Car, Caravan and Vehicle Storage in Auckland and Tauranga: Sizes, Prices and What to Expect
Safe Store offers dedicated vehicle storage across four New Zealand locations — Pakuranga, Papatoetoe, Westgate (Auckland) and Tauranga (Poike) — with options ranging from drive-up indoor units large enough for campervans and caravans, through to outdoor concrete and gravel parking bays. Whether you need long-term caravan storage in Auckland or car storage for a few months in Tauranga, this guide explains exactly what’s available at each site, how to choose the right option, and how to prepare your vehicle before it goes in.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Vehicle Storage: What’s the Difference?
The core choice for anyone storing a vehicle is between a drive-up storage unit (effectively an indoor garage) and an outdoor parking bay. Each has real advantages depending on your vehicle type, budget and how long you’re storing.
- Drive-up units give your vehicle full weather protection, added security from being inside a locked unit within a secure facility, and privacy. They’re the best option for classic cars, campervans, caravans and anything you want protected from UV, rain and dust. Expect to pay a premium for this level of protection.
- Outdoor concrete parking sits inside the facility’s security perimeter — fenced, gated and monitored — at a lower price than an indoor unit. A solid concrete surface keeps tyres in good condition and prevents moisture wicking up from the ground.
- Outdoor gravel parking (available at Westgate) is the most affordable vehicle storage option Safe Store offers. The vehicle remains within the secured site but on a gravel surface. This suits customers storing very large vehicles such as buses or trucks.
Vehicle Storage Options by Location
Westgate — Most Options for Car Storage in West Auckland
Safe Store Westgate has the widest range of vehicle storage in the Auckland network. You can choose from drive-up units large enough to accommodate caravans and smaller campervans (premium pricing), outdoor concrete parking bays, or outdoor gravel bays (the least expensive option across all Safe Store sites – size dependant). If you’re in West Auckland and need flexible, month-to-month vehicle storage, Westgate is the strongest starting point.
Papatoetoe — Best Drive-Up Availability in South Auckland
Safe Store Papatoetoe has a large number of drive-up units that are well suited to car and vehicle storage, priced in the mid range. Outdoor concrete parking bays are also available at a lower price point. If you’re in South Auckland and want the flexibility of driving directly to your unit, Papatoetoe is worth a close look.
Pakuranga / East Tamaki — Drive-Up and Concrete Options
Safe Store Pakuranga offers a good number of drive-up units suitable for vehicles (mid-range pricing) alongside outdoor concrete parking spaces at a lower price. This site suits customers in East Auckland, Howick, Botany and surrounding suburbs.
Tauranga (Poike) — Book early to avoid disappointment!
Safe Store Tauranga has a number of drive-up units and a small number of outdoor parking spaces, making it best suited to smaller vehicles — motorcycles, small cars and compact trailers. Availability is more limited than at the Auckland sites, so enquiring early is recommended.
Which Unit Size Do You Actually Need?
Matching your vehicle to the right unit size is the most important decision in the process. Too small and you won’t be able to open the door fully or get in and out safely. Too large and you’re paying for space you don’t use. The table below gives a practical guide. For a full breakdown of unit dimensions, see Safe Store’s unit sizes guide.
| Vehicle Type | Typical Length | Typical Width | Recommended Storage Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle / scooter | 1.8 – 2.4 m | 0.7 – 0.9 m | Small drive-up unit or outdoor bay | A small unit also lets you store riding gear alongside |
| Small car (hatchback / sedan) | 3.8 – 4.5 m | 1.7 – 1.9 m | Drive-up unit or outdoor concrete | Allow ~0.5 m on each side for door clearance |
| Large car / SUV / 4WD | 4.5 – 5.2 m | 1.9 – 2.1 m | Larger drive-up unit or outdoor concrete | Roof racks or bull bars add to overall dimensions |
| Ute / pickup | 5.0 – 5.8 m | 2.0 – 2.2 m | Large drive-up unit or outdoor concrete | Tray and canopy height may affect unit height clearance |
| Trailer / boat trailer | 4.0 – 7.0 m | 2.0 – 2.5 m | Outdoor concrete or gravel bay | Measure with boat or load attached |
| Caravan | 4.5 – 8.0 m | 2.2 – 2.5 m | Large drive-up unit or outdoor bay | Measure drawbar to tail; Westgate has the largest indoor options |
| Campervan (small to medium) | 5.0 – 7.0 m | 2.1 – 2.4 m | Large drive-up unit or outdoor bay | Check unit height — vents and roof boxes add height |
| Large motorhome / coach | 7.0 – 9.0+ m | 2.4 – 2.6 m | Outdoor concrete or gravel bay | Contact Safe Store before booking; outdoor usually the only practical option |
Key tip: Always measure your vehicle’s actual length including towbars, spare wheels and accessories before enquiring. Unit dimensions are the internal measurements — your vehicle plus working space must fit within them. When in doubt, size up.
Security at Safe Store Vehicle Storage Sites
All four Safe Store facilities are purpose-built for security, not just adapted general premises. Standard features across the network include:
- Perimeter fencing and controlled access gates — only current customers can enter the facility.
- CCTV surveillance operating continuously across the site.
