Setting out from Auckland to Christchurch? Discover New Zealand’s North and South Islands with a one-way campervan hire. Compare options with our tool to find the best campervan for your trip.
Travelling in the opposite direction? Hire a campervan from Christchurch to Auckland.
Ferry Crossing: Approximately 3.5 hours across Cook Strait
Driving Distance: Picton to Nelson, 110 km (68 miles), about 1.5 hours
Attractions:
Distance: Approximately 285 km (177 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 4 hours
Highlights Along the Way:
Distance: Approximately 175 km (109 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2.5 hours
Things to Experience:
Distance: Approximately 280 km (174 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 4 hours
Things to See:
Distance: Approximately 70 km (43 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Must-Do Activities:
Distance: Approximately 170 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours
Must-See Stops:
Distance: Approximately 120 km (75 miles) one way
Estimated Driving Time: About 2.5 hours each way
Highlights:
Distance: Approximately 290 km (180 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 4 hours
Points of Interest:
Distance: Approximately 170 km (106 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2.5 hours
Things to See:
Distance: Approximately 220 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 3 hours
Attractions Along the Way:
Distance: Approximately 80 km (50 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Must-See Stops:
Distance: Approximately 100 km (62 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours
Highlights:
Distance: Approximately 330 km (205 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 4.5 hours
Things to See:
Distance: Approximately 360 km (224 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 5 hours
Things to Experience:
Freedom camping, or the ability to sleep in your campervan in New Zealand, is allowed but heavily regulated by local councils. It’s essential to know the specific rules of the region you’re visiting before settling in for the night. The Department of Conservation (DOC) also maintains a network of campervan-friendly campsites across the country for responsible self-sufficient camping.
These DOC sites typically provide basic amenities, so campers must dispose of waste properly, respect the environment, and follow local bylaws.
For a more comfortable experience, consider campgrounds designed for campervans and motorhomes. They often have electric and water hookups (so you can run your fridge, appliances, shower, etc.), dump stations for waste, and sometimes facilities like swimming pools or playgrounds.
When planning your trip, research local camping regulations and choose campgrounds or sites that suit your needs. That way you can enjoy New Zealand’s beauty while camping responsibly and sustainably.
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 dump facilities.
A self-contained campervan must have:
The vehicle must be inspected by a qualified officer and display a self-containment sticker to prove it meets these standards.
There are no campervan hire 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 hire; however, the shuttle must be booked in advance. If a shuttle is not provided, public buses, shuttles, and taxis are 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.
Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.
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