Over 20 motorhome rental companies operate in New Zealand. Check prices and availability with our comparison tool. Auckland and Christchurch are the most popular starting points for an NZ road trip holiday.
Ace
6-Berth Volkswagen Crafter
6 adults
Toilet
Shower
Automatic
Not all vehicles may be available. Use the search tool to check availability for your travel dates.
Freedom camping is generally permitted in New Zealand. However, while allowed, it is strictly regulated. Rules and guidelines must be followed at all times and can vary depending on the area and any council bylaws (local laws) that may apply.
In general, to freedom camp anywhere in New Zealand, your vehicle must have a self-containment certification.
If you are unsure of the rules that apply in a specific area, it is best to visit the nearest i-SITE (visitor information centre) and ask about any local regulations or bylaws.
Yes, many companies have depots in both the North and South Islands and allow one-way trips.
If planning this type of trip, you will need to pay the cost of the ferry. Our support team can help with your booking.
Additional one-way fees may apply. The comparison tool will automatically factor this into your total.
If you wish to go freedom camping in New Zealand, your vehicle must be self-contained and certified.
This means you must be able to live in the vehicle for 3 days without needing additional water or needing to dump the waste.
In addition, the vehicle must have:
The vehicle must have been checked by a qualified officer to ensure that it meets these requirements. Self-contained motorhomes have a sticker displayed on the vehicle proving their certification.
New Zealand has plenty of options for camping available. These range from privately owned holiday parks to DOC (Department of Conservation) campsites.
A stay at a holiday park will usually cost between $30-50 (NZD) per night, depending on the area. A stay at a DOC campsite can range from $5-15 per person per night.
DOC campsites can be a little more basic. However, many do have amenities available. These include toilets, showers, rubbish bins and communal kitchen facilities in some cases.
Yes, many companies allow a bike rack to be fitted to the vehicle. Please note that these may not be compatible with all makes and models, and usually must be arranged in advance.
All drivers must have a current and full driver’s licence to hire a vehicle. Foreign licences are acceptable if they are in English or are accompanied by an accredited English translation. Otherwise, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
Yes, a large number of rental companies allow for one-way rentals.
One-way rentals may not be available between all routes, and additional fees apply, depending on the pickup and drop-off locations. Our comparison tool will automatically factor in any additional fees and show you which vehicles are available on your preferred route.
Because there is no tax on diesel fuel in New Zealand, the government imposes a Road User Charge (RUC) instead. This is a set amount per 1,000 kilometres, depending on the size and weight of the vehicle.
For companies that offer diesel vehicles, you will need to pay an RUC based on kilometres travelled. Our comparison tool will tell you if this applies to your chosen vehicle.
Check the rental terms for specific charges regarding your chosen vehicle.
Yes, unlimited kilometres are generally included for standard vehicle rentals in New Zealand. The comparison tool will show you whether your preferred vehicle has unlimited or restricted kilometres.
Most campervan rental companies in New Zealand require the driver to be 21 years of age or older to access their full range of vehicles.
Some companies will rent to drivers between 18 and 21, but only certain models may be available. In those cases, additional insurance may be required.
Enter the driver’s age into our search tool and we will filter available vehicles to match.
Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.
Abuzzy is a midrange campervan rental brand offering 2- and 6-berth campervan models from 2008 to 2016. The company has airport pickup and drop-off available, and many of its vehicles have a few additional comforts included, such as higher-quality beds.
A smaller, family-owned camper hire company with two rental options available, Adventurer Rentals (formerly Nomad Rentals) offers an older sleepervan and a newer 2-berth hi-top. Adventurer Rentals has depots in Auckland and Christchurch and offers pickup and drop-off services with its rentals.
A Christchurch-based campervan rental business, Aotea Campervans offers a single campervan model accommodating up to two adults and one child. Its campers are certified self-contained.
One of the larger motorhome rental suppliers, Apollo has been operating since 1985 and is well known among the RV rental community. Apollo vehicles are available in multiple locations around the world. An Apollo motorhome is generally less than 3 years old. The company has a wide variety of vehicles, from smaller vans to larger luxury motorhomes.
Britz is one of the larger campervan brands, with multiple depots in different countries and a wide selection of vehicles. Britz maintains a fleet of newer vehicles, with campervans generally being less than 3 years old. Britz is part of the THL group, which also includes Maui, Mighty Campers and other international motorhome hire brands.
Budget Campers is part of a family of brands that includes Budget Campers, Freedom and Tui Campers as well as other international brands. The company is aimed at a cheaper market, offering older vehicles at an affordable price.
Cheapa Campa is part of the Apollo group and rents vehicles that are considered too old to be part of the main Apollo brand. Cheapa remains a very popular choice and is available practically everywhere Apollo is. It offers slightly older, quality campers at a lower price.
A family-owned and operated business based in the Coromandel Peninsula, Coastal Campers has 2–6 berth vehicles available. The company is unique in that it places no road restrictions on its vehicles.
Discover NZ is a privately owned Nelson-based motorhome hire company established in 2003 with depots on the North Island and South Island. The company has newer-model vehicles for groups of 2–6. Most are self-contained and come with some additional luxuries.
Escape Rentals is a budget backpacker-style brand with vehicles for hire on both the South Island and North Island. Two campervan models are available, one being fully self-contained.
Freedom Campers is part of a family of campervan hire brands that also includes Tui and Budget Campers as well as other international brands. Freedom Campers is aimed at the midrange market, with 2- to 6-berth vehicles available at a reasonable price point.
A budget campervan rental brand with depots in Auckland and Christchurch, Happy Campers has a wide variety of vehicles available from 2 to 4 berths. Most of its vehicles are older (2000–2011) and come at a cheaper rate.
