Not all vehicles may be available. Use the search tool to check availability for your travel dates.
Freedom camping is generally permitted in New Zealand, however, while allowed, it is strictly regulated. Rules and guidelines must be followed at all times and these can vary depending on the area and any council bylaws (local laws) that may apply.
Generally to freedom camp anywhere in New Zealand, your vehicle must have a self-containment certification
If you are unsure of the rules that apply in a specific area it is best to visit the nearest I-Site (visitor information center) 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 you will need to pay the cost of the ferry, our support team can help you book this.
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 it meets these requirements. Self-contained motorhomes have a sticker displayed on the vehicle, proving its certification.
There are no RV rental companies based within the terminal at Auckland Airport, however, most depots are just a short drive away (1.5-19 miles).
Many suppliers offer a complimentary shuttle service with your rental, however, this must be booked in advance. For cases where a shuttle is not provided, there are public buses, shuttles, and taxis available.
Yes, generally unlimited miles are included for standard vehicle rentals in New Zealand. The comparison tool will show you if your preferred vehicle has this included or if the mileage is restricted.
New Zealand has plenty of options for camping available. These range from privately owned RV parks to DOC (Department of Conservation) campsites.
A stay at an RV park will usually cost between $30-$50 (NZD) per night, depending on the area. A stay at a DOC campsite can range from $5-$15 per person per night.
DOC campsites can be a little more basic. However, many do have amenities available. These include toilets, showers, trash bins, and communal kitchen facilities in some cases.
Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.
Abuzzy is a midrange campervan rental brand offering 2- and 6-berth campervan models from 2008 to 2016. The company has airport pickup and drop-off available, and many of its vehicles have a few additional comforts included, such as higher-quality beds.
A smaller, family-owned camper rental company with two rental options available, Adventurer Rentals (formerly Nomad Rentals) offers an older sleepervan and a newer 2-berth hi-top. Adventurer Rentals has centers in Auckland and Christchurch and offers pickup and drop-off with its rentals.
A Christchurch-based campervan rental company, Aotea Campervans offers a single campervan model accommodating up to two adults and one child. Its campers are certified self-contained.
Britz is one of the larger campervan brands, with multiple rental centers in different countries and a wide selection of vehicles. Britz maintains a fleet of newer vehicles, with campervans generally being less than 3 years old. Britz is part of the THL group, which also includes Maui, Mighty Campers, and other international motorhome rental brands.
Budget Campers is part of a family of brands that includes Budget Campers, Freedom, and Tui Campers as well as other international brands. The company is aimed at a cheaper market, offering older vehicles at an affordable price.
A family-owned and operated business based in the Coromandel Peninsula, Coastal Campers has 2–6 berth vehicles available. The company is unique in that it places no road restrictions on its vehicles.
Discover NZ is a privately owned Nelson-based motorhome rental company established in 2003 with rental centers on the North Island and South Island. The company has newer-model vehicles for groups of 2 to 6. Most are self-contained and come with some additional luxuries.
Escape Rentals is a budget backpacker-style brand with vehicles for rent on both the South Island and North Island. Two campervan models are available, one of which is fully self-contained.
Freedom Campers is part of a family of campervan rental brands that also include Tui and Budget Campers as well as other international brands. Freedom Campers is aimed at the midrange market, with 2- to 6-berth vehicles available at a reasonable price point.
A budget campervan rental brand with centers in Auckland and Christchurch, Happy Campers has a wide variety of vehicles available from 2 to 4 berths. Most of its vehicles are older (2000–2011) and come at a cheaper rate.
A popular campervan rental brand operating in New Zealand, Australia, and the US, Jucy offers smaller campervans (2-berth and 4-berth) and will rent to drivers over 18. While not extremely cheap, a Jucy rental comes at an attractive price for the budget traveler.
A family-owned business established over 20 years ago, Kiwi Autohomes has vehicles to suit groups of 2 to 6. The directors of the company have over 35 years of experience in the campervan industry. Kiwi Autohomes rentals are available in both Auckland and Christchurch.
Kiwi Campers was established in 2005. Kiwi Campers maintains a fleet of over 150 vehicles that includes 2-berth vans up to 7-berth motorhomes. Kiwi Campers has options that cater to groups of all sizes. Many of the vehicles are older and may come at a slightly cheaper rate.
A new rental company in New Zealand (established in 2017), Mad Campers has two vehicles available: the 2-berth MAD 2 and a single-berth MAD 1 for solo travelers, both of which are certified self-contained.
Maui is another well-known motorhome rental brand that is part of the THL group (Britz, Mighty, and other international brands). Maui specializes in larger luxury motorhomes, with all its vehicles being less than 2 years old. A Maui campervan is often a good choice for larger groups and those looking for a comfortable road trip vacation.
