Compare muliple campervan rental brands in one place.
Find lower prices and you could save $100s.
Our multilingual support team is ready to assist.
Easy to use and no booking fees.
As the South Island’s most populous city, Christchurch is a vibrant urban hub with a slew of worthwhile attractions. It also offers a convenient base to explore the wonders of New Zealand’s South Island. Epic glacial landscapes and picture-perfect lakes lure outdoor explorers to this stupendously scenic place.
Despite the destruction of two devastating earthquakes (2010 and 2011), the town still clings to its English roots. Quaint British-inspired buildings lie peppered around town, along with leafy gardens and world-class museums.
Campervan travel is big in New Zealand—and the perennially popular South Island is no exception. World-class infrastructure meets demand, including dump stations and water refill stations. And with an endless selection of stunning campsites, the South Island is an RV dream destination.
One-way rentals are also an option with many travelers choosing to drop their vehicle off in Queenstown, drive to Wellington on the North Island or alternatively all the way up to Auckland.
Discover New Zealand your way by choosing a class of campervan that suits your travel needs.
2-Berth Euro Tourer
Cabana
6-Berth Euro Deluxe
Sleepervan
4-Berth Discovery
6-Berth Frontier
Budget Finder
Cheapa 2-Berth
4 Berth Euro
Lucky Rover
Platinum River
4 Berth Double Up
Cabana
Sleepervan
Budget Finder
Lucky Rover
Rocket 2-Berth
6-Berth Euro Deluxe
6-Berth Frontier
Platinum River
6-Berth Big Six
6-Berth SAM Premium
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 AUD $35 to $400 daily for a campervan rental in Christchurch (most fees included).
The cost of renting a campervan in New Zealand depends on:
In New Zealand, the term campervan can refer to any motorized vehicle set up for camping. Rental companies in Christchurch offer three vehicle types:
Most campervan rental companies lower their rates during the off-season from April to September, making it the cheapest time to rent an RV in Christchurch.
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 renting a campervan for a longer period of time, as rental companies often offer discounts for extended rentals.
Yes, you can. All the major cities in New Zealand, such as Auckland and Wellington in the North Island, Christchurch and Queenstown in the South Island, have depots located at the airport.
Several more companies offer their airport rentals 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.
Renting 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 rental car and hotel. The campervan covers both expenses for one reasonable daily rate. New Zealand's numerous 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:
Savvy budget travelers can reduce their expenses with the following money-saving hacks:
Get in early: Booking ahead will save you stacks of cash as campervan rental companies set prices based on availability.
Avoid the peak: School holidays, Easter, and Christmas/New Year get super busy in New Zealand. Travel outside these dates to save.
Compare companies: Don’t settle for your first quote. Use a comparison tool like Camper Champ to compare dozens of New Zealand rental companies in a single click.
Go small: A petite, budget-friendly campervan will come in at a fraction of the cost of a large motorhome.
Examine the extras: The best campervan rental companies include essentials like cooking equipment and camping chairs. That way, you won’t have to purchase them yourself.
Extend your stay: Most rental agencies reduce rates for rentals of a week or more. You’ll lower your daily rental expenses and get better bang for your buck.
Stay south: Venturing onto the North Island will set you back a sizeable sum in ferry and/or one-way drop-off fees. Most travelers stick to the south.
Return to Christchurch: Dropping your motorhome off at a different location (i.e., Queenstown) entails a significant one-way fee. Double back to Christchurch and save.
Make a rough plan: Explore the island in a circular route to minimize backtracking and save on fuel. The GASPY mobile app lets you compare gas prices between service stations.
Unleash your inner Masterchef: Self-catering will save you a small fortune in New Zealand. Good thing your campervan comes with a kitted-out kitchen.
Free camp: New Zealand is famously free-camping friendly. Stunning free spots lie scattered throughout the South Island.
Walk: Hiking—or tramping, as the locals call it—is the best way to savor the South Island’s immense natural splendor. And it’s free.
The most popular season to visit the South Island is summer (Dec-Feb) when balmy days make outdoor adventures a dream. However, the warmer months also attract the thickest crowds, so rental and campsite availability dry up and prices soar.
Autumn (Mar-May) is an awesome time to visit, although it gets a tad chilly towards the end of the season—remember to bundle up. March has the most favorable weather, while April and May see the fall foliage bring a kaleidoscope of color to the Central Otago region.
Winter (June to August) is the peak ski season. Stacks of travelers visit Queenstown and Wanaka to carve fresh tracks, but the rest of the island seldom sees RV travelers. Icy winds and regular rainfall become common along the coast, while the high-altitude regions remain frigid throughout the season.
