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

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

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Considering ditching the classic hotel stay 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 4 wheels and what to expect from your next campervan hire in New Zealand.

Best campervan hire in New Zealand

1. Britz: Best for luxury campers

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.

  • Discounts: Up to 15% daily vehicle rate
  • Unique inclusions and features: Indoor kitchens and bathrooms, lots of storage and space, generally newer vehicles
  • Where can I pick the campervan up from? Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown
2-3 Berth Venturer Campervan
2-3 Berth Venturer Campervan

Motorhome Republic

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2. JUCY: Best for young drivers

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.

  • Discounts: Rentals from $15 a day
  • Unique inclusions and features: A variety of different campervan styles and layouts, dog-friendly campers available, some models have kitchens and toilets, electric campervans available
  • Where can I pick the campervan up from? Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown

3. Mad Campers: Best for long hires

Founded in 2017 by 3 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.

  • Discounts: Rates from $49 a day
  • Unique inclusions and features: Unique extras include an alarm, security lockboxes and Bluetooth radio, outdoor kitchens with built-in cookers
  • Where can I pick the campervan up from? Auckland and Christchurch

4. Spaceships: Best for budget-friendly campers

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

  • Discounts: Get free days for rentals over 7 days
  • Unique inclusions and features: Unbranded vehicles available so you can travel like a local, compact vehicles run like a car for anyone uncomfortable driving a larger campervan, amenities included such as cooking and sleeping gear
  • Where can I pick the campervan up from? Auckland and Christchurch
4-Berth Campervan with Rooftop Tent
4-Berth Campervan with Rooftop Tent

Spaceship Rentals

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5. Tui Campers: Best for cheap hires

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.

  • Discounts: N/A
  • Unique inclusions and features: Choose from self-contained and non-self-contained options, many different models available from 2- to 6-person sleepers and late-model fleet
  • Where can I pick the campervan up from? Auckland and Christchurch
6-Berth Trail Explorer Campervan
6-Berth Trail Explorer Campervan

Motorhome Republic

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6. Escape Rentals: Best for no frills

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

  • Discounts: Rentals from $29 a day
  • Unique inclusions and features: Reliable international company, each vehicle is individually painted by a local artist, smaller models that are easier to drive
  • Where can I pick the campervan up from? Auckland and Christchurch

How did we pick these campervan companies on the New Zealand?

Our editorial team selected the New Zealand campervan companies and vehicles on this list based on price, pick-up locations and vehicle features.

Compare campervan hire companies in New Zealand

Data updated regularly
Name Product Pick-up locations One-way trips available What's included? Free cancellations Book now
Britz
Britz
Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown
Yes
Blankets, pillows and sheets, Towels, Plates, bowls and utensils, Cookingware, Stove, Fridge or esky, Toilet, Shower, USB and charging ports, Water tank, Microwave, Gas (for cooking)
Yes
Britz - NZ
View details
JUCY
JUCY
Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown
Yes
Blankets, pillows and sheets, Towels, Plates, bowls and utensils, Cookingware, Stove, Fridge or esky, Sink, Toilet, Shower, USB and charging ports, Water tank, Gas (for cooking)
Yes
JUCY - NZ
View details
Mad Campers
Mad Campers
Auckland, Christchurch
Yes
Blankets, pillows and sheets, Towels, Plates, bowls and utensils, Cookingware, Stove, Fridge or esky, Toilet, Water tank
No
Mad Campers
View details
Spaceships Rentals
Spaceships Rentals
Auckland, Christchurch
Yes
Blankets, pillows and sheets, Towels, Plates, bowls and utensils, Stove, Fridge or esky, USB and charging ports, Water tank
Yes
Spaceships Rentals - NZ
View details
Tui Campers
Tui Campers
Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Nelson, Wellington, Blenheim, Greymouth, Picton, Queenstown
Yes
Blankets, pillows and sheets, Towels, bowls and utensils, Cookingware, Stove, Fridge or esky, Toilet, Shower, Water tank, Microwave, Gas (for cooking)
No
Tui Campers
View details
Escape Rentals
Escape Rentals
Auckland, Christchurch
Yes
Blankets, pillows and sheets, Plates, bowls and utensils, Cookingware, Fridge or esky, Toilet, Shower, USB and charging ports, Chairs
No
View details
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Looking for a specific type of campervan? Check out these companies:

TL;DR: New Zealand campervan hire

Get the best price:
October

Best time to hire:
December and February

Pick-up locations:
Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown

Driver's licence required:
Full driver’s licence or international licence

What to know before renting a campervan in New Zealand

How much is a campervan hire in New Zealand?

Motorhome Republic states that the average cost of a 2-berth rental in winter is $189, compared to summer prices of $276.

Hiring a campervan in New Zealand varies with the type of caravan. Things that will impact the cost include the size of the camper, amenities such as bathrooms and kitchens, if the camper is new or old, and extras including alarms, security boxes and Bluetooth.

When is the best time to get a campervan in New Zealand?

The best time to visit New Zealand is between December and February if you're keen on seeing outdoor activities and tourist attractions. Otherwise, if it's the snow and skiing you're after, then June to August is the perfect time to visit.

In terms of cost, October works out the cheapest when hiring a campervan. Motorhome Republic averages the nightly cost sits around $165.

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

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

Are there any age restrictions for driving a campervan in New Zealand?

The legal driving age is 16 years old, but you 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.

Can you park a campervan anywhere in New Zealand?

No, parking in an undesignated area can land you a fine of NZ$200+. However, there are many places across the country where freedom camping is perfectly legal.

We recommend checking where you can camp and planning accordingly.

How long do I need to travel around New Zealand by campervan?

Do I need special campervan insurance?

The majority of campervan hires come with standard insurance which covers the basics. For added protection, look into car hire excess insurance.

Campervan hire locations in New Zealand

New Zealand has 4 major airports, but airport pick-up is only available at Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. If a company doesn't have a depot directly at the airport, they typically have one within a 15-minute drive of the terminal.

Which companies offer campervan pick-up from airports in New Zealand?

These are the companies that offer pick-up directly from the airport:

  • Britz: Auckland Airport and Christchurch Airport. (The Queenstown branch is 600m from the airport.)
  • JUCY: Auckland, Christchurch Airport and Queenstown Airport
  • Spaceships: Christchurch Airport

Can I access free campervan stops in New Zealand?

  • Foreshore Reserve Freedom Camping: Ideal for visits to Napier.
  • Fittal Street Carpark: Ideal for visits to Nelson and Mount Richmond Forest Park.
  • Grey River Campsite: Ideal for visits to Mt Grey/Maukatere.
  • Lakeside Domain: Ideal for visits to Christchurch and Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora).
  • Otira Hotel: Ideal for visits to Arthur's Pass National Park and Craigieburn Forest Park.
  • Champagne Gully: Ideal for visits to Cardrona

Tips for driving a campervan in New Zealand

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

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