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Camper Champ compares multiple campervan hire companies in Auckland. Campervans can be picked up from depots a short drive from Auckland Airport, which serves both domestic and international travellers.
Hire prices for campervans in Auckland start at about $50/day for compact vehicles and can go up to $700/day or more for large and luxurious motorhomes. Seasonality also impacts pricing with the most expensive rates around December and January and lower rates in the winter months.
Motorhome travel is big in New Zealand, and the North Island is no exception. To meet ever-increasing demand, the country has developed world-class campervan infrastructure—ample scenic campsites and convenient dump points/water refills wherever you roam.
One-way hires are also an option with many travellers choosing to drive down to Wellington, Christchurch on the South Island or alternatively to Queenstown.
Cabana
Budget Escape
Happier 3 Kuga Berth Camper
Lucky Rover
River
2-Berth Deuce
Cabana
Lucky Rover
Rocket 2-Berth
Not all vehicles may be available. Use the search tool to check availability for your travel dates.
On average, you can expect to pay between NSD $50 and $700 per day for campervan hire in Auckland (most fees included).
The cost of hiring a campervan in New Zealand depends on:
Auckland camper hire companies offer three main vehicle types:
The budget-friendly affordable campervan comes with a fold-out sofa or fixed bed, a slide-out kitchen, and charging points for your phone. Some have high roofs so you can stand up inside.
The 4WD camper typically entails a rooftop tent (or a swag on the ground) and a simple kitchen set-up in the boot. While a 4WD lets you explore more places, you'll have to put up with limited amenities and space.
Be aware that in New Zealand, the term campervan can encompass all types of camping vehicles.
Make sure your campervan has an official self-contained certification if you plan to freedom camp on the North Island.
Most campervan rental companies lower their rates during the off-season from April to September, making it the cheapest time to hire an RV in Auckland.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, it's worth comparing prices from different rental companies and booking in advance to get the best deal. Additionally, consider booking a campervan for a longer period of time, as rental companies often offer discounts for extended rentals.
Yes, you can. The major cities in New Zealand, such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, have depots located at or close to the airport.
Several more companies offer their airport hires 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.
Hiring a tricked-out campervan is a cost-effective and convenient way to explore Auckland and the North Island. Here are the top reasons why you should hire a campervan for your upcoming adventure:
Cost-effective: The traditional hotel and hire car combo will cost you a pretty penny in New Zealand. A motorhome, however, lets you combine your accommodation and transport expenses into one.
Convenient: Instead of doubling back to your hotel each day, you can pull up at the closest campsite to turn in for the night. Plus, you’ll have all your essentials within easy reach.
Flexibility: No need to draw up a complex itinerary of transport connections and hotel reservations. With a mobile home, you can meander around the North Island on a whim.
Get close to nature: Mother Nature is New Zealand’s biggest drawcard. And the best way to bask in her glory is by exploring in a campervan. Wouldn’t you rather sleep under the stars than stare at a stuffy hotel ceiling?
Easy access to amenities: A campervan puts everything you need within arm’s reach. Feeling all sweaty after a tough day on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing? Freshen up with a quick shower and change of clothes.
When driving around Auckland in a hired campervan, remember these important tips:
As we know, exploring the North Island in a camper is the cheapest way to go. Savvy travellers can reduce their expenses even further with the following thrifty tips:
Book early: Early bird specials will save you a tidy sum on campervan rental fees. Like airlines, RV rental agencies base their prices on availability.
Compare rates: Using a custom-built comparison tool like Camper Champ lets you compare prices for multiple New Zealand rental companies with just one click.
Skip peak season. New Zealand school holidays and peak travel periods (think Christmas, New Year, and Easter) entail astronomical rental rates. Stick to the shoulder seasons.
Downsize: Do you need a massive motorhome? Opting for a low-cost campervan will save you stacks of cash.
Look for added extras: Many rental agencies include camping essentials like cooking equipment and chairs. These nifty little extras mean you won’t have to buy your own.
