How much does it cost to rent a campervan in New Zealand?

The cost of renting a campervan in New Zealand varies depending on several factors — including the type of RV, the rental duration, the season and the operator you rent from. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from NZ$50 to NZ$400 daily, though in peak season prices can reach NZ$800 per day. Smaller, older campervans are usually cheaper, while larger, newer motorhomes with more features often cost more. Prices are higher in the peak summer season than in the off-peak winter season. Find out more about how much renting a motorhome in New Zealand costs.

Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in New Zealand?

No, you can’t sleep anywhere in New Zealand in a campervan or motorhome. Freedom camping is allowed in designated areas, but you must have a certified self-contained recreational vehicle. Self-contained vehicles have onboard facilities like fresh and waste water tanks, plus a fixed toilet, allowing you to camp responsibly without relying on external facilities. Most towns and cities restrict where you can park overnight, so checking local regulations on council websites and on-street signage is essential. Numerous campsites and holiday parks throughout New Zealand offer powered sites and amenities for a nightly fee. Learn more about freedom camping in New Zealand.

How do you book campervan sites in New Zealand?

Booking campervan and motorhome sites in New Zealand is generally straightforward. Many commercial campgrounds and holiday parks have online booking systems where you can reserve a site in advance. You can also book by phone or in person at the campsite on arrival — during off-peak times. During the peak summer season, booking well in advance is recommended, especially for popular locations. Some camping grounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis — particularly those in more remote areas. Check out our guide on motorhome camping in New Zealand.

How do you choose a campervan in New Zealand?

Choosing a campervan or motorhome in New Zealand depends on your needs and travel style. It’s essential to consider your budget, the number of people travelling with you, the level of comfort and features required, and whether you plan to freedom camp. Smaller RVs are ideal for solo travellers and couples, while larger motorhomes are better suited for families or groups. If you plan to freedom camp, ensure the campervan or motorhome is certified self-contained. What type of travel will you be doing? Some recreational vehicles are better suited for off-road adventures, while others are more comfortable over longer road trips. Read our complete guide to finding your ideal NZ motorhome rental.

How do you find New Zealand tour packages at affordable rates?

Finding affordable New Zealand tour packages often involves doing a little research and allowing some flexibility. Consider travelling during New Zealand’s shoulder seasons of spring or autumn, when prices are generally lower. Then, look for deals and promotions online tour operators offer to compare prices. Be open to different types of tours, as smaller group tours or independent packages can sometimes be friendlier on your budget. Think about booking flights and accommodation separately, as this can sometimes be cheaper than pre-packaged tours. Look for free activities and attractions, and take advantage of discounts offered by local tourism organisations — or on the rental operator’s exclusive deals page.

The Leading Motorhome Rental Operators in New Zealand

A couple enjoying their time together outside of their Wilderness Motorhome

Finding the perfect recreational vehicle for your travel group is exciting — but the time spent scrutinising countless rental operators can quickly become overwhelming and tiring.

Fortunately, we’ve completed the time-consuming research work for you, creating this guide which evaluates the leading campervan and motorhome rental operators in New Zealand.

In this blog, we first discuss the factors you need to think about when choosing a rental operator to hire from in NZ. Then, we review all the best RV hire companies in the country — only those with a Google review star average of three or higher.

Contents

Factors to consider when choosing a rental operator
Best campervan and motorhome rental operators in NZ

◦ Premium recreational vehicles

▪ Wilderness Motorhome Rentals

▪ Kiwi Motorhomes

▪ Maui

▪ Britz

◦ Mid-range recreational vehicles

▪ Mad Campers

▪ Wendekreisen Campervan & Motorhome Rental

◦ Budget recreational vehicles

▪ Escape Campervan Rentals

▪ Travellers Autobarn

▪ Spaceships Rentals

▪ Mighty Campers

▪ JUCY Rentals

FAQs about rental operators in New Zealand

Factors to consider when choosing a rental operator

Rental operator handing motorhome keys to a guest

With various campervan and motorhome rental operators competing for your precious dollars, it's wise to make an informed decision that aligns closely with your travel needs and budget.

