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Campervan hire in New Zealand | Where to book, what to know

Explore the land of the long white cloud from north to south with your own home away from home.

Cristal Dyer
Cristal Dyer

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Winding road leading to Mt Cook along lake Pukaki in New Zealand

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Considering ditching the classic hotel stay on your next holiday for something a little more cosy? There are few places in the world as well set up to accommodate campervans as New Zealand and that vast and varied countryside seems made for exploring by road.

Here's where to find your temporary home on four wheels and what to expect from your next campervan hire in New Zealand.

Where to book campervan hire in New Zealand

britz campervan

Image: Britz

Britz

Ideal for those who want more home comforts with their little bit of adventure, Britz campervans are higher-end models with plenty of space for the whole crew.

  • Indoor kitchens and bathrooms
  • Lots of storage and space
  • Generally newer vehicles
Check availability

jucy campervan

Image: Jucy

Jucy

A campervan company with backpackers in mind, Jucy's brightly coloured vehicles certainly catch the eye. They include all the basics you'll need for a budget escape.

  • A variety of different campervan styles and layouts
  • Dog-friendly campers available
  • Some models have kitchens and toilets
  • Electric campervans available
Check availability

mad campers campervan

Image: Mad Campers

Mad Campers

Founded in 2017 by three Kiwi blokes, Mad Campers touts a functional fleet of campervans that will take you from the tip of Cape Reinga down to Bluff and back.

  • Includes outdoor kitchens with built-in cookers
  • Unique extras include an alarm, security lockboxes and Bluetooth radio
  • All vehicles are self-contained
Check availability

spaceships campervan

Image: Spaceships rentals

Spaceships

Running the gamut from budget options to luxury glamping-style ones, Spaceships campervans pack a punch with tons of amenities in a small space.

  • Compact vehicles run like a car, great for anyone uncomfortable driving a larger campervan
  • Unbranded vehicles available so you can travel like a local
  • Many amenities included such as cooking and sleeping gear
Check availability

tui campervan

Image: Tui Campers

Tui Campers

One of New Zealand's longest-running campervan companies, Tui Campers started in 1983 and is all about helping budget travellers get around New Zealand.

  • Late-model fleet
  • Choose from self-contained and non-self-contained options
  • Many different models available from two- to six-person sleepers
Check availability

escape rentals campervan

Image: Escape Rentals

Escape Rentals

Budget-conscious travellers need look no further. Escape Rentals are for those looking to travel on the cheap and willing to stick to the camping-style basics.

  • Each vehicle is individually painted by a local artist
  • Reliable international company
  • Smaller models that are easier to drive

Campervan hire locations in New Zealand

For such a small country, you've got a slew of locations to hire your campervan from in New Zealand.

Popular major cities and airports across the two islands to pick your vehicle up from include:

  • Auckland
  • Christchurch
  • Dunedin
  • Greymouth
  • Hamilton
  • Picton
  • Queenstown
  • Wellington

What to know before renting a campervan in New Zealand

What licence do I need to drive a motorhome in New Zealand?

You will need a full valid driving license written in English. If yours is not in English, you will also need an International Driving Permit or a translation that's been approved by the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Are there any age restrictions to driving a caravan in New Zealand?

The legal driving age is 16 years old but you will usually have to be at least 18 to hire and drive a campervan in New Zealand. Drivers under 25 years old often attract a young driver's fee but there are companies such as Spaceships and Jucy that won't cost you any extra.

Do I need specific caravan insurance?

Campervan insurance is not mandatory in New Zealand but it is available if you want to be covered for the worst-case scenario. This can be purchased with your hire or separately.

What does campervan hire in New Zealand cost?

A two-person campervan can start from $40 a day with more deluxe models fetching up to $100 per day.

For larger vehicles, a six-person campervan starts from $125 per day with luxury models getting up to $500 per day.

Which companies offer luxury campervan hire in New Zealand?

  • Britz
  • Kiwi Campers
  • Happy Campers
  • Maui

Which companies offer cheap caravan hire in New Zealand?

Which companies offer six berth caravan hire in New Zealand?

  • Tui Campers
  • Freedom Campers
  • Road Runner Rentals
  • Kiwi Campers

How far in advance should I hire a campervan in New Zealand?

A minimum of two months in advance is recommended for travel during the high season. At other times of the year, a few weeks should be sufficient and you might even be able to score a last-minute deal.

Tips for driving a campervan in New Zealand

  • Don't forget your vehicle's height - especially when navigating under trees and bridges.
  • Anticipate what's going to happen on the road as braking and acceleration takes longer in a campervan.
  • Don't overtake when the road has solid yellow lines.
  • Always park on the side of the road that's the same direction as the flow of traffic.
  • Respect the priority markers on one-way bridges - New Zealand has a lot of them.
  • Drive during the day when possible to avoid any dangers such as wildlife on the roads.
  • Check that your belongings are secure before hitting the road. This includes your power cable and gas cylinder.
  • Due to the large number of winding, narrow and gravel roads in New Zealand, always prepare for journeys to take longer than estimated, even when using a GPS.

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