Stay longer: Many RV rental companies offer discounted rates for lengthy holidays. Let’s face it: you’d rather be cruising the North Island than stuck at home.
Stick to one island: Covering both the North and South Islands in one trip will cost a bomb in fuel, ferry, and/or one-way rental fees. Save the South for next time.
Return to Auckland: While you could finish your trip in Wellington, you’d have to pay a hefty one-way drop-off fee. Most budget travellers feel it’s worth returning their van to Auckland.
Minimise backtracking: Fuel is expensive in New Zealand. Although the North Island isn’t enormous, it’s worth planning an efficient route (you’ll reduce driving time, too). Download the GASPY mobile app to find the cheapest fuel in your area,
Self-cater: Eating out is also quite pricey in New Zealand. Stock up on groceries from Pak’nSave (a local low-cost supermarket) and cook delicious meals in your camper instead.
Free camp: The North Island has an abundance of super scenic campsites that won’t cost you a dime.
Hike: The best way to savour Mother Nature’s glory is by lacing up your boots and hitting the trails. And unlike other activities, hiking (or tramping, as the locals call it) is free.
New Zealand is famous for its unpredictable weather—expect four seasons in one day.
The warmest, most reliable climate comes in summer (December to February / average daytime temps 68 - 77˚F), when long days, regular sunshine, and minimal rain promote outdoor adventures. However, summer also brings the biggest crowds and the highest campervan hire rates.
Autumn (March to May / average daytime temps 63 - 70˚F) delivers a spectacular change of scenery as the trees burst into vivid hues of red, brown, and gold—head to Hawkes Bay for the autumn colours. Thinner crowds (outside Easter) and relatively pleasant weather make it an excellent season for campervanning.
Winter (June to August / average daytime temps 54 - 61˚F) gets a bit chilly in the North Island, especially in high-altitude areas. Snowfall is rare in the lowlands. But between June and October, ski enthusiasts can carve fresh tracks in the Whakapapa and Turoa Ski Areas.
Spring (September to November / average daytime temperatures 61 - 66˚F) sees the snow melt and the rivers roar into action (the whitewater rafting is wild). Landscapes glimmer in lush shades of green, and the flowers bloom. Don't miss the Taranaki Rhododendron and Garden Festival.
The North Island boasts an action-packed calendar of New Zealand's finest festivals and events. Exciting shindigs celebrate music, culture, and the arts throughout the year:
One Love (Tauranga, January)
Art Deco Weekend (Napier, February)
Splore (Auckland, February)
Balloons over Waikato (Hamilton, March)
Earth Beat Aotearoa (Kaipara Harbor, March)
Beach Hop (The Coromandel, March)
Pasifika Festival (Auckland, March)
Homegrown (Hamilton, March)
Womad (Taranaki, March)
Matariki (Nationwide, June/July)
World of Wearable Art (Wellington, September)
Hobbit Day (Matamata, September)
Northern Bass (Mangawhai, December)
Rhythm and Vines (Gisborne, December)
As the North Island is relatively compact, you don’t need much leave up your sleeve to enjoy a motorhome adventure. All the locations we’ve mentioned (except for Wellington) are less than a five-hour drive from Auckland.
Therefore, the ideal timeframe for a North Island campervan trip is one to two weeks.
With one week, you could check out the highlights and embark on a few top-tier hikes. Two weeks gives you time to explore each destination in depth while enjoying extra activities.
Is it worth visiting the North and South Islands in one campervan adventure?
It’s possible. But you’ll need to consider the cost of the Wellington-Picton car ferry—allow NZ$200-300 each way. Plus, if you pick up your camper in Auckland and drop it off down south, you’ll get slugged with a hefty one-way rental fee. Driving your rig back up again will cost you dearly in fuel, ferry fees, and the precious commodity of time.
For these reasons, most RV holidaymakers stick to either the North or South Island. You can always come back next year.
Home to 1.7 million people, Auckland is New Zealand's most populous city. And that heaving concentration of humanity makes it hard to find a parking space, especially when you're touring in an oversized motorhome.
