There are so many campervan rentals in New Zealand, choosing one can feel overwhelming. We’re breaking down all the important things you need to look for to find the best campervan hire for your New Zealand road trip. We’re even sharing exactly which companies we recommend.
Without a doubt, renting a campervan in New Zealand is the best way to travel around this country (or “hire a campervan” as the Kiwis would say).
Ever since we built our own campervan in the U.S., we’d been itching to get back behind the wheel. So we set our sights on NZ, and it did not disappoint.
There are few countries in the world as well set up to accommodate campervans than New Zealand.
With holiday parks and campgrounds everywhere (as well as countless places to freedom camp!) you’ll have no problem finding a place to sleep. And with landscapes that look like they’re straight out of a movie — oh wait, they are! (Lord of the Rings, duh!) — endless adventures await you.
We have traveled all over the world in campervans. You might say we’re a little completely obsessed with vanlife. And we have lots of expert advice that’ll be essential as you begin planning your trip.
Our top campervan recommendation…
If you just want to skip to our overall recommendation, here it is: We recommend using Motorhome Republic to compare all rental options for your dates.
Spoiler Alert: Our top pick for companies in New Zealand is Mad Campers. Be sure to keep reading for our exclusive discount!
If you’ve been wanting to test out #vanlife, New Zealand is a perfect place to try it out. I even convinced my (60-something) parents to give it a go and they absolutely loved it.
Let’s get ready to hit the road!
New Zealand campervan rental guide
- Get a quote
- Why trust us?
- Our experience
- Best campervan rentals
- Budget campervan rentals
- Mid-range campervan rentals
- High-end campervan rentals
- Why rent a campervan in New Zealand
- Things to consider
- Planning your campervan trip
- Perfect New Zealand road trip itinerary
- More NZ travel resources
Quick English language note: We use the words “rental” and “hire” interchangeably in this article.
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“Katie and Ben, I already know what I’m looking for and just want to see the best campervan rental companies…” Great! Jump down to that section here.
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Enter your travel dates and pick up/drop off locations and get a selection of vans to choose from:
But hold up! Choosing the best campervan can be tricky. And truthfully the best campervan company for us may not be the best for you.
Why you can trust us about campervan rentals
If you’re new to this blog (welcome!), we want to share a few reasons why you can trust us about all things campervan-related:
- We have personally built 3 campervans from scratch.
- We have traveled all over the US in our own campervans.
- We have rented vans all over the world, in New Zealand, Iceland, Scotland, and more!
Now do you understand why I said we’re obsessed!?
I mention all of this to let you know we have a lot of personal experience on this subject. We truly know what we’re talking about and in this article we’re sharing our expertise with you.
Also, we simply love connecting with others who are interested in RV and campervan adventures, so let’s be friends!
Our personal experience traveling in a campervan in New Zealand
We spent 5 weeks traveling around New Zealand in a campervan and ever since, we’ve been itching to get back!
We feel like a campervan or motorhome really gives you an added level of freedom that you just don’t have when you’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb, and we honestly think it’s the best way to explore the country.
Since we’ve personally explored New Zealand in a campervan ourselves, you can trust that we know what we’re talking about in this article and are sharing tips that will truly help you plan your own trip.
Best campervan rentals in New Zealand
Now that you know exactly what you are looking for in a campervan, here are the best rental companies and compare their offerings.
Budget Campervans
If you’re traveling New Zealand on a tight budget, these will be your best affordable options with basic yet functional designs.
Personal note: Beware that not all budget campervans are created equal. We traveled with a friend who rented the cheapest campervan she could find. You get what you pay for, and she had many problems with it along the way: No orientation of the vehicle when she first arrived, missing items that were supposed to be included (like sheets, cooking utensils, etc.), and pieces of the van repeatedly fell off.
We can’t recommend all budget options, but Mad Campers and Escape Campervans are two companies we can!
