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Compare Campervan Rentals in New Zealand

Find the best campervan hire in NZ with ease from cheap, budget to luxury rentals. We have access to the most trusted NZ rental suppliers with instant comparisons.

Renting a campervan in New Zealand is simple with Camper Champ. We compare prices of over 20 companies, offering options from cheap campervans to luxury motorhomes to fit your needs.

The cost of renting a campervan in New Zealand ranges from $50/day to $600/day depending on the vehicle type and travel dates.

Pick up your campervan in Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington, or select smaller cities. One-way rentals are also available for more flexibility.

Popular Campervans in New Zealand

Find the perfect camper for your travel needs.

Jucy Cabana

Cabana

Jucy

Automatic
4 Berth Double Up

4 Berth Double Up

Mighty

Automatic
4 Berth Euro

4 Berth Euro

Apollo

Automatic
Backpacker Sleepervans Sleepervan

Sleepervan

Backpacker Sleepervans

Automatic
Budget Campers Budget Finder

Budget Finder

Budget Campers

Manual
Cheapa Campa Cheapa 2-Berth
Automatic/Manual
6 Berth SAM

6 Berth SAM

Pacific Horizon

Automatic
Pacific Horizon 4-Berth GEM Premium

4-Berth GEM Premium

Pacific Horizon

Automatic
Budget Campers Budget Seeker

Budget Seeker

Budget Campers

Manual
Discover NZ 2-Berth with ST

2-Berth with ST

Discover NZ

Manual
Jucy Cabana

Cabana

Jucy

Lucky Rentals Lucky Rover

Lucky Rover

Lucky Rentals

Spaceships Rocket 2-Berth

Rocket 2-Berth

Spaceships

Backpacker Sleepervans Sleepervan

Sleepervan

Backpacker Sleepervans

Budget Campers Budget Finder

Budget Finder

Budget Campers

Maui Platinum River

River

Maui

Pacific Horizon 6-Berth SAM Premium

6-Berth SAM Premium

Pacific Horizon

Discover NZ 4-6 Berth Imala Deluxe

6 Berth Imala Deluxe

Discover NZ

Discover NZ 4-Berth Imala 730

4-Berth Imala 730

Discover NZ

Not all vehicles may be available. Use the search tool to check availability for your travel dates.

NZ Airport Campervan Hire

Can I hire a campervan at the airport in New Zealand?

Yes, you can. All the major cities in New Zealand, such as Auckland and Wellington on the North Island and Christchurch on the South Island, have depots located at or close to the airport.

Several more companies offer their airport rentals as “serviced non-depot locations”, meaning that although they do not have a physical depot at the airport, they will arrange to bring the vehicle to you.

The Self-drive Holiday in New Zealand

Motorhome rental holidays in New Zealand are a great way to experience the country's natural beauty and diverse landscape. You have your vehicle to go wherever you want, and you don't need to worry about finding accommodation every night. Motorhomes are also fantastic for groups, as there is plenty of space for everyone to sleep and relax.

To get the most out of your campervan holiday in New Zealand, here are a few recommendations:

  • Plan your route—Make the most of scenic drives to avoid spending too much time driving on long journeys.

  • Make sure you have everything you need before hitting the road—Including things like bedding, cooking supplies and first-aid kits.

  • Be prepared for any weather conditions—Pack warm clothes for winter trips and plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent for summer excursions.

  • Get out and explore—New Zealand is full of beautiful landscapes and exciting attractions best seen by road. Check out local tourist attractions and activities at a fraction of the cost of those in big cities.

And most importantly, don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure – there’s nothing quite like exploring a new place by campervan!

When driving around NZ in a campervan rental, remember these important tips:

  1. Vehicles in New Zealand are driven on the left side of the road.
  2. Seatbelts and child restraints are compulsory.
  3. Livestock use the roads. Occasionally you may come across a sheep or cow using the main road.
  4. A maximum speed limit of 100 km/h applies to open roads and 50 km/h in urban areas in NZ unless indicated otherwise. Speed limits do change depending on vehicle weight. School zones also have speed limits reduced to 40 km/h during certain hours on school days. Always pay attention to posted speed limit signs and adjust your speed accordingly.
  5. Some railway crossings in rural areas are not indicated by warning lights. Approach these with caution and prepare to stop.
  6. The most popular tourist areas in NZ have dedicated parking bays for motorhomes that are longer and wider.
  7. There are 3 toll roads in NZ: the Takitimu Drive Toll Road (formerly Route K), the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road and the Northern Gateway Toll Road, north of Auckland.
  8. Carry your driver's licence or IDP with you when travelling.
  9. The blood alcohol content limit in NZ is 0.05%.

