Wellington RV Rental: Compare campervans 🏷️Save $100s

Price Beat Guarantee

If you find a lower price, we'll beat it. Conditions apply

Compare 160 Suppliers

Compare over 160 campervan rental brands worldwide.

No Booking Fees

Easy to use and no booking fees.

Expert Support

Our multilingual support team will help you book.

Compare Campervan Rentals in Wellington

Book with ease and save on fees. Compare models and features from a choice of trusted campervan rental companies in New Zealand.

Compare campervan hire companies in Wellington and around New Zealand with Camper Champ.

Motorhome rental costs in Wellington average between $75-$465/day for the majority of vehicles. Rates are dependent on demand, length of reservation and camper model.

Campervan travel is mainstream in New Zealand, and there’s ample RV infrastructure to meet demand. With abundant campsites, water refills and dump points, #vanlife is all too easy on the North Island.

One-way rentals are also an option with some travellers choosing to drive up to Auckland, Christchurch (South Island) or Queenstown (South Island).

Popular Campervans in Wellington

Find the perfect camper for your travel needs.

Cabana

6-Berth Volkswagen Crafter

Path Explorer 6-Berth

Condo

4-Berth GEM Premium

6-Berth SAM Premium

Deluxe Sleepervan

4 1 Family Trail Finder

6-Berth Frontier

River

Rocket 2-Berth

Cabana

Rocket 2-Berth

6-Berth SAM Premium

6-Berth Frontier

River

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

Wellington RV Rental Prices

From cheap campervans to luxury motorhomes—compare prices to find a vehicle that suits your budget and travelling style

How much does it cost to rent a campervan in Wellington?

On average, you can expect to pay between NZD $75 to $465 per day for a campervan rental in Wellington (most fees included).

The cost of renting a campervan in New Zealand depends on:

The size, age and type of vehicle you require
The booking length
The time of year
The intended drop-off point
Whether it is a one-way rental

Campervan rental companies in Wellington offer three distinct vehicle types:

The low-cost campervan is a small, budget-friendly option with basic cooking facilities and a fold-out bed. Some come with high roofs so you can stand up inside.
The 4WD camper is a rugged off-road vehicle capable of driving through remote, bumpy tracks. While these hardy beasts let you go more places, you’ll have to put up with limited space and basic facilities.
The motorhome is a larger, more luxurious campervan, typically sleeping 4 to 6 guests. Fancy features may include an en-suite with a hot shower, a lounge with a TV, and a full kitchen. Although more spacious and comfortable, the motorhome is expensive to rent and refuel.

Note that in New Zealand, the term campervan is a catch-all phrase to encompass any kind of motorised camping vehicle.

If you plan to freedom camp in a motor vehicle on council or DOC land, you generally need a certified self-contained vehicle unless a site is specifically designated for non-self-contained vehicles—always check local bylaws and DOC notices.

When is the cheapest time to rent a campervan in Wellington?

Most campervan rental companies lower their rates outside the peak summer season, with the lowest prices typically from May to August (and cheaper shoulder rates in March–April and September–November), making it the cheapest time to rent an RV in Wellington.

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 booking a campervan for a longer period of time, as rental companies often offer discounts for extended rentals.

Wellington Airport Campervan Hire

Can I rent a campervan at the airport in Wellington?

Yes, you can. Some campervan rental companies operate depots in Wellington and provide airport transfers/shuttles, but the depot is typically off-airport (not inside the terminal precinct).

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.

Map of Campervan Depots

Map of campervan rental depots near 551214

25 Ulric Street, Wellington, New Zealand

The Self-drive Holiday in Wellington

A fully equipped campervan is the most convenient, fun, and cost-effective way to explore the otherworldly landscapes of New Zealand’s North Island. Here’s why you should consider a camper instead of a rental car and hotel:

Affordable: A campervan covers your transportation and accommodation with one reasonable daily rate.
Save time: Instead of returning to your hotel every day, just roll into the nearest campground and turn in for the night.
Freedom: No need to craft a complex itinerary of tours and hotels. A campervan gives you the flexibility to explore the North Island on your own terms.
Stay close to nature: Forget staring at a stuffy hotel ceiling. With a campervan, you’ll be kicking back at a spectacular campsite while gazing up at the stars.
Convenience: All your everyday essentials will be right there when you need them. Want a hot shower and clean clothes after a tough day on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing? No worries.

