motorhome tour new zealand

A Guide To Planning An Epic Motorhome Trip In New Zealand

There’s no better way to explore the enchanting country of New Zealand (NZ) than on a road trip. Yes, you can ride trains and buses to travel around the country. However, having your own vehicle in the Land of the Long White Cloud allows you to visit places that other modes of transportation essentially don’t access.

New Zealand is one of those corners of the world wherein renting a motorhome or campervan to explore the best attractions is extremely popular. Motorhome road trips differ slightly from traditional road adventures in terms of the vehicle you’re driving and where you’ll be staying. Still, the overall purpose is the same—the flexibility to see and do as much as you want.

First Order Of Business: Getting The Vehicle

If you’re only visiting New Zealand for a few weeks or months, renting a campervan is the sensible way to go. The main advantage of renting is that you don’t have to waste time looking around for the right motorhome if you’re pressed for time. It’s also less hassle on your end since you don’t have to worry about selling it off as your journey comes to an end.

But if you live in NZ or you plan to do a long-term trip, renting a vehicle might just prove to be more expensive than buying your own in the long run. Motorhomes for sale offer many different paths if you’re serious about investing in one. You can search online for second-hand units you can buy at a fraction of the cost. 

Backpackers often buy and sell their vehicles as they go around the country and that’s your opportunity to score a decent deal. There’s just one obvious drawback to this method—you’re buying the motorhome as is. There’ll likely be no refund or exchange possible once you’ve made the deal. If you’re not really confident in this method, you can opt for credible websites that buy and sell campervans and motorhomes.

The Best Time To Visit New Zealand

New Zealand has four distinct seasons, each with its own set of attractions and natural beauty. The seasons and temperatures are much milder on the North Island; meanwhile, the weather on the South Island is more extreme and temperatures can get cold at any time of year, particularly at higher elevations.

If budget is your main concern, you might want to plan your adventure during the winter during which van rate offers are generally cheaper compared to the summer season. Winter in NZ (June to August) can be pretty cold, hence, the low prices and few crowds. 

If you enjoy winter sports, winter is definitely the ideal time of the year for you to plan your epic motorhome trip to New Zealand. Be sure to check out the South Island, which is famous for several skiing spots. 

Planning Your Motorhome Itinerary

You have your ideal vehicle and you’ve already decided on the time of the year to visit New Zealand. Before packing for your trip, you need to map out a route to make sure you’ll have the best motorhome experience. Where you start your New Zealand campervan trip will be influenced by where your flight arrives and where you pick up your van.

So, a great starting point is to find out where your motorhome will be ready for pick up. Arrange with the seller before your scheduled flight so you can do your research in advance. Van rentals typically have their garages in airports, so be sure to ask for the details. 

Consider the South Island as your road trip highlight if you’re flying in and out of Queenstown. Here are some spots that you can include in your itinerary:

• Arthur’s Pass;
• Lake Pukaki Campsite;
• Mueller Hut;
• Tasman Glacier National Park;
• Milford Road Highway;
• Vineyards in Marlborough; and

A North Island itinerary is ideal if you have less time to explore NZ. Although the area is relatively smaller, it won’t disappoint with its fair share of stunning volcanic scenery and pristine beaches. Be sure to include a stopover in Wellington, a fun and vibrant city that offers plenty of things to do. If you’re into hiking, be sure not to miss the Tongariro Alpine Crossing spot for an unforgettable and rewarding adventure.

Final Words

New Zealand is regarded by many travel experts as ideal for motorhome trips. There are freedom camping sites all over the country, making it easy to find a place to rest, shower, and refill your water tank. Few places in the world make campervan travel as simple as NZ, so you might as well take advantage of it when you have the chance.

Without a doubt, exploring New Zealand through a motorhome trip is the best way to have an adventure you won’t easily forget. Imagine waking up next to majestic landscapes as you cook your own meals, stop at your own pace, and spend quality time with family or friends. 

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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OUR TOURS ARE CURRENTLY ON HOLD UNTIL 2024/25 SUMMER

Due to an overwhelming demand for campervan rentals, we can no longer hold our group allocations. Then, once our preferred rental companies build up their vehicle inventory, we’ll be back on the road again.

In the meantime, if you have a group of 8 to 14 who would still like to experience our tours, we would love to do a customised departure for you. Please enquire.

Carefully crafted high quality Campervan Tours – offering you exclusive access and opportunities to stay and engage with locals in Farm stays, Maraes, and other unique locations. Offering daily flexible itineraries and security of travelling with a group of like-minded people.

WHY OUR TOURS, YOU MAY ASK?

Established in 2020, Roving Kiwi is a boutique campervan tour company that offers carefully crafted tours. We get you off the beaten track while experiencing local hospitality. These are not convoy tours!

Enjoy the camaraderie of a group tour, while having the flexibility to travel independently during the day and see the sights that interest you, with the help of our comprehensive itinerary.

Newly established Roving Kiwi is a boutique motorhome tour company that offers carefully crafted tours. We get you off the beaten track while experiencing local hospitality. These are not convoy tours!

Enjoy the camaraderie of a group tour, while having the flexibility to travel independently during the day and see the sights that interest you.

NEW ZEALAND TOURS

Your motorhome awaits....

Our 3 and 4 Berth campervans are certified, modern & fully self-contained along with a solar panel for longer freedom camping time. There is 24 hour AA roadside assistance. And FREE of charge – GPS, outdoor dining gear, plus fully inclusive of zero excess insurance and road miles.

YOUR CAMPERVAN AWAITS...

Testimonials.

We really want to say how much we both enjoyed our Roving Southern Explorer tour. We already knew that with you involved it was going to be a most enjoyable tour – but were blown away with the content of the itinerary, and the inclusions – a hearty congratulations to you and the Roving Kiwi team.

Excellent Concept

The concept, we believe is excellent in that it gives flexibility, but has a structure to follow.  By joining the group, we were able to enjoy so many places/sights that we may not have found had we been travelling independently.   This is particularly true regarding staying at the stations in the high country.  A highlight for us was the jet boat on the Waitoto River – such local knowledge.  Too many highlights to mention all – Obviously, we recommend your Roving Kiwi Trip, and cannot wait to do another. Ralph and Bev Faulkner

No improvement necessary

The concept of the trip was a very good idea. No improvement necessary and we would recommend this tour to others. For first time campvaners we thoroughly enjoyed our trip and the itinerary was well thought out. We would strongly recommend this to anyone who was thinking of doing a campervaning holiday with Roving kiwi. – Bob & Shirley Jukes

The whole trip was excellent!

We had an outstanding trip – thank you, we really enjoyed your first roving kiwi tour.

We just want to let you know how much we enjoyed our ROVING KIWI campervan tour through the high country of Otago and the West Coast. Every day was a new adventure with new discoveries.  It was very exciting to learn first hand from the owner of a high country sheep station about their daily challenges and to join them at the dinner table for a delicious home cooked meal.

Having our own motorhome, gave us the flexibility and freedom to spend the day at our leisure to visit the points of interest as described in the itinerary. At the end of the day, we caught up again with our fellow travellers, enjoying a good glass of wine and nibbles and discussed the highlights of the day.

We felt very privileged to be part of this tour group and we can’t thank you enough for the time and effort you spend in organizing and putting together this complete and exciting itinerary.  Wishing you all the best with your future tours!

Kind regards – Herman Van Cingel

A tour with Roving Kiwi is a bucket list must! Sign-up with our newsletter and we will let you know what tours are happening and when, so that you don't miss an amazing opportunity.

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South Island Campervan Itinerary: 10 Days 🚐 [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, 10-day campervan itinerary for the south island.

The South Island of New Zealand is the ultimate campervan holiday destination with a new and breathtaking landscape to admire every couple of hours on the road. With 10 days to see as much of New Zealand ‘s most scenic island as possible, this South Island campervan itinerary for 10 days incorporates all the highlights for the traveller who doesn’t mind a few long days of touring combined with a couple of standstill days. What’s more, this 10-day South Island campervan itinerary includes campervan rental and campsite recommendations to make planning your road trip effortless.

10-Day South Island Campervan and Motorhome Rentals

This South Island campervan itinerary is designed with self-driving a campervan or motorhome in mind, beginning and ending in Christchurch for a hassle-free rental experience. For a road trip in a comfortable, functional and reliable motorhome, not to mention being fully self-contained to make the most of the free camping spots listed in this itinerary, we recommend Wilderness Motorhome Rentals . They offer a range of late-model and cleverly designed RVs, from compact vans-for-two to more spacious and family-friendly 4-berth motorhomes. Check out their full fleet at Wilderness.co.nz .

See how Wilderness compares with more awesome alternatives in The Best Campervan Rental Companies in Christchurch .

Day 1 – Christchurch Airport to Hanmer Springs

Travel time: 1h45mins

Welcome to Te Waipounamu, otherwise known as the South Island of New Zealand! After arriving in Christchurch and picking up your rental vehicle from Wilderness , we recommend taking the scenic yet manageable drive to Hanmer Springs .

