Spaceships Cosmo VW Review: A New Generation of Campervan
Updated: Sep 29
Spaceships Rentals has added something very different to its fleet. The new Spaceships Cosmo VW is a move away from the compact, car-based campervans the company has become known for, bringing a more spacious and premium campervan experience to the Spaceships range.
Based on a Volkswagen Transporter, the Cosmo combines the familiar ease of a relatively compact campervan with many of the features you'd normally associate with a larger motorhome. There's a pop-top sleeping area, a spacious rear bed, fixed kitchen, 75-litre fridge, onboard toilet, solar power and certified self-containment.
For couples in particular, the Cosmo is an interesting proposition. It's still small enough to explore New Zealand without the bulk of a large motorhome, but offers considerably more space and facilities than the traditional compact campervans in the Spaceships fleet.
The arrival of the Cosmo VW also puts Spaceships into more direct competition with a growing range of small, premium campervans in New Zealand, including vehicles from operators such as Big Little Campers. So, what exactly does the new Cosmo VW offer, and who is it likely to suit? Let's take a closer look, and if you decide the Cosmo is right for you, you can book it online here.
Meet the Spaceships Cosmo VW
At first glance, the Cosmo VW looks like a very different kind of Spaceships campervan. Gone is the familiar compact Toyota-based platform that has defined the brand's fleet for years. In its place is a Volkswagen Transporter — longer, roomier and with a distinctly more premium feel.
But the Cosmo hasn't strayed too far from the idea that made Spaceships popular in the first place. It's still a relatively compact campervan that's designed to be easy to drive and explore in, rather than a full-sized motorhome that feels like you're piloting a small bus.
The difference is what happens once you open the sliding door. Inside, the Cosmo has been designed to make better use of its extra space, with a spacious rear sleeping area, pop-top bed, proper kitchen, generous 75-litre fridge and an onboard toilet. It's also certified self-contained, giving travellers more flexibility when it comes to choosing where to spend the night.
It's a combination that puts the Cosmo into an interesting space in the New Zealand campervan market: small enough for winding roads, busy towns and everyday driving, but equipped for the kind of longer, more adventurous road trips where having a little more room can make a big difference.
For Spaceships, it's a significant step into the premium compact campervan market, competing head to head with the likes of Big Little Campers, and for travellers, it creates another option somewhere between a traditional small campervan and a much larger motorhome.
The VW Transporter Base Vehicle
Before we dive inside the Cosmo, let's take a look at the vehicle it's built on.
The biggest differences between the Cosmo and the rest of the Spaceships Rentals fleet is hiding in plain sight. Rather than being built around the smaller Toyota-based vehicles Spaceships has traditionally used, the Cosmo starts life as a Volkswagen Transporter, a van that has become something of a favourite among campervan converters around the world.
That slightly larger base gives the Cosmo a more substantial presence on the road, but it doesn't turn it into a cumbersome motorhome. At around 4.9 metres long, it's still relatively compact by campervan standards, making it practical for exploring the South Island's towns, winding back roads and scenic highways.
Behind the wheel, the difference is noticeable. The higher driving position and more spacious cabin give the Cosmo a distinctly van-like feel, while the automatic transmission available on the vehicle makes everyday driving straightforward. There's also plenty of glass around the cabin, giving you a good view of the road ahead, something you'll appreciate when navigating unfamiliar roads or pulling into a new campsite.
It's a useful balance for a New Zealand road trip. You get the extra road presence, space and comfort of a proper campervan base vehicle without stepping up to the size of a large motorhome.
And that distinction is important. The Cosmo's appeal isn't simply that it's bigger than a traditional Spaceships van, it's that the additional size has been used to create a more capable travelling space, one that feels just as suited to a few days exploring the South Island as it does to a multi-week adventure.
Of course, moving to a larger van does come with a few compromises. The Cosmo won't feel quite as nimble as a small car-based campervan, particularly when squeezing into tight parking spaces or navigating narrow urban streets. That said, it's still far more nimble than the larger motorhomes you'll find from the likes of Britz and Maui.
Inside the Spaceships Cosmo VW
If the VW Transporter gives the Cosmo a more substantial presence on the road, it's inside where that extra size really starts to earn its keep. Spaceships has used the additional room to create a campervan that feels less like a vehicle you've adapted for sleeping in, and more like a compact home on wheels.