When driving around Wellington in a campervan rental, remember these important tips:

Vehicles in New Zealand are driven on the left side of the road.
Seat belts and child restraints are mandatory.
Livestock use the roads. Occasionally you may come across a sheep or cow on the main road.
On most open roads, the default speed limit is 100 km/h (about 62 mph), but the highest posted limit you might see is 110 km/h (about 68 mph). Most campervans under 3,500 kg can follow the posted limit (up to 100 or 110 km/h), but heavier vehicles and some vehicles towing are legally limited to 90 km/h on open roads. In urban areas, the usual speed limit is 50 km/h (about 31 mph) unless indicated otherwise. School zones also have reduced limits (often around 40 km/h / 25 mph) during certain hours on school days. Always pay attention to posted speed limit signs and adjust your speed accordingly.
Some railroad crossings in rural areas are not marked with warning lights. Approach these with caution and be ready to stop.
Most popular tourist areas in NZ have dedicated motorhome parking that’s longer and wider.
There are 3 toll roads in NZ: the Takitimu Drive Toll Road (formerly Route K), the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road and the Northern Gateway Toll Road, north of Auckland.
Carry your driver’s license or IDP with you when traveling.
The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in NZ is 0.05% for drivers aged 20 and over, while for drivers under 20 the limit is zero. The safest advice is simple: don’t drink at all if you’re driving.

Travel tips for Wellington

How can you save money on a campervan vacation in Wellington?

A campervan is the cheapest way to travel around the North Island. And by following these nifty money-saving tips, you’ll be able to reduce your daily expenses even further.

Avoid peak season: Like airlines, Wellington motorhome rental companies base prices on availability. Traveling outside peak periods like Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, and New Zealand school holidays will save you a tidy sum.
Book ahead of time: Getting in early gives you a better choice of vehicles and access to low daily rental rates. As they say, the early bird gets the worm.
Compare rental companies: A campervan comparison tool like CamperChamp can instantly compare the top Wellington rental companies. That saves you time and money.
Go small: A massive motorhome will cost a pretty penny to rent and refuel. Opt for a small, budget-friendly campervan to minimize your hire fees.
Added extras: The top rental agencies include extras like camping chairs and cooking gear, so you won’t have to purchase these one-off items yourself.
Extend your stay: Many rental companies offer decent discounts for extended stays of a week or more. Stay longer to save on your daily rate.
Stick to the north: Crossing over to the South Island will cost you dearly in ferry tickets, fuel, and one-way drop-off fees. Save the South Island for next time.
Return to Wellington: If you drop your campervan off in Auckland, you’ll get stung with a hefty one-way drop-off fee. Most budget travelers prefer to return their campervan to the pick-up point. Weigh up the options to see what works for you.
Plan a rough route: There’s no need to draw up a strict itinerary. A rough circular route lets you minimize backtracking and save on fuel.
Refuel strategically: Speaking of fuel, gas doesn’t come cheap in New Zealand. Use the GASPY mobile app to pinpoint the most affordable service stations in your area.
Cook: Eating out also isn’t cheap in New Zealand. Good thing you’ve got a kitchen in the campervan. Unleash your inner Masterchef to save.
Find free camps: A slew of scenic free campsites lie scattered around the North Island.
Hit the trails: New Zealand is a world-class hiking destination, and the North Island’s breathtaking trails won’t cost you a dime.

When is the best time to go campervanning in Wellington?

New Zealand has notoriously fickle weather, and the North Island is no exception. Come prepared for all conditions any time of year and expect four seasons in one day.

Wellington is one of the windiest places in the country due to its precarious position near the Cook Straight—the locals call it “Windy Wellington.” Pack a windproof jacket.

The best time to explore the North Island in a campervan is summer (Dec-Feb), when you can expect warm balmy days and relatively pleasant nights. However, these agreeable temperatures make summer the peak travel period, so you'll have to contend with higher prices and thicker crowds.

Wellington average summer temperatures: December 66°F / 55°F, January 70°F / 57°F, February 70°F / 57°F

Autumn (Mar-May) is an awesome time to explore in a campervan, especially at the start of the season when the weather's still reasonably warm. Although colder, April and May see the foliage transform into earthy hues of yellow and brown. Check out Hawkes Bay for the best leaf-peeping action.

Wellington average autumn temperatures: March 68°F / 55°F, April 63°F / 52°F, May 59°F / 50°F

Winter (Jun-Aug) gets rather chilly throughout most of the North Island. Snow blankets the high-altitude mountains but is rare in the lowlands. Rent a campervan with a heater to stay comfortable, or head to Northland for warmer weather. Ski resorts like Whakapapa and Ohakune open from June to October.

