New Zealand Campervan Operators
Event Campers compares the following operators, covering the full range from budget campervans to premium self-contained motorhomes.
Britz is one of New Zealand’s most established brands, part of the THL group and trusted by travellers for more than 35 years. Its fleet is purpose-built for New Zealand road conditions and every vehicle is self-contained, from the Venturer (an onboard-ensuite option for couples) through the Discovery, Wanderer and Odyssey for groups of up to four, to the Navigator and Frontier for five or six people. Linen, bedding and kitchen essentials are included.
Maui is the premium end of the THL fleet, with vehicles generally under two years old and a stronger focus on interior finish and comfort. If a luxury campervan hire is what you’re after, Maui is the benchmark within the group.
Apollo has operated in New Zealand since 1985, with a wide range from compact campervans to fully self-contained motorhomes for two to six people, supported by the thl Roadtrip App for vehicle tutorials and on-road assistance.
Because Britz, Apollo and Maui share the same three depots, switching between the three brands at pickup, for example if your preferred vehicle size isn’t available on the day, is common practice.
Travellers Autobarn is a budget-focused brand popular with backpackers and younger travellers, with a range from station wagons through to 5-berth family models. It’s the more affordable end of the market and runs from its own depots in Auckland and Christchurch.
Star RV sits under the JUCY umbrella and offers larger, well-appointed motorhomes with full kitchen and bathroom facilities, in two, four and six-berth configurations.
Trek Campers, Elements World, Waka Campa, Sunta Campers and Happy Campers round out the mid-range and budget market. Trek Campers and Elements World both offer self-contained vehicles suited to couples and small groups wanting a mid-range or premium experience, Waka Campa runs self-contained vehicles from Auckland and Christchurch, Sunta Campers operates a compact, budget-friendly fleet from Auckland, and Happy Campers offers older but well-maintained vehicles at lower price points from Auckland and Christchurch, a practical option when value matters more than vehicle age.
Campervan Hire Prices in New Zealand (NZD)
Prices vary by vehicle size, season and how far ahead you book. Summer (December to February) is the most expensive and least available period.
| Vehicle type | Sleeps | Low season (Jun-Aug) | Shoulder season (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) | Peak season (Dec-Feb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact 2-berth campervan | 2 | NZD 60-110/day | NZD 80-150/day | NZD 120-220/day |
| Mid-size 2 to 4-berth campervan | 2-4 | NZD 90-170/day | NZD 120-220/day | NZD 180-320/day |
| Large 4 to 6-berth motorhome | 4-6 | NZD 150-250/day | NZD 200-320/day | NZD 280-420/day |
These are indicative ranges. Use the search widget on this page for live pricing across operators and your specific dates. Diesel vehicles carry Road User Charges (RUC), a distance-based levy most operators build into their pricing, so confirm with your chosen operator whether RUC is included or billed separately.
Road Trip Routes Across New Zealand
| Route | Approx. distance | Approx. drive time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland to Bay of Islands | About 240 km | 3 hours | Northland coast, dolphins, Waitangi Treaty Grounds |
| Auckland to Rotorua | About 235 km | 3 hours | Geothermal fields, Maori cultural experiences |
| Auckland to Wellington | About 640 km | 8-9 hours (usually split over several days) | North Island’s ferry port for the South Island crossing |
| Wellington to Picton (Cook Strait ferry) | About 92 km by sea | 3-3.5 hours by ferry | Interislander or Bluebridge, book vehicle space ahead |
| 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 |
| Queenstown to Milford Sound | About 290 km | 4 hours | Through Te Anau and Fiordland National Park, single access road |
| Christchurch to the West Coast (Franz Josef) | About 420 km | Around 6 hours via Arthur’s Pass | Steep, narrow alpine sections |
For a full North and South Island trip, four to five weeks is a comfortable pace. Two to three weeks works well if you focus on one island or a handful of highlights.