Mad Campers
- Price range: budget-friendly
- Recommended for: budget travelers, adventure seekers
- Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland and Christchurch
- Type of vehicles: 1-Berth (Mad 1) and 2-Berth (Mad 2) campervans
- Check availability here
After lots (and LOTS!) of research, this is the company we personally chose. We liked their fun business model, their function-forward design, and the affordable price tag. We also noticed that they had excellent reviews from past customers, so this was the final push to book with them.
Who is this rental for: Easy going, budget-minded travelers with a sense of adventure to get off the typical tourist trail.
Recently, Mad Campers gave their whole fleet an upgrade with built-in cookers, better storage, better fridges, new curtains and complimentary roof storage!
Pros:
- 2-berth van that drives very well
- Self-contained
- Decent gas mileage
- Comfy bed
- Very functional and details have been really thought through. It had everything we needed for our month-long trip.
- Outdoor kitchen with built-in cookers
- Small Kiwi-owned company
- We have a 5% off for you (below)!
Cons:
- Limited storage space makes the (free) roof rack an essential place to store extra bulk. But it can be a bit frustrating to keep accessing things inside the roof rack.
- Can’t stand up inside.
- One-Way transfer fee of $150 NZD.
Cost per day: Varies depending on campervan style:
- 2-Berth: Peak Season $160 NZD per day, Low Season $50 NZD per day.
- 1-Berth: Peak Season $100 NZD per day.
Bonus offer for YOU!
Wanna know more?
We have an entire article reviewing our experience with Mad Campers New Zealand. In our review we share our 100% honest opinions about the campervan rental experience.
We also share a video tour of the inside of our campervan and break down each of the campervan models available through Mad Campers so you can choose which model works best for your needs.
Psst! Don’t miss the section about the Mad Campers Challenge, which is another way to save money and actually get a 5% refund on your rental if you complete it!
Disclosure: Mad Campers gave us a partial sponsor on our campervan rental, but all our opinions and feedback are 100% honest.
Escape Campervans
- Price range: budget-friendly
- Recommended for: couples or 2-3 close friends, budget travelers
- Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland and Christchurch
- Check availability here
Escape Campervans is an international company that rents basic campervans to backpackers and budget travelers around the world. Their fleet stands out due to the colorful art painted on their exteriors, each of which is totally unique.
Escape’s no-frills conversions are nonetheless equipped with everything you need, so travelers can experience vanlife without breaking the bank.
Who is this rental for: Backpackers looking to travel as cheaply as possible, best for couples or close friends. This could be a good second choice if Mad Campers are unavailable for your dates.
Types of vehicles:
- 2-berth (sleeps 2, seats 2)
- 2-berth self-contained (sleeps 2, seats 2)
- 3-berth (sleeps 3, seats 3)
Pros:
- Unique, colorful artwork painted on each campervan
- Reliable international company
- One of the cheapest campervan rentals on the market; they will also price match comparable vans
- Self-contained options available
- Easy to drive and park
- Both automatic and manual transmission available
Cons:
- No high-roof options
- Limited storage space
- No children under age 6
- We think even the 3-berth van would be uncomfortable for 3 people
- Depending on your personality, the loud design on the exterior of the vehicle may be a drawback
Cost per day: Varies depending on model and season
- Peak season costs: $185-249 NZD ($113-152 USD)
- Low season costs: $55-65 NZD ($34-40 USD)
Mid-Range Campervans
If your budget is a bit more flexible, you’ll have more campervan options to choose from. These companies offer a bit more room and features than the super budget options, yet they are still affordable.
Jucy
- Price range: budget to mid-range
- Recommended for: all types of travelers
- Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown
- Check availability here
Jucy was established in Auckland in 2001 and has since expanded across New Zealand and Australia. They have 4 models to choose from in NZ, ranging from 2-berth to 4-berth.
With nearly 3,000 vehicles in their fleet, more than 2 decades of experience under their belt, and numerous awards to their name, Jucy has campervan rentals down to a science.
Who is this rental for: Travelers with a mid-range budget who want to rent with confidence from a well-respected company.