Choosing the right rental operator can hugely impact your overall experience. It may be the key decision that leads to a smooth and enjoyable road trip, making your holiday — or it could contribute to a problem-filled experience that breaks your vacation.

The vital elements to weigh up when selecting which motorhome rental operator to hire from are:

Reviews and reputation — this can’t be understated as reading each operator’s online reviews will create a clear picture in your head of the kind of experience you’re likely to have
Customer service — reliable and trustworthy 24 hour support from the hire company’s staff is absolutely crucial for having a memorable holiday experience should a few issues arise with your RV
Type of vehicle — do you prefer a campervan or a motorhome, how many berths will you need and what features are most important to you
Daily rate of hire — influenced by the rental operator’s brand positioning, the newness of its fleet, the service experience, seasonality, the size of your preferred RV and your rental duration
Insurance — look closely at what insurance options the rental operator offers you, as comprehensive full insurance cover will give you peace-of-mind on your travels
Inclusions — are fees for travelling one way, toll roads, extra drivers, LPG refills, cleaning and roadside assistance included in your daily hire cost?
Locations for picking up and dropping off your motorhome rental — are they conveniently near major airports and does the operator offer free transfers?

Get some tips on how to choose the right RV rental in New Zealand.

Best campervan and motorhome rental operators in NZ

A woman leaning beside her Wilderness motorhome enjoying a snow-capped mountain view

We grouped NZ rental operators into three categories — those that hire out:

Premium recreational vehicles
Mid-range recreational vehicles
Budget recreational vehicles.

This way, you can look through each group and easily compare apples with apples.

We also ordered each RV rental operator in New Zealand based on their average Google review scores in Auckland and Christchurch — as almost all of these companies have depots in both main NZ cities.

Our best ranking methodology

In creating this blog, we looked closely at each campervan and motorhome rental operator in New Zealand — of which, at the time of writing, there were more than 35.

The rental operators are organised into three groups — premium, mid-range and budget. Each has then been ranked within those groups from highest average Google review score, between Auckland and Christchurch, to lowest.

No hire companies with an average Google review score below 3.5 ⭐ have been included.

Premium recreational vehicles

When choosing a premium motorhome hire, you're not just paying for a vehicle — you're investing in a superior travel experience.

Expect a late-model motorhome from a trusted brand, meticulously maintained and equipped for comfort, especially over the colder months. Think cosy bedding, a complete kitchen with a fridge and even an oven, plus a design that maximises space and livability.

However, premium goes beyond the vehicle itself. Top-tier providers offer exceptional customer service and 24 hour support.

While premium campervan and motorhome rentals come with a higher price tag, consider the value you should receive — a seamless, stress-free journey with many home comforts. Rather than focusing on the daily rate, look for operators with glowing reviews, as this often reflects their commitment to exceeding expectations and creating unforgettable experiences.

Wilderness Motorhome Rentals — 4.9 | 4.9 stars

A Wilderness motorhome parked up with a scenic mountain view

Wilderness Motorhome Rentals is known for its premium vehicles and excellent customer service. Its modern, well-maintained German-made motorhomes are designed for comfort and adventure — and come fully-equipped with made up beds.

This family owned and operated company offers a variety of two and four berth RVs, making them ideal for couples, groups of friends and families. Established in 2004, Wilderness goes a step further by providing:

Fully insulated RVs — with central heating and double glazed windows
Free airport or hotel transfers — on arrival and departure
Personalised assistance — throughout your booking process and hire period
A warm welcome on arrival to the depot — with coffee and tea
A comprehensive orientation of your motorhome — so you have complete confidence to hit the road
The inclusions you’d expect in a premium rental motorhome
Time — to go over your hire vehicle and share travel tips.

Vehicle types: Semi-integrated motorhomes

Key features: Exceptional customer service, premium motorhomes, made up beds, onboard WiFi and SmartTV, unlimited kilometres, no hidden fees, no road restrictions

Self-contained RVs: All

Hire locations: Auckland, Christchurch

Price range: Mid to high

One way fees: No

Support: 24/7 customer support

Google reviews: Auckland | Christchurch

Kiwi Motorhomes — 4.8 stars

Kiwi Motorhomes is a family-oriented business offering a range of campervans and motorhomes. It’s one of the few rental operators in New Zealand that’s pet-friendly — so you can travel with your pet onboard.

