Rooftop Tents
A rooftop tent turns a capable vehicle into a basecamp, which is how you reach the parts of New Zealand that stay out of reach otherwise. Plenty of the trucks in our carpark are set up exactly this way, so the range here is picked by people who spend their weekends sleeping on the roof.
New Zealand weather is hard on rooftop tents in particular, so we partner only with brands proven here: Feldon Shelter, Kiwi Camping, Dometic and Front Runner. Choose a hardshell for a slim profile that clears low garages and carparks and lets you carry gear on top, or a softshell for more sleeping room at a friendlier price, then build the site out with rooftop tent accessories.
Get the platform right first. Your vehicle and roof racks both need the load rating to carry the tent, which NZ law expects of you. A bonus room is worth adding as well, giving you somewhere to change standing up and a spot for the dog. New to touring? Read our guide to choosing the best tent for your next adventure.
Frequently asked questions about rooftop tents
What are the benefits of a hard top rooftop tent?
Hard top tents provide NZ adventurers with a level of practicality that cannot be achieved with a soft top. The slim nature of a hard shell suits anyone with a height limitation, whether that is getting into car parks or your own garage. They are also the way to go if you need the ability to store anything on top of your tent.
What are the benefits of a soft top rooftop tent?
Soft top tents are generally our most popular option due to their more obtainable price point, and they are the right choice for most rooftop tent users. They take up a little more room than a hard shell, but they operate much like a conventional tent with all the benefits of being well off the ground.
What accessories are available for a rooftop tent?
The beauty of a rooftop tent is both its versatility and its flexibility. Clever accessories are a great way to make the most of yours and take your camping to a new level, whether that means extending your living space or adding handy storage solutions. Our rooftop tent accessories range is the place to browse all the options.
Should I add a bonus room to my rooftop tent?
Bonus rooms make everything easier. They give you a place for the family dog to sleep or a spot to change while standing up, and they add a level of privacy and practicality. The short answer is that every rooftop tent is a little bit better with a bonus room.
What roof racks do I need for a rooftop tent?
Roof racks are possibly the most important piece of the puzzle, because they are what safely holds your rooftop tent. Make sure your vehicle has the appropriate load rating and that your roof racks are capable, which is advisable under NZ law. We carry a full offering of world-class roof racks so you can lay the best platform for your tent.
Which brands of rooftop tents do you stock?
We choose to partner only with the best rooftop tent brands, including Feldon Shelter, Kiwi Camping and Dometic / Front Runner, where products have been tested here in NZ. Feldon Shelter in particular has become synonymous with enduring everything NZ can throw at it while standing the test of time, and it commands a large portion of market share here for good reason.
Are rooftop tents suitable for New Zealand conditions?
NZ conditions provide unique challenges for tents in general, but for rooftop tents specifically. Harsh weather can challenge the manufacturing quality of a product reasonably quickly, which is why we only carry brands that have been tested here. Most of our team are avid adventurers who spend plenty of time unwinding on the roof of their vehicle, so the range is selected by people who use it.
Why shop with Land & Sea?
Land & Sea proudly presents New Zealand's top selection of rooftop tents and camping gear, featuring world-renowned brands known for their cutting-edge designs and superior technology. Our commitment goes beyond offering premium products. Our team of outdoor specialists provides expert guidance to the camping community, and our buying guides and articles make it easy to choose the ideal rooftop tent and gear for your next adventure.