Depending on what time you can get on the road, you may like to stop by the city centre of Christchurch to admire its selection of gardens, as well as pick up groceries to cook in your campervan.

On the drive to Hanmer Springs, you’ll pass through the boutique wine region of Waipara with tastings worth seeking out (don’t drink and drive though). Your final destination is the alpine resort village of Hanmer Springs, most famous for its large hot pools complex. While there are a ton of amazing experiences in the town, as listed in the 19 Best Things to Do in Hanmer Springs , we recommend relaxing at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa .

Camping in Hanmer Springs

• Alpine Adventure Holiday Park
• Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Hanmer Springs Forest Camp Trust
• Alpine Holiday Apartments & Campground
• Hanmer Springs River Reserve (Free)

Day 2 – Hanmer Springs to Franz Josef Glacier (via Hokitika)

Travel time: 5 hours

Today, continue on your road trip to the West Coast of the South Island via the mountain and forest scenery of Lewis Pass . Stop for refreshments in the quaint town of Reefton before making your journey following the Grey River to Greymouth . The largest town on the West Coast is another good place to stop for self-catering supplies.

If the weather is clear but forecast to be wet for the next couple of days, we recommend making a beeline to Franz Josef so you don’t miss out on their helicopter or glacier hiking experiences. Otherwise, take your time on the way down to Franz Josef, perhaps to admire the vibrant blue pools of Hokitika Gorge or to experience the New Zealand rainforest from a different perspective on the West Coast Treetop Walk (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor ) .

We’ll talk more about what to do in Franz Josef tomorrow. For now, relax at your chosen campground…

Camping in Franz Josef

• Rainforest Retreat
• Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Orange Sheep Campervan Park
• Otto/MacDonalds Campsite (Department of Conservation/DOC)

Day 3 – Spend the Day in Franz Josef

Most travellers visit Franz Josef to set foot on the famous glacier itself via helicopter. But don’t overlook some of the spectacular free experiences, like hiking to the glacier terminal face!

If you catch yourself in Franz Josef in bad weather, however, you can always soak the disappointment away at the Glacier Hot Pools or Waiho Hot Tubs , or choose something else from the  10 Things to Do in Franz Josef on a Rainy Day.

Things to Do in Franz Josef

• Do a free or guided walk to the  Franz Josef Glacier Terminal Face
• Heli-hike onto the  Franz Josef Glacier (more info on Viator , TripAdvisor and KKday )
• See rare birds and a stunning wetland environment at the  Okarito Lagoon
• Do a helicopter flight over the  Southern Alps   (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor )
• See a kiwi bird at the  West Coast Wildlife Centre   (on  Viator  and  Tripadvisor )
• Kayak on  Lake Mapourika  with  Franz Josef Wilderness Tours …

… And the list continues over in our  25 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef .

Day 4 – Franz Josef to Queenstown (via Haast Pass and Wanaka)

Travel time: 4h45mins

If you didn’t get the chance to fly over the glacier yesterday, today might be your chance. Otherwise, set off for Haast where you’ll journey through the   Haast Pass with its  array of short walks to stunning waterfalls and blue pools to enjoy independently, as listed on the DOC website .

Enjoy a pitstop in Wanaka  whether it’s to do one of the 25 Best Things to Do in Wanaka or simply enjoy a picnic by the lake and take a photo of “# ThatWanakaTree ”.

Then, take your campervan on a scenic drive over the Crown Range and the Cardrona Valley to the “Adrenaline Capital of New Zealand”, Queenstown . You have plenty of time to experience its tours tomorrow. For now, you might like to check out the dining scene as outlined in  The Foodie Guide to Queenstown .

Camping in Queenstown

• Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park
• Creeksyde Queenstown Holiday Park
• Q Box Motorhome Park
• Frankton Motor Camp
• Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park
• Arrowtown Holiday Park
• Twelve Mile Delta (DOC)
• Moke Lake Campsite (DOC)
• Twenty Five Mile Stream (Free)
• Kawarau Bridge Car Park (Free)
• Rum Currie’s Hut (Free)
• Crown Range Road Summit Car Park (Free)

Find out more about camping in Queenstown using our complete guide, Where to Camp in Queenstown .

Day 5 – Explore Queenstown

Adrenaline, food, wine, golf, scenery, spas: whatever your vibe is, Queenstown is likely to have it. In summer, take part in some epic canyoning or white water rafting , while winter is when the mountains beckon for the ski season (make sure you hire some snow chains ). You might even like to take the campervan on a bit of a day trip along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy or to the historic mining town of Arrowtown.

Things to Do in Queenstown

• Take the leap with a  bungy jump
• Do a giant swing through a canyon  (find out more, read reviews and get the best travel deals on  Viator ,  Tripadvisor ,  Klook  and  KKday )
• Experience one of the  5 Best Jet Boat Tours in Queenstown
• Ski at  The Remarkables , following our advice in  The Ultimate Guide to the Queenstown Ski Season
• Hike  Ben Lomond
• Soak in the scenery and hot pools of the  Onsen Hot Pools Retreat & Day Spa  (on  Klook ,  Viator  and  Tripadvisor )
• Take a day trip to  Arrowtown  or one of  The Best Day Trips from Queenstown .

For more information on each experience, check out the  45 Best Things to Do in Queenstown .

Day 6 – Queenstown to Milford Sound

Travel time: 2h50mins to 3h30mins depending on campsite

Do anything that you might have missed in Queenstown this morning, then hit the road to the glacier-carved fiords of Milford Sound . This is a scenic journey that you’ll want to take your time with giving that you have the luxury of a campervan to stay at one of the many campsites on the way to Milford Sound. This means you have more time to enjoy short hikes and see stunning natural attractions in the Fiordland National Park. Take your pick from the  18 Stops You Can’t Miss on the Road to Milford Sound , including the gorgeous Lake Gunn and the popular three-hour hike on the Routeburn Great Walk to the Key Summit .

You have many DOC campsites to choose from on this journey, just make sure to book early for these popular pieces of paradise. Otherwise, Milford Sound Lodge offers powered sites should you want to plug in your Wilderness camper .

Camping in Milford Sound

• Milford Sound Lodge
• Cascade Creek Campsite (DOC)
• Deer Flat Campsite (DOC)
• Henry Creek Campsite (DOC)
• Kiosk Creek Campsite (DOC)
• Totara Campsite (DOC)
• Upper Eglinton Campsite (DOC)
• Walker Creek Campsite (DOC)

For more details, head to the  11 Best Accommodations in Milford Sound .

Day 7 – Milford Sound to Te Anau

Travel time: 1h25mins

Enjoy a morning cruise at Milford Sound or one of the alternative activities like kayaking or the underwater observatory (see the 15 Best Things to Do in Milford Sound ) before the tourist buses arrive. Then, make your way back toward your final destination today, Te Anau . Some of the town’s highlights include the free Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (more info on Viator , Tripadvisor and Klook ) . For more ideas, head to the  10 Te Anau Must-Dos .

Camping in Te Anau

• Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park
• Te Anau TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Getaway Te Anau
• Fiordland Great Views Holiday Park

Find out more about some of your camping options in the 5 Best Holiday Parks in Te Anau .

Day 8 – Te Anau to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

You have a long yet stunning journey ahead of you today with the first part being the return to Queenstown . Then, you’ll experience the dramatic river scenery of Kawarau Gorge on your way to Cromwell . Take a break in Cromwell before heading north through what is deemed the most beautiful road in New Zealand , Lindis Pass . You’ll come out the other side in Omarama where a highlight includes soaking in the tubs of Hot Tubs Omarama or checking out the otherworldly scenery of the Omarama Clay Cliffs. 

The final stint to Aoraki Mt Cook is through the high country village of Twizel where you can stop by for a skydive with Skydive Mt. Cook .

Follow the vibrant blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Aoraki Mt Cook Village or to any one of the nearby campsites.

Camping in Mt Cook

• Glentanner Park Centre
• White Horse Hill Campsite (DOC)
• Lake Poaka Campsite (DOC)

Day 9 – Explore Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

This is your last full day among the South Island’s most magnificent scenery so make the most of it. For instance, take to the skies and land on a glacier in a ski plane . Alternatively, there are some stellar hikes to lap up the scenery.

Things to Do in Mt Cook

• Walk the  Hooker Valley Track
• Land on the  Tasman Glacier in a ski plane
• Heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier with  Mt Cook Glacier Guiding  or  The Helicopter Line (on KKday and Tripadvisor )
• Go boating on a glacier lake with  Glacier Explorers
• Stargaze in the  Aoraki Mt Cook International Dark Sky Reserve …

… And the list continues over on our  20 Best Things to Do in Aoraki Mt Cook .

Day 10 – Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to Christchurch Airport (via Lake Tekapo)

Travel time: 4 hours

Your final day in New Zealand ends with one last Kiwi road trip, this time between Aoraki Mt Cook and Christchurch. Your first stop will be the lakeshores of Lake Tekapo with its brilliant blue waters leading up to the Southern Alps. Pick up souvenirs at the boutiques in Fairlie and, if you have time, do a horse trek in the Peel Forest just outside of Geraldine . The final leg of your journey is through the Canterbury Plains .

