tip to apply. This is why: last night we were in Auckland for car-related paperwork and, to save on the hostel, we decided to sleep on the street, parked in a residential neighbourhood.

Like a good Brazilian girl, I was a bit on edge, fearing midnight hoodlums who would knock on our window with a .38. Roberto, like good semi-gringo, was worried about suspicious neighbours who might call the police.

But Auckland is calmer than church during Carnaval, and we woke up safe and sound. When in doubt, ask a local – preferably not an anal one – to suggest a street.

2. If you camp illegally, skip breakfast

One night we found an empty lot in a rural area, half-hidden by tall firs, no houses around, and no signs barring overnight stays. We called it home for one night.

But – remember – camping in public grounds in illegal in North Island. Said and one: in the morning, while we enjoyed coffee and cereal, the “bylaw officer” came by and politely informed us of our trespass.

We weren’t fined, but we learned our lesson: if you do something wrong, do it right. Leave early and quietly while the man is still asleep.

3. Use DOC campsites

In addition to the commercial sites, the DOC (Department of Conservation) runs about 120 campsites scattered around the country, almost always in gorgeous and isolated places: reserves, national parks, and forests.

The facilities are basic. At most, you get a faucet with running water, toilets, and a pit to make a fire. And the price is unbeatable: NZ$9 per person.

Detail: there’s usually no one working there. You leave the payment in a little “honesty box” at the entrance. As far as we saw, no one checked who paid and who didn’t.

4. An evil tip not at all endorsed by us

The private campsites charge around NZ$18 per person. Seems like a lot of money for just a level patch of grass if you just want a place to park and sleep.

Here’s the thing: after 8pm, the camp office usually closes and reopens at 8 the next morning. Yet the camp ground remains open for cars to enter and leave. In other words: you have a 12-hour window. But please don’t do this. It’s not right.

5. Get a solar shower and make use of public bathrooms

The biggest inconvenience of DIY cmaping is the lack of toilets and running water. You can reduce the B.O. factor, however, with a solar shower, essentially a sturdy plastic bag that warms water when you leave it out in the sun. It does provide a decent shower at the end of the day.

And there are always bathrooms at the beaches, gas stations, and roadside restaurants.

Handy tip: always keep a stock of water in the car for doing dishes, brushing teeth, boiling pasta water, etc.

6. Obvious tip that bears repeating

If this van is rocking, don’t come a-knocking.

Just don’t.