The Auckland Council splits the city centre into five marked parking zones (1–5), grouped into three price bands, each with different parking fees. In general, you pay one rate for the first couple of hours and a higher rate for each additional hour. For example, in Zone 1 (the city centre CBD) on weekdays, you'll currently pay $6.50 per hour for the first two hours and $11.50 per hour for each hour after that. On weekends, Zone 1 is cheaper at $4 per hour for the first two hours, then $6.50 per hour after that. Other zones (2–5) follow the same pattern of increasing hourly rates after the first two hours, but with progressively lower prices.
In central Auckland, many paid on-street spaces no longer have a strict maximum stay but become progressively more expensive after the first couple of hours—so in these areas, you can usually stay longer if you keep paying. Outside these core streets and in many suburban centres and car parks, traditional time-limited spaces (such as P60 or P120) still exist, so always check the signs.
In addition to on-street parking, the council operates numerous car parks throughout the city. Look for an open-air car park if you're in a campervan with a high roof. Always check height restrictions before entering any enclosed car park (or fast food drive-throughs, low bridges, and the like).
Several private companies, such as Wilson Parking and Secure Parking, also manage car parks around the city. Heart of the City Auckland has a list of handy inner-city car parks. Furthermore, Parkopedia is a top resource for comparing availability and rates.
Many tourist attractions and supermarkets have extra-large spaces to accommodate bulky motorhomes. Parking across two regular spaces is permitted, provided you pay the fee for both spaces.
There’s a common misconception that you can camp overnight anywhere you like in New Zealand. While the country is relatively freedom-camping friendly, you must still abide by local by-laws, which are becoming stricter, especially in and around major cities.
If you don't have a certified self-contained vehicle (with a valid self-containment warrant card), you can only stay overnight in designated campgrounds or holiday parks with suitable facilities, or on private land where you have the owner’s permission.
Certified self-contained vehicles can freedom camp on most council-controlled public land in Auckland (including some roadsides), provided you comply with council freedom camping rules. These regulations include a maximum two-night stay, leaving by 9am the next day, and a “no return within two weeks” rule for the same road or off-road parking area (the two-week period starts from 9 am on the day of departure). Road rules and standard regulations regarding littering, noise, fires, and pets also apply.
Free camping is not permitted in council reserves and 58 areas within the Auckland region. Paid camping is the only option at Auckland's regional parks.
Keep a close eye out for signage and follow courteous camping etiquette.
Good news for budget travellers: entry to all of New Zealand's spectacular national parks is currently free. The government has proposed future entry fees for international visitors at a few high-profile sites (such as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Milford Sound, and Aoraki/Mt Cook), but these charges are not yet in place. The North Island is home to three dramatic volcano-clad parks: Tongariro, Whanganui, and Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki (formerly Egmont).
However, you'll still need to pay for tours, ticketed attractions, and many national park campsites.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) divides its campgrounds into several tiers:
Basic campsites are free and include basic facilities such as drop toilets.
Backcountry campsites charge varying fees and have toilets and a water supply. Some include other facilities like picnic tables and shelters.
Standard campsites are in popular recreation areas and typically cost around NZ$10–$20 per adult per night. All have a toilet and water supply, and some offer extra facilities.
Serviced campsites are the crème de la crème of national park camping. Expect to pay around NZ$25 per adult per night for unpowered sites and about NZ$20–$28 per adult per night for powered sites, with amenities like flush toilets, hot showers, bins, camp kitchens, and laundry facilities.
Great Walk campsites are priced separately and generally cost more than standard DOC campsites. Always check each campsite’s DOC page for exact, current fees.
If you plan on spending lots of time camping in New Zealand's breathtaking national parks, you might consider investing in a DOC Campsite Pass. DOC now sells a 1-year Campsite Pass for NZ$295 per adult and NZ$147.50 per child aged 5–17 (infants under five stay for free). It covers most DOC campsites, but not Great Walk campsites and not every individual campground—check the DOC site for exclusions and the latest price. You still need to book any campgrounds that are on DOC’s booking system.