Remember to give yourself enough time to return your rental vehicle to Wilderness Motorhome Rentals who will be able to transfer you to Christchurch Airport, should that be your next destination.

Then it’s goodbye to the South Island of New Zealand!

The Best Campervan Rental for 10 Days on the South Island

So, how can you make the most of this South Island campervan itinerary for 10 days? Wilderness Motorhome Rentals offers an amazing range of motorhomes to really treat yourself while cruising the South Island. With inclusions such as airport or accommodation transfers in Christchurch, a New Zealand SIM card and all of the living amenities for a true home-away-from-home experience, your road trip couldn’t be easier. Get your trip started at Wilderness.co.nz .

More About a South Island Campervan Itinerary for 10 Days

That’s the end of our South Island campervan itinerary for 10 days. If this itinerary didn’t take you fancy, see our alternative 10-day itineraries, as well as more advice on campervanning in New Zealand.

• How to Travel New Zealand in 10 Days
• South Island in 2 Weeks : New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary
• How to Plan a Campervan Trip in New Zealand

Finally, make sure all aspects of your trip are organised with  The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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New Zealand Motorhome Holidays

New Zealand motorhome holidays have been referred to by many travellers as a ‘holiday of a lifetime’. Whatever your definition of this, a holiday around New Zealand from the comfort of your own private motorhome will have you return with countless experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. The country is centre stage, revealing more extraordinary features every day. Driving a motorhome in New Zealand is a dream. With wide open roads, little traffic, few large towns and a friendly English speaking population navigation is straightforward. You’ll be quickly at home here and enjoying every second of your New Zealand adventure.

All our New Zealand motorhome holidays are completely bespoke. Below are some example itineraries for you to consider. In addition, we also provide optional excursions and can offer additional nights at various hotels for you to explore further.

Travelling in a motorhome across New Zealand offers you the utmost freedom and flexibility. There's always an adventure for you waiting at every turn and as you set the pace , you get to decide when to stop and explore.

From the 1st October 2019, travellers must have an NZeTA in order to visit New Zealand. Please visit www.immigration.govt.nz to apply for your visa today or to find out more information on the application process and eligibility requirements. It is important to be aware that requesting an NZeTA is a mandatory process for anyone visiting New Zealand and includes those transiting via New Zealand, even if it is not their final destination.

Australian citizens and residents do not usually need a visa to travel to NZ.

As you travel around you’ll undoubtedly encounter different climates. There is a distinct difference from the sub-tropical top of the North Island to the temperate bottom of the South Island. Essentially, it’s the reverse of the UK: the further south you travel in New Zealand the closer you are to the Antarctic and the cooler it gets.

January and February are the warmest months, and July is the coldest month of the year. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30°C and in winter between 10-15°C. Overall, however, New Zealand has a very mild climate making it a pleasant holiday destination throughout the year. There are seasonal variations though.

New Zealand is literally on the 'other side of the world, and it's not always easy to comprehend what that means for the weather. For a start, the seasons are the opposite of the seasons in the UK. Our winter is their summer and vice versa. When you look at a map of the world, the islands that make up New Zealand are some of the most southerly in the world and the next stop on the map, as you look south, is Antarctica.

So you might be forgiven for thinking that the weather and seasons in New Zealand aren't great. However, New Zealand is closer to the equator than the UK. To demonstrate this, look at this map, where we've shown how New Zealand would be if it sat at the same latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere as it is in the Southern Hemisphere.

You can see that all of New Zealand is closer to the equator than Paris. Christchurch is in a similar position to northern Spain, and the north of the country sits on the same latitudes as southern Spain, Portugal's Algarve region and Morocco!

This means that New Zealand is a country of contrasts, not only in its landscape but also in its climate. The northern end of New Zealand, including the largest city of Auckland and the Bay of Islands region, has a sub-tropical climate, whilst the mountain range of the Southern Alps offers a good ski season in the winter due to the height of the mountains.

So, whilst summer in New Zealand is deemed the best time to travel to the country, spring and autumn are also excellent times to visit. You'll also benefit from lower numbers of visitors in the country at that time, meaning that the places you visit are that bit quieter and less busy.

If you have any more questions about the seasons in New Zealand and when is a good time to travel, our knowledgeable team will be happy to answer your questions.

Summer: December – February

Summer in New Zealand is beautifully warm, with temperatures usually in the 20s. In most places you can wear shorts and a t-shirt during the day, possibly with a fleece for the cooler evenings.

Autumn: March – May

Temperatures can be a little cooler but the weather is usually bright, warm and it’s a great time for being a little active – perhaps some gentle hiking, or ascending a glacier? Like spring in the UK, this is a great time for travelling without the hordes of holidaymakers and when the sun is not relentlessly beating down. You’ll want clothing for most eventualities, including warm sun, rain showers and cool evenings. Guests who have been have often commented on how you can change outfits two or three times a day as the weather changes. Hence the famous ‘four seasons on one day’ expression!

Winter: June – August

Winter in New Zealand can be a chilly affair, with snow in the south and rain, well pretty much everywhere from time to time. As back in the UK, you’ll need jeans, fleeces, rainproof warm jackets as well as gloves and hats. And if heading to higher altitudes or more exposed spots, thermals are a great idea.

Spring: September – November

Spring can constantly surprise with its weather variations. Be prepared for warm, sunny days, but also clear frosty mornings and rain showers. Make sure you are prepared for this type of weather if you are visiting during this time. Practical trousers, jeans or cargo pants are a good choice and layers work well on top, allowing garments to be added or peeled off as required.

Most shops and businesses are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, often Saturdays too. When travelling around it’s easy to keep stocked up with groceries, just bear in mind the driving times ahead and also that New Zealand is a country of considerable empty spaces, so best to stop for fuel and groceries when you see the chance.

Currency and Money

New Zealand’s currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) with denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 & $100. Coins are 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 & $2. Getting currency is easy at ATMs, hotels, banks and international airports. You’ll find major credit cards are widely accepted and Travellers Cheques are often welcome too. Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday (usually closed at weekends).

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

All goods and services are subject to a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST) included in the displayed price. Visitors cannot claim this tax back, however when a supplier ships a major purchase to a visitor's home address the GST will not be charged.

Hotels and restaurants do not generally add a service charge to bills. Tipping is left to your discretion.

The New Zealand official languages are English & Maori.

New Zealand is simply made for touring. Each morning you wake up with a day of fresh experiences ahead of you, along with the freedom of the open road. And what roads! Wide, well maintained and easily navigated, these roads make parking a doddle (even in a large motorhome) and there’s always somewhere to pull over for a break and a brew.

You’ll find many other motorhomes on the road and you will feel part of a community and a cheery wave to fellow travellers in their ‘vans is all part of the fun. The driving may be easy, but do take plenty of breaks – this is no hardship as there’s so much to see en route.

New Zealand Motorhome Blogs

Discover more about motorhome holidays in New Zealand by reading our blog. From the curious to the tasty, be inspired and contact us to start planning your very own holiday today.

Book with confidence

Book your next holiday with confidence with Alan Rogers Worldwide Caravan and Motorhome Holidays. Plan ahead and travel with us, in the knowledge that you’re in safe hands.

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Home » Oceania » New Zealand » Campervanning in New Zealand: Must Read Guide for Backpackers 2024

Campervanning in New Zealand: Must Read Guide for Backpackers 2024

New Zealand is my favorite country on Earth! I was fortunate enough to spend 15 months there working and traveling around on one incredible campervan trip.

In my honest opinion, there is no better way to experience all of the legendary natural beauty and adrenaline pumping activities in NZ than by campervanning in New Zealand.

It’s simply the BEST way to take it all in, period.

New Zealand or  Aeoteroa—  as the Maori’s call it — is a land of staggering diversity.

Snow-capped mountains and glaciers jut out of low lying temperate rainforest, the home to many plant and animal species that are found nowhere else on this Earth.

Dramatic beaches dot the ever-shifting coastline. Thermal hot-springs fill the air with sulfurous gases. This is Middle-Earth: the land of unparalleled natural elegance and power.

Due to its popularity among backpackers, campervanning in New Zealand is big business. Navigating the worlds of both buying a van or campervan hire in NZ can be a challenge for travelers that have just landed in the country.

That is exactly why I wrote the ultimate guide to campervanning in New Zealand. So you can head out on your epic campervan road trip with ease.

Let’s begin!

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Why Go on a Campervan Road Trip in New Zealand?

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Whether you’re coming to New Zealand on a year-long working holiday visa or just intend to make an epic 2-week road trip in a campervan, this is the guide to help you sort out all of your New Zealand campervan questions and needs.

New Zealand is a huge country made up of two islands, simply named North Island and South Island. Getting around these two islands is easy because NZ has a great network of buses that can take you from one town or city to the next.

The most economical way to see New Zealand is by hiring a car. But, you still need to pay for accommodation. To save money on accommodation, that’s where camper vans come in.

A campervan road trip allows you the freedom to explore these rural, off-the-beaten-track locations, and even camp there. Imagine waking up next to a gorgeous lake with snow-capped mountains in the background? You’d pay a pretty price for an Airbnb with that view.

