Campervan hire New Zealand

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Discover the wonders of New Zealand in a campervan

One of the best ways to feast your eyes upon the spectacular vistas of Aotearoa, as New Zealand is called in the native Māori language, is with a motorhome rental. Wheels and accommodation in one tidy package make it easy to get around, get up close and personal with the delights of New Zealand, and set up camp for the night wherever the road takes you.

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Where to hire a campervan in New Zealand

Most motorhome hire New Zealand journeys begin in one of the four cities listed here, each one with a busy airport and many tourism providers. These hubs provide access to varied regions. Read below to get an idea of which one might best suit you as the starting locations for an unforgettable camper rental New Zealand road trip.

Auckland

The “City of Sails” is New Zealand’s biggest and also home to the country’s primary international airport. It’s a sparkling metropolis with lengthy coastlines, located on an isthmus between two harbours. A motorhome hire from Auckland can take you to the sunny and remote beaches of Northland, the holidaymakers’ paradise that is the Coromandel Peninsula, the rolling pasture of the Waikato region, the cultural and geothermal displays at Rotorua, and the incredible lakes and alpine scenery of the central North Island.

Wellington

This is the capital city, known for its good food, artistic flair, beautiful beach suburbs, and the incredible Te Papa museum. A campervan hire from Wellington, New Zealand, will set you on a journey to see many fantastic places in the lower half of the North Island. There are mountains, lakes, forest parks, and national parks to explore. The iconic peak of Mount Taranaki is surrounded by a gorgeous surf coast. Across on the eastern side of the country, Hawkes Bay and its beautiful vineyards await. It’s also a short trip across Cook Strait on a vehicular ferry to the verdant drowned valleys of the Marlborough Sounds.

Park your campervan hire and hop on the trams with your all-day ticket to explore the best of the city.

Christchurch

This resilient metropolis of the South Island is a starting point for many road trippers. Centrally located, Christchurch gives access to the entire island—and while there may be some long drives to get to your destination, they’ll be very visually pleasing ones. From the spectacular Southern Alps to the plains of Canterbury, golden sands of the Nelson region to the wild black beaches of the West Coast, the southern section of New Zealand is the one that visitors tend to write home about.

Queenstown

Adventure Capital of the World, this incredible town is all about appreciating and experiencing the unforgettable landscapes in which it is situated. So many adventurous activities are on offer here, alongside more tranquil ones like winery visits, lake cruises, and simply admiring the view. Pick up a campervan hire in Queenstown and head farther afield and the entire scenic South Island awaits. Queenstown is a great starting point for an intrepid trip into Fiordland to see the iconic, jaw-dropping Milford Sound.

New Zealand motorhome road trip information

New Zealand is a land full of, among other things, spectacular and varied scenery. The locals are laid back and friendly, the native birds are unique and interesting, there are plenty of diverse cities, history and heritage abound, and there is no end to wine regions and charming rural or coastal towns. All of that is a bonus—the scenery remains the main drawcard for many visitors.

Be careful when driving during your campervan hire New Zealand trip as there are herd of sheep crossing the road.

Driving guide for your campervan hire NZ adventure

A safe road trip is a good road trip. New Zealand roads have unique quirks and challenges, so to help you enjoy a journey free from incidents, we have listed a few basic driving tips. If you’re visiting from overseas or this is your first time renting a motorhome, read on and be prepared!

  • Drive your NZ motorhome on the left! New Zealand is a left-driving country, and the driver sits on the right-hand side of the vehicle.
  • Listen carefully to the advice and information given by staff at the depot on how to operate your specific vehicle. Ask any questions you have. They are your best source of help when it comes to NZ motorhome rentals.
  • Some roads in New Zealand are mountainous, winding, and narrow. Take great care on these routes and brake to slow down before corners. Vehicles moving downhill should give way to those moving uphill.
  • Roundabouts are a common form of traffic control. Enter to the left, and give way to those already circulating.
  • In remote areas of New Zealand, you are likely to come across one-way bridges—even on main roads. Check the posted signs to find out which direction has right of way.
  • The blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers is 0.05%. We recommend abstaining from alcohol entirely before getting behind the wheel.

