If you are fitting out a campervan, caravan, boat, or tiny home, hot water eventually comes down to one word: califont. In New Zealand, a gas califont is an instantaneous hot water heater that fires up the moment you turn on the tap — no cylinder, no standby waste, no running out. Here is everything you need to choose the right one.
A gas califont only heats water when you need it. Cold water flows through the unit, a gas burner ignites, and a copper heat exchanger delivers continuous flow hot water almost instantly. Because the burner sits idle the rest of the time, LPG consumption is a fraction of what a traditional cylinder uses — making it the go-to choice for freedom camping and off-grid living across NZ.
For off-grid use, LPG is the only practical option. It is portable, widely available, and what all Challenger gas califonts are jetted for. Natural gas is piped infrastructure — useful in cities, useless in a campervan or bach. One important rule: never run an LPG califont on natural gas without changing the internal jets. The pressures are different and doing so is a genuine safety risk.
Califonts are rated in litres per minute (L/min). Match the unit to your usage:
5L – Portable, single tap or low-flow shower
6L – Small campervan or caravan, single shower
7L – Bach or boat, comfortable shower pressure
10L – Motorhome or bach, home-style flow
Two things are non-negotiable. First, ensure your unit has a Flame Failure Safety Device (FFSD) — it cuts the gas automatically if the flame goes out. All Challenger califonts include one as standard. Second, any permanent gas installation in NZ must be completed by a certified gasfitter under NZS 5261. This covers campervans, boats, and baches as well as homes, and is required for most insurance policies.
What size gas califont do I need for a campervan or caravan?
A 6L or 7L LPG califont suits most campervans and caravans. For two outlets or stronger flow, go with the 10L.
Do I need a certified gasfitter to install a gas califont in NZ?
Yes. All permanent gas installations require a certified gasfitter by law, including those in campervans, caravans, and boats.
Can I use an LPG califont for freedom camping in NZ?
Yes. A portable unit like the Challenger 5L running off a standard LPG bottle is purpose-built for off-grid and freedom camping use.
Can I run my califont on natural gas instead of LPG?
No, not without changing the internal jets. LPG and natural gas run at different pressures, and cross-fuelling without modification is a safety risk.
Whether it is a compact 6L unit for a weekend campervan or a 10L continuous flow califont for a remote bach, going LPG is the smartest way to get reliable instant hot water anywhere in New Zealand.
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