Looking for new locations representing the ultimate synergy of untamed wilderness and rich culture? Discover New Zealand in the driver’s seat with a motorhome rental. Unlock deals with New Zealand campervans and motorhomes for hire at Motorhome Republic to experience this incredible country at your own pace.
Unleash your wanderlust in breathtaking New Zealand—where beauty knows no bounds. You’ll find abundant travel inspiration when planning an epic New Zealand campervan road trip in this stunning, spacious, awe-inspiring land of dreams. People from all around the world flock here to explore the rising peaks of mountain ranges, jaw-dropping fiords, beautiful beaches and rolling hills of farmland.
New Zealand locals are friendly and welcoming, and the country is full of native flora, fauna and birdlife to capture the imagination of all travellers. New Zealand has it all! And there is no better way to experience it than in Motorhome Republic’s quality campervans and motorhomes.
Experience the wonder of New Zealand and hire a campervan from Motorhome Republic. Families and friends can begin an unforgettable holiday by browsing our vast vehicle range and snapping up one of our unbeatable deals. Explore breathtaking landscapes and conveniently pick up and drop off your campervan at our country-wide locations. At Motorhome Republic, we provide global RV experiences to suit various travel preferences, offering endless possibilities for exploration, adventure and unforgettable memories.
Why book a campervan rental in New Zealand?
Spending your holidays on a New Zealand camper hire road trip is the ultimate way to explore Aotearoa (Te reo Māori for New Zealand). Customers can pick up and drop off their New Zealand campervans from popular locations around New Zealand, such as Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin, or Picton, and begin the adventure of a lifetime.
Read one of our New Zealand road trip itineraries for travel inspiration, or create your own. You’ll soon be in your camper on country roads, discovering majestic beauty that must be seen to be believed. Due to the small size of this island nation, you’ll never be too far away from civilisation. The rural towns have their charms and quirks, and the cities are abuzz with multicultural activity. Very few bypasses exist in New Zealand, meaning you’ll see it all from the windows of your recreational vehicle or camper.
New Zealand Campervan Hire - Book online with Motorhome Republic
When planning your camper hire New Zealand road trip, we’re sure your first thought is, “How do I find the cheapest campervan hire in NZ”? Look no further! With Motorhome Republic, we provide a wide range of affordable, quality campervans ensuring the highest safety standards for your peace of mind. Travel the country in a fully-equipped vehicle featuring everything you need to enjoy your New Zealand holiday.
Booking your New Zealand campervan hire is quick and easy. Enter your motorhome requirements and travel dates into our simple search engine, compare the many options available from international and local rental companies and get the perfect camper.
With an extensive range of campervans and motorhomes for hire in locations across both islands of New Zealand, we have a vehicle to fit every traveller’s need, style and budget. We have everything from small camper rentals—perfect for solo travellers and couples—to larger motorhomes ideal for bigger groups and families. Refine your search and filter by price to stay within your budget or by RV size to accommodate your family and friends.
Don’t forget to check out our deals page to save even more! See all the vehicle options in one handy place to ensure you’re getting the best campervan hire in New Zealand at the best rate. You can even view the website in several languages, including Spanish and French.
Once you’ve booked your campervan, you’re ready to hit the road and explore New Zealand locations like Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. We recommend starting your adventure from popular motorhome hire New Zealand destinations like Auckland, Christchurch or Queenstown.
Book a New Zealand campervan rental to personalise your road trip, enjoy safe travel and discover the natural wonders of this captivating nation on your own terms.
Compare campervan hire in New Zealand
At Motorhome Republic, around 30 top rental brands are available for campervan rental. Unlock the ultimate New Zealand holiday with affordable compact vans and spacious motorhomes. All vehicles undergo meticulous maintenance adhering to stringent safety standards for peace of mind. Here are just a few of the options for camper rentals in New Zealand:
These rental companies offer a wide range of 2 to 6-berth campers. Most suppliers operate from 7.30 am to 4 pm, seven days a week, and have branch parking for your convenience.
Hire a campervan from your favourite brand and kick off your adventure across New Zealand.
New Zealand Motorhome Hire Pick-up Locations
Save money and enjoy great deals on cheap, quality campervans and motorhomes from anywhere in New Zealand. Our vehicles adhere to the highest safety standards allowing you to travel around New Zealand and discover the breathtaking locations across the North and South Islands, stress-free.
Getting around the North Island in your campervan hire
New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, is situated near the top of the North Island and is a thriving hub of activity. Whether you’re into art and history, bush walks and trails, fine dining on the city’s wonderful waterfront or soaking up the sun on one of the numerous beaches, you’ll find plenty to see and do in this thriving metropolis. Auckland is also the central hub for international travel and a fantastic place to start your motorhome hire NZ holiday.
Hire a vehicle and travel through Northland to Cape Reinga during summertime to discover charming towns peppered along the coast. Campervan hire means you can take your time and find holiday parks and well-equipped campsites to stay in your motorhome overnight.