Top Destinations for Campervan Travel
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, sits on a narrow isthmus surrounded by volcanic cones, with Waiheke Island a short ferry ride away and Piha, Muriwai and the Coromandel Peninsula all within reach for day trips.
Rotorua sits on the Taupo Volcanic Zone, with boiling mud pools, geysers and Māori cultural experiences. Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland and the Polynesian Spa are common stops on a North Island itinerary.
Bay of Islands, about three hours north of Auckland, offers more than 140 sub-tropical islands, dolphin encounters and historic sites including the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the Remarkables, is New Zealand’s adventure capital and a natural hub for South Island road trips, as well as a common pickup and drop-off point for Britz, Apollo and Maui.
Milford Sound, reached via Te Anau and Fiordland National Park, is accessible by a single road, so arriving early or staying overnight in Te Anau helps you beat the day-tour traffic.
Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak at 3,724 metres, dominates the Mackenzie Basin and is visible from Lake Pukaki on a clear day. The Hooker Valley Track from Mount Cook Village is one of the country’s best short alpine walks.
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, on the West Coast, descend from the Southern Alps toward rainforest, with helicopter flights offering a close-up view for travellers who want more than the roadside vantage point.
Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 1.2 million hectares, contains both Milford and Doubtful Sounds and some of the country’s most remote wilderness.
Coromandel Peninsula, about two hours from Auckland, is known for Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand at low tide, and Cathedral Cove.
Freedom Camping in New Zealand
Freedom camping allows overnight stays on certain public land outside commercial campgrounds, usually at no cost, but the rules have tightened in recent years. It is only legal in areas designated by local councils and the Department of Conservation, and is not permitted in town centres, urban parks, urban beaches, or on private land without permission. Several previously popular coastal spots have introduced restrictions or outright bans due to environmental pressure.
To freedom camp legally, your vehicle must be self-contained with a current certification, confirming it has a fixed toilet, grey water tank and fresh water storage. Non-self-contained vehicles must use formal campgrounds, and fines for illegal freedom camping can be significant. The CamperMate app and WikiCamps NZ are the most reliable tools for finding current, verified freedom camping spots, alongside the government’s own New Zealand freedom camping information.
DOC campgrounds are a strong alternative, located in some of the most scenic parts of the country for between NZD 8 and 20 a night, with basic facilities including pit toilets and water. Many sites are first-come, first-served, though popular ones like those at Aoraki/Mount Cook, Tongariro and Abel Tasman are bookable online.
Driving a Campervan in New Zealand
A standard driver’s licence from your home country is sufficient. If your licence isn’t in English, bring an International Driving Permit alongside your original licence. No special licence class is needed for campervans under 6,000 kg, which covers all standard rental motorhomes. Most operators require drivers to be at least 21, though some accept drivers from 18 with additional insurance costs.
New Zealand drives on the left. The open road speed limit is 100 km/h, dropping to 50 km/h in urban areas and 40 km/h in school zones during school hours. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 percent for drivers 20 and over, and zero for drivers under 20. New Zealand has very few motorways, so most inter-city travel runs on single-lane roads with periodic passing lanes, and GPS estimates often understate travel time on winding scenic routes.
There are three toll roads, all on the North Island: the Northern Gateway Toll Road north of Auckland, the Tauranga Eastern Link, and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road in Tauranga, all payable electronically online. Diesel campervans are subject to Road User Charges, a per-kilometre levy that most rental operators build into their pricing, so confirm this with your operator at booking. Livestock occasionally cross rural roads, particularly at dawn and dusk, so drive cautiously through farming country. Fuel is sold by the litre and can be pricier in remote regions, so top up before heading into areas like the West Coast or Fiordland.
Campgrounds and Holiday Parks
New Zealand has an extensive network of overnight options at every budget level. Holiday parks are the most comprehensive, with powered sites, bathrooms, camp kitchens, Wi-Fi and laundry. Top 10 Holiday Parks is the country’s largest network, and most parks can be booked directly or via apps like Rankers. DOC campgrounds offer basic facilities in spectacular national park and conservation settings, and freedom camping at designated sites remains free for certified self-contained vehicles, findable via CamperMate or WikiCamps NZ.