One of the largest motorhome rental companies in Europe, McRent has expanded to New Zealand, with rental centers on the South Island and North Island. McRent generally rents larger luxury motorhomes at a more premium price. Motorhomes are good for larger families and those with comfort as a priority.
Mighty is another campervan rental brand that is part of the THL motorhome rental group (Britz, Maui, and other international brands). Mighty Rentals has vehicles for groups from 2 to 6. Mighty’s fleet is made up of former Britz and Maui vehicles that are considered too old to fit the main brands. It offers quality older vehicles at a cheaper price.
Nomad is a family-owned and operated campervan rental brand based in Clevedon, a rural part of NZ. The company has 2- to 5-berth vehicles available. Nomad’s vehicles are generally older and come at a budget price point.
Pacific Horizon is a New Zealand–owned and operated campervan rental company specializing in premium motorhomes. All of its motorhomes are designed and built in New Zealand. The company has motorhomes for groups of 2 to 6, all of which are fully self-contained.
A family-owned and operated rental company established in 2006, Road Runner has rentals available in both Auckland and Christchurch. A variety of vehicles are available, from 2-berth vans to 6-berth motorhomes, some of which are certified self-contained.
Scenic Motorhomes is a midrange, luxury motorhome rental brand with 2 models of campervans available. The company has a 2016 4-berth and a newer 2018 4-berth camper available. It offers quality vehicles with a few additional luxuries included.
Another part of the Tui family, Sleepavanz is aimed at the backpacker market. It rents the sleepervan style of camper at a budget price point.
This is a well-known budget campervan rental brand offering a sleepervan camper. Spaceships are popular with backpackers and smaller groups (2–4) looking to travel on a budget. Spaceships also rents to drivers under 21.
A budget RV rental brand aimed at backpackers, Travellers Autobarn has campervans in multiple international locations. The company offers a wide variety of vehicles, from station wagons to 5-berth family models.
Tui is part of a family of brands that includes Tui, Freedom, and Budget Campers as well as other international brands. The company has depots in Auckland and Christchurch as well as pickup locations throughout the country. Tui has newer, more premium vehicles, from sleepervans up to 6-berth motorhomes.
Walkabout is a midrange motorhome rental company offering newer luxury vehicles for groups of 2 to 6. The company was established in 1999 and has rental centers in both Auckland and Christchurch. Walkabout has free extras included on its larger motorhomes, such as outdoor tables and chairs.
Wanderlust is a budget camper brand based in Christchurch that specializes in 2-berth sleepervans. The company now offers self-service pickup and drop-off options, allowing renters to pick up a vehicle without any staff interaction.
At the northwestern tip of Northland’s Aupouri peninsula, the Tasman Sea confronts the Pacific Ocean in a feisty show of dueling tides and swirling currents. It’s not technically the most northerly point in New Zealand, but it is the most northerly you’re likely to be able to access – the Surville Cliffs, 18.6 miles to the east, are a closed scientific reserve.
Known to the Maori as the ‘leaping off place of spirits’, an 800-year-old pohutukawa tree is said to serve as a conduit for the dead to the underworld. The lighthouse at Cape Reinga was built and lit in 1941 and automated in 1987, providing for the title of the last watched lighthouse in New Zealand.
Cathedral Cove is a key attraction of the Coromandel Peninsula, marked by its iconic white rock natural archway and turquoise waters. The cove can only be accessed by an hour hike or by sea.
A 761-foot-tall extinct volcanic cone that rises over a peninsular sandbar to the northeast of central Tauranga, the Bay of Plenty’s Mount Maunganui (in Maori it’s Mauao, which means ‘caught be the dawn’) is known for its beaches and surfing. Pilot Bay is on the harbourside and just a few blocks apart, on the ocean side, lies award-winning Main Beach.
Formed two to three million years ago and known locally as ‘The Mount’, a 1.5-hour/2.5 mile trek brings you to the summit, which affords views of the coastline, the Tauranga cruise port (New Zealand’s largest), and the Kaimai Ranges.
Alternatively, a 45-minute 2.1-mile track circles the base and is declared New Zealand’s most popular walk.
One and a half hour’s drive east of Hamilton you’ll find Rotorua and the Wia-O-Tapu, famous for the region's unique geothermal and volcanic features.
Located 20 kilometers out of Taupo on the North Island of New Zealand is Mount Tongariro, a compound volcano over 1,900 meters tall. The mountain is located within Tongariro National Park, a popular tourist destination that is home to the Tongariro Crossing, one of New Zealand's most famous hiking trails.
The region is home to many campsites, making it a great stop on your RV vacation.
Waiheke Island is located in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand and is New Zealand’s third most populous island. The island is accessible via ferry, with the terminal being located just outside downtown Auckland. The island is famous for its beautiful scenery and is also home to some of New Zealand's best wineries. Waiheke is also home to a campsite, making it a great stop on your RV vacation.
