Ready to elevate your camping experience?
A rooftop tent can transform any vehicle into the ultimate adventure base, making camping easier, faster, and more comfortable for New Zealand’s wild landscapes. But with so many options—hard shell, soft shell, size, features—how do you choose the right roof tent for your Kiwi adventures?
Types of Rooftop Tents
Soft Shell Rooftop Tents
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Best for: Larger groups, budget-conscious campers, and those wanting more living space.
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Features: Light, expandable design, usually fits two to four people. Many come with annexes, offering extra room for gear or changing.
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Pros: Cheaper, bigger, and sometimes offer sky views through roof windows. Ideal for longer stops or family trips.
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Cons: Take slightly longer to set up and pack down, and less aerodynamic while driving.
Hard Shell Rooftop Tents
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Best for: Solo travellers, couples, frequent campers, and those facing harsh NZ weather.
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Features: Sturdy, enclosed design with quick deployment (often under a minute). Some include integrated storage, LED lights, and compatibility with roof accessories.
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Pros: Extremely fast to open and close, tough construction handles storms, more aerodynamic for long drives, and great for 4WD adventures.
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Cons: More expensive and heavier; usually fit 2-3 people max.
What Suits Different Vehicles?
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Most rooftop tents fit a wide range: From hatchbacks to utes, SUVs, and 4WDs—provided the roof racks meet the tent’s dynamic and static load ratings.
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Check roof capacity: Always confirm both your car’s and racks’ weight ratings before buying.
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Consider vehicle size: Smaller vehicles pair well with lightweight, compact roof tents. Larger 4WDs can handle heavier hard shells and bigger annexes.
Features to Consider
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Waterproofing & ventilation: Look for tents with high waterproof ratings (10,000mm+ is ideal for NZ’s rain), blackout fabric, and good airflow design.
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Quick setup: Hard shells can deploy in seconds, soft shells in a couple of minutes.
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Accessories: Shoe pockets, LED lighting, annexes, and external storage boost comfort on long trips.
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Mattress & sleeping space: Foam thickness and space matter for good sleep. Some models offer blackout windows for longer, restful nights.
Choosing for Kiwi Conditions
Rooftop tents designed for New Zealand feature strong rain-flies, anti-condensation ventilation, and robust frames that withstand coastal winds and alpine chills.
Explore the SMRT Tent Range
Check out the full SMRT Tent lineup here- https://smrttent.co.nz/products/roof-top-tent-softshell —engineered for New Zealand roads, weather, and adventure styles—on our product page for the latest hard shell and soft shell options, feature breakdowns, and vehicle compatibility guides.
Choosing the right rooftop tent is about matching your vehicle, adventure style, and comfort needs. Once set up, the wild beauty of New Zealand is yours to explore every weekend—no matter where the road takes you.