Positioned at the luxury end of the market, this rental operator’s prices are in the higher price bracket. However, they provide free extras, including child seats, camping chairs and tables, when you hire from them.

Vehicle types: Campervans, semi-integrated motorhomes, integrated motorhomes, cabover motorhomes

Key features: Premium vehicles, pet-friendly

Self-contained RVs: All

Hire locations: Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Rotorua, Tauranga

Price range: Mid to high

One way fees: Yes

Support: 24/7 support

Google reviews: Auckland

Maui — 4.4 | 4.3 stars

A Maui motorhome parked up at a parking site

Maui is part of Tourism Holdings Limited (THL) — a major tourism company in New Zealand that also owns Britz and Mighty Campers. The umbrella company’s premium brand offers a wide range of modern motorhomes through an extensive NZ network, including motorhome hire in Queenstown.

Maui motorhomes are typically larger RVs — from two to six berths. They’re well-equipped with features like fully equipped kitchens, comfortable beds with fresh linen and onboard bathrooms with showers and toilets.

The brand has been operating motorhomes made in New Zealand for over 35 years.

Vehicle types: Campervans, semi-integrated motorhomes, cabover motorhomes

Key features: Modern fleet, well equipped, unlimited kilometres

Self-contained RVs: All

Hire locations: Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown

Price range: Mid to high

One way fees: Yes

Support: 24/7 customer support

Google reviews: Auckland | Christchurch

Britz — 4.1 | 4.2 stars

Tourism Holdings Limited (THL) Branch in Christchurch

Britz is a large international operator with RVs catering to various budgets and travel styles. Its fleet includes a diverse range of vehicles, from basic campervans for singles and couples to spacious motorhomes suitable for families and groups.

Britz is also part of THL and has a strong presence across the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Its recreational vehicles have essential amenities like kitchens with gas stoves and refrigerators, comfortable beds and onboard bathrooms. Most of Britz’s motorhomes feature automatic transmissions to help make driving easier.

Vehicle types: Campervans, semi-integrated motorhomes, cabover motorhomes

Key features: Modern fleet, multiple beds, options for groups and families

Self-contained RVs: All

Hire locations: Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown

Price range: Mid to high

One way fees: Yes

Support: 24/7 roadside assistance

Google reviews: Auckland | Christchurch

Mid-range recreational vehicles

The mid-range RV rental market offers a sweet spot if you’re a traveller seeking comfort and value. These vehicles can provide a pleasant home on the road without the premium price tag.

Expect to get a well-maintained, relatively modern campervan or motorhome with a comfortable-enough living space, a functional kitchen and decent bathroom facilities.

While not as relaxing as premium options, hiring a mid-range rental is usually a practical and reliable way to explore New Zealand. Be prepared for less personalised service and potential charges for extras like airport transfers and travelling one way.

If you prioritise functionality and affordability, the mid-range offers solid options for your New Zealand adventure.

Mad Campers — 4.9 | 4.7 stars

Mad Campers Campervan

Mad Campers in New Zealand focuses on providing unique campervanning experiences. Many of its recreational vehicles have solar panels, inverters and large batteries — so you can camp off-the-grid for longer.

Founded in 2017, this NZ-owned and operated business claims to have offered New Zealand’s first single berth campervan for hire. As a result, it has built a natural affinity with solo travellers.

Mad’s campervans are designed to provide a comfortable and adventurous experience — and they’re often customised, featuring creative designs and space-saving solutions.

Vehicle types: Campervans

Key features: Unlimited kilometres, off-grid capabilities, no hidden fees

Self-contained RVs: Some

Hire locations: Auckland, Christchurch

Price range: Mid

One way fees: Yes

Support: 24/7 roadside assistance

Google reviews: Auckland | Christchurch

Wendekreisen Campervan & Motorhome Rental — 4.4 | 4.6 stars

Wendekreisen Campervan

Wendekreisen Campervan & Motorhome Rental is a family-owned and operated company with a long history in New Zealand — founded in 1990. It has a relatively large fleet with 12 camper models available.

