Campervan Operators in Christchurch
Event Campers compares the following operators for South Island pickup. Prices below are in NZD.
Britz, Apollo and Maui all belong to the THL group and share the Orchard Road depot in Harewood. Maui specialises in larger, newer motorhomes aimed at couples and families wanting more onboard comfort, while Britz covers a broader range from compact 2-berth campervans to 6-berth motorhomes, and Apollo sits similarly across budget to mid-range vehicles. Because they share infrastructure, switching between these three brands at pickup (for example, if your preferred size isn’t available) is common practice.
Travellers Autobarn is a backpacker-focused budget brand with a separate depot in Burnside, about 3.3 km from the airport. Its fleet runs from converted station wagons through to 2 to 3-berth Hitop and Kuga campervans, with self-contained certification available on several models, a useful option for freedom camping.
Star RV rents larger, fully self-contained motorhomes with onboard kitchen and bathroom facilities from a depot close to the THL branch.
Trek Campers, Elements World, Waka Campa, Sunta Campers and Happy Campers round out the smaller and budget end of the South Island market. Availability and exact Christchurch depot details vary by season, so use the search widget above to check live vehicle options and pricing for your dates.
Campervan Hire Prices in Christchurch (NZD)
Prices vary by season, vehicle size and how far ahead you book. Peak season (December to February, plus the Christmas and New Year period) carries the highest rates and the least last-minute availability.
| Vehicle type | Sleeps | Low season (Apr-Sep) | Peak season (Dec-Feb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact 2-berth campervan | 2 | NZD 60-120/day | NZD 100-180/day |
| Mid-size 2 to 4-berth campervan | 2-4 | NZD 90-180/day | NZD 150-280/day |
| Large 4 to 6-berth motorhome | 4-6 | NZD 150-260/day | NZD 220-400/day |
These are indicative ranges. Use the search widget on this page for live pricing across operators and your specific travel dates. Rates typically drop for rentals of 14 days or longer, and one-way hires between Christchurch, Queenstown and Auckland usually carry an additional relocation fee.
South Island Routes from Christchurch
| Route | Distance | Approx. drive time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christchurch to Aoraki/Mount Cook | About 330 km | 4 hours | Via the Mackenzie Basin and Lake Tekapo |
| Christchurch to Queenstown | About 480 km | 5 hours | Via Lindis Pass or Lake Tekapo |
| Christchurch to the West Coast (Greymouth/Franz Josef) | About 250-420 km | 4 hours to Greymouth via Arthur’s Pass | Steep, narrow alpine sections through Arthur’s Pass |
| Christchurch to Kaikōura | About 180 km | 2 hours | Coastal route, whale watching and seal colonies |
| Christchurch to Nelson | About 420 km | 5 hours | Northwest via the Lewis Pass or coastal SH1 |
| Christchurch to Auckland (one-way) | About 1,000 km | 2-3 days minimum, more with stops | Available as a one-way hire with several operators, ferry not required |
Arthur’s Pass and Haast Pass both involve steep grades and narrow sections that can be affected by snow or ice outside summer. Check NZTA’s Journey Planner for current road conditions before driving either route, particularly between May and September.
What's Included
Standard campervan hire in New Zealand typically includes a kitchen setup (stove, sink, fridge, basic cookware and crockery), bedding and linen, a fresh and grey water system, 24-hour roadside assistance, and unlimited kilometres on most rentals. Self-contained vehicles, generally 3-berth and larger, also include an onboard toilet and shower and carry a Self-Containment Certification Warrant, which is required by law to freedom camp overnight outside a holiday park or designated campsite in most parts of New Zealand. If freedom camping is part of your plan, confirm your vehicle carries current self-containment certification before you leave the depot, since campgrounds and enforcement officers do check.
Most operators supply a full gas bottle at pickup, along with a demonstration of how to empty grey and black water tanks at a dump station, a basic first aid kit, and a printed or app-based guide to freedom camping and holiday park locations along common South Island routes. Grocery shopping is best left until after pickup rather than before, since you won’t know how much fridge and pantry space you actually have until the handover is done. A Countdown supermarket sits about 2 km from the Orchard Road depot cluster, convenient for restocking on your way out of the city. Toll roads are rare in New Zealand, so budget mainly for fuel, campground fees, and the occasional attraction or activity along your route.
Suggested 10-Day South Island Itinerary from Christchurch
This is a common loop for travellers picking up in Christchurch with 7 to 14 days available, and it can be shortened or extended depending on how much time you have.
Days 1-2: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook. Drive south through the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo, known for its turquoise water and Church of the Good Shepherd, then continue into the Mackenzie Basin toward Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for short walks and alpine views.
Days 3-4: Mount Cook to Wānaka. Head south via the Lindis Pass into Central Otago. Wānaka makes a good two-night base for lake walks, the Rob Roy Glacier track, or simply resting between driving days.