Types of vehicles:
- JUCY Crib (sleeps 2, seats 2)
- JUCY Condo (sleeps 4, seats 5)
- JUCY Chaser (sleeps 3, seats 3 – no car seats allowed)
- JUCY Cruiser (sleeps 4, seats 4)
Pros:
- Well-established, award-winning company
- Range of sizes and prices to choose from
- Self-contained options available
- Some styles have an indoor kitchen
- High-roof options available
- All campervans have automatic transmission
Cons:
- Larger models can be challenging to drive if you’re not used to it (especially on mountain roads and in high winds)
- Larger models also have lower gas mileage
- Depending on your personality, the bold-colored exterior of the vehicle may be a drawback
Cost per day: Varies depending on model and season
- Peak season costs: $469-1,662 NZD ($286-1,015 USD)
- Low season costs: $38-150 NZD ($23-92 USD)
Travellers Autobarn
- Price range: mid-range budget
- Recommended for: tall people and groups of 3
- Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland and Christchurch
Travellers Autobarn offers affordable high-roof campervan rentals without sacrificing reliability.
Their vans are simple, easy to drive, and come with everything you need for a New Zealand road trip, including a kitchen setup and plenty of storage. They’re a great pick for adventurous travelers who prioritize value and flexibility.
Who is this rental for: Travelers with a little higher budget, but don’t want to drive around the big rigs. These campervans are also one of the better options for 3 people traveling together, as there is a loft bed and extra seats in some models.
Type of vehicles: 2-Berth Station Wagon, 3-Berth Hitop & Kuga Campervans, 4-Berth Hi5 Campervan.
Pros:
- Smaller vehicle with lots of space and you can stand up in the back.
- The kitchens are inside and include a fridge (sometimes a freezer), microwave, and a 2-burner stove.
- Can stand up inside the van.
Cons:
- Only portable toilet (no indoor toilet)
- Getting to be on the more expensive side
Cost per day: Varies depending on campervan style:
- 2-Berth Station Wagon: Peak Season $89 NZD per day, Low Season $21 NZD per day.
- 3-Berth: Peak Season $236 NZD per day, Low Season $41 NZD per day.
- 4-Berth: Peak Season $274 NZD per day, Low Season $55 NZD per day.
High-End Campervans
And if you’ve got money to spare, you can travel New Zealand in luxurious style!
If you are looking for more creature comforts during your NZ road trip, these companies will be the best bet. Their vehicles are damn near luxurious, but they come with a price tag that more closely resembles a hotel than a bed on wheels.
You might even forget you’re camping!
Britz
- Price range: high-end
- Recommended for: travelers who have the budget and desire for comfort
- Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown
Britz is one of the most popular campervan rental companies in New Zealand, offering a wide range of vehicles to fit different budgets and travel styles.
From compact 2-berth campers to larger family-sized motorhomes, Britz combines comfort with practical features like built-in kitchens, bathrooms, and heating for year-round travel. Plus, they have an extensive network of service centers around the country.
Who is this rental for: 30+ travelers looking for a no-nonsense campervan because you might be exploring with loved ones and kids. You want the comforts of home in your camper but still seeking new adventures.
Type of vehicles: 2-Berth, 3-Berth, 4-Berth and 6-Berth campervans and motorhomes. Wide variety of amenities and add-ons in each type of vehicle.
Pros:
- Quality campervans and motorhomes that can fit the whole family.
- Newer vehicles, 2016 and 2017 models.
- Indoor kitchens and bathroom (toilet/shower) in campervan.
- Lots of storage.
- One of the best campervans/motorhomes in New Zealand.
Cons:
- Large vehicles and can be difficult to drive.
- Low gas mileage (but it is diesel, so a bit cheaper)
- High cost per day.
Cost per day: Varies depending on campervan style:
- 2-Berth Action Pod: Peak Season $158 NZD per day. Low Season $95 NZD per day.
- 2-Berth Venturer: Peak Season $420 NZD per day, Low Season $70 NZD per day.