- Individual unit locks — for drive-up units, only you hold the key or combination.
- On-site management — staff presence during business hours adds a further layer of oversight.
- Customer access hours 6 am to 9 pm daily — convenient times available to access your vehicle.
For vehicles specifically, parking within a secured compound is a significant step up from leaving a caravan or classic car on a public road or at a private property boundary.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Storage
A few straightforward steps before you park your vehicle will protect your it and make retrieval much easier.
Clean and Inspect Before You Store
- Wash and dry the vehicle thoroughly — trapped moisture under dirt accelerates rust and mould.
- Clean the interior and remove any food, damp clothing or organic material.
Mechanical and Fluid Checks
- Fuel: For short-term storage (under 3 months), a full tank reduces condensation inside the fuel system. For longer storage, consult your vehicle’s manual or a mechanic — some prefer a near-empty tank with a fuel stabiliser added.
- Tyres: Inflate to the upper end of the manufacturer’s recommended range to compensate for slow natural deflation. If storing for several months, consider using tyre cradles to prevent flat spots.
- Battery: Disconnect the negative terminal to prevent drain.
- Oil and coolant: Check levels and top up. Old oil is mildly acidic — if a service is nearly due, do it before storage.
- Handbrake: For longer storage, leave the vehicle in Park without applying the handbrake — brake pads can bond to discs over time. Use wheel chocks instead.
Protect the Exterior
- Apply a quality car wax or paint sealant before storing — it protects against dust and moisture even in a covered unit.
- Use a breathable car cover, not a plastic one. Plastic traps moisture; breathable fabric lets the vehicle breathe while keeping dust off.
- For caravans and campervans, check all roof seals and windows are watertight before storage to prevent internal damage.
Documentation and Insurance
- Check whether your existing vehicle insurance covers a stored vehicle — some policies exclude vehicles off the road for extended periods. A specialist storage or agreed-value policy may be appropriate for classic cars or high-value motorhomes.
- Keep a copy of the storage agreement and your access details somewhere other than inside the vehicle.
Pricing and Billing
Safe Store does not publish fixed prices in this guide because unit availability and pricing vary by location and change over time. For current vehicle storage rates across Pakuranga, Papatoetoe, Westgate and Tauranga, use the online pricing tool for instant online pricing. All storage at Safe Store is billed month to month — there are no long lock-in contracts.
As a general guide to the price hierarchy across the network: drive-up units are the most expensive option (reflecting the weather protection and enclosed security); outdoor concrete parking sits in the mid range; outdoor gravel parking at Westgate is the least expensive vehicle storage Safe Store offers (size dependant).
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Storage
Can I store a caravan at Safe Store Auckland?
Yes. Caravan storage is available at Pakuranga, Papatoetoe and Westgate. Westgate has the most options for larger caravans, including drive-up units big enough to store a caravan fully enclosed. Outdoor concrete bays are available at Pakuranga and Papatoetoe for larger rigs that won’t fit inside a unit. Always measure your caravan including the drawbar before enquiring.
What is the cheapest vehicle storage option Safe Store offers?
Outdoor gravel parking at the Westgate facility is the least expensive vehicle storage option in the Safe Store network. It’s within the facility’s security perimeter but on a gravel surface. For current pricing, use the online pricing tool or request a quote.
Can I access my stored vehicle whenever I want?
You can access your vehicle any day between 6 am and 9 pm. Safe Store does not offer 24-hour access except for certain circumstances (fees apply).
Do I need to insure my vehicle while it’s in storage?
Safe Store’s security infrastructure reduces risk significantly, but the company does not provide insurance on stored vehicles. You are responsible for maintaining appropriate vehicle insurance. Check with your insurer whether your current policy covers a vehicle that is off the road and in long-term storage.
How long can I store a vehicle at Safe Store?
There is no minimum or maximum storage period. Billing is month to month, so you can store for a single month or several years. Short-term car storage in Auckland (for example, during an overseas trip) is just as straightforward as long-term caravan storage. All you need to give is 7 days notice before vacating.
Is vehicle storage available in Tauranga?
Yes, Safe Store Tauranga (Poike) has a small number of drive-up units and outdoor spaces. Availability is more limited than at the Auckland sites and the options are better suited to smaller vehicles. Contact Safe Store on 0800 747 233 to check current Tauranga availability.
What’s the difference between a drive-up storage unit and an outdoor parking bay?
A drive-up unit is an enclosed, lockable room — essentially a private garage — within the storage facility. Your vehicle is inside a locked unit inside a secured compound. An outdoor bay is a designated space within the facility’s perimeter fence, monitored by CCTV, but open to the elements. Drive-up units cost more but provide weather protection and an additional layer of security.
Find the Right Storage Unit Today
Still not sure what size you need? See a wide range of our sizes here.
Get in touch with the friendly team at Safe Store. We’ll help you choose the right storage unit for your needs and answer any questions before you move in.
With transparent pricing, flexible storage options and convenient locations across Auckland (Pakuranga, Papatoetoe & Westgate) and Tauranga, finding the perfect storage solution has never been easier.
Get a quick quote here or go ahead and check out our instant pricing before you book!