It’s a no-brainer then, that travelling in your own campervan is the way to travel New Zealand .

Your camper van road trip in New Zealand need not be complicated. This guide breaks down everything you need to know in the realm of NZ campervanning.

Learn about the process of campervan hire in New Zealand, compare rental companies, learn where and when to buy a campervan, how to sell your campervan, Freedom Camping, driving in NZ and much more…

Renting a campervan in New Zealand is a great solution for both long and short-term travellers. If you are only coming to visit New Zealand for a couple of weeks (or a couple of months), then renting your own camper van is the obvious way to go.

For long-term NZ backpackers, renting a van is certainly the less hassle alternative to buying a van. Obviously renting a van will end up being more expensive (in theory) than buying one.

The main benefit to renting is you don’t have to spend ages hunting for the right camper van if you’re short on time and you also don’t have to sell it off at the end of your journey.

Your needs, schedule, budget, and travel plans all factor into the important decision of how best to get your hands on a campervan.

In every “major” city or travel hub in New Zealand, it is possible to rent a campervan. The prices vary wildly depending on the season, length of rental, and the type of campervan you decide to go with.

It is probably the most convenient for you to pick-up your campervan directly from the airport in Auckland , Christchurch, or Queenstown, but this tends to be more expensive. You can save money by hiring from independent companies in the city if you’re willing to shop around.

For those backpackers who only have a few weeks (or less) to spare, it is absolutely essential to book your campervan in advance before arriving in NZ.

The last thing you want to be doing is scrambling for a campervan while you are in the country. Often times in the summer season, the cheaper van options are not available without a prior booking. Most rental companies will offer you a discount if you rent for longer than a few weeks, but it’s always good to shop around.

With a little planning and preparation, you can score the right campervan best suited to your budget and travel style.

Seasonal Prices for Campervan Rentals in NZ

Want to rent a camper van in the New Zealand summer (December – March)? So does every other campervanning fan coming to New Zealand. Prices in the summer are always double what they are in the winter.

I recognize that campervanning deep in the South Island in the middle of winter might not be so fun. That said, there are plenty of places on the North Island that see moderate temperatures throughout the winter.

To get the absolute best price for a campervan rental in NZ, you are going to have to plan your road trip for the winter. The winter definitely has the double bonus of being the tourist low-season in addition to rental prices being at their most reasonable.

Here is a look at several New Zealand campervan rental companies…

*Author’s Note : The prices (USD) and specs featured in this table are based on the cheapest campervans (sleeping two people) each company offers. I kept the price estimates wide-ranging to account for seasonal rates.

Renting a Campervan in NZ: Company Breakdowns

Of all the companies renting campervans in New Zealand,  JUCY Rentals receives my highest praise.

Their prices are reasonable. The customer service has great reviews. All of their campervans offer enough space and luxuries for a kick-ass road trip (or roadie as the Kiwis say).

JUCY Rentals are pretty iconic across the roads of New Zealand, especially over the summer period. You’ll see the bright green and purple vans all over the place full of excited travellers ready to explore the “off the beaten track” of New Zealand!

I’d say JUCY is mid-range price when compared to other camper companies in New Zealand. They’ve got more bells and whistles than the likes of Wicked Campers.

Although Wicked Campers is the lowest in terms of price – the biggest drawback for me is that the standard two-person campervans are NOT self-contained vehicles. Meaning there is no toilet, shower, or grey-water system. In New Zealand, the blue self-contained sticker can be pretty helpful in terms of freedom camping and where you can park up for the night.

However, if you’re up for a low price and minimalist options, Wicked Campers are a pretty good option for us budget backpackers too. A close competitor of Wicked Campers is Hippie Campers . This company has taken the iconic image of hippies and campervans we all have in our minds and turned it into a corporate marketing scheme.

There is nothing “hippie” about this company. That said, they do offer quality campervans at low prices. What you get in terms of campervan features is about the same as Wicked offers.

Self Contained Van Rentals

For backpackers looking for fully-loaded, self contained vehicles, two companies dominate the market: Britz and Maui .

For younger backpackers on their gap year in NZ under the age of 21 (yes, I am talking about all of you gap-year European youngsters!), Britz and Maui campervans are off-limits due to age restrictions (21+). They don’t want young drivers screwing up their fancy campervans!

Let us be clear, Britz and Maui campervans are 3-5x the price of Wicked and Hippie, though if truth be told they are nicer inside. They come with self-contained certification, which includes a water tank, toilet, and gray-water system.

Like anything in life, you get what you pay for. If you are the kind of backpacker that enjoys a more comfortable road-tripping experience you certainly can have it with a Britz or Maui campervan. You’ll just have to pay for it.

They are definitely not the budget choice for backpackers living on a shoestring.

Extra Costs When Traveling New Zealand By Campervan

New Zealand is expensive . When factoring together your campervan rental costs, keep in mind that petrol in New Zealand is expensive , and you will also need to buy insurance for your rental.

We recommend  purchasing a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as flat tires, chipped windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.

If you plan on taking the ferry between North and South islands, the cost for two people and a campervan is around $260 NZD one way.

Also, most companies charge a (sometimes high) fee when you drop off your campervan rental at a different location than you picked it up from.

Campervanning in New Zealand is not without its costs. To get the most out of your time campervanning in New Zealand you need a realistic idea of what to expect!

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

If you know that you are coming to New Zealand for more than a couple of months then you should seriously think about buying a campervan.

Buying your own campervan will be the most important investment you make on your campervan trip in NZ.

I see buying a car or a campervan in NZ as a sort of right of passage for backpackers here. It is a challenging, stressful process. You never really know what you are buying. Which can be very scary for backpackers with little money.

There are a TON of campervans constantly changing hands in New Zealand. Some campervans have gone through 15 different backpacker owners in the last 5 years alone. You can imagine all of the wear and tear these vans must have endured during that time.

I have personally met at least three fellow backpackers who paid several thousand dollars for a campervan only to have it break down within days (or hours). The cost of repair in one case was more than the total amount she paid for the van!

Sadly, this is more common than you might think. I don’t believe a backpacker possessing even the slightest conscience would intentionally sell you a campervan on the verge of death. Though shitty people exist and it has definitely happened.

Campervanning in New Zealand is not without its perils when it comes to buying one, but with a little common sense and forethought, you can hopefully avoid tragedy.

So what can you do to prepare for your big day purchasing a campervan in New Zealand?

Tips for Buying a Campervan in New Zealand

There are many different paths to take when buying a campervan.

Numerous Facebook groups exist for the sole purpose of buying/selling cars in New Zealand. There are specific FB groups just for campervans. I actually sold my vehicle through a Facebook group .

The risk and benefits of buying directly from a fellow backpacker or Kiwi person are straightforward. You are likely to get a better price (you can ALWAYS negotiate) when buying from a backpacker or individual.

The obvious drawback is that you are buying the campervan as is. No refunds. Zero exchanges. No ifs, and, or buts about it.

In the case, you go this route (which I did) it is your responsibility to get the campervan checked out by a professional mechanic. The person selling the campervan should pay for it.

It is possible that the owner has already done a recent mechanic check prior to you meeting them. If this is true you should absolutely demand to see the paper(s) proving/showing all of the details including the date of the inspection.

Another good website for buying/selling Campervans is Trademe.co.nz .

Buying a Campervan Through a Private Company

Another option is buying a campervan from an authorized dealer or private company. This route might be more expensive, but usually, the car will have some sort of minimum guarantee or limited warranty.

Depending on the purchase agreement, if your campervan takes a shit on you two days after you buy it, then there might be something the dealer can do to make amends.

I wouldn’t say that buying from a dealer is a fool-proof security net by any means. Though it is a safer bet than purchasing a car from someone you just met on Facebook.

Some friends of ours in Auckland run a car/campervan dealership there: Travel Cars NZ . Friends of the Broke Backpacker can receive a $100 discount on any vehicle purchase .

Check them out as they really do have an excellent stock of campervans available throughout the year! Be sure to mention us too to receive your $100 discount or simply show them the coupon featured below!

When Buying a Campervan Always:

• Get this vehicle history (when possible)
• Ask when the current Warrant of Fitness expires
• Find about about maintenance history
• Ask when the last oil change was.
• Take the campervan to get looked over by a mechanic.
• Take the campervan for a test drive.
• Do a thorough visual inspection of the interior.
• Inquire if any other camping gear comes with the campervan (tables, chairs, gas cooker, cookware, etc)

When to Buy a Campervan in NZ

As renting a campervan is affected by seasonal prices, so is buying one. Prices are at their highest in the New Zealand summer. Locals and backpackers alike are scouring the internet and vehicle ads in search of that perfect campervan for summer.

If you are arriving in New Zealand say in January, you might want to wait a couple of months before buying anything. Find a place to stay in New Zealand ‘s towns such as Wellington or Auckland, find work, and start saving up.

The summer is the best time to find a job as the tourism sector will be in full swing. If you need to be somewhere close to the action, there is a lot to do in Queenstown during the summer.