Wellington average winter temperatures: June 54°F / 45°F, July 54°F / 45°F, August 54°F / 45°F

Spring (Sep-Nov) sees the flowers bloom and landscapes adopt luscious emerald-green hues. The ski resorts continue to welcome punters until late October, while the weather gets much warmer come November. Melting snow makes rivers roar into action, perfect for white-water rafting. Horticulturalists should check out the Taranaki Rhododendron and Garden Festival.

Wellington average spring temperatures: September 57°F / 46°F, October 59°F / 48°F, November 63°F / 52°F

As New Zealand's most populous island, a broad range of fun-filled shindigs takes place throughout the year. The biggest North Island festivals and events include:

Northern Bass (December, Mangawhai)
Rhythm and Vines (December, Gisborne)
One Love (January, Tauranga)
Art Deco Weekend (February, Napier)
Splore (February, Auckland)
Balloons over Waikato (March, Hamilton)
Earth Beat Aotearoa (March, Kaipara Harbour)
Beach Hop (March, The Coromandel)
Pasifika Festival (March, Auckland)
Homegrown (March, Wellington)
Womad (March, Taranaki)
Matariki (June, Nationwide)
World of Wearable Art (September, Wellington)
Hobbit Day (September, Matamata)

How long do you need in Wellington for a camper van vacation?

Three days lets you see Wellington’s highlights without rushing about. You could spend more or less time depending on your interests.

As for the North Island, allow one to two weeks for a leisurely campervan adventure. As it’s relatively compact, you don’t need a lot of time off to enjoy a well-paced vacation. The drive from Auckland to Wellington is a long day on the road — travel times are variable, so check them before you set off.

Two weeks gives you sufficient time to see most highlights and enjoy activities like boat cruises and hikes. One week means you’ll need to be more selective about where you visit and skip a few spots.

Is it worth combining the North and South islands into one epic, trans-New Zealand trip?

It’s viable, though most campervan travelers prefer to stick to one island at a time. Once you add on the Wellington–Picton car ferry and potential one-way drop-off fees, combining both islands can get expensive. Besides, there’s plenty to see in the north for one trip.

Parking a Campervan in Wellington

What are some of the best places to park a campervan in Wellington?

Despite being a small city, narrow streets and compact urban planning make parking in Wellington a bit of a chore.

An hourly fee (generally around $5) applies to almost all 3,300 on-street parking spaces downtown from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week. Rates outside downtown are lower—budget $3 to $4 per hour in many suburban areas. Time limits still apply, so always check the signs; the exact fee and maximum stay can vary between spaces, even along the same street.

The Wellington City Council has published a handy parking fee map, and you can check their official pages to find out where the parking areas are in the city. Pay for parking with coins or debit/credit cards at the machines near each space.

Most metered on-street parking has a time limit of up to 120 minutes in the core downtown area, though some of the more sought-after spots only allow 30 minutes. Always obey the specific signposted time limit.

For medium-term parking, try the Freyberg Car Park and Clyde Quay Car Park—both allow up to four hours. Long-term parking of up to 12 hours is available at the following locations:

Oriental Parade
Kent Terrace
Cambridge Terrace
Thorndon Quay, Hutt Road
Kelburn Parade
Salamanca Road
Glasgow Street

The council also operates multi-story parking garages downtown and along the waterfront district, which currently cost around $5.50 per hour Monday–Friday (6 am–8 pm) and $3.50 per hour on weekends and public holidays, with daily maximum charges applying. Pay attention to height restrictions before entering.

Limited space, high parking fees, and narrow streets prompt many campervan travelers to use Wellington’s Park & Ride service. Open-air parking lots near Metlink railway stations offer free all-day parking for day use only (not for overnight camping). The system operates on a first-come-first-served basis, and spaces are limited—get in early.

Wilson Parking has a wide range of parking lots around the city, with prices ranging from $3 to $7 per hour. The Parkopedia website is a valuable resource for locating parking lots and comparing rates.

Unfortunately, Wellington doesn’t have any large day-use parking lots intended for motorhomes.

Where can you park a campervan overnight in Wellington?

Travelers in certified self-contained campervans can stay overnight for free for a maximum of 4 nights per calendar month in two specially designated zones:

The southern end of the Marina Car Park at Evans Bay
The Te Kopahou Reserve Car Park (20 minutes outside the city)

Stay-night restrictions and layout are enforced, and council rangers routinely check self-containment certificates and length of stay.

However, these spots tend to fill up fast—especially in peak season—and free camping is prohibited elsewhere in the city. If they’re full, you can stay overnight at one of the city’s two serviced campervan parks:

Alternatively, campervan travelers can stay overnight in the Barnett St car park for a fee of $30 per 24-hour period. Note that there is usually no overnight parking on Saturday nights due to setup for the Sunday market, so always check the signs before you park.

