The majestic landscapes of New Zealand are waiting for you to hit the open road behind the wheel of your ideal campervan. But before you book your once-in-a-lifetime epic journey, be mindful of the little details some rental operators may forget to mention.
Understanding the fine print and the total actual costs involved can be tricky to navigate when hiring any type of rental vehicle. Surprise fees and confusing road restrictions are just a few of the potholes you’ll want to avoid.
In this blog, we take an in-depth look at hidden costs, vehicle age and condition, insurance issues, freedom camping restrictions, peak season concerns, driving challenges and onboard comfort. We also touch on booking and cancellation policies, customer service and on-road support.
Hidden costs of hiring a motorhome
If there’s one thing nobody likes when venturing off to experience a holiday that’s been months in the planning, it’s unexpected expenses. Some of those unforeseen costs might be:
- Cleaning fees — most NZ rental operators do have a cleaning fee, but it’s usually conditional and depends on the state of the motorhome when you return it
- One way fees — if you choose to pick up your RV in one location and drop it off in another, some rental operators will charge you a fee
- Extra driver costs — it’s not uncommon to be charged an additional driver fee, which could be a few dollars per day or a fixed cost over your hire term
- Mileage limit fees — some operators still charge fees if you travel more than a specified daily or weekly limit, so be sure to check the fine print
- Insurance excess — always look closely at the rental operator's insurance options, as there may be several, and the excess can range from zero to a lot
- Unexpected charges — like gas bottles, road user charges (RUC) and even fan heaters to stay warm in winter
- Administration fees — be aware of the addition of any admin fees as you work your way through the booking process.
Find out about inclusions, fees and add ons for a premium motorhome rental.
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A reasonably clean condition
The term reasonably clean is often mentioned in the terms and conditions of motorhome and campervan rental operators. A reasonably clean exterior generally means that it doesn’t have excessive mud or a build-up of dirt.
The interior should also be free of excessive dirt, rubbish and spills. The fridge should be empty, all kitchen dishes should be washed and kitchen surfaces should be wiped down. The toilet cassette must also be emptied and cleaned to avoid an additional fee.
Evidence of smoking or pets in your recreational vehicle could also attract a cleaning fee.
Rental operators usually outline their cleaning policy in detail in their terms and conditions — including what’s considered unacceptable and the cost of not meeting it. |
The age and condition of your campervan hire
When renting a recreational vehicle, one thing that may cross your mind is how old it is — especially compared to how new it looks on the company’s website.
Not all rental operators are upfront about the age of their fleet or their individual vehicles. A so-called modern motorhome may have already seen better days, having clocked up many kilometres.
As with older cars, well-used RVs can be more susceptible to breakdowns and mechanical issues — which can disrupt your holiday.
It’s worth reading each rental operator's online reviews. Try to gauge how often customers are experiencing on-road mechanical issues — and how quickly these problems are being fixed. This will give you a feeling for:
- How well-maintained the motorhomes are
- How efficient and professional the operator’s on-road service is.
A transparent campervan rental operator makes it easy for you to find out the age of their vehicles.
Compare the six rental motorhomes in the Wilderness fleet.
How motorhome insurance works in NZ
It’s important to feel that everything’s safe, secure and under control when you’re on vacation — that feeling of peace of mind. Insurance is one of the cornerstones of travelling with that sense of calmness.
Rental operators in New Zealand are required by law to offer their customers a minimum standard of insurance. However, it may not be the comprehensive safety net you expect or need. This basic or third party insurance only covers:
- Damage to other people’s property — you’ll be covered if you’re at fault in an accident that damages someone else’s vehicle or asset
- Injuries to other people — the costs of medical treatment for anyone injured in that accident will also be covered.
Rental operators likely have an excess included in their standard motorhome insurance policies, so you’ll have to pay any damages up to the excess amount.
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The actual cost of standard insurance
If you have an accident, regardless of whether it’s your fault, the rental operator will make you pay for damages to their RV — up to the excess amount. You can then claim back your costs with the insurance company if you weren’t at fault. As with any insurance claim, you’ll need the required evidence and documentation — and your reimbursement can take time. Upgrading to a zero excess insurance policy before you begin your motorhome adventure is a sure way to know that you’re completely covered. Check out our liability reduction options to determine whether the extra cost upfront is worth greater peace of mind. |
What standard campervan insurance in New Zealand may not cover
When deciding on your preferred rental operator, look closely at the standard insurance cover. Some incidents may not be covered, such as:
- Single vehicle accidents — like misjudging a tight corner or hitting a tree
- Underbody damage — often caused by crossing fords or driving on unsealed roads
- Loss or damage to personal items — all your valuables stored inside the RV
- Tyre or windscreen damage
- Getting bogged down — if you park on muddy ground and consequently get stuck
- Filling up with petrol — when the motorhome takes diesel
- Lost campervan keys.
