New Zealand is a country of extraordinary natural beauty—alpine mountains, crystal-clear lakes, breathtaking volcanic landscapes, unspoiled islands, wild jungles, and so much more…
And now tell me, what better way to immerse yourself in all that nature than by travelling in a campervan? A campervan lets you sleep at some of the most spectacular campsites in the world, move from one jaw-dropping place to the next, and best of all—save money on accommodation.
Because yes, even the cheapest hotels will end up costing you more than renting a campervan and exploring New Zealand on wheels. In this article, we won’t just go over the many advantages of travelling by campervan—we’ll also give you all the essential information and tips to help you find the campervan of your dreams.
This is the first of three articles that cover all the details you need to make travelling by campervan in New Zealand as smooth and enjoyable as possible. The advice comes from two people who have travelled the country by campervan (together and separately) for more than two years: Marcos (6 months) and Thea (1 year and 7 months).
If you’ve been reading the New Zealand travel guides, you’ll have noticed that I constantly rave about travelling by campervan here. Well, in this section you’ll find—if not all—the most important reasons why campervan travel is the ultimate New Zealand adventure. Let’s dive in!
The biggest advantage of all: it gives you complete freedom to travel wherever you want, including places that buses don’t reach. To be honest, public transport in New Zealand still has a long way to go. Intercity buses connect only the most strategic towns, and the train is more of a tourist experience than a practical option.
Travelling by campervan is, therefore, the most efficient way to see the country. Travelling by car might be a decent option, which leads us to the next point…
This is especially true if you’re planning to travel for several weeks across the Land of the Kiwis (which I highly recommend) and/or if you’re travelling with others—splitting the cost makes it even more affordable. Private hotel rooms are quite expensive compared to campsites, many of which are free or super cheap.
Cooking in the campervan also saves you a lot on eating out. Plus, you won’t need to pay for buses, guided tours, taxis, inter-island flights, or car rentals on top of hotel stays.
New Zealand is fully geared toward campervan travelers. It’s even common for Kiwis to retire, sell their homes, and travel around the country in campervans!
I’ve seen older couples driving massive vehicles converted into camper-trucks, buses, even wooden cabins on wheels. It’s wild, and it’s definitely not by accident.
Across the country, you’ll find everything you need to make life on the road easy: public toilets, Wi-Fi zones, free and paid campsites with full facilities, rubbish disposal areas, drinking water stations—and the list goes on. All designed to make campervan travel comfortable and enjoyable.
To drive a campervan in New Zealand, your license must be in English. If it’s not, you’ll need to get it translated. It’s a simple process that can be done online before you arrive. Just find an official translation agency recognized in New Zealand and send a scan of your driver’s license and passport.
You’ll find a list of approved translators on the official website of the New Zealand Transport Agency.
Alternatively, if you have an International Driving Permit, that will also be accepted for renting a campervan.
In Spain and most Latin American countries, we drive on the right. In New Zealand, however, people drive on the left. This might be a deciding factor for some when it comes to renting a campervan.
In my personal experience, I had no major issues and adapted quite quickly. Just drive slowly, stay focused, and think twice before entering intersections, especially during the first few days.
Yes, it’s very safe. The roads are generally in excellent condition, and if they’re not, they’re usually closed for maintenance. New Zealand is often referred to as “The Shire of Middle-earth” (a nod to The Lord of the Rings), and it’s considered one of the safest countries in the world.
In fact, I don’t think I ever locked my motorhome while sleeping in it… That said, it’s always wise to take basic precautions, drive carefully, and use common sense.
The terms self-contained and non-self-contained are used by the New Zealand government to categorize different types of motorhomes. A blue sticker located on the rear of the vehicle indicates that it is self-contained.
Generally, a vehicle is classified as self-contained when it meets the following requirements:
Self-contained motorhomes give you access to a wider range of free campsites, making them much more convenient to travel with (on top of the benefits of having the features above). However, they are usually more expensive to rent than non-self-contained ones.
In the end, the choice between the two will depend on the type of vehicle that suits your travel plans around New Zealand.
Here’s a detailed list of some of the best mobile apps to make your campervan trip around New Zealand easier and more enjoyable:
Personally, CamperMate is my favorite app and the one I used the most. It’s a mobile app where you can find everything you need for daily life while travelling by campervan in New Zealand.
Campsites, public toilets, and more—all displayed in a super intuitive and comprehensive interface.
WikiCamps is similar to CamperMate but has a one-time cost of NZ$3.49. It offers access to everything you need on your road trip through an interactive interface. Choosing between this and CamperMate really comes down to personal preference.
Rankers is another app designed specifically to help you find campsites in New Zealand. It’s very focused and lets you filter by tent sites, free campsites, or places to park your campervan.
