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Book your Picton campervan hire for a South Island adventure
A stunning location at the top of the South Island in New Zealand, Picton is an ideal location to pick up a motorhome hire and explore. Picton is a small, welcoming town where many visitors disembark from the ferry coming over from Wellington in the North Island. From here, you’ll be well placed to cover as much or as little of the stunning South Island as you desire.
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What you need to know about hiring a campervan in Picton
Picking up a Picton motorhome hire is a straightforward experience, as the small town is easy to navigate and there is little traffic to contend with. What you will find is some windy and narrow roads, depending on your chosen route, as this little paradise is tucked away in the stunningly scenic yet mountainous and rugged Marlborough Sounds. Get comfortable with manoeuvering your campervan hire before heading off, and stick to the main highways.
Campervan companies in Picton
Motorhome Republic’s rental partners in Picton include:
Discover Motorhomes
Freedom Campers, and
Tui Campers
It's important to note that none of these companies have depots in Picton. Instead, they will provide you with instructions on how to arrange collection at a designated point and time.
Full of information about the area, make sure to take advantage of these companies local knowledge of Picton and the Queen Charlotte Sound. They will be more than happy to help you with navigating the local road conditions, which can change depending on wind and rainfall. Rest assured you’re in great hands; modern motorhomes are generally very user friendly and safe.
Introducing the friendly and picturesque town of Picton, NZ
Picton gives such a homely vibe that you’ll want to at least enjoy a meal here before you head off on your motorhome hire adventure. If you have the time, a sailing trip is among the best ways to experience the beauty and serenity of the Sounds.
Picton is also the main jumping off point to the Queen Charlotte Track - one of New Zealand’s spectacular treks that stretches from Ship Cove through to Anakiwa, and can be explored over a number of days walking or cycling. You’ll need to organise your trek, water taxis, and camping sites ahead of time. However long you spend here, the lush forests and magical landscapes will stay in your memory long after you leave.
Where to go in your Picton campervan hire
If you have wine lovers in your party, it will be worth parking the Picton motorhome hire for a day or two and hitting the Marlborough Wine Trail. Once you pull yourself away from the sprawling vineyards and hospitality of Picton and Blenheim, you can head for the charming city of Nelson: think shops full of handmade local crafts, sunny strolls along the waterfront, and dining in cute cafes.
Next up, the adventures of Abel Tasman National Park. Swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and biking trails await! This natural playground is one of the best locations where you will find one of the most stunning hiking tracks in the country—the Coastal Track, as well as the famous Split Apple Rock. If you’re heading South from Picton, you’ll soon be in the coastal gem of Kaikoura, where its unique marine environment supports abundant wildlife. Here you can swim with seals or dolphins, or go whale watching.
Further south in the heart of Canterbury is the city of Christchurch, a great place for a campervan hire drop off or pick up, or a place to recharge before more South Island adventures.
A few pointers on campervan rental Picton
Book your Picton motorhome hire in advance to avoid disappointment. It is a smaller location so there is less supply than other New Zealand pick up locations, and they can be snapped up fast, particularly during peak travel periods. Avoid a tight schedule, as many travellers find themselves wanting to linger a bit longer in each location before moving on to the next one.
Choose your campervan rental vehicle wisely, with consideration of the planned route, number of passengers, amount of luggage and sporting equipment. If you expect challenging road conditions, you may wish to opt for a sportier model. Some places in New Zealand are remote or hard to get to, so an extra thought about your comfort and safety on a long drive is well worth it.
Plan your fuel stops in advance and always keep a few snacks in the motorhome, particularly if you are driving outside of normal business hours. Picton is a wonderful city with a world of possibilities for an amazing campervan rental holiday.
Other popular camper spots in New Zealand are Wellington and Auckland. Or try Aussie locations for your next road trip adventure, like Brisbane QLD, Melbourne VIC, or Hobart in Tasmania.
Frequently asked questions about Picton motorhome rentals
How old do you have to be to hire a campervan in Picton?
Our Picton motorhome hire partners typically require drivers to be at least 21 years old and to have held a full driver's license for a minimum of 1 year. Some rental suppliers make exceptions to the minimum age, with a surcharge. Please check the terms of each motorhome or campervan, and please contact us if you are unsure.
Can you rent a campervan in Picton over the age of 75?
Yes, you can rent a campervan in Picton if you are over the age of 75. However, there may be some additional requirements needed such as a medical certificate to be submitted to the rental partner.
Do you need a special licence to drive a campervan in Picton?
You do not need to present any special license to drive a motorhome hire in Picton. A standard full car licence will be accepted. All drivers of the camper van are required to bring their own valid original licence. If the licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit should be presented.
Where can I camp for free in Picton?
There are freedom camping sites near Picton. With a full self-contained vehicle, you may park at Lake Elterwater in Grasmere. In Blenheim, you may park at Wairau Diversion Reserve, Taylor Dam Reserve, Wynen Street Carpark or Renwick Domain Carpark. Check the latest information on the Picton Council website.
Can I park my campervan anywhere in Picton?
Whilst there are many places to park in Picton, you can’t just park anywhere. There are height and width restrictions for most car parks and there are also ‘No Parking’ zones.
Is there a minimum rental period?
The minimum rental period for a Picton campervan hire is usually for 7 days. However, there are many exceptions to this depending on the time of year and availability. Some restrictions to minimum hiring periods over peak season travel may also apply. One-way motorhome rentals are often restricted to a minimum of 14 days. It is best to check the terms of the individual partner providers.
Do you allow pick up or drop off outside of branch hours?
Typically, smaller cities like Picton do not have 24-hour branch hours, so if you are arriving outside of normal business hours, it is best to make arrangements ahead of time. Our rental partners have varying policies, so check with your chosen campervan rental agent before booking. If you are delayed, it is best to contact the local branch as soon as possible to let them know.
Are dogs allowed to travel in the vehicle?
Many of our rental partners allow pets to travel in the motorhome, but doing so may incur an additional cost. Check the varying policies to find a rental agent and pet policy combination that suits you.