Renting a Camper in New Zealand

To explore New Zealand at its finest, a road trip with your own car, campervan, or RV is undoubtedly the best way: New Zealand's biggest highlight is, without a doubt, its spectacular nature! I can't imagine a better morning than waking up at sunrise, opening the side door or trunk, and sipping coffee in bed while gazing at the ocean. That's what you get in New Zealand on a road trip for free!

In this post, you will learn everything you need to know about renting a campervan in New Zealand.

Car rentals and campervans can actually be quite affordable on the other side of the world, depending on luck. You'll get used to driving on the left side faster than you think. It's also simpler because almost all vehicles are automatic. Additionally, depending on what kind of car you rent, you may save on accommodation costs or they might be significantly lower compared to, for example, a room with breakfast. Therefore, it's worth considering this option and weighing what is more affordable and suitable for you.

If you decide on an individual road trip, the main question will arise: Rent a car, campervan, or a larger RV?

The advantages of traveling with your own vehicle are clear: You are more flexible, can reach more remote places, save money, see what you really want to see, and stay where you find it most enjoyable.

The question of hotel or campervan was not an issue for us, as we both had no problem sleeping in the car and preferred to be in nature at campsites rather than searching for new accommodations every day. Sure, sleeping in a proper bed and having your own bathroom is also nice, but we are just campers at heart. Alternatively, you can also bring a tent and sleep in it instead of the rental car!

For our trip, we decided to rent a campervan from JUCY. It was the Jucy Cabana, a Toyota Estima. The car is equipped with a built-in double bed with blankets/pillows and a mini kitchen system in the back (gas stove, mini fridge, and complete kitchen equipment).

We didn't have to buy anything extra, apart from a few smaller boxes to help us better organize, we could simply get into the car and drive off. The camper had everything we needed. We also booked the 'Stress Free Insurance', so we wouldn't be liable in case of damage, plus we received a corresponding number of free miles. The latter is generally offered by most camper rental companies.

In the end, a caravan was too big and impractical for us, but it makes more sense for several people and families. Considering the now quite restricted freedom camping in New Zealand, we would opt for a vehicle with a Self Contained sticker next time. This way, you can make use of more beautiful campsite options and often stay completely for free and independently.

The selection of car rentals in New Zealand is immense and can be overwhelming: Apollo, Maui, JUCY, Hippie Camper, Wicked, Rocket, Britz, Wendekreis, Apex, Spaceship, and many more. Getting an overview is not easy at all. That's why I recommend thinking carefully beforehand about what you are looking for: Should it be a small campervan that just has the basics (like a bed and kitchen) on board? Or the more comfortable RV with its own toilet? Both narrow down the provider selection somewhat.

It's best to book your campervan directly from the U.S. Some airlines or travel organizers also offer complete packages or so-called 'Fly & Drive' offers. It makes sense to check here, and you might find a great deal.

Note: Katrin is very enthusiastic about Apollo and has traveled with different Apollo campers in Australia for 3 months.

Using the search engine from Camperdays, you can find the biggest providers and availability for RVs in New Zealand.

As mentioned, the selection is enormous in New Zealand, and in addition to the well-known international brands, it's worth taking a look at the national rentals, such as Happy Campers, Kiwi Campers, or JUCY.

Whether you rent a campervan, an RV, or a car in New Zealand: You need a valid international driver's license, must be at least 21 years old, and have a national driver's license that is older than one year.

Many rentals charge an additional fee for drivers under 25 years old because insurance is more expensive.

The sobering realization is: New Zealand is one of the most expensive travel destinations in the world! You should always keep this in mind when planning your trip and budget more rather than less for your travel fund.

The costs for buying or renting a campervan depend on when you want to travel to New Zealand. The duration of the rental and the type of vehicle you've selected are also important. My tip for renting: At first glance, larger campers (I don't mean RVs) may seem more expensive. However, they have the so-called Self-Contained sticker, allowing you to stay at cheaper campsites or even for free. This way, you can save money on-site!->

-> You can find my detailed cost breakdown for my New Zealand trip with the camper here

You've made it: Your campervan is booked, the long trip to the other side of the world is behind you, and now you want to enjoy your travels through New Zealand!

But temper your excitement and don't jump directly from the plane into the campervan. Give yourself a night in a hostel or hotel to settle in and get some sleep. Because one thing no one needs in New Zealand is overtired drivers! And believe me, your first drive in New Zealand will be an adventure as you'll be facing the left-side driving.

So, when picking up your van, ensure you receive a short orientation on left-side driving and New Zealand traffic customs. Check all documents and, together with a staff member, confirm that your campervan is free of damage. If it isn't, have it noted in the contract so you aren't held liable after returning it.

It is also important that you sit behind the wheel for the first time in the presence of a staff member. Many campervans in New Zealand are automatic. If that is unfamiliar to you, don't hesitate to ask how shifting and controls work. Then off you go!

You can find more information on what is different about driving in New Zealand here.

Campervans and RVs that possess the so-called 'Self-Contained' sticker have it easier. With these, you can almost overnight anywhere unless stated otherwise. Self-Contained means your vehicle must have at least its own toilet and a wastewater tank.

For camping fans, New Zealand has THE app for all occasions: CamperMate. The app is available for free on iOS and Android. Besides camping sites and user feedback, you'll find everything a camper's heart desires: information about the nearest dump station, public toilets, accommodations, road warnings, trash cans, free Wi-Fi, and much more. Occasionally, cool last-minute deals for campsites or activities can also be found. The best part of the app is that you can use the map feature offline, so there's no need for an additional GPS.

Other campers also recommended WikiCamps New Zealand or Rankers for searching campsites.

New Zealand consists of two large islands and several smaller ones. Between the North and South Islands, two ferry companies operate multiple times daily to transport you and your camper. You can choose between The Interislander and Bluebridge.

Both differ minimally in price. You can only save somewhat on the crossing. With an international student ID, you can get a discount, and there's also an online savings fare offered. While it's cheaper, you must adhere to the booked time and lose flexibility. During peak season, you should book several days in advance, as shortages can easily happen.

A good money-saving tip: Some camper rental companies offer free ferry crossings when returning from the South Island to the North Island. If your route allows, be sure to ask about this deal during booking.

For those traveling in a campervan, the question eventually arises: Where to dispose of my trash? You will often come across signs saying 'Take your rubbish with you!' and many other notices about waste disposal.

Now you might assume that there should be bins everywhere in New Zealand. However, that is not the case. Especially at DOC campsites, you'll often look in vain for a trash can. No wonder, as these sites are usually in the middle of nowhere.

So, please make sure to take your trash with you and use the plastic bags that you receive in nearly every supermarket as trash bags.

New Zealand recycles. Especially on private campsites, you'll find recycling stations where you can sort your waste. Outside of that, it tends to be more challenging.

We occasionally used the CamperMate app to find the next trash can.

Is your New Zealand adventure coming to an end? Time to say goodbye, which can be quite challenging. We definitely found it difficult to return our green ride. After nine weeks, our 'Lucy' had become our home on four wheels. But eventually, even the best travel time must come to an end.

To avoid any unpleasant surprises after your journey, be sure to remember to return your campervan refueled. Double-check that you haven't caused any damage. If so, speak directly with the rental company.

Now, you have all the information to book a campervan for your New Zealand trip!

Have you traveled with a camper in New Zealand before?

If so, feel free to leave a comment about how you liked it and if you have any further tips for my readers. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Advertising Notice: During my trip, I collaborated with Jucy Camper, who provided us with our vehicle at a discounted rate.