The trick is to not be in any mad hurry. When you are in a hurry you are liable to make a mistake. Mistakes can be very costly in this game. Being in a rush and making a bad decision could condemn your New Zealand campervanning experience from the start.

Some of the best deals can be found when fellow backpackers are in a rush to sell their campervan. They might be rushing to sell for example because they are leaving the country in two days’ time.

I have heard of backpackers basically giving away their campervans at the airport because nobody would give them a fair price, knowing that they were leaving.

You will do severe damage to your travel karma if you low-ball a fellow backpacker to the point of breaking their hope in humanity.

You can also put up a notice in your hostel in New Zealand , or ask around the common areas, as someone is bound to know someone who is looking.

How to Sell your Campervan in New Zealand

One of the greatest benefits of buying a campervan is that you can sell it off again at the end of your trip and make some money back.

When the time came for me to leave New Zealand, I sold my vehicle for the exact same price I paid for it six months earlier.

Basically, I got a free vehicle (minus the insurance and the cost of petrol) for six months. Pretty sweet deal right?

So, as you gathered from what I said in the previous section, you as the seller do not want to be in a rush to sell. If you wait until the last minute to sell your campervan, you will certainly not get the best price for it.

I started actively trying to sell my ride about six weeks before leaving New Zealand. I’d say that is the minimum amount of time, especially if you have a rough and ready old backpacker campervan.

On the other hand, if you have a badass self-contained van it is possible to unload it at a great price (even more than you paid for it) in just a couple of days.

Campervans sell like there is no tomorrow in NZ. There are new backpackers arriving into the country every single day and odds are at least one of them wants to buy your campervan…

Don’t Cheat Fellow New Zealand Backpackers!

I advise potential campervan sellers to also price their vehicles in good conscience. Don’t rip people off by charging them way more than you paid originally. Always always be honest about the state of your campervan when the time comes to sell.

If the campervan has issues be upfront about that.

To sell your campervan it will be the easiest for you to make a quick sale if you are near or in a big city. The more remote you are the fewer the people who can visit you to check out the campervan.

Again numerous Facebook groups were created for the sole purpose of buying and selling campervans.

Selling your campervan completes the journey of campervanning in New Zealand.

You have now come full circle and probably had tons of amazing experiences along the way! That is what it’s all about!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Before you hit the high road and start exploring, here are just a few more tips to consider before you go.

Driving a Campervan in New Zealand

As you may or may not know, the driving orientation is on the left (like in the UK). Always use extra caution if you are not used to driving on the left!

The New Zealand “highways” are predominately made up of small 2-lane roads. There is an increasing number of fatalities every year involving foreign tourists.

The Chinese, in particular, are notoriously dangerous drivers in New Zealand. Unfortunately, this has become so much more than a stereotype that I am mentioning it here.

There are bad drivers in every country on Earth, certainly. Though in New Zealand the influx of more Chinese drivers has caused significant enough damage in recent years that authorities are connecting the dots.

That being said, the landscape is so jaw-dropping that anyone can lose focus when at the wheels. Remember when you’re driving, especially if you’re planning to take a lush South Island road trip through natural scenery, to keep an eye on the road when you’re driving. If the view grabs you, pull over and enjoy it.

Driving Licenses Needed for New Zealand

If you are visiting New Zealand for a year or less you’re in luck. For many nationalities, you can drive in New Zealand on the license issued by your home country. This includes the UK, the USA, Europe, Canada, ETC.

If you are from a non-English-speaking country, you will have to obtain a formal translation of your license. My wife, who is French got her license translated at the French Embassy in Wellington (at the cost of $50 NZD).

Before heading to New Zealand you can apply for an international driving license in your home country. In most countries, it is free to do.

Perhaps the first question you should ask yourself before buying or renting a campervan in New Zealand is whether you want a self-contained van.

In New Zealand, the government issues permit certifying self-contained campervans. Basically if certified, the campervan in question meets all the requirements to be self-contained.

New Zealand Self-Contained Campervan Requirements:

• The campervan can contain water for up to 3 days
• At least 12L fresh water tank
• Gray waste water tank: 12L per person for 3 days
• Evacuation hose
• Rubbish bin with lid
• Toliet: fixed or not fixed 

Self-contained campervans will ALWAYS be more expensive to maintain/rent/buy.

It is possible (and common) to buy a non-self contained basic campervan for between $1400-1800 USD.

When you start venturing into the realm of self-contained campervans the price is more like $3500-5000 USD at least.

Where you can park up for the night whilst campervanning in New Zealand can depend on whether you’re self-contained or not.

Freedom Camping laws intended to prevent people from just parking (and shitting) everywhere are strictly enforced in NZ.

Let’s take a look at what the Freedom Camping Laws mean for your New Zealand road trip…

Freedom Camping and Campervanning in New Zealand

Kiwis love campervanning too. As you drive down the road in New Zealand you will see many different campervans in action. A majority of these vans are owned by Kiwis, not backpackers (though backpackers might overtake Kiwis soon in this regard).

Freedom Camping, or free camping, is great in one sense that you can essentially park up anywhere that is public land. That said there are a few asterisks attached to that statement.

Because there are so many campervans in New Zealand there are specific laws protecting the natural environment as well as local communities from free camping (humans specifically) abuse.

The law states:

• Anyone parking in a public space overnight is bound by the same laws as occupying public land at any other time. i.e. respect for the environment (including not causing damage or littering or improperly disposing of waste) and respect for the rights of others (not being a nuisance, etc).
• Any person of legal standing has the right to freedom of movement in any public space in New Zealand.
• This right is also enshrined in New Zealand’s Bill of Rights.
• Therefore, any person has the right to park overnight in any public space. *For this to apply to you, you MUST have a self-contained van.
• Local councils or governments can create their own legislation and rules surrounding Freedom Camping.

Zero Tolerance for Non-Self Contained Campervans

In 2018 and beyond New Zealand locals have had enough of disrespectful campervan owners. In recent years there has been a real battle waged over where people can freedom camp their campervans overnight.

Mostly, this has to do with people leaving copious amounts of trash, toilet paper, faeces, and urine in their wake as they visit some of New Zealand’s most treasured landmarks.

If you are renting/buying a self-contained campervan you WILL have more actual freedom in relation to where you can park (which is almost anywhere really).

If you are not-self contained, do not expect to park your van in a town or populated car park unless there is signage permitting you to do so. More often than not there will be signs communicating the opposite.

That said there are still literally millions of places you can park/sleep for the night that don’t require a self-contained campervan.

Do not feel like having a self-contained van is mandatory because it certainly isn’t. You still have PLENTY of options!

DIY Self Contained Vans in New Zealand

If you are a crafty backpacker looking to get your hands on a self-contained campervan for as cheap as possible, I recommend the DIY method.

The DIY method is just as it sounds: you do-it-yourself.

Basically, you buy a van (in working order) for as cheap as you can manage. Then you trick it out just enough to get the self-contained certification.

All said and done, it might cost you around $500 (more or less) if you do all of the work yourself.

Really it isn’t that complicated. Anyone with a little knack for building can do it. There are many, many helpful Youtube videos on the subject.

Good luck and bonus points for you!

Being that your Campervan will be your home away from home you’ll need a few things to make it comfortable. A majority of items can be bought in New Zealand.

Remember that almost all campervan rentals in NZ come with bedding, towels, pillows, plates, etc.

You won’t however, be spending all of your time in your campervan. You will be exploring all of the beautiful landscapes New Zealand has to offer.

New Zealand is one of the best trekking destinations on earth. It’s also a great spot for camping! Make sure you bring a decent tent and warm clothes so you can enjoy some of those sweet camping spots.

It goes without saying that investing in some quality backpacking gear is a must before arriving. Outdoor gear is notoriously expensive in New Zealand, so I advise that you sort out your NZ packing list before you go.

On every adventure, there are five things I never go traveling without:

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Responsible Campervanning in New Zealand

As you might have gathered I am passionate about preserving New Zealand’s natural beauty.

If you are buying or renting a campervan in NZ it is your responsibility to manage all of your own rubbish and bodily waste.

Conveniently enough almost every town I went through in New Zealand has FREE public toilets. Also, there are plenty of super cheap campgrounds and holiday parks where you can park up for the night, refill/empty your water tanks, and grab a shower.

If you need to use the toilet in a more remote area, by all means, do it. But do it in a way that doesn’t leave a pile of mess and filth for the next person to find.

Bury all of your waste at least 6 inches deep. Never go to the toilet near a drinking water source, near a public road, or close to a hiking trail .

Public park grass lawns are off-limits for relieving yourself for obvious reasons. I shouldn’t have to tell you that!

New Zealand truly is a phenomenal place for road tripping with a campervan . Please do your part to protect it so that future generations of people can also enjoy NZ.

Driving the road to Milford Sound, exploring all the North Island highlights and wild camping in Tongariro National Park, are all adventures you could be having in your own camper van.

From cruising the highway lined with purple wildflowers and witnessing Mt. Cook looming out in the distance to navigating the small dirt tracks in the Coromandel at sunrise, there’s nothing quite like this viewpoint.

