Campervan Hire in Christchurch

Camper Champ compares multiple campervan hire companies in Christchurch. Campervans are available from depots a short drive from Christchurch Airport (with shuttle service) for domestic and international travellers.

The cost of hiring a campervan in Christchurch can range from about $50 to $480 per day for most vehicles (depending on season, type, and extras). A wide range of campers is on offer, from smaller minivans like the Jucy Crib to larger motorhomes like the Pacific Horizon 6 Berth SAM.

Campervan travel is very popular in New Zealand, especially on the South Island. The South Island has world-class campervan infrastructure (dump points, water refill stations) and countless campsites. One-way hires are also an option, with many travellers dropping their vehicle in Queenstown, continuing via Wellington-Picton ferry, or even driving up to Auckland.

Most campervan rental companies lower their rates during the off-season from April to September, making it the cheapest time to hire an RV in Christchurch.

If you're flexible with your travel dates, it's worth comparing prices from different rental companies and booking in advance to get the best deal. Additionally, consider booking a campervan for a longer period of time, as rental companies often offer discounts for extended rentals.

Yes, you can. Major hire companies have depots a short drive from Christchurch Airport and often provide a free shuttle service from the terminal. Several companies also offer their airport hires as “serviced non-depot locations,” meaning they will arrange to bring the vehicle to you.

Savvy budget travellers can reduce their expenses with the following money-saving hacks:

• Get in early: Booking ahead will save you stacks of cash as campervan rental companies set prices based on availability.
• Avoid the peak: School holidays, Easter, and Christmas/New Year get super busy in New Zealand. Travel outside these dates to save.
• Compare companies: Don’t settle for your first quote. Use a comparison tool like Camper Champ to compare dozens of New Zealand rental companies in a single click.
• Go small: A petite, budget-friendly campervan will come in at a fraction of the cost of a large motorhome.
• Examine the extras: The best campervan rental companies include essentials like cooking equipment and camping chairs. That way, you won’t have to purchase them yourself.
• Extend your stay: Most rental agencies reduce rates for hires of a week or more. You’ll lower your daily rental expenses and get better bang for your buck.
• Stay south: Venturing onto the North Island will set you back a sizeable sum in ferry and/or one-way drop-off fees. Most travellers stick to the south.
• Return to Christchurch: Dropping your motorhome off at a different location (i.e., Queenstown) entails a significant one-way fee. Double back to Christchurch and save.
• Make a rough plan: Explore the island in a circular route to minimise backtracking and save on fuel. The GASPY mobile app lets you compare petrol prices between service stations.
• Unleash your inner Masterchef: Self-catering will save you a small fortune in New Zealand. Good thing your campervan comes with a kitted-out kitchen.
• Free camp: New Zealand is famously free-camping friendly. Stunning free spots lie scattered throughout the South Island.
• Walk: Hiking—or tramping, as the locals call it—is the best way to savour the South Island’s immense natural splendour. And it’s free.

The most popular season to visit the South Island is summer (Dec-Feb) when balmy days make outdoor adventures a dream. However, the warmer months also attract the thickest crowds, so hire and campsite availability dries up and prices soar.

• Christchurch average highs and lows in summer: around 23° / 12° C.

Autumn (Mar-May) is an awesome time to visit, although it gets a tad chilly towards the end of the season—remember to rug up. March has the most favourable weather, while April and May see the autumn foliage bring a kaleidoscope of colour to the Central Otago region.

• Christchurch average highs and lows in autumn: March 19° / 10°C, April 17° / 8°C, May 14° / 6°C

Winter (June to August) is the peak ski season. Stacks of travellers visit Queenstown and Wanaka to carve fresh tracks, but the rest of the island seldom sees campervan and motorhome travellers. Icy winds and regular rainfall become common along the coast, while the high-altitude regions remain frigid throughout the season.

• Christchurch average highs and lows in winter: around 11°C / 3°C

Spring sees the South Island bloom. Gorgeous gardens in Christchurch, Otago, Dunedin, and Alexandra delight the horticulturist at heart. A thick layer of snow still smothers the Southern Alps, and the ski season doesn’t stop until mid-October. Thicker crowds (and higher prices) return around mid-November.

• Christchurch average highs and lows in spring: September 15°C / 6°C, October 17° / 8°C, November 19° / 10°C

The South Island hosts a plethora of exciting festivals and events, primarily in the warmer months.

• Rhythm & Alps Music Festival (Wanaka, December)
• Twisted Frequency Festival (Golden Bay, December)
• Beach Break (Nelson, January)
• World Buskers Festival (Christchurch, January)
• Electric Avenue Festival (Christchurch, February)
• Hokitika Wildfoods Festival (Hokitika Beach, March)
• Marchfest (Nelson, March)
• Marlborough Wine Festival (Marlborough, May)
• Victorian Fete (Oamaru, November)

One to two weeks is enough time to travel around the South Island in a campervan. Although visiting all the destinations in this guide would require more time, a week or two is plenty to discover the highlights.

But what about the North Island? Should you combine North and South into one epic, trans-New Zealand adventure?

It’s possible, but you’ll have to fork out for the Wellington-Picton ferry and/or a pricey one-way drop-off fee. Plus, you’ll need at least a month to do the whole country justice (preferably more). Most campervan travellers prefer to focus on one island at a time.

Christchurch is a small city (population around 410,400) with light traffic and plenty of places to park. Parking in the CBD is relatively straightforward, as there are over 10,000 spaces to choose from.

