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Explore the top of the South with a Nelson campervan hire
Pick up a campervan hire in Nelson and enjoy the hospitality of a small city with a big personality. Tucked away at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, Nelson is a popular travel hub for the region, wooing visitors with its sunny weather, beautiful scenery and proximity to endless attractions. An intimate and artsy urban centre, complete with funky cafes and boutique shopping, offers a wonderful home base between adventures in the nearby national parks and nature reserves. Book your campervan hire in Nelson well in advance—this place gets busy!
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What you need to know about campervan hire in Nelson, New Zealand
While it is a busy tourist destination with flights regularly arriving from Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and more, it is still a small town, so it is best to plan your Nelson campervan travel arrangements around normal business hours. Confirm your location pick up plan with your rental provider prior to travelling, and keep in contact with the local depot if you experience any delays on the way.
Campervan companies in Nelson
Motorhome Republic partners with three campervan companies in Nelson:
Discover Motorhomes
Freedom Campers, and
Tui Campers
Neither Freedom Campers nor Tui Campers have depots in Nelson. Instead, you will arrange to collect your campervan at an agreed location ahead of time. All of this information will be provided to you once your booking is confirmed. Discover Motorhomes offers transfers from the Nelson Airport, where you can pick up your vehicle at an agreed collection point and time.
Popular things to do with your motorhome hire from Nelson
Nestled along the Tasman Bay, Central Nelson boasts Victorian-style houses and lush green spaces, creating a picturesque setting along the Maitai River. Discover the charm of Nelson and its surrounding wonders:
Tahunanui Beach: Enjoy safe swimming and family fun at this beach near Nelson Airport, featuring the Nelson Fun Park with hydroslides, bumper boats, and mini-golf.
Craft Breweries: Experience Nelson's renowned craft beer scene, fueled by its ideal hop-growing conditions. Sample a variety of brews and learn what makes a perfect pour.
Adventure Activities: Adrenaline seekers can indulge in thrilling experiences like whitewater rafting and skydiving amidst the scenic beauty of the Nelson Region.
Local Art Scene: Immerse yourself in Nelson's creative spirit by exploring its numerous galleries and boutiques showcasing the works of talented locals.
Nelson Classic Car Museum: Delight in a collection of over 150 cars spanning a century of motoring history, offering a treat for classic car enthusiasts.
Where to go in your Nelson campervan hire
Motorhome rentals are the best way to go, and Nelson is the perfect starting point for a campervan adventure in New Zealand, favoured with its great location near a number of stunning landscapes and national parks, and great weather. You may wish to hire a one-way campervan rental from the city centre and head east toward Picton or west to Greymouth. Here are just a few highlights to hit on your way:
Abel Tasman National Park
With inland forested mountains giving way to a coastline dotted with golden-sand coves, Abel Tasman is an area of exceptional beauty and offers extensive recreational opportunities, including kayaking and bushwalks. You may also continue your rental campervan adenture to visit Rabbit Island which is only a stone's throw from here.
Marlborough Sounds
The sunken river valleys filled with the waters of the Pacific Ocean offer quite the spectacle. You’ll want to get on the water, and you’ll have plenty of options to do so.
Nelson Lakes National Park
The beginning of the Southern Alps, this national park features alpine lakes, forested valleys and mountain views. Don’t miss the Rotoroa and Rotoiti lakes!
Golden Bay
This pristine, quieter section of the South Island offers several highlights which make it worth the camper hire trip. Wharariki Beach, Te Waikoropupū Springs, and Farewell Spit top the list.
Kahurangi National Park
Head your motorhome hire from Nelson to the second-largest national park in New Zealand. Kahurangi is also one of the wildest. However, the accessible parts make for amazing hikes and adventures.
Campervan Sites and Holiday Parks in and around Nelson
Tahuna Beach Holiday Park & Motel
Adjacent to Tahunanui Beach, short drive from Nelson Airport, Tahuna offers powered and unpowered campsites, motel units, and cabins. The park has playgrounds, ideal for families traveling with kids.
Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park
This is the nearest holiday park to Nelson city centre, just a 10 minute-drive from Nelson Airport. The park offers a variety of accommodations including RV sites, cabins, and motel units, modern amenities like TV room and fully equipped kitchen.
Kaiteretere Recreation Reserve
Serene camping near Kaiteretere Beach, Kaiteretere Recreation Reserve is ideal for exploring Abel Tasman National Park. Just over an hour drive from Nelson Airport, basic camping facilities with access to nearby amenities.
Campervan hire Nelson, NZ: Frequently asked questions
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How much does it cost to rent a campervan per day in Nelson?
Looking for cheap campervan hire in Nelson? Rental prices can vary depending on factors such as the type of camper, its age, amenities, and the company. Generally, you can expect to find a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Some campervans may be more basic, while others offer more luxurious amenities. Additionally, prices may fluctuate depending on the season and demand. Visit Motorhome Republic for more accurate pricing.
How old do you have to be to rent a campervan at Nelson Airport?
To drive Nelson rental campervans, the minimum age should be 21. But, there are a few rental companies that will allow drivers under 21 to hire a campervan in New Zealand. This may require additional documentation and a young driver surcharge. Type your age and desired location pick-up into the search box to see your options.
How do I pick up my campervan from Nelson Airport?
Many campervan rental companies in Nelson offer free transfers from Nelson Airport to their pick up locations or depots. However, please bear in mind that such service is generally only available during regular business hours in the daytime, so make sure to coordinate with the rental company since they are sometimes closed on weekends and holidays.
Where is the nearest petrol station to refuel the campervan at Nelson Airport?
Mobil Tahunanui is the nearest petrol station from Nelson Airport, which is about five minutes away when driving your rental vehicles. The gas stations Z Stoke Service Station and Caltex Bishopdale are also nearby.
Do I need a special driver's licence to drive in New Zealand?
No. You just need a full and valid regular driver's licence to book and drive NZ motorhome rental. If your licence is in a language other than English, you may need to present an International Driver’s Permit or acceptable translation.
How do I return the campervan rented from Nelson Airport?
Ensure you drop off your camper van hire Nelson at the agreed-upon location and time. Make sure that your vehicle is tidy and free of trash, that your fuel tank and LPG tank are full, and that your toilet cassette and wastewater tank have been emptied at a suitable dumping station.
Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in New Zealand? Is freedom camping allowed?
Freedom camping is allowed in the Nelson region but it is limited to self-contained vehicles only, and there are regulations in place regarding length of stay and number of vehicles. Check the Nelson City Council page for the latest information about freedom camping.