These wonderful New Zealand scenes are forever burned into my memory.

This is the essence of what makes a campervan road trip in New Zealand such a worthwhile life experience. That feeling of freedom and the open road isn’t just a stereotype found in travel novels. It’s real, and it’s fantastic.

I hope you found this guide to all things campervanning in New Zealand helpful. The goal is for you too to have an awesome campervanning travel experience in this truly special part of the world. I hope this helped you achieve that!

Updated by Louisa Smith, June 2022.

Chris Lininger

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Just a couple corrections/updates: 1) Jucy is spelled wrong in your pricing table and 2) They do offer self-contained vans. I just rented one this month. 🙂

Thanks for all the great info!

Thanks for the update!

What an amazing read. Your insights on the type of camper vans and on freedom camping would definitely had helped me plan my NZ trip.

We haven’t been campervanning yet but I totally agree about the prices in the off season. So much cheaper than the summer, it is crazy the difference. Such a good tip for people to remember

Even I’ve been to New Zealand multiple times, and I lived there for one year back in 2018. So for my 4th trip to New Zealand, I wanted to make a proper road trip around New Zealand. To do that I am thinking about to rent a campervan as New Zealand is popular to rent a camper van. And this blog helped me in making my decision.

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12 Must-know tips for a New Zealand campervan road trip

New Zealand is an ideal destination for a campervan adventure! After years of dreaming about doing one, we finally decided to plan a NZ campervan road trip of our own. We spent 11 days exploring the South Island in winter, taking advantage of the stunning mountains, snowfields and great food along the way. We had an amazing time and wanted to share with you some of the things we did right and some of the things we wish we’d done differently! Hopefully, our tips help you plan and prepare for an amazing New Zealand campervan road trip of your own. You may also like to read:  This is how much a New Zealand motorhome road trip actually costs.

Planning your trip? ••• Hotels, we use Agoda Rentals: Discover Cars Transfers: Welcome Pickups Insurance: Cover-More SIM Cards: Simify

I register as an affiliate for anything I use and recommend. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click these links and make a purchase I may earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and in some cases, these links may even unlock savings or give you bonuses I’ve negotiated. You can find out more about this  here  and  here .

1. Hardshell suitcases aren’t ideal

When we picked up our motorhome we quickly realised it wasn’t practical to open and close a suitcase each time we needed something. So, we unpacked our luggage into the motorhome’s storage areas. That left us with three hardshell suitcases to store! During the day we’d store them in the sleeping area above the driver’s cabin and at night we’d put them in the kitchen nook. But life would’ve been a lot easier if we’d packed soft luggage that could be rolled up and stashed away. Long story short, hardshell suitcases aren’t ideal for an NZ motorhome road trip!

2. Bring a shower kit

We stayed in RV/Holiday Parks for the duration of our trip and opted to use the on-site showers rather than the motorhome’s shower. I would recommend packing a pair of shoes you can wear in the shower and to/from the shower blocks (this is where crocs really shine!) I would also recommend bringing a reusable bag you can put your clothes and shower products in. It’ll reduce the risk of dropping something en route to the shower, make it easier to carry everything and, most importantly, you’ll have somewhere to put your clothes when you take them off, ensuring nothing touches the ground!

3. Familiarise yourself with road rules and driving conditions

If you aren’t a New Zealand local it’s really important you familiarise yourself with the road rules. This is easily done by google search and there are some good videos on YouTube too if you’re more of a visual learner. If you aren’t from a cold climate, it’s also important you learn about the unique winter driving conditions in New Zealand, particularly around black ice and fitting snow chains. Again, there are some great YouTube videos you should watch to help you prepare! Always drive to conditions and ask questions if you are unsure – Kiwi locals are particularly lovely and will be happy to answer questions, I’m sure.

4. Take advantage of having everything with you

One unexpectedly awesome part of our trip was the freedom of having  everything  with you at all times! When we felt like a coffee break all we had to do was pull over in a safe, scenic spot where we could boil the kettle and set up our picnic chairs. The same went for meals! We would make delicious salad and vegetable wraps for lunch, sit out in the sunshine, gaze at the mountains, talking and laughing while we ate. It made us feel like we were making the most of our time in New Zealand and gave us a huge sense of freedom.

5. Slippers are essential

After a few days getting used to our motorhome, we realised we needed slippers and had to go to the store to buy some because we hadn’t packed any. We found our outdoor shoes were making an absolute mess of the inside of the motorhome. In a bid to keep things clean, we started taking our shoes off when we got inside but quickly worked out that the floor was far too cold to get around in just socks. Hence, slippers! They feel especially cosy when you put them on after a big day on the ski fields.

6. New Zealand is made for motorhomes

None of us had ever driven a real motorhome before and we were all a little bit nervous about how we’d go manoeuvring such a large vehicle. Turns out, we had nothing to worry about because New Zealand is made for motorhomes! Everywhere we went we noticed motorhome-friendly things like designated parking bays, great places to turn around and dumpsites. Not only that but navigating was really easy too. There was never a time we felt we were out of our depth or incapable of handling the situation. If you have the same fears we did, you needn’t worry!

There are a few different options when it comes to parking your motorhome overnight. These include Freedom Camping , Campable and Holiday Parks. We visited in late June, which is winter in New Zealand, and really enjoyed staying at Holiday Parks. It meant we could rely on the on-site facilities like showers, toilets laundry and wifi. It also ensured we had power hook up each night and didn’t need to worry about the 12-volt battery being run down. If you have the budget, I’d definitely recommend staying at the Holiday Parks as they’re really well priced and make things easier.

8. There’s a lot to remember, but you’ll get the hang of it!

Matt and I felt a bit overwhelmed when we picked up our motorhome because there’s a lot to remember and we didn’t want to make a mistake and break something! When we collected the motorhome the lovely staff took us through everything twice and they also gave us a TomTom/GPS with all the information in it so, regardless of whether we had wifi access or not, we could find the answers to any questions that arose. The first two days were spent trying to remember everything and worrying we’d forgotten to turn the gas off or lock the toilet hatch. After two days, we were a well-oiled machine! We each had our jobs and before we set off would do a little check, “Hey, did you lock the toilet?” “Yep! Did you turn the gas off?” If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of information when you first collect your motorhome, don’t worry! You’ll get the hang of it and be a total boss in a day or two.

9. BYO entertainment

At the very last minute, I decided to throw a pack of Uno cards in my carry-on, just in case! Those cards ended up being one of our favourite things about our trip. Each evening, after dinner, we’d sit around and talk about the day while playing Uno. It was really fun and an unexpectedly joyous part of our trip. I’d recommend packing a deck of cards, Uno or other games you might like to play. I’d also recommend devising some great playlists you can listen to during the long drives. We have Spotify premium so I just downloaded a whole bunch before we left for New Zealand. It was really nice having good music we could listen to and sing along with on the road.

10. You need more time than you think

While that heading may sound a little vague, you really do need more time than you think for  everything . In the morning we always needed an extra 15 minutes before hitting the road so we could dump the waste and greywater then refill with fresh water. As we couldn’t drive faster than 90km/hr we also needed a bit of extra time when calculating drive times. Not only that but we needed to add extra time for fuel and sightseeing stops too as we’d often come across a beautiful spot and want to pull up for photos or just to explore a bit more. In everything you do, allow a bit of extra time in your itinerary!

11. Be aware of peak times

When I started planning our trip, I opted to visit outside of New Zealand school holidays. We visited a few years ago during the peak snow season which perfectly coincides with school holidays (that cannot be a coincidence, NZ!) By visiting before the start of those peak school holiday times we were able to avoid a lot of the crowds, especially on the snowfields like Cardrona, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Being the start of the season, the powder wasn’t as good as it is at can be but that didn’t bother us one bit. We still had an amazing time and much preferred the smaller crowds. For us, it was a good trade-off.

12. Don’t forget the essentials

The day we collected our motorhome in Christchurch , we went straight to the local supermarket (Countdown). If you’re planning on doing the same thing, I’d just recommend bearing in mind you’ll need a whole bunch of essentials! These include oil, salt, pepper and garlic as well as clingwrap, dishwashing liquid, air freshener, bin liners, rubber gloves and hand sanitiser gel. The hand sanitiser and gloves were particularly important! Our winter visit meant the water was really cold and sometimes washing your hands seemed a bit rough, hand sanitiser made this easier. We also used the rubber gloves when dumping the waste and greywater for the van, keeping things sanitary. Before you set off, just be sure to think about all the essentials you might need and jot down a list so you don’t forget them.

Hiring a motorhome

Our trip was made possible thanks to the amazing team at Motorhome Republic , who I approached about working together after finding them online. Think of them as the Skyscanner , Booking.com or Agoda of motorhome rentals! What I like about Motorhome Republic is they pull together a large range of vehicles from different brands, which makes it easier to find one that suits your needs and budget. They list a huge amount of information on their website, which gives you everything you need to know upfront and helps the planning/decision-making process easier too. When I was scouring their website planning our trip, the rates I saw were lower than what I’d seen elsewhere. Not only that, their customer service team speak multiple languages so if English isn’t your first language, you can connect with someone that can help you and answer all your questions. If you haven’t booked a motorhome yet and are still in the research phase, I recommend checking out Motorhome Republic as we had a great experience with them. We had a 6-berth Maui Platinum River Home and loved it!