The layout is built around making the most of the space. At the rear is a generous king-size bed, measuring 2.0m by 1.65m, while a second sleeping area is tucked into the pop-top above. During the day, the living space can be opened up, giving you room to sit, cook, eat and relax without everything having to be packed away.
A proper kitchen for life on the road
The kitchen is another area where the Cosmo moves beyond the traditional compact campervan. There's a fixed cooking area with the facilities you need to prepare everything from a quick breakfast before hitting the road to a proper dinner after a day exploring.
A 75-litre fridge provides plenty of space for keeping food and drinks cold, which becomes particularly useful when you're heading somewhere remote and don't want to rely on finding a supermarket every day.
There's also something wonderfully liberating about being able to pull into a scenic spot, open the doors and make lunch without having to unpack half the van first.
Sleeping upstairs
The pop-top adds another dimension to the Cosmo. When it's time to turn in, the roof lifts to create a second sleeping area, allowing the van to accommodate up to three people.
For couples, the upper bed can also provide an alternative sleeping space when travelling with friends or family. More importantly, the pop-top adds headroom and a sense of openness to the interior during the day, helping the Cosmo feel considerably more spacious than its exterior dimensions might suggest.
A space to actually spend time in
The Cosmo is designed for more than simply getting from one campsite to the next. The front seats swivel into the living area, creating a more social space where you can sit, eat and plan the next day's adventure.
And that's perhaps the biggest difference between the Cosmo and the smaller campervans Spaceships is known for. This is a van designed with the idea that you'll actually live in it for a while.
That's particularly appealing in New Zealand, where the weather doesn't always cooperate with the itinerary. When the rain rolls in across the West Coast or the wind picks up around the Southern Alps, having somewhere comfortable to retreat to can make all the difference.
With its combination of sleeping space, kitchen, fridge and living area, the Cosmo feels ready for those longer stretches on the road, where the van itself becomes as much a part of the adventure as the places you're travelling through.
Is the Spaceships Cosmo VW Self-Contained?
Yes. One of the biggest points of difference with the Cosmo VW is that it is certified self-contained. But hirers need to make sure they understand the type of on board toilet that the Cosmo VW is fitted with.
The toilet in the Cosmo VW is a small chemical toilet, the toilet slides out of a compartment in the main cabin under the internal seating - there is no seperate toilet room - you are doing your business right in the main cabin of the van. In reality, the toilet is just for emergency use as it's not a discrete option at all.
That said, it does comply with New Zealand's self containment regulations, and for anyone planning to explore New Zealand by campervan, that's more than just a tick on the specifications sheet. Self-containment gives you greater flexibility when choosing where to stay, particularly when you're travelling beyond the main tourist centres and want to spend a night somewhere a little more off the beaten track.
That makes a noticeable difference to the way you can travel. You can head out for the day without having to plan your route around the next campground with toilet and kitchen facilities, and you have more options when choosing where to stop for the night.
What does self-contained mean in New Zealand?
It's worth making an important distinction here: being certified self-contained doesn't mean you can freedom camp wherever you like.
New Zealand has specific rules around freedom camping, and local councils and landowners can impose restrictions on where vehicles can stay overnight. Some areas allow self-contained vehicles to freedom camp, while others prohibit it or have designated areas with their own conditions.
So the Cosmo's certification shouldn't be viewed as a licence to camp anywhere. Rather, it gives you a vehicle that meets the requirements for places where certified self-contained vehicles are permitted.
For travellers who want to venture beyond the traditional holiday park circuit, however, that's a valuable advantage. Combined with the Cosmo's larger living space, kitchen, fridge and onboard facilities, it makes the van particularly well suited to longer road trips where flexibility is part of the appeal.
And when you're travelling through some of New Zealand's more remote corners, having the freedom to be a little less dependent on part of the adventure.
What Is It Like to Travel in the Cosmo?
The real test of any campervan isn't how impressive its specification sheet looks — it's what it's like after you've been living in it for a week!
And this is where the Cosmo's extra space starts to make sense. It's still compact enough to feel at home on New Zealand's roads, but there's enough room and equipment onboard to make the van feel comfortable when the road trip stretches from a few nights into a few weeks.
A comfortable choice for couples
For two people, the Cosmo offers a particularly appealing balance between space and size. The rear bed can stay set up while the rest of the van remains available for cooking, eating and relaxing, meaning you don't have to completely transform the campervan every night.
