Campervan hire in New Zealand: Top Brands, Costs and Deals | Finder
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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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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 motorhome 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.

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

  • 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 and electric campervans available.
  • Where can I pick the campervan up from? Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington.
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.

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

  • 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
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.

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

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

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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 motorhome 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.

How old do I need to be to hire a campervan 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 campervan 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.

How much does it cost to hire a campervan in New Zealand?

A one week motorhome rental can start from NZ$250 to upwards of NZ$1000.

Hiring a campervan in New Zealand varies on 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.

Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan 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.

What's the best campervan company in New Zealand?

We took into consideration which company has the most locations, biggest range of vehicles and the lowest prices.

In terms of cost, JUCY has some of the cheapest hires with nothing over $99 a day. JUCY also allows for pets, its range offers up to four-seaters. Pick up locations include Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington which is more than any other company.

Is it cheaper to rent an RV or stay in a hotel in New Zealand?

Typically, motorhomes are more expensive as you have the option of staying in a hostel. Nightly rates in a hostel can start from as little as NZ$14 - this compared to an average of NZ$80 for a camper.

How long do I need for a campervan trip in New Zealand?

The most popular road trip is across New Zealand is the South Island. It takes a full 14-days to cover it completely, but it can also be done in seven days. Check out the full itineraries with our dedicated page.

What is the best month to go campervanning 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 that you're after then June-August is the perfect time to visit.

Which campervan hire companies allow pets?

Tips for driving a motorhome 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.

Latest campervan and car hire deals

JUCYJUCY

Campervans from $99/day or less

Pick up a campervan in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch or Queenstown before until 20 September 2021.

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Deal ends

DriveNowDriveNow

Campervan hire from $5/day

Available on select routes, dates and locations in Australia, including Darwin, Alice Springs, Cairns and Brisbane, and New Zealand.

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EuropcarEuropcar

Up to 20% off Australia and New Zealand rentals

Available on 2+ days rentals until 11 December 2021 when you book 21 days in advance. Destinations include Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Auckland and more. T&Cs apply.

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Deal ends

OutdoorsyOutdoorsy

Up to $100 off your next campervan rental

Enter your email address and receive travel credits when you refer your friends and family to sign up and book an RV. T&Cs apply

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Rentalcars.comRentalcars.com

Compare over 800 car hire companies worldwide

Rentalcars.com can help you compare major car hire company rates for the best price. Companies it compares include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Thrifty, Alamo, Dollar and Budget. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Canada and more.

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