Planning a long-term road trip or vanlife adventure around New Zealand? One essential that should not be overlooked is a reliable composting toilet system. Not all RV toilets are created equal — particularly when it comes to full-time or extended use. Weekend campers might manage with basic chemical solutions, but for off-grid, long-term travel you need a system that can handle daily use, remain odour-free, and demand minimal maintenance.
This is where the CompoCloset™ Cuddy composting toilet comes in as the ultimate RV companion for Kiwi travellers who want comfort, hygiene, and sustainability on the road.
Built for Long-Term Travel vs. Short Trips
Many RV toilets are designed with short stints in mind — a couple of nights at a campsite or a weekend away. The CompoCloset™ Cuddy, however, has been created specifically with long-term, continuous use in mind. Within just 24 hours of use, unique microbes develop inside the chamber, beginning the decomposition process. This provides enhanced odour control and aids in the sanitisation of human waste.
It achieves this through a combination of well-thought-out features in a compact, travel-ready design:
- Built-in agitator: Made from solid stainless steel, the Cuddy’s mixing mechanism uses a simple shaft-and-arm design. Unlike complicated systems with fragile moving parts, this agitator is quick and easy to operate — and proven to be 100% reliable.
- Active ventilation: The Cuddy’s fan continuously circulates air through the solids chamber, with an activated carbon filter that captures and eliminates odours. Its eco-sustainable filtration system contains no polymers, binders, or plastic components — made entirely of pure activated carbon. Only the carbon is replaced while the cartridge is retained and recharged roughly every nine months, avoiding the unnecessary waste created by disposable plastic cartridges.
- Urine diversion: The urine collection system captures liquids separately, securely, and without odour. The ergonomic design and odour-locking valve ensure the tank remains sealed, preventing leaks or smells — even when driving on uneven ground.
These combined features allow the CompoCloset™ Cuddy to maximise space in its chamber while maintaining cleanliness and control, making it particularly well-suited to long-term travellers.
Odour Control Keeps Your RV Fresh
When you’re living in a confined space, toilet odours can quickly ruin the experience. The CompoCloset™ Cuddy tackles this challenge head-on. Its built-in ventilation system works continuously, circulating air through a carbon filter that neutralises smells.
Because the system is waterless and chemical-free, there’s no reliance on harsh additives or “masking agents”. Instead, the natural process — supported by bulking material such as coco peat — works to manage waste effectively.
For everyday life on the road, this means your camper remains fresh and comfortable, even with full-time use. Many full-time travellers using the Cuddy report that it genuinely allows for odour-free living, something rarely achieved with more basic RV toilets.
Longer Emptying Intervals = More Freedom
Extended emptying intervals are one of the biggest advantages of the CompoCloset™ Cuddy. Traditional RV toilets often reach their capacity quickly, forcing you to make inconvenient stops. With the Cuddy, solids begin to break down within the chamber, which reduces odour and increases the effective capacity.
This allows users to go for several weeks before needing to empty the solids bin, depending on how often it’s used. The urine tank, at 6.5 litres, is typically sufficient for two people for around three days before it requires emptying — a quick and simple process at a public toilet or dump station. With additional urine bottles and onboard storage, exceptionally long travel times can be achieved before having to stop.
When it does come time to empty solids, the system is designed for simplicity. The chamber includes a carry handle and removes easily, so you can transport it without risk of spillage.
This reduced emptying schedule means more freedom to enjoy the journey, fewer interruptions to find facilities, and a more relaxed approach to long-term travel.
Designed for Life on the Road
Reliability is critical when travelling long distances. The CompoCloset™ Cuddy has been designed by vanlifers who understand the demands of life on the road.
- Compact build: Measuring roughly 41 × 43 × 42 cm, the Cuddy fits neatly into small RV bathrooms or van conversions. Its boxy form offers stability and allows it to bolt securely to the floor, ensuring it remains in place even on bumpy tracks.
- Simple, robust design: Unlike some RV toilets that rely on motors, sensors, or electronics prone to failure, the Cuddy keeps things straightforward. The only powered component is the low-draw fan, running at automotive 12V and using just 0.1A. Everything else operates manually, removing points of failure.