Children aged 5–17 are charged at around half the adult rate for individual bookings, while infants under five stay for free. These discounts apply to individual campsite bookings and align with the pricing structure of the Campsite Pass.
Many popular DOC and national park campgrounds now require online bookings through the DOC website. Other campsites are non-bookable and operate on a first-come-first-served basis—you simply register and pay (or record your Campsite Pass) on arrival. Always check the individual campsite page on the DOC website, arrive early, and have a backup plan.
“The winterless north,” as some call it. In this itinerary, we follow the 800 km Twin Coast Discovery Highway up the east coast and back down the less developed west coast with plenty to see and do.
MORE: 7-Day Auckland Itinerary
New Zealand has an unforgettable abundance of breathtaking scenery, welcoming and friendly locals, and a vast variety of fun activities, including some high-octane thrills. Wherever your trip takes you, you’ll enjoy tasty food and drink and experience a vibe unlike anywhere else on earth.
MORE: 7-Day Auckland Itinerary
You'll be swept away by the natural beauty of the North Island. And with a campervan as your trusty steed, you'll have the freedom to wander wherever the wind takes you, seeking out adventure and relaxation at your own pace on this 14-day North Island adventure.
MORE: 14-Day North Island ItineraryFreedom camping, or the ability to sleep anywhere in a campervan in New Zealand, is allowed but heavily regulated by individual councils. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and guidelines of the region you're visiting before settling in for the night in your campervan. The Department of Conservation (DOC) maintains a comprehensive network of RV-friendly campsites across the country, offering an ideal place for responsible and self-sufficient camping.
These DOC campsites typically provide basic amenities, so campers need to be well-prepared and adhere to responsible camping practices. This includes properly disposing of waste, respecting the environment, and adhering to any local restrictions or requirements.
For a more comfortable camping experience, Camper Champ suggests staying overnight in campgrounds specifically designed for RVs. These campgrounds provide convenient amenities such as electrical and water hook-ups, which enable campers to use their vehicle's onboard facilities like refrigerators, lights, electrical appliances, and showers. Additionally, these campgrounds often feature dump stations for the proper disposal of wastewater and sewage.
Besides practical amenities, many campgrounds also offer a range of recreational activities and facilities to enhance your overall camping experience. These may include swimming pools, playgrounds, and dedicated recreation areas. Some campgrounds even feature on-site stores, cafes, and rental facilities, allowing campers to purchase supplies or rent equipment like bikes or kayaks.
When planning your campervan trip in New Zealand, make sure to research the specific regulations in the areas you'll be visiting and choose a campground or campsite that best suits your needs and preferences. By doing so, you'll contribute to responsible and sustainable tourism practices while enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor activities New Zealand has to offer.
If you are unsure of the rules that apply in a specific area, it is best to visit the nearest i-SITE (visitor information centre) and ask about any local regulations or bylaws.
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.
If you wish to go freedom camping in New Zealand, your vehicle must be self-contained and certified.
This means you must be able to live in the vehicle for 3 days without needing additional water or needing to dump the waste.
In addition, the vehicle must have:
The vehicle must have been checked by a qualified officer to ensure that it meets these requirements. Self-contained motorhomes have a sticker displayed on the vehicle proving their certification.
There are no campervan rental companies based within the terminal at Auckland Airport. However, most depots are just a short drive away (2–30 km).
Many suppliers offer a complimentary shuttle service with your rental; however, the shuttle must be booked in advance. For cases in which a shuttle is not provided, there are public buses, shuttles, and taxis available.
There are a number of pet-friendly campervan rental companies in New Zealand that allow you to travel with your dog or cat. Approval must be obtained in advance and this will usually incur a fee to cover the extra cleaning cost. Contact our support team to check if it’s possible to take a pet on board a specific vehicle.
Yes, unlimited kilometres are generally included for standard vehicle rentals in New Zealand. The comparison tool will show you whether your preferred vehicle has unlimited or restricted kilometres.
Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.
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