Just southeast of Auckland city is the popular region of the Coromandel peninsula. It’s known for its warm sunshine, clear waters and glorious golden beaches. The Coromandel is under 2.5 hours from Auckland Airport and is a popular weekend family getaway for city dwellers. It’s a beautiful drive, especially in a wide-windowed Auckland campervan hire. The natural wonders of Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach are well worth the journey. In the middle of Hahei Beach lies the Hahei Holiday Park/Resort, a camping ground perfect for motorhomes, which provides a great base to soak up some rays at the beach and explore the surrounding areas.
Within a day’s drive of Auckland lies the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. This lakeside town is rife with outdoor adventure activities and is easily accessible with campervan hire in New Zealand. Travel an hour south of Rotorua to arrive at the stunning town of Taupō. On a clear day, you can make out the mountain peaks of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe (Lord of the Rings fans might better know the latter as Mount Doom), which sit on the Central Plateau. While the summer sees hikers tramping up the mountain paths, the winter season sees locals and holiday-makers travel to the snowy slopes for skiing and snowboarding. Over the hills to the east and into the vineyard-filled Hawke’s Bay, Napier holds an Art Deco festival each February, which is well worth a visit with your campervan hire in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, is tucked into the harbour at the bottom of the North Island and is easily explored with motorhomes and campervans. The CBD lies flat on the waterfront, then sprawls up the hilly suburbs, making for a picturesque city of varying heights. Wellington is a compact city and home to Te Papa, the national museum, an array of other art galleries, delicious restaurants and the famous Weta Studios. Biking in the hills that engulf the city is a fun way to see Wellington from a height—why not add a bike rack to your New Zealand motorhome hire?
Continue your campervan NZ holiday by crossing the Cook Strait to the beautiful South Island on one of the vehicular ferries that depart Wellington Harbour. For convenient travel, holiday-makers can organise one-way campervan rentals on the North Island and pick up a vehicle on the South Island.
Campervan rental road trip in the South Island
Off the Interislander ferry on the South Island, you’ll arrive in Picton, a gorgeous little village and the gateway to Queen Charlotte Sound. Many people travel by ferry on foot to this small town to pick up their New Zealand campervans and motorhomes to begin their holiday.
The long coastal and inland routes beckon from Picton, as does the nearby vineyard-laden town of Blenheim. The breathtaking sights of the Abel Tasman National Park are best enjoyed inside campervans and motorhomes, and the holiday parks and campgrounds scattered along the way make it easy to explore the region at your own pace. Over the winding Takaka Hill, you’ll arrive at the gorgeous Golden Bay or head inland and travel through the Nelson Lake District.
Nestled in the heart of New Zealand's South Island, Christchurch is a vibrant, urban gem that’s a testament to human resilience. Christchurch emerged triumphantly after facing adversity with grace, rebuilding itself into a modern marvel while preserving its rich heritage. The city's indomitable spirit is evident in every corner, and it's truly inspiring to witness the creativity and ingenuity that have shaped this urban oasis. Christchurch also has the largest international airport on the island, providing frequent flights back up to Auckland and across the ditch to Australia.
New Zealand’s only open-range zoo, Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch, is more than just a zoo. It’s a place of conservation and education and prides itself on ensuring the highest well-being of all its animals. Orana Park is home to the only gorillas in New Zealand, and daily animal encounters can fill your zoo schedule. It’s a fantastic day outing for families, holiday-makers and locals. Just a 15-minute drive from the city centre, it’s easy to jump into your motorhome rental and explore the park’s 18 hectares.
As Christchurch is centrally located, visitors can travel along any road out of Christchurch in their New Zealand campervan hire and arrive somewhere spectacular. Travel north to reach Blenheim, the famous Marlborough Sounds and Nelson. Head south to arrive at the Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown. This impressive city sits between mountains and lakes and is abuzz with tourists all year round. Beyond lies the famous Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, which you can explore on a boat tour. Across the magnificent Southern Alps, drive up the wild west coast, through local towns and alongside windswept beaches. Hiring a motorhome in New Zealand makes it incredibly easy to save money and take your time absorbing these majestic sights.
Enjoy the ultimate convenience and grab some fantastic deals on quality campervans for your chance to see New Zealand like never before.
Handy tips for driving a campervan hire in New Zealand
Your self-drive motorhome holiday in New Zealand will take you to spectacular places and give you the freedom to set your own schedule. We have listed some vital road rules and tips to ensure safe travel on your New Zealand holiday. Check out these campervan New Zealand travel tips to ensure your visit is as smooth as possible.
Motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road in New Zealand.
Always carry your New Zealand driver’s licence, valid overseas licence, or International Driver's Permit throughout the trip.
Plan your motorhome road trip carefully and allow more time to reach your next destination. Drive carefully and take plenty of breaks. If you feel weary, swap drivers and schedule stops.
Most roads in New Zealand are single lanes, and there are passing and ‘slow vehicle lanes’ on main routes. If you’re holding others up, always stick to the left so they can pass you.