Days 5-6: Wānaka to Queenstown. A short drive over the Crown Range (New Zealand’s highest sealed road) connects Wānaka to Queenstown, where most travellers spend two nights taking in Lake Wakatipu, Milford or Doubtful Sound day trips, and the town’s activity scene.
Days 7-8: Queenstown to the West Coast via Haast Pass. Cross Haast Pass to the West Coast for Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier, both accessible by short walks from their respective townships.
Days 9-10: West Coast back to Christchurch via Arthur’s Pass. The return leg crosses Arthur’s Pass National Park, one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand, before dropping back onto the Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch for vehicle return.
Travellers with an extra few days often add Kaikōura (whale watching, about 2 hours north of Christchurch) either at the start or end of the loop, or extend north from the West Coast toward Nelson and the Abel Tasman before looping back.
When to Go
Summer (December to February) is peak season, with the warmest weather, the longest daylight hours and the busiest campgrounds and roads. Shoulder seasons (October-November and March-April) bring lower prices, thinner crowds and generally settled weather, and are a strong choice for a South Island loop. Winter (June-August) suits travellers focused on Queenstown or Wānaka’s ski fields, but Arthur’s Pass and Haast Pass can require extra caution or snow chains, and some higher-country campgrounds close for the season.
Packing Tips for a South Island Campervan Trip
New Zealand’s weather changes quickly, especially in the mountains, so pack layers even in summer. A warm jacket, waterproof shell and sturdy walking shoes cover most conditions from Arthur’s Pass to Milford Sound. Sandflies are common around Fiordland and parts of the West Coast, so insect repellent is worth carrying. A phone-based offline map or an app like CamperMate helps locate campgrounds, dump stations and fuel stops in areas with patchy mobile coverage. If you’re travelling in winter, ask your operator whether snow chains are supplied or required for Arthur’s Pass or Lindis Pass, since some rental agreements make chains compulsory between June and September regardless of forecast.
Frequently asked questions
How much does campervan hire cost in Christchurch?
Indicative rates in NZD: compact 2-berth campervans from about NZD 60 to 180 per day depending on season, mid-size vehicles from about NZD 90 to 280 per day, and large motorhomes from about NZD 150 to 400 per day. Peak season (December to February) sits at the top of these ranges.
Which campervan companies operate out of Christchurch Airport?
Event Campers compares Britz, Apollo, Maui, Travellers Autobarn, Star RV, Trek Campers, Elements World, Waka Campa, Sunta Campers and Happy Campers. Use the search widget on this page for live availability.
How far is the campervan depot from Christchurch Airport?
Most depots are within 2.5 to 3.5 km of the terminal. Britz, Apollo and Maui share a depot on Orchard Road, Harewood, about 2.5 km out, while Travellers Autobarn is about 3.3 km out on Roydvale Avenue. Nearly all operators run a free shuttle from Door 2 of the domestic terminal.
Can I do a one-way campervan hire from Christchurch?
Yes. Several operators allow one-way rentals from Christchurch to Queenstown or Auckland, generally for an additional relocation fee. This suits travellers who want to see more of the South Island without doubling back to Christchurch.
Do I need a self-contained campervan for freedom camping?
Yes, in most parts of New Zealand. A self-contained vehicle carries a certification warrant confirming it has an onboard toilet, fresh and grey water storage, and waste disposal, which is a legal requirement for overnight freedom camping outside a holiday park or designated site. Confirm your vehicle’s self-containment status when you book if freedom camping is part of your plan.
What's the best time of year to hire a campervan in Christchurch?
Shoulder season, October-November or March-April, offers lower prices and thinner crowds with generally settled weather. December to February is peak summer season with the longest days but the highest prices and busiest campgrounds.
How long does a South Island campervan trip usually take?
Most Event Campers bookings run 7 to 14 days. A full South Island loop covering Christchurch, the West Coast, Queenstown and back is realistically 10 days to 3 weeks, depending on how many stops you build in.
Is Arthur's Pass safe to drive in a campervan?
Arthur’s Pass is sealed and well maintained but includes steep grades and narrow, winding sections. It’s manageable in a campervan in good conditions, but check the NZTA Journey Planner before you go, especially outside summer, when snow and ice are possible.
Do I need an international driving permit to hire a campervan in New Zealand?
If your licence isn’t in English, most operators require either an International Driving Permit or a certified translation alongside your home licence. Standard car licences (or the equivalent) are sufficient to drive a campervan or motorhome in New Zealand.
What's the cheapest way to hire a campervan in Christchurch?
Booking in low season (April to September), choosing a compact 2-berth vehicle, and booking well ahead of your travel dates typically gets the lowest rates. Longer rentals (14-plus days) also tend to unlock reduced daily rates with most operators.
Book Your Christchurch Campervan
Compare Britz, Apollo, Maui, Travellers Autobarn and other South Island operators using the search widget above. Book early for December to February travel, since peak-season depots sell out well ahead of the school holidays.
Continuing your South Island trip? See our guides to Campervan Hire Queenstown and Campervan Hire Wānaka, or browse the full New Zealand destination guide and campervan hire New Zealand overview.