Many roads in New Zealand are spectacularly scenic! Distracted driving is dangerous, so pull over to enjoy the views rather than trying to catch a glimpse from behind your campervan hire.

New Zealand road trip inspiration

There’s something wonderful down just about any highway or byway in New Zealand—and with a campervan hire, the sky’s the limit. If you’re overwhelmed by travel inspiration options for your motorhome holiday, take a look at the suggestions we have put together.

Auckland to Wellington: 3-5 days

Roam around the city with your campervan rentals New Zealand and have a stunning view of the 328-meter Sky Tower. If you drove straight through with a few stops, this motorhome hire NZ trip would easily fit into less than a day—but we suggest taking plenty of time to see all there is to see along the way. What could that include? A detour to sit on the beach at Coromandel, a skiing adventure at Mt Ruapehu, a climb up or around Mount Taranaki, a dip in Lake Taupo, and so much more. This is the road trip for anyone who wants to see as much as possible of the dynamic North Island.

Auckland round trip via Northland: 3-5 days

If you like beaches, this Auckland travel route for you. With your campervan rental from Auckland, head north and spend some time exploring the many beaches and coastlines you’ll find there. Many have gorgeous seaside campgrounds—such as the famous holiday destination of Ruakaka—so you can spend as much time as possible on the sand. Right at the top is the iconic and windswept Cape Reinga with its remote lighthouse.

Christchurch round trip: 10-14 days

For an overview of the South Island, pick up your campervan hire Christchurch New Zealand and make a leisurely loop. This could include anything that takes your fancy. Hike in Abel Tasman National Park and enjoy sunny Nelson, drive down the windswept West Coast, bungy jump in Queenstown, cruise on spectacular Milford Sound, and meander through the pretty Catlins coast. There are so many possibilities with a motorhome hire New Zealand trip from Christchurch.

Queenstown to Christchurch via Aoraki/Mount Cook: 2-4 days

Park your campervan rental NZ and climb Roys Peak for an outdoor adventure.This motorhome rental New Zealand route is about quality over quantity! Pick up a Queenstown campervan hire and enjoy the spectacular highways on the way to Christchurch—spread over as many days as you can allow! Highlights include the scenic drive over Lindis Pass, the incredible icy blue tones of Lake Pukaki, glimpses of New Zealand’s highest peak, and the wide, braided rivers of Canterbury. Take a detour to explore Mount Cook village and do a few walks in the area to see the glaciers.

 

Other Interesting Locations

Done exploring NZ in your camper hire? Motorhome Republic also offers vehicle rentals in various destinations across the world. Travel to famous cities in Australia like Sydney, Melbourne, or Gold Coast in a motorhome. Or explore the USA, Canada or the UK in a camper van rental. Motorhome Republic has got you covered!

What our customers say

The booking enquiry was followed up with a phone call from Beate.She was so helpful patient and professional.
I felt so much better dealing with a person then online. She was able to explain everything to me (as this is the first time hiring a motor home) thanks for the great service.
MICHAEL & SALLY VERNON
On time and Correct
David Lewis
Everything was really great and good, smooth, and at a good price
Fredrik Videlycka
Gabriela is exceptionally professional, patient, and very caring when it comes to her customers. She went above and beyond, even going so far to inquire about foldable deck/garden chairs. Unfortunately I didn't get the size of the motorhome I was after, but that was due to my own lack of haste. In the end I had to settle for something much larger and more expensive. I can see why Motorhome Republic is so popular. Two thumbs up!
Marcel Kuijper
Quick response by requests
Petr Wagner
The company has been operating very efficiently. I have been using their services for many years and have always been satisfied. They have great customer service and actively respond to all problems.
Jacek Terlicki
informative wab site and good service.
Kevin Walsh
MR afforded me to time to relax while someone else hunted for an appropriate camper van. They kept me informed daily of their progress. Coming from overseas it made sense to use Motorhome Republic who know the ropes and can find me the right campervan I needed.
Susan Jane Hardy
Easy to use website, they replied very quickly when RV unwanted wasn't available with alternatives that were. They even followed up with a phonecall to discuss further, Great service
Tom j

