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Dunedin is dynamic and varied: both a young and brash student town thanks to the major university located there, and a stately southern city with strong Scottish heritage. There’s plenty to see and do in Dunedin itself, but it's also a great jumping off point for exploring New Zealand's South Island. Search and compare campervan rental options in Dunedin with Motorhome Republic and you can enjoy it all.
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Hiring a campervan in Dunedin: What you need to know
Campervan rental companies in Dunedin
We partner with three campervan hire companies in Dunedin:
- Discover NZ Motorhomes
- Freedom Campers
- Tui Campers
When you make a search, you be able to compare the vehicles from these companies and select the camper that matches your needs and budget. To narrow down the results, use our handy filters, which include Features, Vehicle Age, Price Range and more.
If there are deals available, these will be highlighted in the search results. You don't need to do anything to claim the deal, it will automatically be applied when you request a booking.
Types of campervans available for rent
There are a range of campervans and motorhomes available for hire in Dunedin, from those that sleep 2 people, to larger vehicles that can sleep 6 or more. Options include:
- Deluxe Sleepervan - Perfect for 2 people who want to keep it simple.
- Wildtrak Bush Ranger 4WD - A great option for people with an adventurous spirit who also want to tow a trailer or boat.
- Path Blazer 4 Berth - A fully self-contained motorhome that sleeps 4.
- Autoroller 6 - A high-end motorhome that has room for up to 6 people.
Explore all of the campervans available and their features when you make a search.
Picking up your motorhome hire
All three rental companies in Dunedin will arrange a pick up location with you ahead of your arrival, as they don't have dedicated branches in Dunedin. For example, with Freedom Campers, your campervan will be delivered at an agreed time and place. For more information, click on the Vehicle Details / Depot Info / Rental Terms associated with each vehicle in the search results.
Need help?
If you need help with booking a campervan, you can contact us and one of our award-winning support team will be here to help.
A guide to driving a motorhome from Dunedin
If you’re new to driving in Dunedin or to getting behind the wheel of a campervan, read on. These tips are intended to prepare you for a safe journey that’s memorable for all the right reasons!
- New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you are unused to this road layout, it pays to take an hour or two to practice on quiet roads before hitting the main highways.
- The South Island is spectacularly scenic, but it’s dangerous to drive while distracted! If you want to properly enjoy the views, pull over. There are plenty of lookouts and viewpoints from which you can safely marvel over the landscapes.
- You are likely to encounter some steep and winding sections of road, even on the main routes. Particularly in a big vehicle like a motorhome, it’s important to take extreme care and drive to the conditions. Vehicles travelling downhill should give way to those travelling uphill on narrow roads. Slow down before corners.
- Distances are posted in kilometres and speeds in kilometres per hour. The default speed limits are 50 kph in built-up areas and 100 kph on open roads, but these are very variable—you should always look for signs to tell you the correct limit in any given place.
Finally, we suggest that you always listen closely to any orientation provided when you pick up your Dunedin campervan hire. The depot staff can provide you with all the necessary information regarding the operation of the vehicle. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when picking up or during your rental.
Holiday Parks in and around Dunedin
When you're on your motorhome holiday, you'll need somewhere to park up for the night. Here are a few of our recommended holiday parks in and around Dunedin:
- Dunedin Holiday Park and Motels - Located near Saint Kilda Beach, this holiday park has powered and non-powered sites along with facilities like unlimited wifi, laundy, BBQs and underfloor heating in the showers.
- Leith Valley Holiday Park and Motels - Less than 10 minutes from the Dunedin city centre, Leith Valley manages to offer tranquil accommodation with bush walks nearby. They have powered and non-powered sites for campervans and motorhomes, as well as a dump station, games room and you can even take your pet if arranged in advance.
- Lake Waihola Holiday Park - Sitting on the banks of Lake Waihola, you can enjoy fishing and swimming or take the kids to the nearby playground. Park your campervan for a night or more in one of their reasonably priced powered or unpowered sites. The holiday park is about 30 minutes drive from Dunedin.
- Portobello Village Tourist Park - Located on Otago Peninsula, near Latham Bay, the accommocation options are similar to the other recommendations here. But you'll be close to the Royal Albatross Centre as well as all of the hidden gems the peninsula has to offer.
Freedom camping
It is possible to freedom camp in Dunedin, as long as you follow the rules. The big ones to know for freedom camping in a campervan is that you can only stay for two consecutive nights and that you have to leave by a specific time in the morning. Find more information on the rules and location on the Dunedin City Council website.
Here are some freedom camping locations in Dunedin:
- Warrington Domain is located on Warrington Beach north of Dunedin.
- Ocean View Reserve Carpark is located off Brighton Road south of Dunedin.
- Thomas Burns Street is in the heart of Dunedin, close to Otago Harbour.