Travel tips for New Zealand

How can you save money on a campervan holiday in New Zealand?

Hiring a campervan in NZ is the perfect way if you're looking to experience the best of New Zealand on a budget. Not only is it affordable, but it also gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace. Plus, you can save money on accommodation costs by camping in some of the country's stunning national parks.

Explore some of our money-saving recommendations:

  1. Book your NZ campervan rental early to get the best deal—As soon as you have your travel dates worked out. This will ensure that you get the best price and availability.

  2. Choose your vehicle carefully—Not all campervans are created equal, and some are more luxurious than others. If you don't need some of the bells and whistles, consider choosing a cheap campervan or an older model. If you change your mind later on, an upgrade will be unlikely as availability fluctuates, especially around peak periods.

  3. Compare prices between different campervan rental companies—Prices can vary significantly between brands, so using the comparison tool Camper Champ provides makes research easy.

  4. Travel with friends or family—This way, you can split costs evenly between everyone travelling with you, which might be a better option than simply opting for a cheaper campervan rental.

  5. Avoid travelling during peak season—The peak season to travel to New Zealand is during the summer months, from December through February. Prices will also be higher during the school holidays throughout the year.

  6. Cook your meals—Rather than eating out every night, save this for special occasions during your trip.

  7. Rent or borrow camping gear—If you are planning to experience sleeping under the stars in some campgrounds or national parks, this is a much cheaper option than buying it outright. Keep an eye out for campervan deals that include camping gear as a bonus.

  8. Take advantage of free camping sites where possible—Be smart about where you park your campervan rental and look for free camping spots whenever possible. There are plenty of these scattered around New Zealand, so there's no need to spend money on campsites every night.

When is the best time to go campervanning in New Zealand?

New Zealand is known for its changeable weather, with temperatures that vary greatly from day to night. The average summer temperature is about 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit), while the average winter temperature is 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). In general, the country's north is warmer than the south. New Zealand also experiences rainfall throughout the year, with higher levels in winter.

The best time to visit New Zealand depends on what you're hoping to do while you're there. The most popular time to visit New Zealand is the summer months (December-February) because the weather is warm and there is plenty to do. Several popular events occur during the summer, such as the Auckland Arts Festival, the Wellington International Jazz Festival, and the Christchurch Arts Festival. New Zealand is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and there are plenty of places to go swimming, surfing, and snorkelling. The hiking trails are also at their best during the summer when the flowers bloom and the weather is milder.

The winter months (June-August) are a great time to visit New Zealand because the weather is cooler, and many activities can only be enjoyed during this season. For example, the ski resorts in the South Island are open during the winter months and offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. Several popular ski resort areas include Mount Hutt, Queenstown, and Wanaka. There are also plenty of other winter sports, such as ice skating, snowmobiling, and dog sledding. The North Island is home to thermal areas, which are most popular to visit in the winter when the air is coldest. These include Rotorua, Taupo, and Wai-O-Tapu - known for their hot springs, geysers, and mud pools.

How long do you need in New Zealand for a campervan holiday?

If you want to explore the North and South Islands, we recommend at least 2-4 weeks. But if you're happy to focus on one or two regions, you could do it in as little as five to 7 days. Our 7-day and 14-day itineraries are designed to help you get the most out of the area.

Parking a Campervan in New Zealand

Where are some of the best places to park a campervan in New Zealand?

