Camper Champ compares multiple campervan rental companies in Christchurch. Campervans are available from depots a short drive from Christchurch Airport, which serves both domestic and international travellers.
The cost of renting a campervan in Christchurch can range anywhere from $50 to $550 per day for most vehicles with seasonality, vehicle type and other factors affecting prices. A wide range of campers is on offer, from smaller affordable minivans like the Jucy Crib to larger motorhomes like the Pacific Horizon 6 Berth SAM.
Campervan travel is big in New Zealand—and the perennially popular South Island is no exception. World-class infrastructure meets demand, including dump points and water refill stations. And with an endless selection of jaw-dropping campsites, the South Island is an RV dream destination.
One-way rentals are also an option with many travellers choosing to drop their vehicle off in Queenstown, drive to Wellington on the North Island or alternatively all the way up to Auckland.
Hiring a camper in Christchurch is the most convenient and cost-effective way to explore the South Island. Here’s why you should consider a campervan for your next adventure:
Affordable: Forget about paying for a separate hire car and hotel. The campervan covers both expenses for one reasonable daily rate. New Zealand’s ubiquitous free camps further facilitate low-cost campervan adventures.
Less driving: You won’t need to book and travel to a hotel after each day’s adventure. Simply roll into the nearest campsite instead.
Flexible: There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freedom that comes with a self-contained campervan. Don’t stress about complex itineraries; just follow the whims of the road.
Get back to nature: Staring at a stuffy hotel ceiling isn’t the ideal way to pass an evening. Wouldn’t you rather relax amid breathtaking surroundings with a campfire under the stars?
Convenience: Fresh clothes, a fridge full of food, and all your essential possessions will be right there when you need them—plus, no more packing and unpacking each day.
When driving around Christchurch in a campervan rental, remember these important tips:
The South Island has a plethora of picture-perfect campgrounds. Here are some of our campervan-friendly favs:
There’s so much to see here, and truth be told, you won't fit it all in 7 days. Aotearoa (the Maori name for NZ) is a traveller’s paradise, especially if you like the outdoors. This itinerary is a great way to spend seven memorable days in NZ’s south island, starting and ending in Christchurch, because it has an international airport and plenty of campervan hire services.
MORE: 7-Day South Island ItineraryThe South Island of New Zealand offers the outdoor-loving tourist snow-topped mountain peaks, enormous glaciers, deep fjords, golden beaches, lush rainforests and turquoise lakes, sperm whales, yellow-eyed penguins—and memories to last a lifetime.
MORE: 14-Day South Island ItineraryTravellers must hold a full, unrestricted car license to hire a campervan in Christchurch. Non-English licences need an accompanying International Driver’s Permit (IDP).
Many campervan agencies refuse to rent vehicles to drivers under 21. One notable exception is JUCY, which rents campervans to customers over 18 and/or with a restricted New Zealand or provisional Australian license.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A good idea is to plan for a minimum of 7 days. However, even a 2- or 3-week road trip around the South Island will easily be filled.
Popular attractions include Mount Cook, UNESCO-designated Fiordland National Park with Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, and the adventure capital of Queenstown.
Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.