That's a small thing, but it makes a big difference on a longer trip. After a day exploring the Southern Alps, hiking around Fiordland or cycling through Central Otago, the last thing you want to do is spend half an hour rearranging the van before you can put your feet up.
The extra interior space also gives couples somewhere to retreat when the weather turns. And, as anyone who has travelled around New Zealand will know, that's not an insignificant consideration.
What about three people?
The Cosmo can sleep up to three, with the pop-top providing the additional sleeping space. This makes it a viable option for a small family or three friends travelling together.
There is naturally a little more compromise when three people are sharing a compact campervan. Storage, personal space and getting ready in the morning all require a little organisation. But the pop-top means the sleeping arrangements don't have to consume the entire living area, which helps keep the van functional during the day.
So, yes, 3 people is doable in the Cosmo, but it's a tight squeeze and is probably best suited for small families rather than a group of 3 adults.
Built for longer adventures
Perhaps the Cosmo's biggest strength is that it feels designed for living on the road, rather than simply using the van as somewhere to sleep.
The kitchen means you can cook your own meals. The 75-litre fridge gives you the ability to stock up before heading into more remote areas. The self-contained setup gives you greater flexibility over where you stay, while the living area provides somewhere to sit when you're finished exploring for the day.
That combination starts to become particularly valuable on a longer South Island road trip. You might spend one night beside a lake, the next at a holiday park and the following day exploring a remote corner of the West Coast. The Cosmo gives you the flexibility to adapt as you go.
Spaceships Cosmo VW vs Traditional Spaceships Campervans
For anyone familiar with Spaceships Rentals, the Cosmo VW represents quite a departure from the company's traditional campervan formula.
For years, Spaceships has built its reputation around compact, car-based campervans that are easy to drive, relatively affordable and simple to live out of. The Cosmo takes that same spirit of easy-going road-tripping and adds a considerably larger vehicle, more interior space and a much longer list of onboard facilities.
So, what's actually different? Let's compare the Cosmo VW vs a traditional Spaceships Rentals campervan
Spaceships Cosmo VW | Traditional Spaceships campervan | |
 |  | |
Base vehicle | Volkswagen Transporter | Toyota-based |
Size | Larger | More compact |
Sleeping | Up to 3 | Generally 2 |
Pop-top | ✓ | — |
Fixed kitchen | ✓ | Compact kitchen setup |
Fridge | 75L | Smaller |
Toilet | ✓ | Depends on vehicle |
Self-contained | ✓ | Depends on vehicle |
Living space | More spacious | More compact |
Driving experience | More like a van | More car-like |
Best suited to | Comfort and longer trips | Simplicity and easy driving |
The Cosmo is a bigger step up in comfort
The most obvious difference is the amount of space. The Cosmo has been designed around a more conventional campervan layout, with a permanent rear sleeping area, pop-top, fixed kitchen, dining space and onboard bathroom facilities.
Traditional Spaceships campervans take a much simpler approach. They're smaller, easier to manoeuvre and designed around the idea that you don't need a huge amount of equipment to enjoy a road trip around New Zealand.
That distinction is important. The Cosmo isn't necessarily replacing the traditional Spaceships experience, it's giving travellers another option at the more spacious end of the compact campervan market.
Smaller and simpler vs bigger and more capable
If you're planning to spend most of your time out exploring, hiking, cycling and sightseeing, the simplicity of a smaller campervan can be a real advantage. It's easier to park, easier to navigate narrow streets and generally feels closer to driving a car. The Cosmo asks you to trade some of that nimbleness for comfort.
In return, you get somewhere you can comfortably spend more time. There's room to cook a proper meal, keep more food cold, stretch out after a long day and retreat inside when the weather isn't playing ball. The self-contained setup also gives you greater flexibility when choosing where to stay.
Which Spaceships is right for you?
Ultimately, it comes down to the type of road trip you're planning. If you want a compact, simple campervan that's easy to drive and primarily serves as a base for exploring, one of Spaceships' smaller vehicles may be all you need.
If you're looking for more comfort, more living space and the ability to be more self-sufficient, the Cosmo is a very different proposition.