How much does campervan entry cost at a national park in NZ? Are any permits required?

The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) doesn’t charge entry fees for its national parks. That means all three North Island national parks—Tongariro, Whanganui, and Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki (formerly Egmont)—are free to enter.

However, you’ll still need to pay for optional tours, ticketed attractions, and most campgrounds.

The DOC offers several distinct campground categories, with fees varying depending on on-site facilities. Expect to pay roughly $10 to $28 per adult per night for a site, depending on the category and season:

Some basic campgrounds are available for free to certified self-contained campervans. Free camping within a national park is generally only permitted where signage explicitly states so.

Planning to spend several nights in DOC campsites?

You might be better off investing in a DOC Campsite Pass. As of late 2025, the pass is a one-year (365-night) pass, costing $295 per adult and $147.50 per child (5–17), with infants aged 0–4 staying free. It covers most DOC campsites but excludes Great Walk campsites and a few other locations—check the DOC site for current exclusions. Pass holders still need to book online for any campgrounds that are on DOC’s booking system; the pass simply covers the campsite fee.

With both the pass and individual bookings, a half-price discount applies to children aged 5–17 and kids under 5 stay for free.

Though some DOC campsites run on a first-come-first-served system, others require reservations through the DOC website (even if you have a Campsite Pass).

Top 10 Campervan-friendly Campgrounds near Wellington

The North Island has an abundance of picture-perfect campgrounds. Here are some of our campervan-friendly favorites:

Cuba Street Motorhome Park, Wellington

While it’s not exactly picturesque (and can be pretty noisy), this privately run motorhome park offers electric hookup parking and a convenient location in central Wellington. Certified self-contained freedom campers can use Wellington City Council’s designated sites like Evans Bay Marina parking lot instead (limited spaces; see the WCC freedom camping rules).

Price: from $35 (check in from 4 pm - check out 8 am)

Amenities: electric hookup parking

Evers Swindell Reserve, Clive (Hawke's Bay)

Set on the shores of the Clive River between Napier and Hastings, this riverfront reserve is a great base to explore Hawke’s Bay. Overnight parking is permitted for certified self-contained vehicles (max two consecutive nights per calendar month). Expect plenty of space, public restrooms, and an easy stroll into the town of Clive.

Price: free (optional donation of $6 per person/night)

Amenities: restrooms, trash bins, picnic tables, playground

Hipapatua Reserve, Taupo

Hipapatua Reserve attracts tons of happy campers due to its gorgeous river views and convenient location—it's three minutes from Huka Falls and five from central Taupo. But don't succumb to temptation by cooling off with a river dip because these fast-flowing waters pose a significant safety risk.

Price: free

Amenities: restrooms, non-potable water

Lake Domain Reserve (Lake Wairarapa), Wellington

A popular stopover en route to Wellington, this free campsite at Lake Domain Reserve offers sweeping lake views and large open spaces. Amenities are basic: there are restrooms, but you’ll need your own supply of drinking water. It’s also exposed to the elements, so be prepared for very strong winds.

Price: free

Amenities: restrooms (no drinking water)

North Egmont Campground, Egmont National Park

The campsite itself is just a parking lot, but you can't beat those jaw-dropping Mount Taranaki views. Located next to the visitor center, this busy site puts you right at the trailhead of some of the park's finest hikes. Energetic trekkers should tackle the arduous route to the volcano summit.

Price: free

Amenities: restrooms, potable water

Paihia Top 10 Holiday Park, Bay of Islands

With tranquil Bay of Islands waterfront surroundings, this well-equipped RV park is a relaxing place to stay. Friendly staff, native bush, and plenty of on-site facilities (including free Wi-Fi and a heated pool) add to the appeal.

Price: from $70 per site per night

Amenities: hot showers, restrooms, communal kitchen, laundry, covered BBQ/dining area, free Wi-Fi, dump station, water fill-up, recycling station, playground, swimming pool, TV room

Port Jackson Campsite, Coromandel Peninsula

Way up on the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, this secluded spot is ideal for solitude-seekers. Grassy campsites straddle the shoreline, and the sunsets here are unreal. The access road is remote and narrow—DOC recommends a reliable, well-maintained 4WD and careful driving.

Price: from $18 adult / $9 child per night

Amenities: restrooms, showers, water (treat/boil before drinking), cooking shelter

Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park, Rotorua

Looking for a Rotorua campground with top-tier amenities? Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 is a popular holiday park about a 10-minute drive from downtown Rotorua, right by Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu). Spacious electric hookup and non-electric sites, modern communal facilities, and a peaceful bush setting make it a great base for exploring the region.