When Is the Best Time for Campervan Hire in New Zealand?
Summer (December to February) is peak season: warm weather, long daylight hours and the widest range of campground and activity options, but also the busiest and most expensive period. Book well ahead for mid-December through late January.
Autumn (March to May) brings excellent weather across most of the country, lower prices, fewer crowds and golden beech-forest colour in the South Island, making it one of the best value seasons for campervan travel.
Winter (June to August) has the lowest prices and quietest roads. The North Island stays mild, while the South Island offers skiing at Queenstown, Wānaka and Mount Hutt, and Rotorua and Taupo’s geothermal areas feel especially atmospheric in the cold. Most campervans include heating, so winter travel is comfortable.
Spring (September to November) brings warming temperatures, thinner crowds than summer, and good conditions nationwide, making it a strong shoulder-season choice for both value and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special licence to hire a campervan in New Zealand?
No. A standard car licence from your home country is sufficient. An International Driving Permit is required if your licence isn’t in English.
What is the minimum age for campervan hire in New Zealand?
Most operators require drivers to be at least 21. Some allow drivers from 18 with additional insurance costs. Check the specific requirement with your chosen operator at booking.
Can I freedom camp anywhere in New Zealand in a campervan?
No. Freedom camping is only permitted in designated areas for self-contained vehicles. Check local council rules and use CamperMate or WikiCamps NZ to confirm legal sites before you park up overnight.
What does self-contained mean for freedom camping?
A self-contained vehicle has a fixed toilet, grey water holding tank and fresh water storage, with a current self-containment certification. Only certified vehicles can legally use designated freedom camping areas.
Can I do a one-way campervan hire in New Zealand?
Yes. One-way hire is available between Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown with most operators, letting you cover a North and South Island trip without backtracking. Relocation fees may apply.
How long do I need to explore New Zealand by campervan?
Four to five weeks is recommended to see both islands at a comfortable pace. Two to three weeks works if you focus on one island or a shorter list of highlights.
When should I book my campervan?
For summer travel (December to February), book at least four months ahead. For shoulder and winter seasons, one to two months ahead is generally enough for most operators and campgrounds.
Is the ferry between the North and South Islands accessible by campervan?
Yes. Both the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries carry campervans and motorhomes across Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton. Book ferry space well ahead for summer travel.
What is the Road User Charge and does it affect me?
Road User Charges apply to diesel vehicles in New Zealand and are billed per kilometre. Most operators include this in their pricing, so confirm with your operator at time of booking.
What is included in a New Zealand campervan hire?
Inclusions vary by operator but typically cover the vehicle, linen and bedding on mid-range and premium vehicles, kitchen equipment, unlimited kilometres and basic insurance. Budget vehicles may charge separately for linen packs, so confirm inclusions before booking.
How much does campervan hire cost in New Zealand?
Indicative rates in NZD: compact 2-berth campervans from about NZD 60 to 220 per day depending on season, mid-size vehicles from about NZD 90 to 320 per day, and large motorhomes from about NZD 150 to 420 per day, with peak summer sitting at the top of each range.
Book Your New Zealand Campervan Hire
Whether you’re planning a two-week South Island loop from Christchurch, a North Island explorer from Auckland toward Wellington, a full Cook Strait crossing covering both islands, or a focused Fiordland and Queenstown trip, Event Campers compares Britz, Maui, Apollo, Travellers Autobarn, Star RV, Trek Campers, Elements World, Waka Campa, Sunta Campers and Happy Campers.
Use the search widget above to check live availability and pricing for your travel dates and pickup location. Planning a specific city or region first? See our guides to Campervan Hire Auckland, Campervan Hire Christchurch, Campervan Hire Queenstown and Campervan Hire Wānaka, or browse the full New Zealand destinations hub.