That's perhaps what makes the Cosmo such an interesting addition to the Spaceships fleet. It hasn't abandoned the idea of keeping things relatively small and easy, it has simply stretched that concept into something more comfortable for travellers who want to spend more time living in their campervan.
And that puts the Cosmo in an increasingly competitive part of the New Zealand rental market, alongside other compact but premium campervans designed for travellers who want the best of both worlds.
Spaceships Cosmo VW vs Big Little Campers
The arrival of the Cosmo VW puts Spaceships into a part of the campervan market it hasn't really occupied before: the small, premium campervan.
It's a space where Big Little Campers has already made a name for itself, with a range of compact campervans designed around clever layouts, modern interiors and the idea that you don't need a large motorhome to travel comfortably around New Zealand.
The Cosmo takes a slightly different route. Built on a Volkswagen Transporter T6, it combines the familiar Spaceships approach to relatively compact road-tripping with a more conventional campervan layout, including a pop-top, large rear bed, fixed kitchen, 75-litre fridge and toilet. It's also certified self-contained and sleeps up to three.
Two different takes on the premium small campervan
Both hire companies are chasing a similar type of traveller: someone who wants more comfort and capability than a basic compact campervan, but doesn't want to step up to a large motorhome. The difference is largely in the design philosophy.
Big Little Campers has built its range around maximising the available space in relatively compact vehicles, with different layouts ranging from the compact Little One through to the larger Biggest One, which is aimed at couples looking for a more premium campervan experience.
The Cosmo, meanwhile, starts with the VW Transporter and uses its extra size to create a more traditional campervan environment. There's a proper living area, pop-top sleeping space and a fixed kitchen, while the rear bed provides a generous 2.0m by 1.65m sleeping area.
Cosmo VW vs Big Little Campers at a glance
Spaceships Cosmo VW | Big Little Campers | |
|  | |
Vehicle style | Volkswagen Transporter T6 | Nissan NV350, Toyota Hiace & Fiat Ducato |
Length | Approx. 4.9m | 4.7–6.4m |
Sleeping capacity | Up to 3 | 2–3 |
Pop-top / elevated sleeping | Yes | Yes, depending on vehicle |
Kitchen | Fixed internal kitchen | Pull-out or internal kitchen |
Fridge | 75L | 30–77L |
Toilet | Yes | Yes |
Shower | No | Some models |
Self-contained | Yes | Yes |
Design focus | Spacious VW campervan layout | Compact, space-efficient designs |
Best suited to | Couples and small groups wanting more comfort and living space | Travellers wanting a choice of compact to premium campervans |
When comparing the Spaceships Cosmo VW to Big Little Campers, the important point is that Big Little Campers isn't one vehicle, so the comparison depends on which model you're looking at.
The Cosmo sits towards the more spacious end of the compact campervan category, rather than directly matching every vehicle in the Big Little Campers fleet.
The Cosmo's big advantage: a familiar campervan layout
For travellers who like the idea of a traditional VW campervan, the Cosmo has an obvious appeal.
The pop-top gives you additional sleeping space and headroom, while the fixed kitchen and large rear bed create a layout that feels purpose-built for spending time inside the van. The 75-litre fridge is also useful for longer trips where you'll want to stock up before heading into more remote parts of the country.
Big Little Campers takes more of a "make every centimetre count" approach. Its vehicles are designed around clever layouts that allow a relatively small campervan to do a lot, including the Little One's rear-extending kitchen and the larger models' additional living space.
Neither approach is necessarily better. They're simply different ways of solving the same problem: how do you create a comfortable home on wheels without making the vehicle too large for New Zealand's roads?
The VW factor
There's also something undeniably appealing about the Cosmo's VW Transporter foundation.
The retro-inspired styling gives it a character that sets it apart from the more conventional rental campervan. Spaceships describes the Cosmo as a modern interpretation of the classic VW campervan, with the T6 providing the base for a custom-designed interior.
For some travellers, that's going to be a significant part of the attraction. The Cosmo doesn't just offer a practical way to travel around New Zealand, it has a bit of personality too.
And that's perhaps where the Cosmo and Big Little Campers diverge most. Big Little Campers has a strong focus on practical, modern design, while the Cosmo adds a healthy dose of classic VW campervan character to the formula.
Which one should you choose?
Rather than coming down to a simple question of which campervan is better, the more useful question is what sort of road trip do you want to have?