Spring sees the South Island bloom. Gorgeous gardens in Christchurch, Otago, Dunedin, and Alexandra delight the horticulturist at heart. A thick layer of snow still smothers the Southern Alps, and the ski season doesn’t stop until mid-October. Thicker crowds (and higher prices) return around mid-November.
The South Island hosts a plethora of exciting festivals and events, primarily in the warmer months.
Rhythm & Alps Music Festival (Wanaka, December)
Twisted Frequency Festival (Golden Bay, December)
Beach Break (Nelson, January)
World Buskers Festival (Christchurch, January)
Electric Avenue Festival (Christchurch, February)
Hokitika Wildfoods Festival (Hokitika Beach, March)
Marchfest (Nelson, March)
Marlborough Wine Festival (Marlborough, May)
Victorian Fete (Oamaru, November)
One to two weeks is enough time to travel around the South Island in a campervan. Although visiting all the destinations in this guide would require more time, a week or two is plenty to discover the highlights.
But what about the North Island? Should you combine North and South into one epic, trans-New Zealand adventure?
It's possible, but you'll have to fork out for the Wellington-Picton ferry and/or a pricey one-way drop-off fee. Plus, you'll need at least a month to do the whole country justice (preferably more). Most campervan travelers prefer to focus on one island at a time.
Christchurch is a small city (population 381,000) with mild traffic and plenty of places to park. Parking in the CBD is relatively straightforward—there are over 10,000 spaces to choose from.
Indoor, council-run parking is available at the Lichfield Street, The Terrace, and the Art Gallery car parks for $4.10 per hour—remember to check height restrictions. The Christchurch City Council also offers on-street parking right around the city for $4.60 per hour. All-day parking in the CBD typically costs between $18 and $25.
The Council maintains a handy database of the top off-street car parks in the city. Wilson Parking also provides a list of its privately-run facilities. Another helpful resource is Parkopedia, which covers private and council-run on and off-street spaces with real-time availability.
If you don't fancy paying, Hagley Park and the Botanical Gardens provide free parking with a three-hour limit.
Got a large motorhome? Check out the council-run Manchester Street car park, which has plenty of space for big rigs (daytime parking only, and fees apply).
While New Zealand is famous for being free camp friendly, you can't pull up and sleep anywhere.
A non-self-contained camper (tent camping or a campervan without a toilet, wastewater, and trash amenities) may only overnight in a designated campground with appropriate facilities.
Certified self-contained campervans (with the official sticker) can stay for a maximum of two nights in most public Christchurch car parks. See the Council website for a map outlining where you can and can't stay overnight.
Some of Christchurch's most popular paid campgrounds include Tasman Holiday Park, Amber Kiwi Holiday Park, and North South Holiday Park.
National Park entry is free in New Zealand, but you must pay for ticketed attractions, tours, and some campsites.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) divides its campsites into categories. Prices range from free to $23 per adult per night, depending on the location and on-site amenities. Expect luxury extras like powered sites and hot showers at the upper end of the scale.
Free camping in a national park is only allowed where signage explicitly permits it. You'll almost always need to be certified self-contained.
If freedom camping isn't your thing and you plan to visit numerous national parks, you should consider investing in a DOC Campsite Pass. For $95 per adult, you get a 30-day pass to almost all DOC-run campsites.
For individual campsite bookings and the Campsite Pass, kids aged 5 to 17 pay half the adult rate and infants under five are free.
Most DOC campgrounds must be booked online, even if you have a Campsite Pass. Others operate on a first-come-first-served basis—get in early and have a backup plan.
The South Island has a plethora of picture-perfect campgrounds. Here are some of our campervan-friendly faves:
From historical sites to tranquil gardens and intriguing museums, this enchanting South Island city has plenty of places to explore.
To appreciate the magnitude of the 2010/2011 earthquakes, visit Christchurch Transitional Cathedral. Constructed of cardboard and other temporary materials, this interim temple temporarily replaces the damaged Christchurch Cathedral. For more earthquake insights, pop into Quake City and the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial.
Not all historic buildings collapsed in 2011. The Isaac Theatre Royal is a restored performing arts center with a grandiose Edwardian style. At Riccarton House, an elegant Victorian-era homestead overlooks lush lawns. Then you've got the Victoria Clock Tower, an ornate stone spire built to celebrate the Queen's 60th Jubilee. To combine history and shopping in one outing, check out the colorful New Regent Street pedestrian mall.
Due to its British influence, Christchurch (A.K.A., the "Garden City") is famed for its gorgeous verdant parks. The best is the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, home to an impressive selection of native trees and flowering plants. Surrounding it lies Hagley Park, a sprawling recreational space with leafy gardens and sports facilities. Small, scenic parks line the tranquil Avon River, which snakes through the city's heart.
