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Renting a campervan in New Zealand

New Zealand is a great country to explore by campervan. It has a well-developed road network, which makes even quite remote places easy to get to. The Department of Conservation has a network of basic overnight stops with basic amenities. They are cheap; however, your campervan must be self-contained to stay on these sites. There are also lots of campsites that are campervan friendly and usually well equipped.

You are likely to see many campers on the road and meet some like-minded people that are enjoying the relaxed pace of life that New Zealand is known for.

In New Zealand there are several small cities and 3 larger cities, which are spread over the 2 islands. The northern parts of the North Island have a subtropical climate and it is also more populated. The South Island is less populated and there is a large mountain range. A campervan is the perfect way to explore both islands.

Why is it worth booking an RV rental in New Zealand early?

Beautiful beaches, languid lakes, majestic mountains, and historic heritage turn campervan vacations in New Zealand into memorable experiences. Whether you stick to the main islands or do a spot of island-hopping, wherever you go you'll enjoy traveling on quiet roads and discover peaceful spots for overnight stays. The best season to book a campervan hire in New Zealand is November to February but this is also when vehicles are in peak demand. So, to ensure you get the best choice of camper in New Zealand for your budget along with the vacation dates you want, be an early bird and make your booking up to four months in advance. If you have any queries before you commit, simply contact the friendly and knowledgeable CamperDays customer service team. Your booking comes with transparent cancellation terms and no extra charges if your dates change. Cleverly equipped for living, sleeping, and cooking, your camper rental in New Zealand is a comfortable mini-hotel on wheels. This makes the price of an RV rental in New Zealand surprisingly affordable when compared with the cost of hotel rooms, car hire, and restaurant dining.

FAQs

• Do I need a special driving license for my campervan rental in New Zealand?

  As long as it is in English, a full and valid driving license issued in your home country is enough for stays of up to one year in New Zealand.

• Do I need to bring a credit card when I collect my camper in New Zealand?

  Yes. A security and damages deposit must be paid by the main driver using a credit card.

• What is the minimum age for hiring a camper in New Zealand?

  Generally, you should be at least 21 years old for campervan rent in New Zealand.

• Can children and pets travel in my camper rental in New Zealand?

  Most camper hire companies have vehicles that can accommodate children and pets. Always check when booking and read the terms and conditions. Remember to add appropriate child seats to your booking.

• Can I drive my campervan in New Zealand on all roads?

  Some roads in New Zealand are unsuitable for campervans. Your rental company will make sure you are aware of these.

• Can I camp anywhere with my camper hire in New Zealand?

  There are designated wild camping areas in New Zealand suitable for self-contained vehicles. There is also a good selection of campsites throughout the country.

The must-see parts of New Zealand

New Zealand has a unique biodiversity and a rich and fascinating history.

Te Papa Museum, Wellington

• Enjoy free entry and learn about Māori history in New Zealand’s most well-known museum.

• See the only colossal Squid on display. The giant squid weighing around 79st (approx. 500kg) and spanning over 13ft (approx.4m) in length was caught in 2007.

• Check the website to see what exhibitions are on. There is a wide range of exhibitions such as science, art and history.

Rotorua Geothermal Pools

• Visit Hell’s Gate, the largest mud spa and active geothermal complex in New Zealand.

• Bathe in 3 types of mud: black for arthritis and rheumatism, white for burns, and grey for exfoliation.

• Take a tour and see the largest hot waterfall in the Southern hemisphere along with coloured pools, bubbling mud, steaming cliffs and much more.

Kayaking in the Able Tasman Park

• Take a water taxi out and spend 1-3 days kayaking the coastline.

• Join a guided tour and learn about the history while taking in the spectacular scenery.

• Walk part of the Able Tasman Park and kayak the rest.

• Take a kayak out from one of the many beaches and visit one of the many small islands.

Spot Whales in Kaikoura

• See the local whales in their natural habitat from either a boat, small plane or helicopter.

• Take a flight from 30 mins to 90 mins and get amazing views of the whales (along with other wildlife)

• Enjoy a boat trip up to 4hrs long and see the Sperm whales along with seals, dolphins and endangered albatross.

Jet Boating in Queenstown

• Enjoy an adrenaline packed jet boat ride in the Shotover River.

• The only way to explore the unique Shotover Canyons from the river is via a jet boat ride

• Combine the jet boat ride with a scenic helicopter ride, canyon swing, tasting session or 4WD tour and experience Queenstown at its best.

How does the site work?

With CamperDays, it's quick and straightforward to book an RV rental in New Zealand. Select your pick-up and drop-off cities and enter your preferred dates. A selection of campervans with pictures and full details appears. Click on one or refine your search further by using the filters in the left-hand column. Filter for size, price, or rental company then configure your campervan in New Zealand further by selecting insurance and mileage packages as well as any further equipment you need. Enter your personal and billing details and you're ready to hit the open road in your camper rental in New Zealand.

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  1. Find an RV

  Simply enter your dates and location to begin your search.

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  2. Receive offers

  Request or book the campervan you want to rent for a great price.

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  3. Book and go

  Complete your booking and your unforgettable adventure can begin!

Questions and Answers

The most frequently asked questions about campervan hire in New Zealand

• Is an International Driving Licence required when renting a campervan in New Zealand?

  Yes, apart from your national driver’s licence, an International Driving Licence might be needed.