Planning a campervan holiday on the North Island of New Zealand? Check out the list of 10 popular places to park:

  1. Kaitoke Regional Park, near Wellington
  2. Tongariro National Park, near Taupo
  3. Whangamata Beach Motorcamp, on the Coromandel Peninsula
  4. Cathedral Cove Motorcamp, in Hahei
  5. Waipu Cove Motorhome and Holiday Park, north of Auckland
  6. Raglan Holiday Park, west of Auckland
  7. Mount Maunganui Holiday Park, on the Bay of Plenty coast
  8. Ohakune Top Ten Holiday Park, in the central North Island
  9. Turangi River Motorhome and Holiday Park, near Lake Taupo
  10. Camping by the beach in Kawhia

Heading to the South Island on a self-drive holiday. Scroll through some popular spots:

  1. Mount Hutt Motorhome Park, in the Canterbury Region
  2. Tekapo Springs Motorhome and Holiday Park, near Christchurch
  3. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Holiday Park, north of Christchurch
  4. Kaikoura Motorcamp and Holiday Park, on the east coast of the South Island
  5. Karoa Motorhome and Holiday Park, in the Banks Peninsula Region
  6. Camping on the beach in Oamaru
  7. Camping by the river in Wanaka
  8. The Hermitage Motorhome park, near Mount Cook National Park
  9. Rundle Mall Carpark (free), in central Dunedin
  10. Any supermarket car park (free), anywhere in the south island
Where can you park a campervan overnight in New Zealand?

New Zealand is among the best and easiest places to explore with a motorhome, campervan or 4WD camper rental. There are many different places to park your campervan overnight in New Zealand. The best options include national parks, campgrounds, holiday parks, and rest areas.

Most national parks have designated camping areas where you can stay overnight, and usually have facilities such as toilets and showers. However, you must purchase a camping permit to stay in the park overnight.

Campgrounds are a great option because they offer basic facilities such as toilets and showers, and they generally have a kitchen area where you can cook your meals. Holiday parks are similar to campgrounds but usually offer more amenities, such as WiFi, laundry facilities, and play areas for children.

Rest areas are free to use and can be found throughout the country. They're a good option if you need to stop for a break or if you want to spend the night in your campervan. However, they can be pretty noisy, and there is no guarantee that you will find one close to where you want to go.

Freedom Camping in New Zealand

What is Freedom camping with a campervan in New Zealand?

Freedom camping in New Zealand is camping for free overnight on public land that is not a managed campsite. This can be done in your campervan, motorhome, or tent. However, not all public land is suitable for freedom camping, and it is prohibited in urban areas, including city parks and beaches, unless specific facilities are provided for this purpose. It is important to check local bylaws and regulations, as freedom camping is restricted in many regions due to environmental and public health and safety concerns.

Freedom camping doesn’t mean you are free from responsibility or to camp anywhere.

To freedom camp responsibly, follow the Tiaki care code and these essential rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up my campervan in the South Island and drop it off in the North Island or vice versa?

Yes, many companies have depots in both the North and South Islands and allow one-way trips.

If planning this type of trip, you will need to pay the cost of the ferry. Our support team can help with your booking.

Additional one-way fees may apply. The comparison tool will automatically factor this into your total.

Can bike racks be fitted to the campervan?

Yes, many companies allow a bike rack to be fitted to the vehicle. Please note that these may not be compatible with all makes and models, and usually must be arranged in advance.

What licence do I need to rent a motorhome in New Zealand?

All drivers must have a current and full driver’s licence to hire a vehicle. Foreign licences are acceptable if they are in English or are accompanied by an accredited English translation. Otherwise, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Are one-way campervan rentals possible in New Zealand?

Yes, a large number of companies allow for one-way rentals.

One-way rentals may not be available between all routes, and additional fees apply, depending on the pickup and drop-off locations. Our comparison tool will automatically factor in any additional fees and show you which vehicles are available on your preferred route.

What is the diesel Road User Charge (RUC)?

Because there is no tax on diesel fuel in New Zealand, the government imposes a Road User Charge (RUC) instead. This is a set amount per 1,000 kilometres, depending on the size and weight of the vehicle.

For companies that offer diesel vehicles, you will need to pay an RUC based on kilometres travelled. Our comparison tool will tell you if this applies to your chosen vehicle.

Check the rental terms for specific charges regarding your chosen vehicle.

Can I rent a campervan in New Zealand if I’m under 21?

Most campervan rental companies in New Zealand require the driver to be 21 years of age or older to access their full range of vehicles.

Some companies will rent to drivers between 18 and 21, but only certain models may be available. In those cases, additional insurance may be required.

Enter the driver’s age into our search tool and we will filter available vehicles to match.

Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.

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