If you want a compact campervan with a clever layout and are happy to choose between different vehicle configurations, Big Little Campers offers several options worth exploring.
If you like the idea of a VW campervan with a spacious interior, pop-top, large rear bed, fixed kitchen and certified self-containment, the Cosmo offers a particularly interesting combination.
Both are designed around the same fundamental idea: keep the vehicle manageable, but make the experience inside it as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. And that's an increasingly attractive proposition for travellers exploring New Zealand, particularly couples who want to spend a few weeks on the road without feeling like they've brought a motorhome along for the ride.
Who Is the Spaceships Cosmo VW Best Suited To?
The Cosmo sits in an interesting sweet spot. It's not a tiny campervan designed simply to get you from one campsite to the next, but it's also a long way from a full-sized motorhome. Instead, it offers a more comfortable way to travel while keeping the freedom and relative simplicity that makes campervan travel so appealing. So who is likely to get the most out of it?
Couples wanting a little more comfort
This is where the Cosmo really makes sense. For two people, there's enough space to settle into the van without feeling like you're constantly climbing over each other. The large rear bed can stay made up, while the kitchen, dining area and living space remain available during the day.
That extra room becomes even more valuable when you're travelling for a couple of weeks or more in the South Island. After a long day on the road, having somewhere comfortable to sit, cook dinner and relax can make the difference between simply sleeping in a campervan and actually enjoying life on the road.
Travellers planning a longer road trip
The Cosmo is particularly well suited to travellers who want to slow things down and spend more time on the road.
With a proper kitchen, 75-litre fridge, toilet and self-contained setup, you can carry more supplies and be less dependent on holiday parks and facilities. That opens up more possibilities when you're travelling through remote parts of the South Island, where the next supermarket or powered campsite might be a fair distance away.
For a week-long trip, these features are useful. For a three-week adventure, they can become a big part of what makes the journey enjoyable.
Travellers who want a small campervan, but not a basic one
There's a growing middle ground in the campervan market between simple compact vans and large motorhomes. The Cosmo is aimed squarely at this space.
You still get a vehicle that's relatively compact and manageable on South Island roads, but you're not giving up the things that make longer-term campervan travel comfortable. There's a proper living area, a fixed kitchen, generous sleeping space and bathroom facilities, without moving into the size and complexity of a larger motorhome.
Small families or three friends
With sleeping space for up to three people, the Cosmo can also work for a small family or a trio of friends.
The pop-top provides the additional sleeping area, while keeping the main living space available below. As with any compact campervan, three people will need to be comfortable sharing a relatively small space and keeping things organised, but the layout gives you considerably more flexibility than a traditional two-person campervan.
Travellers who want to freedom camp where permitted
The Cosmo's certified self-contained status will also appeal to travellers who want greater flexibility over where they stay.
It doesn't mean you can simply park up anywhere. Freedom camping rules vary between locations, but where self-contained vehicles are permitted, the Cosmo gives you the equipment needed to take advantage of those opportunities.
And that's perhaps the biggest appeal of the Cosmo overall. It gives you the facilities to be comfortable, but doesn't make you dependent on having a campsite booked every night.
The adventurous couple who wants the van to be part of the experience
Ultimately, the Cosmo is for travellers who see the campervan as more than just transport. It's for the couple who wants to wake up somewhere beautiful, make coffee in the van, head out for the day and come back to their own little base at the end of it. It's for the traveller who'd rather follow the weather than stick rigidly to an itinerary, and who likes the idea of having everything they need packed into one vehicle.
That combination of comfort, capability and freedom is what makes the Cosmo an interesting addition to the Spaceships fleet and puts it firmly into the conversation for travellers looking for a premium small campervan in New Zealand.
How Much Does the Spaceships Cosmo VW Cost?
With a more premium vehicle and considerably more equipment than Spaceships' traditional compact campervans, the Cosmo sits at the higher end of the Spaceships range. But there isn't a single fixed daily rate, the price of a Cosmo rental depends on when you're travelling, how long you're hiring it for and availability at the time of booking.
Spaceships provides an online quote for your specific dates, with the booking system showing the applicable rates and discounts. Basic insurance is included, with additional insurance options available if you want to reduce your liability.
