Traveling by RV Rental in New Zealand — A Guide for Americans

Imagine waking up to breathtaking mountain vistas, cruising along scenic coastal roads and camping under a sky full of stars. With a RV rental in New Zealand, you can experience all this and more at your own pace.

If you're an American seeking an adventure unlike any other, New Zealand should be at the top of your bucket list. It might seem like a world away, but it's actually closer than you think. With our comprehensive advice for US travelers, you'll have all the information you need to plan an unforgettable RV journey.

In this blog, we highlight the main differences between RV travel in the USA and New Zealand. We also outline how to plan your NZ road trip, estimate costs like gas and camping, and highlight the specific travel requirements for Americans on vacation in New Zealand.

RV travel differences between New Zealand and America

Americans have always loved the open road. From classic Route 66 adventures to exploring vast national parks, we know that hitting the highway is in your blood.

New Zealand redefines the road trip experience. Imagine winding roads that hug dramatic coastlines, volcanic landscapes that erupt with colour and charming towns next to breathtaking lakes.

A New Zealand roadie is your invitation to discover the unexpected — where every turn reveals a new postcard-worthy scene.

Distances are shorter — but longer than you think

If you think New Zealand is just a tiny island in the South Pacific, it may be time to reassess.

While NZ is smaller than many US states, the driving distances can be deceiving. The country’s winding roads and mountain passes usually make travel times longer than you expect — even if overall distances seem short.

New Zealand has two main islands — logically named the North Island and the South Island.

The land mass of the North Island is slightly smaller than the American state of Pennsylvania, whereas the South Island is a little larger than Georgia in the US.

A road trip from the marine sanctuary of Kaikoura in the South Island of New Zealand to the sunny vineyards of the Marlborough Sounds may take longer than you anticipate. Plan your itinerary with realistic driving times in mind and embrace the adventure along the way.

Check out our guide to driving an RV in New Zealand for the first time.

Get ready to drive on the left

New Zealand has a fantastic network of sealed roads, like the United States. However, there's one big difference you'll need to get your head around — Kiwis drive on the left hand side.

If you're used to driving on the right, this may initially seem a little daunting. But don't worry — with some practice, you'll be navigating New Zealand roads like a pro in no time. Just remember to:

• Stay on the left — your biggest challenge will be thinking about staying left when there are no other cars around to guide you, especially when you’re pulling out of a parking lot or. But the many road markings will help guide you

• Use your side mirrors — to frequently check your road position and maintain awareness of other vehicles

• Practice in a quiet side street — near the rental operator’s depot before hitting the highway

• Take your time — begin with shorter drives and gradually build up your confidence.

Walking around to the right hand side of your RV hire in New Zealand may take some time to get used to, but eventually, it’ll become routine.

New Zealand’s roads also present a few challenges, like:

• Coastal routes — hugging dramatic cliffs and offering panoramic ocean views

• Mountain passes — climbing through alpine landscapes and leading to breathtaking vistas

• Gravel roads — adding a touch of rugged charm if you venture off-the-beaten-track.

Make sure you hire a modern and well-equipped motorhome to handle the variety of roads easily and comfortably.

Discover how easy it is to drive a Wilderness RV.

The weather will add to your adventure

New Zealand’s weather can be very changeable, so it’s wise to check the local metservice regularly. Four Seasons in One Day isn’t just a timeless Crowded House song — it’s also the reality of certain days in major cities like Auckland and Christchurch.

Summer very rarely brings hail or snow, while winter often has sunshine, so expect the unexpected. Although highly unlikely, your New Zealand RV vacation might be affected by:

• Heavy rain and flooding — causing landslides, closing roads and forcing detours

• Tropical cyclones and strong winds — creating crosswinds and making driving treacherous, particularly for high-sided vehicles

• Snow and ice — resulting in black ice and a high chance of losing traction

• Morning fog — reducing your visibility and making it difficult to see other road users.

View New Zealand’s seasonal weather patterns to find the best time to go to NZ from America.

Free camping NZ-style is different

If you dream of parking your RV under snow-topped New Zealand mountains, you're in luck. The country offers a unique type of free camping, locally known as freedom camping.

Freedom camping is a popular way to experience NZ's natural beauty. It’s when you can park a certified self-contained rental RV in designated areas outside developed campgrounds — similar to boondocking in the US. Still, it’s slightly more regulated than in the States.

Ensure you know the rules and stick to them to avoid picking up an unwanted fine. Download freedom camping apps like CamperMate and Rankers Camping NZ to help you find freedom camping sites and learn about local regulations.

Find out everything you need to know in our essential guide to freedom camping in Aotearoa New Zealand.

How to plan your epic New Zealand RV rental road trip

While New Zealand is a small island nation, a lot is packed into those two main islands. From towering mountains and magical glaciers to geothermal wonders and pristine beaches — you'll want to make the most of every mile.

Know your main interests and preferred style of travel

Being aware of your ideal travel style will help you design the perfect RV itinerary. Are you at home in the tranquility of nature? Do you crave the vibrant energy of the big city? Is some local culture an absolute must? Will you pack your hiking boots for the trail challenges in the South Island’s spectacular Southern Alps?

You’ll want to build your itinerary around two or three important bucket list items, which could be:

• Day walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the North Island of New Zealand — one of the world’s most amazing one day thru-hikes

• Visiting impressive Doubtful Sound — on a day trip that includes three boat tours

• Conquering the slopes of Queenstown’s big three New Zealand ski resorts during the winter season — Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona

• Whale watching — near the extraordinary Kaikoura coastline

• Bungy jumping — off the Auckland Sky Tower

• Exploring Wellington’s quirky laneways — searching for the country’s best craft beer.

