In europe Mat worked and be both have savings so that went into buying van and paying for the fuel, insurance and cost of living.
In nz a campervan is very expensive and we have a car we can use to get around. So makes more sense for us to stay with friends and family while travelling around in our little swift. So we dont figure its nicer staying in a building its just more practical for us. Also couch surfing and meeting people helps a lot if you need a place to stay :)