Look further into campervan rental insurance to find what suits your travel party best.
Road restrictions and your insurance policy
Scrutinise the road restriction clauses in the rental company’s terms and conditions — and look at their insurance policies.
Either document may state where you can’t take your motorhome hire — like going off road, venturing along gravel roads or journeying into very remote areas.
You may also find motorhome rental operators that offer no road restrictions and encourage you to adventure off-the-beaten-track. This type of agreement leaves the decision on whether to drive a particular route in your hands — rather than listing a bunch of prohibited roads.
With a Wilderness motorhome, you can explore off-the-beaten-track without any road restrictions.
The facts about freedom camping in New Zealand
Not all motorhome and campervan rental operators will willingly offer their knowledge and advice about how you can and can’t freedom camp in New Zealand.
If you camp overnight on public land that’s not a campground or holiday park, you’ll be freedom camping. However, it’s essential to understand that you can’t just park up anywhere and stay for the night. You must park in designated freedom camping locations — and only when an available space fits your RV.
Secondly, you need to follow the local and national regulations, which include:
- Limits on the number of nights you can stay — before having to move on
- Not causing damage to the area — such as to the flora and fauna
- Never leaving rubbish, wastewater or grey water behind
- Having a recreational vehicle that meets certified self-contained standards.
Ask your preferred rental company whether it has self-containment certification for all its campervans in NZ.
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Change is in the air
Changes are coming to the country’s freedom camping laws. To enjoy this type of camping beyond June 2025, your hire vehicle must have a fixed toilet and a new green warrant.
Learn more about NZ’s freedom camping regulations and what makes up a certified self-contained motorhome. |
The reality of travelling in peak season
Summer is peak travel season in New Zealand. From December to February, you can expect tourist hotspots to be bustling with beachgoers, campers and motorhomers — though February can slow down a little once kids are back at school.
International tourists arrive en masse just as domestic travellers get their annual time off work and kids begin enjoying school holidays. The weather is generally hot and conducive to outdoor activities — so it’s no surprise that rental vehicles, including motorhomes, are in high demand.
Plan to book early
With extra demand comes the unwelcome prospect of higher daily rental rates. If you plan to holiday by motorhome during peak season, be prepared to pay significantly more than off-peak rates.
Prefer to avoid these higher rates? Then consider planning your travels during the shoulder seasons of autumn or spring — as they can be the best times to rent a campervan in New Zealand.
Avoid Easter and other school holidays. But if summer is your only option, book almost a year in advance with flexible dates to secure an available motorhome and get the best deal. Motorhome rentals are similar to flight tickets — the sooner you book, the cheaper they’ll likely be.
Find out the best times of the year to travel around New Zealand in a motorhome.
Overbooking and vehicle substitutions
As with renting cars, overbookings can happen, resulting in a recreational vehicle other than the one you originally booked. This is more likely in peak season when an operator may face a shortage of motorhomes due to:
- Unexpected maintenance or repairs
- Late drop offs.
You might be faced with a last-minute RV substitution, leaving you with a different model or size than expected.
A reputable motorhome rental company will go out of its way to ensure you receive the vehicle you booked — and give you an upgrade if not possible. Keep this in mind when choosing a rental company during peak season travel.
Check out our top ten tips for planning your first NZ campervan road trip.
Challenges of driving a motorhome rental on New Zealand roads
A safe and enjoyable journey is the first thing you’ll want to experience on your New Zealand motorhome road trip. To help ensure that happens, you’ll need to be as prepared as possible for the unique campervan driving challenges in New Zealand.
If you drive on the right in your home country, the most obvious difference you’ll notice is that Kiwis drive on the left. Your rental vehicle should have a reminder sticker on its windscreen to help you stay on the left.
Roads are generally winding and can be narrow, especially in mountainous areas. Quoted travel times will likely take longer than expected — but you’re in no rush, so enjoy the incredible scenery.
Other challenges will crop up, such as:
- Livestock on the highway — as it’s being moved from one paddock to another
- One way bridges — where the safest option is to slow down and give way
- Weather events that close major roads — due to flooding or landslides.
Use the travel time and distance calculator on the AA New Zealand website for accurate times.
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When I first started driving in New Zealand, I found it particularly stressful to have pushy drivers behind me on one lane motorways. Then, I learned that it's best to keep your cool and let these vehicles overtake when there’s a passing lane or a safe spot to pull over on your journey.
