✅ Last Update:
On average, campervans for hire cost $NZD50 to $NZD300, while motorhomes can cost up to $NZD700 per day.
There are different factors to consider when hiring a campervan or motorhome, such as:
- It’s size, age, and type of vehicle
- The duration of the booking
- The time of the year
- Where do you pick it up and drop it off
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Now, let’s see other points you can consider to find the best deal when renting a campervan in New Zealand.
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1. Search and Compare
At Travel Cars, you can compare campervans for hire anywhere in New Zealand.
By comparing and booking in advance, you can secure the best price and ensure the type of car you are looking for is available.
2. Travel Tips for New Zealand
Renting a campervan is not only budget-friendly option. Still, it also grants you the freedom to travel at your own pace, all while saving big on accommodation costs by using national parks.
Here are some tips to stretch your dollar even further:
- Seize Early Opportunities: Secure your campervan rental once your travel dates are confirmed. This guarantees the best rates and ensures availability, particularly during peak seasons, allowing you to plan your trip with peace of mind.
- Choose Wisely: Campervans come in various sizes and features, each with a specific price. Consider a basic model or an older vehicle if you’re not after luxury. However, be aware that upgrades may be limited later, especially during the high season; choose the right campervan that suits your needs and budget.
- Don’t Settle: Don’t be hasty in choosing your campervan rental. Prices vary greatly between rental companies, so use comparison tools like the one above to find the best deals and increase your budget.
- Buddy Up: Traveling with companions? Pool your resources and split the costs evenly. When dividing the bill among friends or family, it might make more financial sense to go for a slightly pricier rental.
- Off-Peak Pleasures: Avoid the crowds and inflated prices by steering clear of peak travel seasons, particularly during the summer and school holidays. Your wallet—and your sanity—will thank you.
- Master the Art of Campfire Cooking: Instead of dining out every night, get creative in the kitchenette of your campervan. Save restaurant splurges for special occasions and relish the satisfaction of whipping up your culinary delights on the road.
- Gear Up Smart: Planning to rough it in the great outdoors? Skip the pricey gear purchases and consider renting or borrowing camping equipment instead. Look for rental deals that include camping gear as a sweet bonus.
3. Freedom Camping in New Zealand
Freedom camping means camping for free in New Zealand, but you can only do it in certain places.
You can camp in your campervan, motorhome, or tent, but not everywhere. It’s not allowed in cities or towns, like parks and beaches, unless there are special places for camping.
Here are some important things to remember if you want to freedom camp:
- Look for signs that show where you can and can’t camp.
- Don’t camp in places where it’s not allowed, like private land or places with signs saying “no camping.”
- Don’t leave any rubbish behind when you leave. Throw it away in bins if you can.
- Use toilets that are there or in your campervan. Don’t go to the toilet outside.
- If you’re in a self-contained vehicle, make sure it has a sticker showing it’s okay for freedom camping. You can’t stay for more than three nights in these places, and you need to empty your waste every three days.
🔍 Discover more about camping in New Zealand in the following article: Campervan Sites in New Zealand
4. Parking a Campervan or Motorhome in New Zealand
When traveling, you will need to plan your stay ahead of time.
That means it will be recommended to have marked spots where you can spend one or a few nights, always considering whether freedom camping is allowed.
To make it simple, we have curated a list of spots where you can park your campervan or motorhome regardless of the island you are visiting:
📍 North Island Parking Spots
- Kaitoke Regional Park (Wellington)
- Tongariro National Park (Taupo)
- Whangamata Beach Motorcamp (Coromandel Peninsula)
- Cathedral Cove Motorcamp (Hahei)
- Waipu Cove Motorhome and Holiday Park (North of Auckland)
- Raglan Holiday Park (West of Auckland)
- Mount Maunganui Holiday Park (Bay of Plenty coast)
- Ohakune Top Ten Holiday Park (Central North Island)
- Turangi River Motorhome and Holiday Park (Near Lake Taupo)
- Kawhia Beach Camping
📍 South Island Parking Spots
- Mount Hutt Motorhome Park (Canterbury Region)
- Tekapo Springs Motorhome and Holiday Park (Near Christchurch)
- Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Holiday Park (North of Christchurch)
- Kaikoura Motorcamp and Holiday Park (East coast)
- Karoa Motorhome and Holiday Park (Banks Peninsula Region)
- Oamaru Beach Camping
- Wanaka Riverside Camping
- The Hermitage Motorhome Park (Near Mount Cook National Park)
- Rundle Mall Carpark (free) (Central Dunedin)
- Supermarket Carparks (free) (South Island-wide)
🧑💻 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about The Costs of Renting a Campervan
Not anywhere; there are certain areas for self-contained vehicles. Besides that, you will also find holiday parks, campgrounds, campsites and regional park camping areas.
In New Zealand, numerous official freedom camping spots are free of charge, including those on DOC (Department of Conservation) land. While some conservation camping areas are entirely free, others may require a small fee to be paid to support the maintenance of facilities.
Usually, basic insurance and sometimes additional amenities like kitchen equipment and bedding are included. It is best to check the rental agreement for details.
Yes, several strategies can help you save on campervan rentals, such as booking early, comparing prices between rental companies, opting for a smaller or older model, and traveling during the off-peak season.
Most rental companies accept credit cards. You can also pay via bank transfer, but you will need to check directly with the rental company to confirm this method of payment.
