The vehicle, a tiny 20-year-old four-wheel-drive Daihatsu with just 10,000km on the clock, was delivered to the camp yesterday by Queenstown Lakes deputy mayor Lyal Cocks.
Camp managers Mark and Vicky Ordish knew they were in line for a new piece of equipment but did not know what until it arrived, complete with flashing lights and siren.
Aggie Hofsteenge and Rudi Sanders, who took over the camp lease a year ago, bought the machine from the Hamilton area to provide some initial firefighting ability during the 15 minutes it takes the Wanaka Volunteer Fire Brigade to drive from town.
The fire engine will have its pump installed shortly, and has 200m of hose.
Mr Sanders said previous lessee Herbie Illingworth had a ‘‘beautiful vintage water pump'' but it disappeared when the council took over management of the camp.
Wanaka chief fire officer Bruno Galloway had indicated he was willing to help with some fire drills for new volunteers.