Best travel resources for your trip!

If you found this post useful, please use the affiliate links below. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, these are the products and services I love and use . Read the disclaimer for more information. Thanks for your support! – Matt.

Agoda – hotels Booking.com – hotels Cover-More – insurance DiDi – rideshare Motorhome Republic – RVs Discover Cars  – rentals Simify  – SIM cards Skyscanner – flights Surfshark – VPN TourRadar – tours Welcome Pickups – transfers

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Travel your way, with the freedom of a RV Rental, Campervan Hire or Motorhome Rental Packages in New Zealand. Combine Motorhome Rental including unlimited kms with tours, powered camp ground sites and flights from New Zealand. If you are exploring both islands then we will include your Interislander Ferry  crossing between North and South Islands of New Zealand. Fully self-contained Campervan and Motorhome Rental vehicles are available that often include gas cooking stove and oven, microwave oven, sink, pressurised hot and cold water, fridge/freezer, shower and toilet, as well as air-conditioning in both cabin and living area. Top of the range Motorhome Rental vehicles in New Zealand can even have a DVD, reversing camera and solar power!

All motorhomes and campervans come fully equipped with linen and bedding, as well as cutlery, crockery and all cooking equipment. There are a range of vehicles available from 2 Berth Campervans to 4 and 6 Berth Motorhomes. RV, Campervan and Motorhome Rental is the only way to go to get the ultimate flexibilty of how long to stay, even in peak periods. Motorhome Hire vehicles are available for pick up and drop off in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown.

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New Zealand Self drive Campervan Holiday Packages

When you decide to see New Zealand by self drive campervan, have you considered arrange everything on your own, or book one of the self drive holiday packages?

New Zealand attracts campers from all over the world for a reason. The magnificent, dreamlike panoramas, bustling metropolises, and lush green hilly landscapes, which were once the backdrop for the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. 

A home on wheels gives travelers the freedom to take each day as it comes. Roam New Zealand and stop at the most beautiful places for a picnic, hike, or overnight stay. 

What are the recommended itineraries/excursions in New Zealand?

New Zealand is divided into a North Island and a South Island, which can also be traveled separately. If you wish to explore both islands during your motorhome holiday in New Zealand, you will need to use the ferry that connects the two parts of the island.

New Zealand Self drive Campervan Holiday Packages Tour Route Maps

To explore both the North Island and South Island, we suggest you spend two weeks in New Zealand. Depending on how in-depth you want to discover, we recommend two types of sightseeing routes.

Option 1 – Auckland Round Trip

Option 2 – Start in Auckland and Finish in Christchurch

Our rental vehicle partners will allow you to drive your campervan on the Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton. With a fee, the rental can be one way from Auckland to Christchurch. 

In New Zealand, you can rent a motorhome. We offer suggested campervan packages from 4 to 16 days in the North Island and South Island, so there is plenty of variety.

Enjoy an unforgettable travel experience, perfectly tailored to your needs and requirements, from start to finish. Our holiday packages are suitable for both couples and singles. You can also travel together as a group and enjoy the best time of the year in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Because, as we all know, holiday travel is best when you can share your experiences with other travelers. Do you like to travel alone and as individually as possible? Then a New Zealand self-drive package is exactly what you need.

Benefits of booking an NZ campervan holiday package

Travel as you wish with the freedom of a motorhome or campervan in New Zealand. 

Features: 

Combine campervan rental, including unlimited miles, with attractions, camping sites, and flights within New Zealand. If you are exploring the two islands, we include your ferry crossing between Wellington and Picton.

Our fully automatic motorhome vehicles have a gas cooker, microwave, sink, hot and cold pressurized water, fridge/freezer, shower, and toilet. 

Our best New Zealand motorhome rentals can even be equipped with an oven, rearview camera, and solar power!

All motorhomes and caravans are fully equipped with bed linen and sheets as well as cutlery, crockery, and all kitchen utensils. 

There is a range of 2 to 6 berth motorhomes. Renting motorhomes is a great way to enjoy maximum flexibility in terms of length of stay, even during peak periods. 

Depots: 

Motorhome rental vehicles are available for pick up and return in Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown.

South Island

If you do not wish to book a tour package but would like to book a motorhome and caravan directly, please contact us. 

Motorhomes or campervans are the ultimate flexible accommodation choice for self-drivers in New Zealand.

Holiday Parks

Campsites and Holiday Parks are equipped with kitchens, laundry facilities, and bathrooms. They are often beautifully situated on the shore of a lake or right by the sea. 

Freedom Camping

Responsible free camping may be possible under certain circumstances. It is advisable to check with the local tourism information center i-SITE. 

Whether it is a self-drive motorhome or campervan, we have supplied several suggested itineraries, New Zealand.

What are New Zealand’s main attractions?

Cultural sites, lively nightlife, and beautiful nature in the immediate vicinity. If you are exploring New Zealand by motorhome, a visit to the metropolis of Auckland is a must. But the capital of New Zealand, Wellington, also scores points with its irresistible charm. Spectacular scenery and remarkable natural sites can be found en masse throughout the country. The picturesque 15-kilometer-long Milford Sound Fjord, located in the middle of Fjordland National Park, is particularly famous. Fantastic views are also offered around Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake.

When is the best time to travel to New Zealand?

New Zealand is truly on the other side of the planet. This means that the New Zealand winter is our summer. As the North and South Islands have different temperatures, the optimal travel time is also different. On the South Island, it can be freezing in winter (June to August). It is, therefore, not the right time to explore the spectacular natural landscapes of southern New Zealand. However, a winter holiday in the country’s famous ski resort is a good idea at this time of year.

What’s your campervan package difference compared to your competition?

To offer the best possible price, we have developed multi-day self-drive packages that have been optimized for an optimal experience. We also offer a wide range of day trips throughout Iceland for those who have their own rental motorhome.

Here you will find North Island and South Island tours as well as combined north-south tours lasting between 2 and 4 weeks. 

The emphasis is always on cultural and scenic highlights, which you can include in your daily program as you wish. 

All our rental vehicles are equipped with maximum insurance cover.

We can arrange tailor-made tours for individuals and groups. Thanks to our full range of luxury products, we are also able to serve the high-end market at competitive prices.

We look forward to introducing all travelers to the unique culture and nature of New Zealand!

Why take a Campervan Packages?

It gives you time to explore New Zealand’s many natural wonders and the breathtaking diversity of the country according to your wishes. Our itineraries are based on many years of experience and lead to the most beautiful corners of both islands. 

Travel times are moderate, so that you have plenty of time for your own excursions and explorations. And in the evenings you will find a pleasant and comfortable room at your destination – without any stress. All rental motorhome is also equipped by us with maximum safety features.

Disadvantages of Self-drive Trips

As roads in New Zealand can often be narrow, winding, and, depending on the region, mountainous. 

The 200 km in New Zealand cannot be compared to 200 km in Europe – the distances in New Zealand are slightly underestimated. 

Benefits of Booking a Campervan Holiday Package

Rental car tours are a popular way to discover New Zealand. No tedious hotel searches along the way, as accommodation is already booked. This saves valuable time, especially during the peak travel season, when experience shows that there is often a shortage of accommodations. Visits are as varied as New Zealand itself. If you change from the North Island to the South Island, the ferry is also pre-booked for you. All tours can be booked almost throughout the season with daily departures.

All of our motorhome hire tours can be booked, including vehicles from trusted partners. In this case, the one-way fee (if applicable) is included in the price. 

Comprehensive advice and convenient travel booking are essential to us – that’s how our customers know us. Also, our travel experts are distinguished by their friendliness, customer service, and extensive experience of traveling in New Zealand. That’s why we only work with selected, reputable partners who have been convincing us of their high level of satisfaction for many years. 

We are passionate about nature and can take you to unique places and sights. Enjoy the warmth and friendliness of the people of the South Pacific. Unwind in an atmosphere full of breathtaking shores and natural treasures. Contact us today for New Zealand Self drive Campervan Holiday Packages.

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From glowworm caves to hobbiton: discover new zealand on a campervan for your next family adventure, navigate north island’s diverse landscapes and rich food culture with this handy travel guide, complete with tips for safe driving.

From Auckland’s vibrant streets to the dramatic mountains of the Waikato region  –  home to the mythical world of Middle-earth from The Lord of the Rings –   New Zealand is an adventure playground waiting to be explored.

There is no better way to experience this majestic country and its multifaceted states than behind the wheel of a campervan . Ideal for families, campervans give you the freedom to discover the country at your own pace and easy accessibility to attractions. Imagine stopping to hike through lush rainforests, marvel at cascading waterfalls, or channel your inner Hobbit.

As you roll down the open road, you will do more than simply travel, you will collect unforgettable memories and create a family vacation that will be treasured for years to come. Here are some must-see destinations to add to your road trip.