- 4-Berth Discovery: Peak Season $410 NZD per day, Low Season $80 NZD per day.
Maui Campervans
- Price range: luxury
- Recommended for: couples or families with a bigger budget, or friends who are splitting the cost
- Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown
- Check availability here
Maui is a member of a global family of RV brands called THL, which also includes such recognizable names as Road Bear (USA), Canadream (Canada), and Bunk Campers (UK). They’ve been operating in New Zealand for more than 35 years, so you can trust that they really know what they’re doing.
Maui’s builds are bigger and bougier than any other on this list, definitely leaning more towards motorhomes than campervans. But if you have the cash and can handle a larger rig, this could be a great option!
Who is this rental for: Couples, families, or groups of friends who want to experience vanlife without sacrificing comfort.
Types of vehicles:
- Ultima (sleeps 2, seats 2)
- Ultima Plus (sleeps 2 adults and 1 child, seats 3)
- Cascade (sleeps 4, seats 4)
- Beach (sleeps 4, seats 4)
- River (sleeps 6, seats 6)
Pros:
- Variety of layouts to choose from
- You can stand up in any of their vehicles
- All models have indoor bathrooms (toilet & shower) and kitchens (multiple burners & microwaves)
- The maximum age for their vehicles is 2.5 years
- Loads of storage space and hot water from taps. Talk about luxury!
Cons:
- No compact options
- Motorhomes are more challenging to drive, parking is harder to find, and you might run into size restrictions
- Low gas mileage (but it is diesel, so a bit cheaper)
- High cost per day
Cost per day: Varies depending on model and season
- Peak season costs: $782-848 NZD ($477-518 USD)
- Low season costs: $191-241 NZD ($117-147 USD)
- Note: These daily rates are based on the vehicles with a maximum age of 2.5 years. Maui also offers a fleet of “Elite” motorhomes less than 1 year old for a higher daily rate.
Still not sure on which New Zealand campervan company to choose?
Are you having trouble deciding on a campervan rental for New Zealand? Check out Motorhome Republic to compare different campervan companies in order to find the right vehicle for you and your dates.
Why rent a campervan in New Zealand?
If you’ve stumbled upon this article, you probably already know why you want to rent a campervan in New Zealand. However, if you need more convincing, we’re here to help…
If you’ve never experienced traveling in a campervan, the idea of it can be a little daunting. We get it.
Don’t worry though, we’re here to help! We literally have all the resources you need to make your trip a success.
First, let’s chat about why renting a campervan is a good idea. Scratch that. An AMAZING idea.
Things to consider before renting a campervan in New Zealand
Choosing the best campervan can be a bit overwhelming. There are a lot of companies to choose from. Plus, every traveler has their own expectations for the level of comfort and budget they’re able to spend.
We’ve lived in 3 very different campervans, plus we’ve rented campervans in countries all over the world. So we have a pretty good idea of what to look for and some things to be wary of…
We’ve laid out our expert tips in this detailed article about what to look for in a campervan rental.
Planning your campervan road trip in New Zealand
If you need help with the logistics, we’ve got you covered! We put together a this MEGA resource for planning your campervan trip in New Zealand. It has everything you need to know from how much it costs, to how to shower while living in a campervan, to the magic trick you need to know to find campsites.
Don’t miss out on this epic New Zealand road trip itinerary!
If you like doing travel research, all the power to you! Feel free to use our itinerary outlines as a starting point as well as our city guides for ideas of things to do (we’ve got a bunch of them!).
But if you want to save some hours of your life, we’ve already put in more than enough for you and us combined. Trust us.
And we’re happy to share everything we learned — from digging through reviews, Youtube and all sorts of Internet rabbit holes, as well as actually traveling in New Zealand by campervan for 5 weeks!
We’ve curated what we think is the perfect New Zealand road trip, and we want you to be able to copy our route!
Plan your trip to New Zealand
We have TONS of resources on travel in New Zealand and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide for all the answers to your most burning questions, and read some of our favorite articles below.