I already recommended it in the general New Zealand guide, and I’ll do it again here. This app gives you access to GPS, hiking trails, and downloadable maps—you don’t even need mobile data.
Just download the map you need and start your adventure worry-free. Maps.me is a must, especially since coverage can be spotty in remote areas.
The MetService app (also available online) gives you the most accurate weather forecasts in New Zealand. It’s especially useful when planning your routes or deciding which places to visit.
The NZ Transport Agency website is essential for checking road conditions, getting the latest updates, and even paying tolls or reviewing driving histories. It’s worth visiting from time to time while on the road.
Now let’s get into what might be the trickiest part: choosing the right motorhome for your trip.
There are several types available, each with different prices and amenities. But don’t worry—by the end of this section, you’ll know exactly which type suits your adventure around New Zealand.
The names below are in English to help you identify the type of motorhome when renting (since rental agencies use these terms).
A campercar is essentially a standard vehicle with the rear seats removed or flipped. It’s usually based on a seven-seater car.
While it might seem vulgar, this option has its advantages: it’s the cheapest choice, easy to drive (ideal for beginners), and surprisingly cozy to sleep in. Some models even have a small “kitchenette” built into the back.
However, the downsides are clear: limited space (only suitable for one or two people) and reduced comfort. Also, these vehicles are rarely self-contained, limiting the campsites you can access.
This is the most common type of camper for exploring New Zealand. They come in various sizes—from compact vans to larger minivans. They’re roomy, and some even let you stand upright inside.
They typically feature a small kitchen in the back and sometimes include a portable toilet. There’s enough space for two people to live comfortably.
Most campervans are self-contained, so you’ll have access to a wider range of campgrounds—but always check for the blue sticker just to be sure.
By the way, even if your van has a toilet, most people don’t use it. You really don’t want to carry around organic waste during the summer months with the windows closed… yikes!
Now we’re talking big. These are more like mobile homes than regular vans. They’re fully equipped for comfort—some even have ovens and hot showers. And of course, they’re always self-contained. Some models can accommodate up to six people with no problem.
This is the most expensive option but can be cost-effective if you’re travelling as a family or group of friends. The biggest downside? Parking and maneuvering on narrow roads can be tricky.
The final price of a campervan depends not only on the type of vehicle you choose for your trip around New Zealand, but also on the season, the number of people, and some optional extras. In this section, we’ll explore all the options so you can find the one that best fits your comfort zone.
This is a key factor, as prices vary greatly depending on the time of year you plan to rent a motorhome in New Zealand.
The high season is during summer (December to February). Prices are higher during these months, ranging from NZ$150 to NZ$600 per day. Rates generally drop as you move away from summer.
The cheapest time to rent a motorhome is in the winter months (June to August). It’s the low season and traveling by motorhome, especially on the South Island, can be more challenging. However, prices drop significantly, ranging from NZ$50 to NZ$300 per day.
As a general rule, the bigger the motorhome, the higher the cost. A campercar is usually the most affordable, followed by a minivan, and finally a full motorhome. Prices also increase if the vehicle is self-contained and depending on its amenities.
Here’s a breakdown of estimated prices:
The cheapest option is renting a campercar or even a regular car with a mattress in the back (less than NZ$50). However, you’ll rely heavily on campgrounds with kitchen and shower facilities.
A basic campervan with just a mattress starts around NZ$50. A slightly more advanced model with a convertible sofa and kitchenette ranges from NZ$50–NZ$150. A more spacious, fully-equipped van may cost NZ$90–NZ$300. These options offer more independence from campsite amenities.
If you want to feel at home, with ample space and all the comforts you need, a motorhome is the best option (NZ$300–NZ$600).
The number of travelers is an important factor when choosing your vehicle and will greatly affect the final cost.
Solo traveler: A campercar or minivan with a mattress in the back is the most economical and convenient option since it allows you to move with total freedom. The key decision here will be whether to choose a self-contained vehicle or not.
Two people: It depends on your comfort level with tight spaces. A campercar may work, but a minivan usually offers more comfort.
Three people: Things get trickier. You can either share a mattress in a spacious minivan or go for a larger motorhome with multiple beds—which comes at a higher price. It all depends on your comfort level.
More than three people: Consider renting a motorhome or traveling in two separate minivans. A motorhome is usually cheaper overall (especially when splitting fuel costs), although the size of the motorhome can be a determining factor. It is ideal for families with children.
When renting a campervan in New Zealand, accidents are a possibility. It is important to know that the standard cost of living is high, so even minor repairs can be expensive.
It is therefore advisable to rent a motorhome with insurance. It will slightly increase your rental cost, but it will also give you peace of mind, especially when driving on back roads or parking on uneven terrain. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
As in many countries, New Zealand rental companies often charge a fee for drivers under 25, which will increase the price of renting. Not all companies apply this fee, but it’s quite common, so keep it in mind.
