Fantastic customer service. Could not have been more helpful in booking our motorhome trip to France.
Paul Guest
One of the world’s largest motorhome rental agencies
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See Hamilton and beyond with a motorhome rental
Straddling New Zealand’s mighty Waikato River and at the centre of a vast region of productive farmland known as “King Country” is bustling Hamilton. This busy rural centre is an increasingly cosmopolitan and interesting city. The CBD offers urban entertainment; in the sprawling suburbs are hidden gems like the Hamilton Zoo, extensive and beautiful Hamilton Gardens, some lovely riverside walking trails, and great cafes where Hamiltonians enjoy a morning coffee.
Need-to-know information for your Hamilton campervan rental
A guide to driving your campervan in Hamilton
The number one priority for an enjoyable road trip is safety. And being familiar with the road rules and conditions of your destination goes a long way toward a great, safe experience. We’ve put together a few initial tips for those picking up a motorhome in Hamilton, whether they be domestic or international visitors.
- Drive on the left! If you’re new to driving in New Zealand you may not be accustomed to this arrangement. Take some time to practice on quiet roads.
- Always ensure that the driver and all passengers are wearing seatbelts.
- Hamilton is not laid out in an orderly grid—it can be tricky to find your way around! Including a GPS unit in your rental can make navigating a lot easier.
- Distances are posted in kilometres, and speeds in kilometres per hour.
- Default speed limits are 50 kph in urban areas and 100 kph on open or rural roads and highways, but there are variations to this. One stretch of highway north of Hamilton has a limit of 110kph, the highest limit in the country. Always check the posted speed limit signs.
- New Zealand has many steep and winding roads, and this includes significant sections of main national routes. Especially in a motorhome, you should take extra care and slow down for difficult terrain.
- For drivers aged 20 and over, the legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.05%. For younger drivers, the limit is 0%.
Motorhome dump stations are located all over New Zealand, providing opportunities for campervan road trippers to empty grey and black water tanks.
Where to go with your Hamilton motorhome rental
Well-located between the central and northern parts of New Zealand’s North Island, Hamilton is the perfect gateway to adventure. There are myriad top-notch destinations within easy reach, and a memorable NZ road trip could include some or all of the ones we have listed below. Start your engines and get exploring!
Auckland and Northland
Head north from Hamilton and you’ll soon be amongst the urbanity of Auckland, a seaside city that covers a huge area on the shores of two harbours. Continue into Northland to explore this paradise of white-sand beaches, friendly small towns, and gorgeous natural features like Cape Reinga, the sand dunes of Opononi, and the incredible Bay of Islands.
Raglan
Although small, this town deserves its own special mention. A 45-minute drive east in your campervan from Hamilton will see you enter the laid-back hippie town centre on a picturesque harbour. The real drawcard here is the nearby surf beach, where locals and visitors alike enjoy waves and sunsets.
Coromandel Peninsula
It’s just over an hour’s drive through pretty countryside from Hamilton to Thames, an historic mining town that serves as the gateway to the gorgeous Coromandel Peninsula. Here, forest and bush-clad mountains roll down to beautiful coastlines indented with bays, harbours, river mouths, and beautiful coves—like the famous Cathedral Cove. There are fantastic hiking trails to enjoy all over the peninsula, natural hot springs bubbling from the sand at Hot Water Beach, remote campgrounds, and so much more.
Bay of Plenty
Including beachy Tauranga and lakeside Rotorua with its geothermal activity and Māori cultural displays, the big and diverse Bay of Plenty region could be the venue for an unforgettable campervan hire adventure. It features a long coastline with some spectacular beaches, both exposed surf spots and quiet inlets. Hike in the forest parks and along the shores of Rotorua’s lakes, soak in thermal springs, watch the first sunrise of the day on the East Cape, and indulge in some of the kiwifruit crops for which “The Bay” is known.
The Central Plateau and Tongariro National Park
Head southward of Hamilton on State Highway One and within a few hours you’ll encounter some more alpine environments. The spectacular mountains of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu lie beyond Lake Taupo, offering endless delights for outdoor enthusiasts: hiking, snow sports during the winter, adrenaline activities, climbing, and more. Base yourself in National Park, Turangi, Ohakune, or one of the scenic Department of Conservation campsites and enjoy this incredible part of the country.
More popular locations
Your motorhome holidays don't have to stop after Hamilton! Conquer more NZ roads by visiting Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington. Australia is also waiting to be uncovered with Sydney, Gold Coast, and Perth as great options to start with. Motorhome Republic is also able to serve with the same excellence when you go exploring in countries like Canada, The United Kingdom, and USA.
What our customers say
Campervan rental Hamilton: Frequently asked questions
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How much is it to hire a campervan in Hamilton?
The price of a campervan hire in Hamilton will vary according to the supplier, the type of vehicle, and the time of year. As an indication, you could pay well under NZD$100 per day for a smaller campervan or more than NZD$300 per day for a larger motorhome. Those are base rates without any added fees.
To find a campervan in Hamilton that fits your budget, search for what’s available on your chosen dates and use the filters to narrow down the options. You can set a specific price range, and results are ordered with the lowest prices first by default so it’s easy to spot a deal.
How old do you have to be to rent a campervan in Hamilton?
Some rental suppliers will allow renters aged 18 and over, while others require them to be at least 21. Surcharges may be added by some companies for a driver under the age of 25.
Can I rent a campervan one way from Hamilton?
Yes, this is often an option. To check whether there is a one-way rental available, select your desired pick-up and drop-off locations when searching.
Is there a minimum rental period when hiring a campervan in New Zealand?
Some rental suppliers will have minimum hire periods, and this may change at different times of year. If your search does not cover the minimum period for a particular vehicle, it will be noted in the listing.
What driver’s license do I need to drive a campervan in New Zealand?
You need a full standard licence—no heavy vehicle qualifications needed. If you are an international visitor to New Zealand, you can use a licence from your home country for up to one year. If it is not in English, it should be accompanied by an accredited translation.
Are vehicles pet-friendly?
You can select “Pet Friendly” in the filters to see whether there are any pet-friendly campers available for your trip.
What is included in my New Zealand campervan rental rate?
The base rate will usually include the use of the vehicle, unlimited mileage, and often a few added extras like tourist information. Some rentals include linens, cutlery, and kitchen equipment, while others do not—and this will be specified in the search listing.
Do I have to return the vehicle with a full tank?
Yes, you will be given the vehicle with a full tank and you will need to return it with a full tank.
What is the speed limit in New Zealand?
The default speed limits in NZ are set at 50 kilometres per hour in built-up areas and 100 kph on rural and open roads (including motorways and expressways). These limits are variable; different limits can be posted along a single stretch of road—so always check the signs as your drive.
