Self-containment inspection - clear advice and practical repair support
A small fault is often not the difficult part. The delay comes when an inspector identifies the issue, hands the vehicle back and leaves you to find someone else to complete the repair.
Pulse Compliance Testing takes a more practical approach. Mike can inspect the vehicle, explain why it does not meet the current requirements and often complete minor repairs or adjustments during the same appointment.
This applies to factory-built caravans, motorhomes, DIY conversions, horse trucks, suitable 4WD builds and rental fleet vehicles.
The original inspection fee covers up to two visits. If you complete a minor correction yourself, it may be possible to confirm the work from a photo rather than bringing the vehicle back.
Certification is issued through New Zealand Lifestyle Camping, so no motorhome club membership is required. To discuss your vehicle or arrange an inspection, contact Pulse Compliance Testing.
Pulse Compliance Testing takes a more practical approach. Mike can inspect the vehicle, explain why it does not meet the current requirements and often complete minor repairs or adjustments during the same appointment.
This applies to factory-built caravans, motorhomes, DIY conversions, horse trucks, suitable 4WD builds and rental fleet vehicles.
The original inspection fee covers up to two visits. If you complete a minor correction yourself, it may be possible to confirm the work from a photo rather than bringing the vehicle back.
Certification is issued through New Zealand Lifestyle Camping, so no motorhome club membership is required. To discuss your vehicle or arrange an inspection, contact Pulse Compliance Testing.
Certified Self-Containment Inspections & Installations - Overview:
Self containment certification, inspections and retrofit installations for caravans, motorhomes, campervans and custom builds across Canterbury.
- Your vehicle must run off-grid for three days without external power or waste hookups.
- Older caravan self containment tanks and waste plumbing retrofitted to specification
- Staged compliance paths for part-finished conversions and larger rebuilds
- NZMCA certification sticker issued
- 230V and gas work carried out by registered subcontractors
- Self contained certification records stay with the vehicle, plus plastic warrant card issued.
- Bulk pricing for rental fleets and dealer yards, insurance reports available
Self containment certification with practical help if something fails
- Self-containment certification for caravans, motorhomes, campervans, DIY conversions, horse trucks and suitable 4WD builds
- Blue-to-green certification upgrades issued through New Zealand Lifestyle Camping, with no motorhome club membership required
- Minor faults can often be repaired during the inspection, with up to two visits covered by the original inspection fee
Self-containment inspections and installations from the Middleton workshop in Christchurch, with mobile appointments available across Canterbury where required.
What self-containment inspections cover on the day
Self-containment means the vehicle can support its occupants for at least three days without discharging waste or plugging into an external system.
The inspection checks the complete system while it is operating. Fill fresh water tanks, ensure waste systems are clean and empty, and confirm the toilet is fully installed and operational prior to inspector arrival. Water needs to run from the taps and drain correctly into the wastewater tank. The toilet, tanks, ventilation, plumbing, drainage and other components are checked against the applicable requirements.
The inspection checks the complete system while it is operating. Fill fresh water tanks, ensure waste systems are clean and empty, and confirm the toilet is fully installed and operational prior to inspector arrival. Water needs to run from the taps and drain correctly into the wastewater tank. The toilet, tanks, ventilation, plumbing, drainage and other components are checked against the applicable requirements.
Blue to green upgrades and retrofits
Older blue certificates do not provide the certification now required for freedom camping.
Pulse Compliance Testing can inspect the existing system, explain what needs to change and complete the work required to bring older plumbing, tanks and components up to the current standard.
Pulse Compliance Testing can inspect the existing system, explain what needs to change and complete the work required to bring older plumbing, tanks and components up to the current standard.
Where several changes are needed, Mike can explain the most practical order for completing them.
Accredited certification and fleet services
Self-containment certificates are issued through New Zealand Lifestyle Camping by Mike, an accredited testing officer with detailed knowledge of the current rules.
Certification and service records stay with the vehicle, which can be useful when it is sold. For fleet managers and dealerships, we offer customised bulk inspection pricing, accredited insurance assessments, and integrated Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) to keep your entire operational inventory fully safe, certified, and road-ready without the admin hassle.
They confirm your vehicle can go three days without discharging waste or plugging into external power. Water needs to run from the taps and drain into the waste tank, so have the system live and working when you present the vehicle, not just installed.
No. Certification is issued by an accredited testing officer, and joining a motorhome club isn't a requirement. An NZMCA sticker is club branding and sits separately from NZMCA self containment certification. Green is the certificate that allows freedom camping.
Yes, provided it's built to the code. Certification covers factory-built motorhomes, custom and DIY van conversions, horse trucks and 4WD builds. If your build falls short, Mike can retrofit tanks, plumbing or the toilet arrangement first. Boats aren't currently allowed under the system.
Most faults are repaired during the same visit, so you're not sent off to find another tradesperson. The inspection fee effectively covers two visits if one is needed, and a minor fail you fix yourself can be confirmed by photo.
December is the busiest month, with demand reaching around 20 inspections a week, so booking before summer is worthwhile. Reactive work can often be attended the following day, with urgent work accommodated where availability allows.
A self containment certificate costs $310 inc GST - this includes all government levies.
Certified Self-Containment Inspections & Installations - Summary:
-
What: Self containment certification, inspections, blue to green upgrades, retrofits and installations for caravans, motorhomes, campervans, DIY conversions, horse trucks and 4WD builds, with minor faults repaired during the visit.
-
Where: Workshop-based inspections at Middleton in Christchurch, with weekend and after-hours appointments available. Mobile appointments can be arranged across Canterbury where bringing the vehicle to the workshop is impractical.
- Who for: Owners of factory-built and DIY vehicles needing caravan self containment or a green warrant, plus rental operators and dealer yards seeking bulk inspection pricing.