Campervan hire NZ: Frequently asked questions

See all of our FAQs

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

With so many motor home hire New Zealand suppliers and types of campers available, a campervan rental New Zealand can have very varied rates. As an indication, a rental could cost as little as NZD$50 per day for a very simple sleepervan or as much as NZD$500 or more per day for a large luxury RV.

Find the best campervan hire NZ that fits your budget with Motorhome Republic’s simple search engine and filters. Get awesome deals from Motorhome Republic today and explore New Zealand at your own pace.

How old do I need to be to rent a campervan in New Zealand?

Some rental companies offer camper van hire New Zealand to those aged 18 and over, while others require renters to be at least 21. Surcharges may be added for a driver under the age of 25.

What driver’s licence do I need to rent a campervan in New Zealand?

You need a full and valid driver's licence to get campervans New Zealand hire—no heavy vehicle licences are needed. If you are an international visitor, you can use a driver's licence from your home country for up to 12 months. If it is not in English, you will need to accompany it with an accredited translation or an International Driving Permit.

What do I need to bring when collecting my campervan in New Zealand?

Aside from any necessary personal effects and gear, you will need these things when getting your motorhome rental in New Zealand. Driver licence of the renter is necessary (see questions above), your booking confirmation, your passport if you are visiting internationally, and the credit card you used to book the rental campervan.

Is there a minimum rental period when hiring a campervan in New Zealand?

Yes, some campervan New Zealand rental companies have a minimum hire period. You may be able to hire a campervan for a shorter period but will have to pay to cover the minimum period. If this is the case, that information will be included in your search results.

Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in New Zealand?

No, freedom camping is not available anywhere. There are some places that allow you to park and camp for free in a fully self-contained vehicle, and the rules around this are set by local and regional councils. Some of these freedom camping spots/holiday parks will be marked with signs, and you can ask at local tourist information centres for suggestions. There are plenty of low-cost campsites and holiday parks around the country operated by the Department of Conservation.

If you intend to freedom camp where possible, make sure that you rent a self-contained motorhome for your New Zealand road trip.

Can I pick up and drop off my campervan at different locations?

Yes, many RV rental NZ suppliers have depots in different cities and will allow one-way road trips. This may incur a relocation fee. You may collect a campervan hire in Picton or Hamilton and drop it off in another city.

Specify your desired pick up location and drop off location when searching to see the available New Zealand campervan hire options.

Are unlimited kilometres included in my New Zealand campervan rental?

Yes, the majority of campervan rentals in New Zealand include unlimited kilometres.

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

If you want sun and warmth, the summer (December to February) is the best time to book your New Zealand campervan hire. Avoid the summer school holidays (mid-December to end of January) for fewer crowds and best campervan deals NZ. The shoulder seasons are pleasantly temperate, offering a fantastic alternative.

Camper van hire NZ road trips during the winter season are great for snow sport lovers and those who like a bit of chill—most rental motorhomes will be equipped with heating to keep you cosy when it’s cold, and the northern reaches of the country have very mild winters.

Plan your road trip or family getaway ahead of time to make the most out of your adventure in New Zealand.

Are pets allowed in New Zealand motorhome hire?

Some rental companies in New Zealand forbid pets from traveling in campervans, but most allow it. Double-check by reading the terms and conditions for the rental before booking.

Do you allow pick up or drop off outside of branch hours?

Your New Zealand campervan hire can only be picked up and returned during the branch’s office hours. If you have any special requests, you may contact your respective provider for assistance.

Always make note of your pick up date/drop off date to avoid any hassle on your entire New Zealand motorhome rental trip.