Christchurch has a respectable array of pristine natural spaces, too. Hikers and mountain bikers adore the undulating terrain at Port Hills. To spot squawking birdlife, try the marshy Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park instead. Godley Head offers pristine coastal views, while the sandy Sumner Beach is your best bet for a dip.
Keen to take a peek at native New Zealand animals? Then try the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Or better yet, take a side trip to the nearby village of Akaroa to spot endangered dolphins frolicking in the bay.
If museums appeal, Christchurch has a respectable collection to choose from. Favorites include the International Antarctic Center, the Canterbury Museum, and the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Creative types mustn't miss the Christchurch Art Gallery.
The antiquated Christchurch Tramway is a lovely old restored tram traversing many top city sites. A hop-on / hop-off ticket is a fun and convenient way to explore. For a bird's eye view of the city, jump on the Christchurch Gondola.
The strategically-situated city sits within a day's drive of all the South Island's jaw-dropping attractions. As a result, it's a convenient base to rent an RV and explore.
You don’t have to venture far from the city to marvel at the majestic Southern Alps.
Cruising two hours from the downtown area gets you to Arthur’s Pass National Park, a dramatic expanse of towering mountains and quirky alpine villages. If you don’t fancy hiking trails, the drive into the park is among New Zealand’s most scenic.
Further west lies Hokitika Gorge, where a serene aquamarine river sits enshrouded by verdant rainforest. Rent a kayak to make the most of the experience. On the west coast, the seldom-visited Paparoa National Park is famed for its pancake-like stack of rocks.
Nelson Lakes National Park offers more splendid Southern Alps scenery—think beech forests, ice-capped mountains, and shimmering lakes. Up on the north coast, Abel Tasman National Park is a sun-lovers paradise of picturesque sandy beaches and dramatic granite cliffs. Don’t miss the iconic Split Apple Rock.
To the east, the Marlborough District is awash with scenic vineyards producing world-class Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Ditch the van for a day and join a boat or kayak tour through Marlborough Sounds. With 932 miles of coastline, this labyrinth-like network of sunken river valleys is a sight to behold.
Directly west of the city lies Lake Tekapo, a tiny township straddling a spectacular lake of the same name. Soak away your stress in the bubbling Tekapo Springs or spot intergalactic constellations at the Mt. John Observatory. Snapping a pic of the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd is a quintessential South Island experience.
Beyond the lake, the ominous Mount Cook pierces through the horizon. Glaciers cover around 40% of this wild, outlying region, including the 6.5-mile-long Franz Josef Glacier. Helicopter and hiking trips through Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and Westland Tai Poutini National Park let you experience these Lord of the Rings-inspired landscapes firsthand. Hikers shouldn't skip the mind-blowing Hooker Valley Track.
To the south lies Mount Aspiring National Park, where undulating trails tramp between towering peaks and lush river valleys.
The township of Lake Wanaka affords sweeping views of the Southern Alps, which cast a mirror image on its clear shimmering waters. A cragged crack willow, affectionately known as #ThatWanakaTree makes for an Insta-worthy photo opp (Roy's Peak is another excellent vantage point). If you're visiting during the ski season, Treble Cone is a top spot to carve fresh powder tracks.
A quick drive south gets you to Queenstown, A.K.A, the "Adventure Capital of the World." Adrenaline-pumping pursuits include bungee jumping, river rafting, jet boating, sky diving, paragliding, and sledging, to name a few.
On the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, the quaint town of Glenorchy offers similar scenery with a more laid-back vibe. Hardy hikers mustn't miss the world-famous 20-mile Routeburn Track.
Milford Sound is well worth the detour. The snow-capped Mitre Peak protrudes through the center, while lanky waterfalls plummet into pristine fjords. Jump on a boat tour to marvel at the scenery while cruising past colonies of cuddly penguins and fur seals.
Over on the east coast, Dunedin is a lovely harborside town with Victorian and Edwardian architecture. On an adjacent peninsula, Larnach Castle harks back to the town's Scottish heritage. Dunedin is also your best bet for spotting the technicolored Southern Lights.
Not far north, Moeraki Boulders Beach lures curious onlookers with its perfect spherical-shaped rocks.
To spot cute little kiwis in the wild, jump on a ferry towards the remote Stewart Island.
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 traveler’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 rental services.
MORE: 7-Day South Island ItineraryThe South Island of New Zealand offers the outdoor-loving tourist snow-capped 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 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.
Yes, a large number of rental companies allow for one-way rentals.
This may not be available between all routes and additional fees apply depending on the pick-up and drop-off location. Our comparison tool will automatically factor in any additional fees and show you which vehicles are available on your preferred route.
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.
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.
Support 24/7 