Planning your Dunedin motorhome road trip
Dunedin is well-located to serve as a starting point for a road trip on the Otago Peninsula and the Southern Scenic Route in the South Island. Within half a day’s drive, you can discover the heights of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the jaw-dropping drowned valleys of Fiordland, the adrenaline-inducing activities of Queenstown, the remote prettiness of the Catlins Coast, and much more.
The only problem with this many possibilities is deciding where to go first. We’ve listed a few regions within reach of Dunedin which could form the building blocks of an unforgettable road trip.
The Catlins and Invercargill
To the southwest of Dunedin is the Catlins, a coastal region with a wealth of natural assets to captivate visitors. Wild waves meet rugged cliffs interspersed with pretty bays and beaches, and inland you’ll find vast stretches of native forest sheltering waterfalls, lakes, and so much amazing flora and fauna. Spend a few days in the area to see the highlights which include the incredible views of Nugget Point, the Jurassic Forest at Curio Bay, the Waipapa Point Lighthouse, and pretty Pūrākaunui Falls. Beyond the Catlins is Invercargill, New Zealand’s most southerly city.
Central Otago/Lakes District
Directly inland from Dunedin towards the soaring Southern Alps is an amazing region full of sparkling lakes, snowy peaks, and bustling resort towns. At its centre is Queenstown, known as the “Adventure Capital of the World”. And packed with restaurants, bars, and fun Over the Crown Range is Wanaka, an outdoorsy lakeside town from which you can enjoy numerous fantastic hiking trails. There are also plenty of wineries in the area, and smaller centres where you can enjoy a slower pace such as Glenorchy, Cromwell, and historic Arrowtown.
Te Anau and Milford
From Dunedin it’s a 300-kilometre mostly-flat drive to Te Anau, a picturesque lakeside town that’s often used as a springboard for visits to Milford Sound and the Fiordland region. The one-and-a-half-hour drive between Te Anau and the Milford Sound township means it can be done as a day trip—but there are a few campgrounds where motorhome travellers can park for a night or two to further enjoy the stunning fiords in the area.
Mount Cook
Head north of Dunedin and inland towards the mountain range and you’ll be at Aoraki Mount Cook Village within half a day’s drive. This lovely tourist village in the shadow of New Zealand’s highest peak is a centre for outdoor recreation: follow hiking trails to see glaciers and alpine lakes, head out on a kayaking adventure, take a scenic flight, or just marvel at the views. The icy blue Lake Pukaki is a stunning spot.
Campervan rental Dunedin: Frequently asked questions
How much is it to hire a campervan in Dunedin?
The cost of a campervan hire in Dunedin NZ can vary greatly depending on the supplier and the type of vehicle. A small van sleeping two adults might cost NZD$110 per day, while a larger motorhome could cost up to NZD$300 per day during busy times.
To find the Dunedin camper to suit your budget, use the Motorhome Republic search engine and filter the results to pinpoint your price range.
How old do you have to be to rent a campervan in Dunedin?
A small number of suppliers will rent to those aged 18-20, although there is likely to be limited availability for these in Dunedin. Most will allow renters aged 21 and over. Some may charge an extra fee for renters under 25.
Can I rent a campervan one way from Dunedin?
Yes, companies with depots in more than one location will allow one-way journeys. This includes travel between the South Island and the North Island. One-way trips may incur a relocation fee.
When searching, specify your preferred pick-up location and drop-off location to see only the vehicles available for that trip.
Is there a minimum rental period when hiring a campervan in New Zealand?
Some rental suppliers have minimum rental periods. This may vary according to the time of year.
What driver’s license do I need to drive a campervan in New Zealand?
You may use a regular licence, no heavy vehicle qualifications are required. International visitors can use their home licence for up to 12 months, but if it is not written in English it should be accompanied by an accredited translation.
How are the rental (hire) days charged?
Most commonly, rentals are based on calendar days. This means that the day you pick and the day you drop off the vehicle are both counted as rental days.
What is included in my New Zealand campervan rental rate?
The inclusions of a rental rate will vary widely depending on the supplier and the vehicle. You can be confident that it will include the vehicle as described in the listing and—usually—unlimited kilometres. Petrol costs are not included, nor are campsite costs. Extras such as GPS units, car seats, camping equipment, and excess cover can often be added.
What is the best time to hire a campervan in Dunedin?
Summer (December to February) is often considered the best time of year to rent a campervan in Dunedin, with warm temperatures and a drier climate. Shoulder seasons can also be pleasant, and winter is cold but pretty, offering travellers the opportunity to enjoy snow sports in the Queenstown area.
Do I have to wash the vehicle before I return it?
You can read the terms and conditions of your rental agreement to ascertain the expectations for that particular supplier and vehicle. Most companies do not require that you wash the vehicle before returning it.
What is the speed limit in New Zealand?
The default speed limits are 50 kph in built-up or residential areas and 100 kph on highways and open roads. These are very variable and you should always look for signs to tell you the correct limit in any given place.