Renata Jantos — Wilderness’ Marketing Team Leader |
The importance of size and handling
Depending on your confidence in driving larger vehicles, you may want to consider hiring a more compact motorhome. In New Zealand, you’ll find motorhomes for hire ranging from under six to almost eight metres long.
A shorter motorhome will have a smaller turning circle and be easier to drive on narrow, winding roads. A longer RV will have a wider turning circle, be heavier with longer braking distances and prove more challenging to drive down narrow roads.
You’ll enjoy a smoother driving experience if you:
- Receive a detailed handover from the rental operator
- Plan your route well
- Be patient on NZ roads
- Take breaks frequently
- Allow impatient drivers to overtake safely.
Learn more about driving a motorhome in New Zealand.
Most motorhome fleets are a mix of varying ages
When browsing a motorhome rental operator's website, you’ll want to examine its range of models to determine which one best suits your travel group.
However, it may not be apparent precisely how old the company’s vehicles are. This is essential information because the more time a recreational vehicle spends in an operator’s fleet, the more kilometres it travels — and the more maintenance it requires. Go with a rental operator that meticulously looks after and maintains its vehicles.
To help avoid the likelihood of your holiday being interrupted by a mechanical issue:
- Check the online model specs on the rental operator’s website
- Contact the rental operator via their website chat, email or phone — to find out the age of the motorhome model of interest
- Read plenty of reviews — especially those relating to the model you prefer to hire.
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Fleet renewal and maintenance
Reputable rental operators regularly update their fleets by adding new or the latest models.
They also maintain the vehicles in their fleet to a high standard, regardless of whether their RVs are two months or three years old. By doing so, the rental company can offer its customers a more consistently reliable product. |
Reliability of support and after hours assistance
Unfortunately, not all hire companies are created equal when it comes to offering dependable support and assistance after hours. If your motorhome decides to take an unscheduled break or you need guidance to get the central heating going, the rental operator’s customer support could either shine or falter.
Your overall experience of hiring an RV will be heavily influenced by:
- The prompt, helpful nature of the rental operator’s support
- Staffing numbers and efficiency — which could result in long wait times
- Whether the operator has a policy of going above and beyond to help its customers.
The difference in quality of assistance and support between rental companies can be significant. Ensure you thoroughly research each option and check customer reviews to make a sound decision. Look closely at how the company handles issues and if sufficient support is always provided.
Find a rental operator with a strong track record and a reputation for excellent customer service and reliable support.
Query the operator’s policy on motorhome breakdowns, cracked windscreens and even trouble running the hot water. Is there an after hours contact you can call as soon as you need help?
Ask for more details about its after hours support — like how it handles emergencies outside business hours.
Finer details of your booking and cancellation policy
It’s all in the details is a well-used phrase that comes to mind regarding how important it is to get a total view of your rental agreement. The terms and conditions in your policy document can make a significant difference to your trip if something goes wrong — and rental operators aren’t always entirely upfront about the details.
Be aware of your cancellation policy
Some campervan rental companies have strict cancellation policies that can result in sizable fees or the loss of your deposit. This type of tiered cancellation policy often has increasing fees for cancelling closer to your pick-up date.
Be sure to understand the financial implications of cancelling your booking.
Read the fine print to understand the booking terms
Give yourself time to meticulously read over and understand the motorhome rental company’s terms and conditions. Pay close attention to fine print details like:
- Payment terms — know when the deposit and further payments are needed and how you can pay
- Insurance options and cover — understand what’s included and excluded in the company’s standard insurance policy, plus what upgrades are available, like zero excess
- The fuel policy — do you have to drop off the RV with a full tank of gas?
- Mileage limits — are there restrictions on how many kilometres per day you can average?
- Pick up and drop off procedures — take note of opening and closing times, locations and any related fees.
Ask for clarification if you’re unsure about any of the terms and conditions under the rental operator or booking agent.
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To book directly or via a third party
When booking travel-related items like hotels, plane tickets, activities and motorhome rentals, you usually have the option to use an agent or go directly through a seller.
Comparing prices is probably your starting point, but there are other things to consider, such as the:
• Additional layer of complexity when booking via an agent • Tempting deals and convenience of using a third party • Differing cancellation policies — often resolving an issue with an agency can be more difficult. |
Rental operators may not voluntarily share their vehicles’ ages, insurance exclusions and the reliability of their on-road support. They may also keep quiet about hidden fees for their New Zealand campervan rentals.
So, it’s up to you to take time researching and asking the right questions until you get the information you need. Ensure you understand the total costs involved in your motorhome hire and the finer details outlined in the terms and conditions — before you decide to book.
Download our motorhome rental operator comparison worksheet to easily compare the terms and conditions of a few hire companies.