- Start with our guide to the best time to visit New Zealand so you can pick the perfect season for your adventure.
- Don’t miss these essential New Zealand travel tips — seriously, some of these will save you major headaches!
- Get inspired with our list of exciting things to do in New Zealand for first-time visitors.
- Planning your route? Our ultimate campervan trip planning guide covers everything you need to know before you hit the road.
- Trying to find the best rental? We’ve done the research for you and created a guide for the best campervan rentals in New Zealand.
- Map out an unforgettable journey with our South Island road trip itinerary.
- Exploring the North Island too? Don’t miss our North Island road trip itinerary packed with must-see spots.
- Lace up your boots and hit some of the best hikes in New Zealand — complete with local tips!
- Visiting Milford Sound? Check out our Milford Sound travel guide, including essential planning tips.
Love the idea of campervan trips around the world?
Us too (hence why we keep booking campervan trips!).
Here are some more ideas for you to bookmark for future travels:
- Scotland Campervan Rental Guide
- Iceland Campervan Rental Guide
- Ireland Campervan Rental Guide
- UK Campervan Guide
- Italy Campervan Rental Guide
- France Campervan Rental Guide
- USA Campervan Rental Guide
- Canada Campervan Rental Guide
Don’t miss your chance to grab our New Zealand packing list!
In this free New Zealand packing list PDF download, we’ve provided packing checklists for everything from clothing and toiletries (for both women and men!) to electronics and extra gear you may consider packing if you’re planning on a campervan road trip.
Plus, we’re sharing tons of packing hacks and tips for traveling in New Zealand that you won’t find anywhere else!
Save this article on Pinterest for later!
We want to hear from you!
Which campervan sounds best to you? Still have questions or trouble deciding? Leave a comment below and we’ll try our best to answer! It’s likely others will have similar questions to yours.
What are the top-rated campervan rental companies in New Zealand?
Take a peek that the article above, we list out all our top rated favorites.
Chiller van rental services provide the perfect solution for transporting perishable goods, ensuring they remain fresh and safe.
Your article, Best Campervan Rental in New Zealand: Ultimate Guide, is a fantastic resource for anyone planning an adventure in this stunning country. You provide comprehensive insights into the various rental options available, making it easier for travelers to choose the right campervan for their needs.
The detailed breakdown of features, pricing, and rental companies offers valuable information that can help readers make informed decisions. I particularly appreciate your tips on planning routes and must-visit destinations, as this can greatly enhance the campervan experience.
Thank you for sharing such an insightful guide—it’s sure to inspire many travelers to embark on unforgettable journeys in New Zealand!
My husband and I went to New Zealand this January. We had planned on going for our honeymoon (7years ago! Lol) but life happened, then Covid restrictions. We finally pulled the trigger and I bought our plane tickets TEN DAYS before we were to fly out (crazy flight deal! Which was a plus!) So I had ten days to find a campervan! 😬😂
Over the years I have gone through almost every blog you guys have made about New Zealand. If it hadn’t been for all of your tips and tricks, we wouldn’t have been able to pull it off! We got a campervan with Tui campers. Mad Campers were sold out. We had a good experience with Tui, but it seems some other commenters did not, and I feel we were fortunate in that regard. We got one of their smaller vans (smaller than the Mad 2), and it was perfect for us. We saw the Mad 2 around and it looked like the perfect size! Better clearance than the van we were driving. If we ever go back, we will go with the Mad 2!
We were on the South Island for two and a half weeks and did several hikes. It was a magical trip! I wanted to thank you for all of the time and effort you guys have put into your blog to help people like me plan a trip half way across the world! Your packing list was super helpful, tips about the sandflies, places to check out or places to avoid if you don’t like crowds 🙋🏻♀️. Your itinerary was a great starting point for me to plan our route! I don’t comment on websites, but I wanted to let you know I appreciate your hard work! So thank you!