It's also worth looking beyond the headline rental price when comparing the Cosmo with other campervans. There are some additional running costs to factor in, too. Because the Cosmo is a diesel vehicle, Road User Charges (RUCs) apply and are charged at the end of the rental. Fuel is, of course, an additional cost, although Spaceships quotes fuel economy of 6.9L per 100km and includes a fuel discount card.
The best way to judge the value of the Cosmo is therefore to compare the total cost of your trip, rather than simply looking at the daily rental rate. A vehicle with its own kitchen, fridge, toilet and self-contained facilities can potentially reduce the amount you spend on campsites and eating out while giving you considerably more flexibility about how you travel.
For current pricing, the Spaceships booking system is the place to check your dates, as rates and availability change throughout the year.
Spaceships Cosmo VW – Pros and Things to Consider
The Cosmo VW is an interesting addition to the Spaceships fleet because it doesn't try to be everything to everyone. Instead, it takes the compact campervan concept and adds more space, more equipment and more comfort.
That makes it particularly appealing for some types of traveller, while the larger size and higher level of equipment won't necessarily be what everyone is looking for.
What stands out about the Cosmo
More living space
The VW Transporter provides considerably more room than the compact campervans Spaceships has traditionally been known for. There's space to cook, eat, relax and sleep without constantly having to rearrange the van.
A proper campervan layout
The combination of a large rear bed, pop-top, fixed kitchen and living area makes the Cosmo feel like a genuine home on wheels rather than simply a vehicle adapted for camping.
Certified self-contained
Having an onboard toilet and self-contained facilities gives you more flexibility when choosing where to stay, particularly when exploring areas away from the main tourist routes.
Well suited to longer trips
The larger fridge, kitchen, storage and living space become increasingly valuable the longer you spend on the road. For a multi-week New Zealand adventure, those little comforts can make a big difference.
The VW factor
There's also an element of character that comes with travelling in a Volkswagen Transporter. The Cosmo has a more distinctive feel than a conventional rental van, adding a little extra personality to the road-trip experience.
Things to consider
It's bigger than a traditional Spaceships Rental
The extra space comes with a trade-off. The Cosmo is still relatively compact for a campervan, but it won't be quite as effortless to park or manoeuvre as one of Spaceships' smaller vehicles.
You'll pay more for the extra comfort
The Cosmo sits further up the market than the basic compact campervan experience. If you're mainly using your vehicle as somewhere to sleep while spending your days out exploring, you may not need all the additional facilities.
More equipment means more to manage
A proper kitchen, toilet, water systems, pop-top and onboard electrical equipment all add capability, but they also mean there is more to set up, pack away and keep organised than in a very simple campervan.
Three people means a little more compromise
Although the Cosmo can sleep three, its sweet spot is arguably two people. Adding a third traveller makes the additional sleeping capacity useful, but inevitably reduces the amount of personal and storage space available.
Ultimately, the Cosmo's biggest strength is also the reason you might choose something else. It gives you more of almost everything, space, facilities, comfort and independence, but in doing so, it moves away from the ultra-simple, compact campervan experience that has traditionally defined Spaceships.
For travellers who want to spend a significant amount of time on the road, that looks like a worthwhile trade-off. For those who simply want a small vehicle to sleep in between days of exploring, the simpler option may still make more sense.
Spaceships Cosmo VW – Key Facts
If you're weighing up whether the Cosmo is the right campervan for your New Zealand adventure, here's the essential information at a glance.
Cosmo VW Key Facts | |
Base vehicle | Volkswagen Transporter T6 |
Engine | 2.0L diesel |
Transmission | Automatic or manual |
Seats | Up to 3 |
Sleeps | Up to 3 |
Main bed | 2.0m × 1.65m |
Pop-top bed | 1.85m × 1.08m |
Fridge | 75L |
Kitchen | 2-ring hob, sink & running water |
Toilet | Fixed toilet |
Water tank | 36L |
Self-contained | Yes – Green Warrant |
Solar power | Yes |
Leisure battery | Yes |
Mains hookup | Yes |
Fuel tank | 70L |
Fuel economy | 6.9L / 100km |
Length | 4.90m |
Width | 2.29m |
Height | 1.99m with pop-top down |
Interior height | 2.48m with pop-top raised |
Child seat | One can be fitted (not ISOFIX) |
The numbers only tell part of the story, though. What makes the Cosmo interesting is how those features come together: a relatively compact VW that combines a proper kitchen, generous sleeping space, onboard toilet and self-contained capability without crossing into the territory of a full-sized motorhome.