- Traveller-friendly touches: Small but practical design elements make a big difference. An LED indicator shows when the urine tank is nearly full. The odour-locking valve prevents leaks during travel. The agitator handle is front-facing, easy to reach, and doesn’t take up extra space. The lid and top housing open easily for quick access when cleaning or emptying.
Together, these details make the Cuddy a dependable, user-friendly solution built with real-world travel in mind.
NZ-Ready and Certified
For New Zealanders, self-containment is a key consideration. Many freedom camping areas now require vehicles to meet strict self-containment standards under the updated “Green Sticker” rules (Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Regulations 2023).
The CompoCloset™ Cuddy meets these regulations, meaning it can achieve certification in a self-contained vehicle. This gives you peace of mind when choosing camping spots and ensures compliance with local laws.
Backed by WCTNZ® (Waterless Composting Toilets NZ Ltd) as the official distributor, Kiwi customers also benefit from local expertise, support, and warranty coverage — all underpinned by the company’s 17+ years of composting toilet excellence.
Everyday Ease of Use
The CompoCloset™ Cuddy is designed not just for performance, but also for convenience in daily life.
- Comfortable & familiar: Using the Cuddy feels natural. There’s no complicated process — after solids use, simply add a scoop of bulking medium and turn the crank a few times. For liquids, use as normal, then spray with an enzymatic cleaner for freshness and cleanliness.
- Straightforward emptying: When required, the toilet lid and seat lift up easily, giving direct access to both liquids and solids containers. Instead of dealing with the messy sludge from blackwater tanks, the solids bin stays dry, light, and easy to manage. You can keep it safely onboard until your trip is over, then empty it into a compost heap at home.The urine tank, with its secure cap, empties quickly and without mess.
- Low-maintenance cleaning: Regular light cleaning of the bowl with a compost-safe product keeps things hygienic. There are no seals to oil, no chemicals to handle, and no complicated parts to worry about.
This balance of comfort and simplicity ensures the Cuddy isn’t just practical in theory — it’s easy to live with day after day.
Adaptable to Your Travel Style
Not every traveller has the same routine, and the CompoCloset™ Cuddy adapts accordingly.
- Cuddy Lite: A variant without the agitator, functioning as a urine separation toilet that can be used with compostable liner bags — ideal for shorter trips or lighter use.
- Flexible venting: The built-in fan and carbon filter provide effective odour control without the need for external venting. For those who prefer, an optional external vent kit allows airflow to be directed outside.
- Liquid management options: Stick with the standard 6.5L urine tank, or connect to a larger external container with an add-on kit if your set-up requires greater capacity.
This flexibility makes the Cuddy suitable for a wide range of vehicles and travel styles, from weekend getaways to full-time vanlife.
The Bottom Line: Travel Further with Confidence
For long-term travellers in New Zealand, the CompoCloset™ Cuddy represents a dependable, hygienic, and eco-friendly RV toilet solution. It provides:
- Odour control that works in practice.
- Extended emptying intervals for less disruption.
- A durable, travel-friendly design built by people who live on the road.
- Local compliance and support through WCTNZ®.
By reducing reliance on chemicals and water, simplifying maintenance, and extending freedom from dump stations, the Cuddy makes long-term RV life more practical and more enjoyable.
If you’re preparing for an extended road trip or setting up your camper for full-time living, the CompoCloset™ Cuddy is a proven option. It lets you experience New Zealand’s landscapes — from the rugged South Island to the beaches of Northland — without worrying about your toilet holding you back.
With the right system in place, your RV isn’t just a way to get around — it becomes a comfortable, sustainable home on wheels. And with CompoCloset™ in your kit, you’re free to travel further, stay longer, and do so with confidence.
Need help choosing a system? Call WCTNZ® on 0800 022 027 for free advice on system specification and setup. Advanced design consultancy services are also available.
WCTNZ® | Waterless Composting Toilets NZ Limited | Copyright 2025 ©