Wendekreisen offers free airport transfers, and most of the company’s RVs are certified self-contained. Many vehicles also have solar panels, so you can spend more time off-grid.

Wendekreisen manufactures some of its campervans in its factory in Auckland, which helps ensure quality and supports local businesses.

Vehicle types: Campervans, cabover motorhomes

Key features: Well equipped, unlimited kilometres

Self-contained RVs: Some

Hire locations: Auckland, Christchurch

Price range: Mid to high

One way fees: No

Support: Roadside assistance during business hours

Google reviews: Auckland | Christchurch

Budget recreational vehicles

If you prefer adventure over luxury and want to stretch your budget as far as possible, a low-priced campervan hire is the way to go. Budget RVs are typically older campervans or converted vans with basic yet functional features — think tight and cosy rather than spacious.

While you might receive a camper with higher mileage and a few quirks, these budget-friendly vehicles can be ideal for experiencing the freedom of the open road without breaking the bank.

: The cost of renting a campervan in New Zealand varies depending on several factors — including the type of RV, the rental duration, the season and the operator you rent from.

Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from NZ$50 to NZ$400 daily, though in peak season prices can reach NZ$800 per day.

Smaller, older campervans are usually cheaper, while larger, newer motorhomes with more features often cost more. Prices are higher in the peak summer season than in the off-peak winter season.

Find out more about how much renting a motorhome in New Zealand costs.
: No, you can’t sleep anywhere in New Zealand in a campervan or motorhome. Freedom camping is allowed in designated areas, but you must have a certified self-contained recreational vehicle.

Self-contained vehicles have onboard facilities like fresh and waste water tanks, plus a fixed toilet, allowing you to camp responsibly without relying on external facilities.

Most towns and cities restrict where you can park overnight, so checking local regulations on council websites and on-street signage is essential. Numerous campsites and holiday parks throughout New Zealand offer powered sites and amenities for a nightly fee.

Learn more about freedom camping in New Zealand.
: Booking campervan and motorhome sites in New Zealand is generally straightforward. Many commercial campgrounds and holiday parks have online booking systems where you can reserve a site in advance.

You can also book by phone or in person at the campsite on arrival — during off-peak times. During the peak summer season, booking well in advance is recommended, especially for popular locations.

Some camping grounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis — particularly those in more remote areas.

Check out our guide on motorhome camping in New Zealand.
: Choosing a campervan or motorhome in New Zealand depends on your needs and travel style. It’s essential to consider your budget, the number of people travelling with you, the level of comfort and features required, and whether you plan to freedom camp.

Smaller RVs are ideal for solo travellers and couples, while larger motorhomes are better suited for families or groups. If you plan to freedom camp, ensure the campervan or motorhome is certified self-contained.

What type of travel will you be doing? Some recreational vehicles are better suited for off-road adventures, while others are more comfortable over longer road trips.

Read our complete guide to finding your ideal NZ motorhome rental.
: Finding affordable New Zealand tour packages often involves doing a little research and allowing some flexibility.

Consider travelling during New Zealand’s shoulder seasons of spring or autumn, when prices are generally lower. Then, look for deals and promotions online tour operators offer to compare prices.

Be open to different types of tours, as smaller group tours or independent packages can sometimes be friendlier on your budget.

Think about booking flights and accommodation separately, as this can sometimes be cheaper than pre-packaged tours. Look for free activities and attractions, and take advantage of discounts offered by local tourism organisations — or on the rental operator’s exclusive deals page.

Check out our complete guide to finding your ideal motorhome rental in New Zealand.

choosing a rental company

Meet Our Expert Author

Wilderness Motorhomes

Wilderness Motorhomes has been sharing its knowledge, experience and passion for exploring New Zealand by motorhome for more than two decades. Our team of motorhome experts, seasoned travellers and outdoor enthusiasts offer unique insights, practical tips and inspiring stories. We’re committed to producing engaging, original, helpful and impartial content to enhance your motorhome adventures — and to help you create remarkable memories.

The Best Campervan and Motorhome Hire Operators in NZ

Factors to consider when choosing a rental operator