For travellers looking for a small but genuinely capable campervan, that's the sweet spot the Spaceships Cosmo is aiming for.
Cosmo VW Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Spaceships Cosmo VW self-contained?
Yes. The Cosmo VW is certified self-contained and has an onboard toilet, fresh and waste water systems and the facilities needed to operate independently of campsite amenities. However, being self-contained doesn't mean you can freedom camp anywhere in the South Island, local rules and restrictions still apply.
How many people can sleep in the Spaceships Cosmo?
The Cosmo can sleep up to three people. Two can sleep in the large rear bed, while the pop-top provides an additional sleeping area. For couples, the spacious rear bed makes the Cosmo particularly comfortable, while three people can use both sleeping areas. That said, while three can sleep in the van, it's best suited for two travellers who want a good level of comfort.
Does the Spaceships Cosmo have a toilet?
Yes. The Cosmo has a fixed onboard toilet, which is one of the features that sets it apart from many smaller campervans and means it's certified self contained.
What size is the bed in the Spaceships Cosmo?
The main rear bed measures approximately 2.0m by 1.65m, providing a generous sleeping area for two adults. The pop-top bed measures approximately 1.85m by 1.08m.
Is the Spaceships Cosmo suitable for couples?
Yes. Couples are arguably the Cosmo's sweet spot. The spacious rear bed, proper kitchen, large fridge, living area and self-contained facilities make it well suited to couples planning anything from a short getaway to a multi-week New Zealand road trip.
Is the Spaceships Cosmo easy to drive?
The Cosmo is based on a Volkswagen Transporter and is relatively compact compared with a full-sized motorhome. However, it is larger than the smaller Spaceships car-based campervans, so it will feel more like driving a van than a car. The automatic transmission option makes everyday driving straightforward.
Can you freedom camp in a Spaceships Cosmo?
The Cosmo's certified self-contained status means it meets the vehicle requirements for freedom camping in locations where self-contained vehicles are permitted. However, freedom camping rules vary site by site, and some areas prohibit freedom camping altogether or have specific conditions. Always check the local rules before settling in for the night.
Is the Spaceships Cosmo good for a South Island road trip?
The Cosmo is particularly well suited to longer South Island adventures. Its combination of a relatively compact size, generous sleeping space, proper kitchen, large fridge, onboard toilet and self-contained facilities gives you the flexibility to travel through both popular destinations and more remote parts of the island.
How much does it cost to hire the Spaceships Cosmo VW?
The rental price varies depending on your travel dates, rental duration and availability. Spaceships provides a quote based on your specific dates, so it's worth checking the current price when planning your trip. Remember to factor in fuel and Road User Charges as additional costs.
How does the Cosmo compare with other small campervans?
The Cosmo sits towards the more premium end of the small campervan market. Compared with simpler compact campervans, it offers more living space and facilities, including a pop-top, fixed kitchen, large fridge, toilet and certified self-containment. It's therefore particularly suited to travellers who want more comfort without moving up to a large motorhome.
Can I get a discount on the Cosmo VW campervan?
Quite often yes. Spaceships Rentals often have discounts on rentals across their fleet, especially outside of peak season and when they need campervans relocated. Relocation discounts in particular offer good value for money when it comes to hiring, especially those looking to travel north from Queenstown or Christchurch. Before you book check out our discount code directory for all current Spaceships Rentals discount codes and Cosmo VW discount codes.
How to Hire the Spaceships Cosmo VW
If the Cosmo sounds like your kind of campervan, hiring one is straightforward. The Cosmo is available to book directly through Spaceships Rentals, with pricing and availability based on your travel dates and the length of your trip.
As with any campervan hire, booking ahead is sensible if you're travelling during New Zealand's busier summer months, when demand for popular vehicles can be high. Shoulder seasons can offer a different experience, too. Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures and plenty of opportunities to explore the country at a more relaxed pace.
You can check the latest Cosmo VW availability, pricing and rental conditions directly with Spaceships Rentals.
Video Walkthrough of the Cosmo VW
Finally, check out this comprehensive video walkthrough of the Spaceships Rentals Cosmo VW. The walkthrough shows all the key features of the Cosmo. We hope this article has been useful in explaining the Cosmo VW campervan from Spaceships Rentals. Happy travels!