Freedom camping in Rotorua is only permitted in designated council sites. Government Gardens is a free overnight parking area for self-contained campervans/motorhomes only, with limited spaces and no restrooms, showers, or water provided.

Price: from $48 per site per night

Amenities: restrooms, showers, BBQ area, communal kitchen, laundry, Wi-Fi, dump station, electric hookup sites

Te Kopahou Reserve, Wellington

Just 20 minutes south of central Wellington, this scenic oceanfront campground is a serene place to stay. The parking lot-style sites directly overlook the ocean, and there's a clean, modern flush toilet on-site. Pop into the adjacent Te Kopahou Visitor Center to find fun things to do around the region.

Price: free

Amenities: toilet, drinking water, trash cans

Whakapapa Holiday Park, Tongariro National Park

Tucked away in Tongariro National Park, this well-regarded holiday park accommodates waves of hikers heading to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. A convenient location and excellent amenities—including hot showers (Penny Key; $2/5 mins)—offer much-needed luxury after a tough day on the trail.

Price: electric hookup site (Adult 15+): $28 per night; non-electric site (Adult 15+): $25 per night

Amenities: showers ($2/5 mins), kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, drying room, recycling bins, BBQ, free Wi-Fi, shop, electric hookup sites, tent sites

Popular Destinations in New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up my RV 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 and any one-way fees. Our support team can help with your booking.

Can I park my campervan overnight in Wellington?

The city of Wellington is very pro-camping and enables freedom camping in a certified self-contained vehicle at several sites in and around the city. For all motorhome camping in Wellington and the surrounding area, council and DOC (Department of Conservation) campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities, many of which are at no or low cost.

You can park overnight in a few parking lots within the city, though without any services, or for $15–$90 (NZD), you can reserve a spot at a full-service holiday park within the city center. Note that reservations are encouraged at peak travel times.

Can I rent an RV in New Zealand if I’m under 21?

Most RV rental companies in New Zealand require the driver to be 21 years of age or older to access their full range of vehicles.

Some companies will rent to drivers between 18-21, but only certain models may be available. In those cases, additional insurance may be required.

Enter the driver’s age into our search tool and we will filter available vehicles to match.

What kind of licence do you need to hire a campervan in Wellington?

A driver must have a full, unrestricted driver’s license to rent a campervan in Wellington. If your license isn’t in English, you’ll need an acceptable English translation (an IDP is one option).

Most campervan rental companies won’t rent to drivers under 21. There are exceptions, however, such as JUCY, which rents vehicles to drivers aged 18+. Expect to pay a young driver surcharge.

What is a self-contained vehicle?

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 station facilities.

A self-contained campervan must have:

A toilet
A shower
Wastewater storage tank
A trash bin with a lid

The vehicle must be inspected by a qualified officer and display a self-containment sticker to prove it meets these standards.

How much does it cost to stay in an RV park?

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.

Campervan Rental Reviews

Pacific Horizon

(219)

Pacific Horizon specialises in premium motorhomes. All of its campers are self-contained and are designed and built in New Zealand.

Camper Champ
New Zealand
Wellington

RV Rental Wellington 🏷️ Compare Prices

Compare Campervan Rentals in Wellington

Book with ease and save on fees. Compare models and features from a choice of trusted campervan rental companies in New Zealand.

Popular Campervans in Wellington

Find the perfect camper for your travel needs.

Wellington RV Rental Prices

From cheap campervans to luxury motorhomes—compare prices to find a vehicle that suits your budget and travelling style

Wellington Airport Campervan Hire

Map of Campervan Depots

The Self-drive Holiday in Wellington

Travel tips for Wellington

Parking a Campervan in Wellington

Top 10 Campervan-friendly Campgrounds near Wellington

Cuba Street Motorhome Park, Wellington

Evers Swindell Reserve, Clive (Hawke's Bay)

Hipapatua Reserve, Taupo

Lake Domain Reserve (Lake Wairarapa), Wellington

North Egmont Campground, Egmont National Park

Paihia Top 10 Holiday Park, Bay of Islands

Port Jackson Campsite, Coromandel Peninsula

Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park, Rotorua

Te Kopahou Reserve, Wellington

Whakapapa Holiday Park, Tongariro National Park

Popular Destinations in New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up my RV in the South Island and drop it off in the North Island or vice versa?

Can I park my campervan overnight in Wellington?

Can I rent an RV in New Zealand if I’m under 21?

What kind of licence do you need to hire a campervan in Wellington?

What is a self-contained vehicle?

How much does it cost to stay in an RV park?

Campervan Rental Reviews

Pacific Horizon