I follow you on Instagram and have seen your posts about the challenges you guys have been facing, and I hope and pray (I mean that) things are getting better for you soon! You guys are great! Thank you! I live in NW Montana, so if you want some places to visit if you ever come back to this area, let me know! I saw you went to Glacier, and that’s hard to beat! But New Zealand blew us away!
I’ve just returned from a trip around New Zealand in a campervan and I can say without a doubt that it was the best decision I ever made! The scenery was absolutely stunning and the campervan was perfect for the trip –
This is so amazing to hear! We loved campervanning in NZ and dream about going back often!
Your travel blog gives great info regarding camper vacation in NZ !
I signed up (several times) for the “25% off deal” with Mad Campers. However, I never received an email reply from you,
Hi Anders,
Thanks for leaving a comment. We were doing some maintenance to our email list and sequences (which we just completed!), so sorry about the delay in getting you the 5% off code. Let us know if you have any other questions, we are happy to help!
Hi, is the code still active? Used the link above for Motorhome republic.com and got error on the code for the Mad1. Thanks!
Hey Megan, yes the 5% off is still active. You have to enter your email to received it. This is the best way to keep track of our readers and to provide you with more New Zealand content!
This guide is a fantastic resource for anyone planning a campervan adventure in New Zealand! Katie Diederichs provides valuable insights and recommendations for finding the best campervan rental, making the whole process much less overwhelming. It’s clear that she and her team have a passion for exploring New Zealand by campervan, and their enthusiasm shines through in their informative content. If you’re considering a New Zealand road trip, this guide is a must-read. 🚐🌄🇳🇿
Thank you so much, Stella, for your sweet comment! These messages always make our day!
Love the site. Lots of good information, especially for first -timers.
Probably missed this information, but I’m wondering if some, most, or all of the vans in New Zealand come with an electrical supply compatible with devices that normally are plugged into a wall outlet.
Second question : Will the companies rent to a 76-year-old?
Thank you.
I’ve just returned from a trip around New Zealand in a campervan and I can say without a doubt that it was the best decision I ever made! The scenery was absolutely stunning and the campervan was perfect for the trip –
Additional feedback on Tui: I rented a 6 berth (Ford Transit, around 2011 model) from them this 2022-23 summer, and was very disappointed. The vehicle was Really tired, with worn and smelly upholstery, with many pieces of trim that had fallen off, been badly glued back in place, only to fall off again during our trip (eg most fly screens). The camper really should have been scrapped by now, rather than rented at prices befitting a much newer vehicle. Tui waived road user charges to compensate for our inconvenience, but that was a tiny giveback compared with what we paid. They were totally unwilling to do return any more, and refused to provide a shuttle transfer because we were 20 minutes after the normal service close time despite having arrived around 30 minutes before close time. All in all, I recommend people look elsewhere for a better provider.
I rented a Toyota Voxy from Tui Campers. It started out with a red flag, as I picked up the van, had a good experience with the women who worked there, less with the men. Didn’t get far when the key fob battery died. I paid for an outdoor chair but didn’t get one. On the 5th day I had an unfortunate accident on the Coromandel Peninsula on a narrow winding road. I paid for full comprehensive insurance. Tui offered no assistance. I got a ride back to the Holiday park from the husband of the woman involved in the accident. Tui said there were no replacement vehicles available, and charged me to my credit card $4,703.82 for towing on top of an $1,800 credit I had, all of this when I was in shock with minor injuries. I had to hitchhike in the rain back to Thames to get a bus to Auckland. I requested a written receipt with an explanation of the towing charge after talking to the towing company, who said they were paid about $200 by the insurance company, and were appalled and said I was clearly ripped off. The husband of the woman in the accident has been in regular touch and has said Tui has been very unhelpful and rude. They have refused to send me a copy of the Insurance policy and now turn on the voicemail when I call to talk to them. I’ve been very polite and friendly to them to keep things nice but the management there is clearly running a scam, thinking they can get away with it with tourists. If you can rent with another company I would highly recommend it. Everyone I have met outside of the company has been lovely and supportive, and I am now pursuing legal advice through the Citizens Advice Bureau.