• Is a credit card required to rent a campervan in New Zealand?

  Yes, the deposit is always paid with a credit card belonging to the main driver.

• Is there a possibility to bring a pet in the campervan?

  There are some rental companies that allow pets in their campervans. Please, check the rental conditions for more information.

• Are there any roads that are off-limits for campervans in New Zealand?

  Yes, some roads are not suitable for campervans. These roads are listed in the rental conditions.

• Is camping wild allowed in New Zealand?

  It is only possible to camp wild in designated places. This option is available to self-contained campervans.

• What is the minimum age to rent a campervan in New Zealand?

  Usually, campervan hire companies in New Zealand require drivers to be 21. There are also some companies that allow drivers to be 18.

• Can I rent a campervan in New Zealand with a baby?

  Yes, most companies have nothing against babies in their vehicles. Remember that there are some companies offering vehicles in which you cannot install child or booster seats. Please, check the rental conditions.

Popular events in New Zealand

Auckland International Buskers Festival (January): for 4 days, the centre of Auckland is full of lively local and international entertainment from fire breathing, balancing acts, acrobatic, rola bola, comedy cyr wheel and so much more.

Rhythm and Alps (December):Rhythm and Alps is the South Island’s largest music festival. Over 3 days, up to 10,000 people gather and enjoy some of NZ’s best music.

Hokitika Wild Food Festival (March): each March, the small town of Hokitika on the middle of the west coast on the South Island, hosts the wild food festival packed full of local delicacies, fresh fish, wild meats, music and entertainment.

March Fest (March): in Nelson at the top of the South Island, hosts this craft beer festival. Situated in Founders Park, a full-sized mock village based on early settler’s homes, the festival is packed full of local foods, beer and music.

Crankworx Mountain bike Festival (November): each November Crankworx world tour visits Rotorua and attracts bikers from around the world. Even if you don’t bike, it is worth watching the best bikers show off their skills on jumps and berms for the chance to get crowned the King or Queen of Crankworx.

Most booked companies for a camper rental in the UK

You can rest assured when you pay your camper rent in New Zealand that your vehicle will be safe, comfortable, and modern as CamperDays only partners with 100% professional rental companies. With pick-up stations in major cities such as Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown, it's easy to plan your perfect New Zealand road trip.

Spaceships

With pick-up and drop-off points in Auckland and Christchurch, 24/7 opening hours, and unlimited mileage packages, Spaceships offers flexible campervan travel in New Zealand.

Jucy Rentals

Jucy Rentals has pick-up points in Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown. The bright green Jucy campervans sleep between two and four people.

Cheapa Campa

Pick up your Cheapa Campa vehicle from depots in Christchurch or Auckland. Its campervans range in size from two-berth to six-berth and dogs are allowed in all vehicles.

Hippie

Hippie features budget campervans for younger drivers with pick-up points in Auckland and Christchurch. Its compact vehicles are designed for solo drivers, couples, or small families.

Apollo

Apollo offers a choice of modern pet-friendly campervans designed to sleep between two and six people. Start your New Zealand journey with Apollo in Christchurch or Auckland.

Mighty Campers

With three pick-up points - Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown - Mighty Campers offers a flexible start to your New Zealand road trip. Select from compact two-berth campervans to "mighty" vehicles that sleep up to six, perfect for friends and family vacations.

Britz

Britz campervans can be picked up in Christchurch, Auckland, and Queenstown. Plan a one-way or return road trip in campers that sleep two to six people plus your family dog.

McRent

Start your journey with a McRent campervan in either Auckland or Christchurch. McRent campervans sleep from two to six people and all are less than three years old.

Maui

Collect your Maui campervan in Christchurch, Auckland, or Queenstown and either return it to the same point or enjoy a one-way road trip. The spacious Maui vehicles sleep from two to six people.

Star RV

Star RV has pick-up and drop-off depots in Auckland and Christchurch. Its smaller campervans sleep two while large models can accommodate four adults and three young children.

Travellers Autobarn

Travellers Autobarn has depots in Auckland, and Christchurch ensuring a flexible start to your vacation. Its custom-built vehicles sleep from two to four people.

Categories of campervans in New Zealand

Small RV

2 - 4 peopleFuel consumption: 10 - 20 l / 100 kmFor people who don’t need much spacePros: mobile, compact, low rental price

Luxury RV

3 - 7 peopleFuel consumption: ca. 25 l / 100 kmFor people who like high comfortPros: spacious, high comfort, exclusive equipment

Large motorhomes

3 - 7 peopleFuel consumption: ca. 25 - 35 l / 100 kmFor experienced driversPros: comfortable, spacious

4WD campers

2 - 4 peopleFuel consumption: ca. 16 l / 100 kmFor people who love exploring the landscapePros: powerful engine, all-terrain

Truck campervan

2 - 5 peopleFuel consumption: ca. 30 l / 100 kmFor intermediate driversPros: all-terrain, comfortable, mobile, powerful engine

Tips for renting a campervan in New Zealand

Aside from backpacking, touring in a campervan is the most popular way to explore New Zealand. There are so many varied and exciting places to visit with a campervan. People visit New Zealand from all over the world and the demand for campervans in the high season usually outstrips supply. To ensure that you get the best choice and price, book several months in advance and you could save up to £75/day with early-bird discounts.