If you want to add more than one driver, there might be an additional cost. Although some agencies offer this for free.
If you’re not returning the campervan to the same location where you picked it up, expect to pay a one-way fee. While it may seem costly at first, this can actually save you money, especially if you’re traveling from the North Island to the South Island and want to skip the ferry.
Pro tip: Sometimes it’s better to rent separate campervans on each island. Fly between the islands and pick up a new rental rather than taking the campervan across on the ferry.
Optional extras may include GPS, camping gear, outdoor tables, snow chains, gas for cooking, etc. These can save you the hassle of bringing or buying them separately.
When booking, check what’s included in the base price and decide if you need additional extras or can get by without them.
Booking your campervan ahead of time is just like booking a flight—the earlier, the better (and cheaper).
This is especially important during December and January, as school holidays mean many Kiwi families also hit the road in motorhomes and travel around their country.
Campervan rental is a big business in New Zealand, and you’ll find plenty of options. Here’s a selection of agencies categorized by price. Just keep in mind that some companies offer both budget and premium models.
Jucy Rentals is one of the most popular campervan rental companies in New Zealand, easily recognized by the eye-catching green and purple colors of their vehicles.
This company offers Toyota campervans equipped with a fridge, cooking gear, and a sink. They also offer campercar options.
The best thing about Jucy is that basic insurance is included, and there’s no extra charge for converting the campervans into self-contained vehicles.
Pick-up/drop-off: Auckland and Christchurch.
An agency that’s a great option if you’re under 25 is Travellers Autobarn, as they don’t charge a young driver fee. However, if you want your vehicle to be self-contained, you’ll need to pay a NZ$50 fee to install a portable toilet in the motorhome.
The company offers vans for two people, such as the Wagon or Toyota Estima. For larger groups, you can rent a Toyota Hiace.
Pick-up/drop-off: Auckland, Queenstown, and Christchurch.
Mad Campers is possibly the most affordable option thanks to its highly attractive low-season deals. It offers self-contained vans at very competitive prices.
Additionally, it’s one of the few agencies that offers a campercar, a simple Nissan Cube.
Pick-up/drop-off: Auckland and Christchurch.
Topping the list of mid-range priced motorhomes is Euro Campers. This agency offers minivans and raised-roof motorhomes. There is no additional fee for extra drivers.
Moreover, their motorhomes come fully equipped with everything you need to live comfortably. One important note: if you’re under 25, you will only be eligible to rent campervans.
Pick-up/drop-off: Auckland and Christchurch.
Wendekreisen Travel offers a unique type of vehicle: cars with rooftop tents, as well as standard motorhomes.
Perhaps the best part is that their campervans are very well equipped, and you can return them to a different city than the one you rented from—without paying a relocation fee. This makes them ideal for exploring New Zealand without needing to backtrack.
Pick-up/drop-off: Auckland and Christchurch.
The last recommendation in the mid-range category is CamperCo, a company that offers a wide variety of campervans. One major advantage: the ferry crossing is included in the price.
You can rent from Auckland, Christchurch, Picton, Nelson, or Queenstown.
Downside: rentals must be at least 15 days long.
Britz enters the premium category with a bang. This agency offers the latest models of campervans and motorhomes, all fully equipped (TV, GPS, microwave, and more).
However, keep in mind that part of the deposit must be paid upfront as a reservation guarantee.
Pick-up/drop-off: Christchurch, Auckland, and Queenstown.
Kiwi Motorhomes (you can probably guess what type they rent!) are perfect for those travelling with family or friends.
They provide everything you might need to make your New Zealand trip fun and comfortable—board games, books, a TV, a boogie board, and even a mountain bike!
Unfortunately, if you’re under 25, you won’t be able to drive these motorhomes, and a minimum rental period of 7 days applies.
Pick-up/drop-off: Multiple locations including Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, and Christchurch.
This final option is ideal for those prioritizing comfort. Wilderness offers luxury campers and motorhomes with multiple beds, basic insurance included, and even a SIM card—so you can focus solely on enjoying your trip.
The main drawback is that they only rent to drivers over 21 years of age.
Pick-up/drop-off: Auckland and Christchurch.
As you can see, traveling by campervan is simple and affordable. I highly recommend this mode of travel for New Zealand, as it offers total freedom—something especially valuable in a country where the real magic lies in its nature (except Queenstown, which is worth a city stop!).
Personally, we traveled in a Nissan “La Festa” with the back seats removed and a mattress in its place—Thea named it Meg.
While it was a bit cramped when both of us were inside, we didn’t have any major issues. As I said before, New Zealand is perfectly suited for living out of a car.