Hippie is a budget camper brand that is part of the Apollo Group. It caters to the young traveller and allows drivers under 21. A Hippie camper is a small vehicle with beds for 2–4 people.
A popular campervan rental brand operating in New Zealand, Australia and USA, Jucy offers smaller campervans (2-berth and 4-berth) and will rent to drivers over 18. While not extremely cheap, Jucy still offers reasonably attractive prices for the budget traveller.
A family-owned business established over 20 years ago, Kiwi Autohomes has vehicles to suit groups of 2–6. The directors of the company have over 35 years of experience in the NZ motorhome industry. Kiwi Autohomes rentals are available in both Auckland and Christchurch.
Kiwi Campers was established in 2005. Kiwi Campers maintains a fleet of over 150 vehicles that includes 2-berth vans up to 7-berth motorhomes. Kiwi Campers has options to cater for groups of all sizes. Many of the vehicles are older and may come at a slightly cheaper rate.
A budget campervan hire company with 2 vehicle options available, Lucky Rentals has vehicles to suit groups of 2 or 3. Lucky Rentals’ fleet is comprised of older Jucy vehicles.
A new supplier in New Zealand (established in 2017), Mad Campers has two vehicles available: the 2-berth MAD 2 and a single-berth MAD 1 for solo travellers, both of which are certified self-contained.
Maui is another well-known NZ motorhome hire brand that is part of the THL group (Britz, Mighty and other international brands). Maui specialises in larger luxury motorhomes, with all its vehicles being less than 2 years old. A Maui campervan is often a good choice for larger groups and those looking for a comfortable road trip holiday.
One of the largest motorhome rental companies in Europe, McRent has expanded to New Zealand, with depots on the South Island and North Island. McRent generally supplies larger luxury motorhomes at a more premium price. Motorhomes are good for larger families and those with comfort as a priority.
Mighty is another campervan hire brand that is part of the THL motorhome rental group (Britz, Maui and other international brands). Mighty Rentals has vehicles for groups from 2 to 6. Mighty's camper fleet is made up of ex Britz and Maui vehicles that are considered too old to fit the main brands. It offers quality older vehicles at a cheaper price.
Nomad is a family-owned and operated campervan hire brand based in Clevedon, a rural part of NZ. The company has 2–5 berth vehicles available. Nomad’s vehicles are generally older and come at a budget price point.
Pacific Horizon is a New Zealand–owned and operated campervan rental company specialising in premium motorhomes. All of its motorhomes are designed and built in New Zealand. The company has motorhomes for groups of 2–6, all of which are fully self-contained.
A family-owned and operated rental company established in 2006, Road Runner has rentals available in both Auckland and Christchurch. A variety of vehicles are available, from 2-berth vans to 6-berth motorhomes, some of which are certified self-contained.
Scenic Motorhomes is a midrange, luxury motorhome rental brand with 2 models of campervans available. The company has a 2016 4-berth and a newer 2018 4-berth camper available. It offers quality vehicles with a few additional luxuries included.
Another part of the Tui family, Sleepavanz is aimed at the backpacker market. It supplies the sleepervan style of camper at a budget price point.
This is a well-known budget campervan rental brand offering a sleepervan camper. Spaceships are popular with backpackers and smaller groups (2–4) looking to travel on a budget. Spaceships also rent to drivers under 21.
A budget RV rental brand aimed at backpackers, Travellers Autobarn has campervans in multiple international locations. The company offers a wide variety of vehicles, from station wagons to 5-berth family models.
Tui is part of a family of brands that includes Tui, Freedom and Budget Campers as well as other international brands. The company has depots in Auckland and Christchurch as well as pickup locations throughout the country. Tui has newer, more premium vehicles, from sleepervans up to 6-berth motorhomes.
Walkabout is a midrange motorhome hire company offering newer luxury vehicles for groups of 2–6. The company was established in 1999 and has depots in both Auckland and Christchurch. Walkabout has free extras included on its larger motorhomes, such as outdoor tables and chairs.
Franz Josef Glacier is an eleven-kilometre long glacier located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the south island of New Zealand. It is known in Maori as Kā Roimata-a-Hine Hukatere, the frozen tears of Hine Hukatere.
The glacier stands 3,000 metres above sea level and rises up into the Southern Alps. The glacier is easily accessible via a 1.5-hour walk from the carpark at the base. It is a great destination as part of your New Zealand road trip.
Popular with both tourists and locals, the track heads through lush forests and offers splendid scenery of golden shores and crystal waters. The trail is in excellent condition. However, it’s a long walk and requires planning. It may take 3-5 days to finish the whole route.
Located on the East Coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, Hot Water Beach is a great stop on your North Island road trip. The beach is unique, as the water is heated by two underground fissures. Many people come to dig holes in the sand and relax in the warm thermal waters.
Milford Sound is, perhaps, New Zealand’s most famous tourist attraction, despite being one of the country’s least explored corners until the 20th century.
Carved by ice age glaciers, Milford is a proper fiord – an inlet of the Tasman Sea.
Queenstown is known for being a winter holiday destination, but it offers attractions year-round.
In winter, enjoy the ski-fields and breathtaking alpine views, while in the summer take in the long sunny days and relaxed atmosphere of the area.
Located 20 kilometres out of Taupo on the North Island of New Zealand is Mount Tongariro, a compound volcano over 1,900 metres tall. The mountain is located within Tongariro National Park, a popular tourist destination that is home to the Tongariro Crossing, one of New Zealand's most famous hiking trails.
The region is home to many campsites, making it a great stop on your campervan holiday.
