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Kiwi Motorhomes

Auckland to Wellington One Way Motorhome Hire

Planning a road trip from Auckland to Wellington? See New Zealand’s North Island in a one-way campervan rental. Use our tool to check prices and availability from top hire companies.

You can also rent a camper in the opposite direction: from Wellington to Auckland.

Popular Campervans

Find the perfect camper for your travel needs.

Jucy Cabana

Cabana

Jucy

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Budget Campers Budget Escape

Budget Escape

Budget Campers

Manual
Lucky Rentals Lucky Rover

Lucky Rover

Lucky Rentals

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Portable toilet only
Maui Platinum River

River

Maui

Automatic
Mighty 2-Berth Deuce

2-Berth Deuce

Mighty

Automatic
Spaceships Rocket 2-Berth

Rocket 2-Berth

Spaceships

Automatic

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

Auckland to Wellington One Way Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland to Hamilton

Distance: Approximately 125 km (78 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

Things to See:

  • Hamilton Gardens
  • Waikato Museum
  • Hamilton Lake Domain

Day 2: Hamilton to Rotorua

Distance: Approximately 100 km (62 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

Attractions Along the Way:

  • Hobbiton Movie Set (near Matamata)
  • Te Puia (Māori cultural center with geysers)
  • Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Day 3: Rotorua to Taupō

Distance: Approximately 80 km (50 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Places of Interest:

  • Huka Falls
  • Lake Taupō
  • Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk

Day 4: Taupō to Napier

Distance: Approximately 140 km (87 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours

Must-See Stops:

  • Art Deco Architecture in Napier
  • National Aquarium of New Zealand
  • Cape Kidnappers (known for its gannet colony)

Day 5: Napier to Palmerston North

Distance: Approximately 180 km (112 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 2.5 hours

Points of Interest:

  • Te Mata Peak near Havelock North
  • Manawatū Gorge Scenic Reserve
  • New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North

Day 6: Palmerston North to Wellington

Distance: Approximately 140 km (87 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours

Things to Experience in Wellington:

  • Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand
  • Wellington Cable Car and Botanic Garden
  • Zealandia Ecosanctuary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in New Zealand? Is freedom camping allowed?

Freedom 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.

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.

What is a self-contained motorhome?

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:

  • A toilet
  • A shower
  • Wastewater storage
  • A rubbish bin with a lid

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.

Can I rent a campervan at Auckland Airport?

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.

Can I bring my pet with me when renting a campervan?

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.

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