Things to do in Auckland: Visit an interactive aquarium and indulge in waterfront dining

Fly into New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, to start your holiday. A treasure trove of family-friendly delights are waiting to be discovered here. Stroll along the picturesque Viaduct Harbour, a thriving waterfront community teeming with an array of restaurants where everyone can indulge in some leisurely seafront dining.

Next, dive into the wonders of the SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium , where your little ones can explore an underwater world brimming with marine animals. As you walk through the Shark Tunnel, look around to spot the Sand Tiger, Broadnose Sevengill and 2m-long School shark. Then pat starfish at the Rockpool, peep at the seahorses and visit adorable penguins.

For a deeper dive into Auckland's culinary scene, join a food tour with The Big Foody where you will be introduced to some of the city's best purveyors of fresh, seasonal ingredients, visit coffee roasters and farmers markets and indulge in plenty of tastings.

For a more hearty meal, head to the Akarana Eatery to taste gourmet offerings such as fresh oysters and chicken liver parfait waffles while the kids frolic on the front lawn overlooking Okahu Bay waterfront and feast on tempura fish and chips, margherita pizza, and mini-Nutella donuts.

Where to stay in Auckland:

Check into  Hotel Britomart ,  JW Marriott Auckland  or  Four Points by Sheraton

Things to do in Hamilton-Waikato: Spend the day as a Hobbit and cosy up with glowworms

Next, hop aboard the Northern Explorer train which will whisk you away to the charming city of Hamilton, located in the heart of the Waikato region. Here, you can pick up your campervan rental from one of the operators in the area, such as Maui , Britz , Thrifty or Avis .

With your home-on-wheels ready to go, kick off your Waikato adventure at the renowned Hamilton Gardens . This award-winning attraction has been recognised by TripAdvisor, ranking in its top 1 per cent of must-see global destinations.

The most notable attraction here is the Story of Gardens, a series of themed gardens, each representing a specific civilisation or historical period. This includes the Fantasy Garden known for its Tudor-inspired designs and the Paradise Garden which includes the Indian Char Bagh Garden, Italian Renaissance Garden and Chinese Scholars’ Garden.

Next, visit the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set , where families step inside the Hobbit Holes of Bagshot Row, meticulously recreated by the creative teams behind The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Experience the daily life of Hobbits in the Shire as you navigate the snug, Hobbit-sized interiors, and cap off your adventure with a delightful Hobbit-style lunch feast.

Transition from the fantasy world to the natural wonders of New Zealand with a boat ride through Waitomo Caves for an intimate encounter with luminescent glowworms. This unique experience highlights the natural beauty hidden beneath the surface of Waitomo.

Animal-loving families should also visit Cornerstone Alpacas . If you are visiting in Spring ( September to November) , you might even get to meet baby alpacas.

If you are missing home by now, head to Madam Woo , known for its vibrant Asian-inspired cuisine. Stars on the menu include tomato and coconut fish curry, five-spiced fried chicken, squid tossed in honey and soy and grilled satay.

Where to stay in Hamilton-Waikato:

Park and stay in your campervan at any of these holiday parks , or check into the Distinction Hamilton Hotel .

Things to do in Rotorua: Race down the world’s longest luge track and tuck into hearty Kiwi fare

As you depart the Waikato region and set your sights on Rotorua, get ready for a scenic drive that promises to delight the entire family. The 105-kilometre journey will take you through some of New Zealand's most breathtaking landscapes, so be sure to keep a keen eye out for stunning vistas and pull over whenever a photo opportunity strikes.

Upon arriving in Rotorua, your first stop should be at Te Puia , New Zealand's geothermal wonderland. Get ready to be mesmerised by the dramatic geysers and bubbling mud pools. Drop by the Kiwi Conservation Centre to catch a glimpse of the active nocturnal Kiwi birds in their natural-like habitat. Observe as they forage and explore, delve into their intriguing history, and gain insights into the ongoing conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding their future.

Next, gear up for an adrenaline-fuelled time at the Rotorua Skyline complex. Race down the world’s longest luge track, “fly” through the Redwood Forest treetops on the Zoom Zipline –  and if you dare – take an exhilarating leap through the air on the Skyswing ride.

When you have worked up an appetite, treat yourselves to a delectable buffet dinner at the complex’s Stratosfare Restaurant with stunning views to boot. Or make a beeline for Patrick's Boutique Bakery , where you can indulge in the quintessential Kiwi delicacy: A perfectly flaky mince-and-cheese or steak-and-cheese pie.

For a final taste of Rotorua's vibrant culinary scene, head to Fat Dog Cafe & Bar for some hearty fare which includes spicy Turkish eggs and corned beef with shredded potato hash, plus child-friendly picks such as french toast and waffles. It is the perfect way to refuel before continuing your unforgettable New Zealand campervan odyssey.

Where to stay in Rotorua:

Park and stay in your campervan at any of these holiday parks , or check into the Ramada Resort by Wyndham Rotorua Marama .

Things to do in Wellington: Take a retro cable car ride and meet a prehistoric reptile

Conclude your New Zealand vacation in Wellington , located approximately 452.3km from Rotorua, a journey of around six hours.

Once there, unwind in the heart of the city at Hannah’s Laneway, celebrated as the world's tastiest laneway. This culinary haven is perfect for families looking to try local delights and pick up unique gifts. With famous spots like Leeds St Bakery and the Wellington Chocolate Factory , it is a gourmet paradise waiting to be explored.

Hop on the iconic bright red Wellington Cable Car for a quintessential city experience. Starting from the bustling Lambton Quay shopping district, the cable car ride ends at the lookout point where stunning panoramic views of Wellington make for a memorable family snap.

For a deep dive into the country’s culture and natural wonders, spend your day at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa . Engage with interactive displays that celebrate the country’s Māori heritage and fascinating history.

At Zealandia nature reserve discover New Zealand's unique wildlife, including the prehistoric three-eyed tuatara reptile and the elusive kiwi bird, all amidst the backdrop of a picturesque reservoir.

Wrap up your stay with a visit to the Harbourside Market on Sunday, where local growers from Manawatu – a farming town –  showcase a variety of fresh produce. Visit the food trucks lined up along the waterfront and indulge in everything from homemade Indian chai to Chinese pancakes, making every bite a discovery of Wellington’s eclectic food scene.

Where to stay in Wellington:

Park and stay in your campervan at any of these holiday parks , or check into the Novotel Wellington .

Campervan driving 101

Follow these tips for a smooth and safe road trip experience in new zealand.

• Begin with the Tiaki Promise : Educate yourself on how to travel responsibly in New Zealand, preserving its natural beauty for future generations.
• Choose designated campsites: For a worry-free night's sleep, stay only at official holiday parks as mentioned in this article. 
• Use handy apps: Download the CamperMate or Rankers app to find camping necessities like dump stations, petrol stations and supermarkets.
• Plan ahead: Keep your fuel tank full and stock up on essentials to avoid hiccups during your travels. Design your itinerary to ensure you arrive at your destination well before it becomes dark.
• Pack smart: Remember, space is a premium. Pack efficiently to avoid clutter and make your trip more comfortable.
• Safety is key: Familiarise yourself with New Zealand’s driving laws, adhere to speed limits and stay vigilant of weather changes. Adjust your driving speed to suit weather conditions, particularly in winter. Due to your campervan’s larger size, allow extra space when making turns on the road.
• Take regular breaks: Given the length of some journeys and the winding nature of New Zealand roads, it is crucial to schedule regular stops. This keeps the drive enjoyable and safe, especially in less populated areas where amenities are sparse.

Ready for your campervan road trip? Start planning your New Zealand itinerary today. And get more tips on how to drive safely in New Zealand .

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Is it difficult to navigate a larger motorhome on NZ? We are looking at different options from Wilderness motorhomes.

Appreciate any insight we can get!

5 replies to this topic

From my brief experience, I was just a bus passenger on a 7 day tour, Iceland did not have much of the winding roads found in NZ.

You would be much better off with a mid-sized vehicle. Wilderness are consistently rated one of the best companies to rent from, although some don't like their European design.

dont get a huge motorhome. i recommend you look at this https://www.maui-rentals.com/nz/en/motorhome-hire/4-berth-campervan-cascade

its really comfortable for two people, drives easily and is much smaller than some of the motorhomes - especially those high ones above the cab.

this has a bed which drops down at night. during the day you have a beautiful lounge with wrap around windows so you can see the scenery when parked up.

I would go for a Maui Ultima plus motorhome.

We have been away in one a few times and really liked them. Great to drive, reverse and park. So much easier to maneuver than the truck based versions.

A 4 or 6 berth vehicle may not feel any bigger than a 2 berth as it may just be the same van configured differently. Designers practice on motorhomes before moving on to space stations. Get this wrong and your honeymoon could be memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Hi and thank you so much for replying, much appreciated!

We were looking at “the Suite” from Wilderness. It seems to have about the same specifications as this. The length is 7,4 and the height 2,9. Do you think that would be too large to fully explore NZ.

Does it limit us from certain excursions, is it difficult to find parking etc?

Thanks again!

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