Drive slowly on unsealed gravel roads, and remember that dust can impair your vision. It’s a good idea to check your vehicle policy, as some rental companies do not allow NZ motorhomes to be driven on these roads.
The weather in New Zealand changes quickly, so if you find yourself in the rain, fog, or high winds, slow down.
Approach mountain routes, corners and narrow roads cautiously, especially in campervans.
Points of interest or natural attractions in New Zealand are often signposted by brown signs. Give yourself extra time on your road trips to stop and check out some of these sights along the way.
A corner store in New Zealand is called a dairy, where you can find basic groceries, snacks for the trip, newspapers, etc. In larger centres, you can buy local food at sizable grocery stores and find all the services you need.
Motorhome Hire New Zealand Road trip Guide
Planning a motorhome holiday to a country you’ve never been to is a much more involved process than simply turning up and jumping behind the wheel. Give yourself ample time to compare campervans in New Zealand to find the perfect vehicle and snap up some incredible deals to enjoy unscripted holiday experiences.
When you pick up a cheap campervan hire with Motorhome Republic, we’ll run through a few more details before you hit the road. Take a look at our planning guide for essential driving knowledge for your New Zealand motorhome rental.
When is the best time to visit New Zealand in a campervan hire?
The best time of year to explore New Zealand depends on what you want from your campervan rental road trip. Below you’ll find pros and cons for each season, and we’ve sprinkled in a dusting of travel inspiration for good measure.
Summer in NZ is over December, January and February. Thanks to the warm weather throughout the country, the school holidays, Christmas, New Year, and a public holiday in early February, this time is by far the busiest on the roads and in campsites around New Zealand. Naturally, the weather at this time of year is fantastic. For those who have never enjoyed a Christmas on the beach with a barbeque, it’s an unforgettable adventure. That said, you must book campsites and campervans in advance due to their popularity throughout the season. Remember, driving times will be slower due to increased traffic during the holidays.
Autumn, over March, April and May, is a fantastic time to travel in a motorhome in New Zealand. Days in this season typically hover between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius – the nights start cooling down around mid-April. The South Island’s temperatures drop faster than the North, but both islands boast epic scenery as the weather changes. This time of year offers fewer crowds, although the Easter holidays will always be busy as local families take their own campervans on the road.
For some, winter is the best time to visit New Zealand. The season runs through June, July and August. The North Island sees more rain and cold days, but it’s rare to see snow around the cities. The South Island is much colder and can snow in the cities a few times per winter. However, the cold brings out the best of New Zealand’s ski season and some of the most stunning vistas with snow-laden mountains. You’ll find fewer crowds in winter, and while you will almost certainly come across rainy days, cool, sunshine-filled days are not unheard of.
Spring in New Zealand in September, October and November is a special time for road trip holidays. Thanks to the country’s endless livestock farms, road trips at this time of year are notable for the lambs and calves in fields up and down the country. September can still be quite cool, especially in the mornings and on the South Island. Still, the whole country starts feeling like summer by late October. This secondary shoulder season can be an ideal time to grab travel deals and avoid the brisk winters and the busy summers in your NZ campervan rental.
How much time do you need to explore New Zealand in a campervan hire?
One of the biggest mistakes travellers make when they come to New Zealand is to give themselves too little time. While the country may look small on a map, there is a lot of terrain to cover, countless attractions to experience and dozens of hidden gems to discover. You’ll never want to leave!
If you want to cover all of New Zealand in a motorhome hire, you will need roughly six weeks to tick off all the major cities, must-see locations and attractions. You could skim over some and do it in four, and you could easily take your time and take two full months in your camper rental in New Zealand. Of course, you might prefer to see New Zealand on several shorter campervan trips rather than one big one.
How to camp in New Zealand
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of campsites to park your motorhome overnight or longer around New Zealand. The most common spots for travellers with campervans are campgrounds and holiday parks. These areas are well-equipped with everything from kitchen and bathroom facilities to plug-in sites for campervans and sometimes even small stores on-site to buy local food and essential goods. Check individual campsites for rates, deals and inclusions, as costs vary and may include seasonal pricing.
Another accommodation option for campervans in New Zealand is a Department of Conservation (DoC) campsite. Discover over 250 locations throughout the country, and they are often relatively cheap or completely free. DoC sites tend to be more basic than campgrounds, with minimal amenities and no site manager in most cases. Some places will have toilets, laundries, kitchen facilities and more, but it changes from site to site.
Freedom camping is where visitors park their motorhomes or pitch a tent in an undesignated area. Many travellers opt for this method as it saves on campground fees. Still, it does mean no access to waste disposal or shower/toilet facilities. Freedom camping has been a contentious issue in the country, as some visitors leave waste and rubbish out in the gorgeous countryside that New Zealand is known for. If you end up freedom camping, ensure it’s in a safe place away from traffic, and don’t leave anything behind. Note that some councils have banned freedom camping, which means you can face fines for ignoring ‘No Camping’ signs. It’s also important to avoid camping on private property.