Indoor, council-run parking is available at the Lichfield Street, The Terrace, and the Art Gallery car parks for around $4 per hour. Remember to check height restrictions. The Christchurch City Council also offers on-street parking right around the city for $5 per hour. All-day parking in the CBD typically costs between $18 and $25.

The Council maintains a handy database of the top off-street car parks in the city. Wilson Parking also provides a list of its privately-run facilities. Another helpful resource is Parkopedia, which covers private and council-run on and off-street spaces with real-time availability.

If you don’t fancy paying, Hagley Park and the Botanical Gardens provide low-cost, time-limited parking capped at about $4.60 for three hours.

Got a large motorhome? Check out the council-run Manchester Street car park, which has plenty of space for big rigs (daytime parking only, and fees apply).

While New Zealand is famous for being freedom-camping friendly, you can’t just pull up and sleep anywhere. A non-self-contained camper (tent camper or campervan without a toilet, wastewater, and rubbish facilities) can only stay overnight in a designated camping ground with appropriate facilities. Certified self-contained campervans (with the official sticker) can freedom camp in approved Christchurch areas (see Council map). They may stay a maximum of two nights in one spot before moving on. Some of Christchurch’s most popular paid camping grounds include Tasman Holiday Park, Amber Kiwi Holiday Park, and North South Holiday Park.

National Park entry is free in New Zealand, but you must pay for ticketed attractions, tours, and some campsites.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) divides its campsites into categories. Prices range from free to around $28 per adult per night, depending on the location and on-site amenities. Expect extras like powered sites and hot showers at the upper end of the scale.

Freedom camping in a national park is only allowed where signage explicitly permits it. You’ll almost always need to be certified self-contained.

If freedom camping isn’t your thing and you plan to visit numerous national parks, you should consider investing in a DOC Campsite Pass. For $295 per adult, you now get a 1-year (365-night) DOC Campsite Pass that covers almost all DOC-run campsites.

For individual campsite bookings and the Campsite Pass, kids aged 5 to 17 pay half the adult rate and infants under five are free.

Most DOC camping grounds must be booked online, even if you have a Campsite Pass. Others operate on a first-come-first-served basis—get in early and have a backup plan.

French Pass Campsite is perfect for exploring the Marlborough Sounds. Enjoy uninterrupted views of turquoise waters and gentle waves.

Price: from $18 per person per night

Amenities: toilets, showers, non-potable water

Hans Bay is a tranquil lakefront campsite near Hokitika Gorge. While it’s a basic DOC campsite, the views of Lake Kaniere are outstanding.

Price: from $15 per person per night

Amenities: toilets, non-potable water

We love a good beachfront camp, and Marfells delivers with unbeatable ocean views. Located at the northern tip of the island, it’s handy for campervanners heading towards the Marlborough Sounds. There’s even a little free book exchange.

Price: from $15 per person per night

Amenities: toilets, cold showers, non-potable water

Although a bit pricey, this lodge’s camping ground is the only one in Milford Sound itself. Amenities are very good, but most people come for the views.

Price: from $50 per site per night

Amenities: toilets, showers, potable water, bins, camp kitchen, laundry, WiFi, powered sites

On the southern end of the island, this spectacular beach campsite offers sweeping coastal views. Watch for New Zealand sea lions that come ashore on the soft golden sand. Its remote setting makes it great for getting away from it all.

Price: from $15 per person per night

Amenities: toilets, non-potable water, fire pits

Pelorus Bridge Campground is a great base for exploring Marlborough. The emerald-green Pelorus River (where The Hobbit barrel scene was filmed) flows through the site. Amenities here are good for a DOC site.

Price: from $25 per person per night

Amenities: toilets, showers, camp kitchen, powered sites

Set beside the beach and Paparoa National Park, with powered and non-powered sites among native bush and under towering limestone cliffs. It’s less than a minute’s walk to the beach, and all sites include hot showers plus access to communal kitchen/dining facilities.

Price: from $24 per person per night

Amenities: toilets, hot showers, drinking water, camp kitchen/dining area, laundry, WiFi, dump station, powered & non-powered sites

A short drive west of Christchurch, Rakaia Gorge Campground gives you excellent amenities and gorgeous landscapes for a reasonable price. Campers park minutes away from the turquoise Rakaia River and rugged gorge.

Price: from $15 per person per night

Amenities: toilets, showers, potable water, camp kitchen

This well-appointed holiday park is just 5 minutes from Lake Wānaka and the iconic #ThatWanakaTree, in a peaceful, park-like setting close to town. Facilities include a heated spa, traditional sauna/private spa options, BBQs, camp kitchen, laundry and free WiFi.

Price: from $65 per site per night

Amenities: toilets, showers, BBQs, camp kitchen, laundry, free WiFi, heated spa/sauna, playground, dump station, powered & unpowered sites

At the end of the scenic drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook, this popular DOC campsite offers epic Southern Alps views. Some of the South Island’s most famous hikes (including the Hooker Valley Track) start right here.

Price: from $20 per person per night

Amenities: toilets, potable water, camp kitchen

There’s so much to see here, and truth be told, you won't fit it all in 7 days. Aotearoa (the Maori name for NZ) is a traveller’s paradise, especially if you like the outdoors. This itinerary is a great way to spend seven memorable days in NZ’s south island, starting and ending in Christchurch, because it has an international airport and plenty of campervan hire services.

MORE: 7-Day South Island Itinerary

The South Island of New Zealand offers the outdoor-loving tourist snow-topped mountain peaks, enormous glaciers, deep fjords, golden beaches, lush rainforests and turquoise lakes, sperm whales, yellow-eyed penguins—and memories to last a lifetime.

MORE: 14-Day South Island Itinerary