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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 campervan rental. Motorhome Republic makes it easy to search and compare prices on vehicles in New Zealand, so that you can get up close and personal with the delights of of this special country.
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Hiring a campervan in New Zealand
Driving around New Zealand in a campervan is a very popular choice for locals and tourists alike. The process of hiring a vehicle is straightforward, as long as you meet a few key requirements. For example:
You must be at least 18 years of age to hire a campervan in New Zealand. However, some companies will only rent to people aged over 21.
You have a valid full drivers license. If it is not in English, you may be required to provide an International Drivers Permit or an English Translation. Your chosen rental provider will confirm this for you.
You are able to pay the deposit upon confirmation of your booking.
New Zealand campervan rental companies
There are plenty of campervan companies in New Zealand to choose from. Below are some of the of the names you will see when making a search with Motorhome Republic.
JUCY
Known for its vibrant green and purple campervans, JUCY offers budget-friendly options ideal for young travelers. They're popular for their funky designs and good value for money.
Britz
A well-established company offering a wide range of New Zealand campervans suitable for families and groups, that is Britz. They're known for their reliability and comprehensive support services.
Maui
Renowned for their premium campervans with luxurious features and spacious interiors, Maui is popular among travelers looking for comfort and style while exploring NZ.
Mighty Campers
Offering a diverse fleet of campervans catering to different budgets and travel styles, Mighty Campers is known for its flexibility and competitive pricing.
Escape Rentals
Famed for their uniquely designed and hand-painted campervans, Escape Rentals offers a quirky and memorable experience for adventurous travelers seeking something different.
Spaceships Rentals
Specializing in compact and versatile campervans, Spaceships Rentals NZ provides affordable options with modern amenities, perfect for solo travelers or couples visiting New Zealand's scenic routes.
Each of these companies has its own unique offerings, catering to various preferences and budgets, ensuring travelers can find the perfect campervan for their NZ travels.
Where to hire campervans in New Zealand
Most motorhome and campervan hire journeys in New Zealand begin in one of the four cities listed here. Read below to find some of the most popular pick up locations for your campervan road trip in NZ.
Auckland
The “City of Sails” is New Zealand’s biggest city and is also home to the country’s primary international airport. 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 pastures of the Waikato region, the cultural and geothermal displays in Rotorua, and the incredible lakes and alpine scenery of the central North Island.
Wellington
This is New Zealand's capital city, known for its good food, artistic flair, beautiful beach suburbs, and the incredible Te Papa museum. A campervan hire from Wellington, will set you on a journey to see many fantastic places in the lower half of New Zealand's North Island. It’s also a short trip across Cook Strait on a ferry to the stunning valleys of the Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island.
Christchurch
This resilient metropolis in 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 NZ 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. 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 road trip into Fiordland to see the iconic, jaw-dropping Milford Sound.
Driving guide for your campervan 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.
Accept the flyers given away at the counter - you may receive extra road trip deals!
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 NZ, 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 camper van 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
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 camper van hire 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 New Zealand motorhome hire in Christchurch 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 campervan hire NZ trip from Christchurch.
Queenstown to Christchurch via Aoraki/Mount Cook: 2-4 days
This motorhome rental NZ route is about quality over quantity! Pick up a Queenstown camper van 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!
FAQs about hiring a campervan in NZ
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How much does it cost to hire a campervan in New Zealand?
With so many suppliers of campervan hire in NZ and different types of campers available, the rental rates can vary. As an indication, a camper hire in New Zealand 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 in NZ 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 NZ campervan hire companies offer motor homes for rent 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 hire a campervan NZ—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 picking up your camper 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 rental NZ 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 in NZ 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 hire NZ suppliers have depots in different cities in New Zealand and will allow one-way campervan rentals. 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 camper hire NZ deals include unlimited kilometres, even one way campervan rentals.
When is the best time to hire New Zealand campervans?
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 NZ deals. 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.