Take a look at our Wellington motorhome holiday guide for more popular places to eat and drink in the city.

Picking the perfect season to embark on your NZ RV adventure

New Zealand's diverse landscapes and ever-changing weather mean each season offers a uniquely memorable experience. Whether you're thinking of sunny beaches, snowy slopes or vibrant fall foliage, choosing the right time to visit can make all the difference.

New Zealand's seasons are the opposite to those in America and the Northern Hemisphere. Check the table below for an overview of each season’s benefits and drawbacks — and what outdoor activities are best at certain times of year.

The North Island generally has milder winters than the South Island, though the ski season in the south is more prolonged and features many more ski fields. Winter is a magical time to visit places like Queenstown, Wānaka, Glenorchy and Franz Josef Glacier.

Learn what clothing to pack for each of New Zealand’s seasons.

Planning the perfect New Zealand RV trip

One of the most exciting parts of organizing your NZ adventure is choosing the perfect camper. But with so many options, it can be a little overwhelming.

To help you find the right fit for your travel crew and budget first consider the size of a few recreational vehicle hires. Determine the number of travelers you have and whether you’ll need a two or four berth RV. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, a two berth compact model RV will be ideal.

However, if you have a family of four or a few buddies, you’ll need a four berth like this King/Twin for 4 — or even The Suite for a touch of extra luxury. 

Remember to book as early as you can to save some serious cash, considering your required amenities and budget. This is especially crucial if you intend to travel during peak season from December to February because RV rentals are in huge demand.

See our guide to choosing a Wilderness motorhome.

Mapping out your dream RV route across New Zealand

The main locations to pick up and drop off a hire RV in New Zealand are Auckland and Christchurch — though Queenstown is also reasonably common.

The North Island offers geothermal wonders and rolling hills as the backdrop to unique Māori culture. The South Island features turquoise lakes, breathtaking mountain ranges and very few people.

You may decide to travel from:

• Auckland to Christchurch — seeing parts of both islands and taking your RV across Cook Strait on the ferry

• Christchurch to Auckland — beginning in a colder climate and moving slowly north to the warmer parts of the country

• Auckland to Auckland — with a focus on a region like Northland, Bay of Islands, The Coromandel or Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty

• Christchurch to Christchurch — spending time near the West Coast glaciers and Milford Sound.

View our range of RV road trip itineraries to help you plan your Kiwi adventure.

Book add-ons like ferry tickets and bike racks

Once you’ve found a few potential rental operators, look deeper into what type of extras they offer — and whether they’re included in the price. Outdoor furniture, a BBQ, snow chains, onboard WiFi , a bike rack and child safety seats are a few items that are often available.

If you plan to explore both main islands, book your ferry crossing well in advance, and you’ll likely save money and hassle. Some rental companies can even help you arrange ferry tickets with the added advantage that they’ll help you with rebooking in the rare case of ferry cancellations due to bad weather.

Discover how to travel with an RV on the New Zealand Cook Strait ferry.

Estimating the costs of your New Zealand RV road trip

When traveling this way, your most considerable expense will be your New Zealand RV rental price. Therefore, it’s vital to clearly understand how much this may be.

The campervan

When budgeting for your RV rental, expect to find a wide range of prices similar to those in the USA — which fluctuate due to seasonal demand.

If you’re looking for a basic campervan, you may find a deal for around NZ$70 per day. However, if you want a luxury RV in New Zealand with all the bells and whistles, you may end up spending over NZ$800 daily.

Most rental RVs fall somewhere in between, so shop around, be flexible with your dates and compare prices for similar recreational vehicles. Consider the shoulder seasons of spring and fall for opportunities to rent at a lower total cost. If you're considering a one-way hire, be sure to compare the cost of reversing the direction, as prices can vary significantly.

Find out how much it costs to rent an RV in New Zealand.

Camping

New Zealand has many RV camping options — from holiday parks to commercial campgrounds to Department of Conservation (DOC) sites to freedom camping.

Parking and settling in for a night can be anything from free to NZ$60 per person.

Be aware that popular holiday parks, DOC campsites and freedom camping spaces can all fill up quickly during the peak summer months. Book well in advance — or get there early if it’s a freedom camping location.

Like in America, New Zealand offers a diverse range of RV camping options to suit every budget and travel style. You’ll find cheaper basic campsites nationwide to fully-equipped holiday parks with everything you need.

Prices can vary depending on the location, season and amenities offered, so it's smart to research and book in advance — especially during peak season.

A unique and affordable option for US visitors is the vast network of DOC sites in NZ. They offer stunning locations and basic amenities at a fraction of the cost of similar campsites in US national parks.

With over 250 DOC campsites scattered throughout New Zealand's national parks and scenic areas, you'll have plenty of options.

Not all sites accommodate larger RVs, so it's important to check the DOC website for details on access and amenities before you go. Filter your search by vehicle type and find the perfect campsites for your New Zealand RV holiday.

Read our guide to RV camping in New Zealand.

Gas

Gas costs in New Zealand may be a shock compared to what you're used to paying at the pump back home in the US. Both gasoline and diesel are generally pricier in New Zealand.

If you’re driving a diesel-powered vehicle, you’ll also have to pay road user charges (RUC) — which contribute to road maintenance based on distance traveled and RV weight.

At the time of writing, the lowest diesel price in the country was about NZ$6.62 per gallon — and NZ$9.46 per gallon for petrol.

Don't let those prices deter you. With stunning scenery around every bend and shorter distances between destinations compared to the US, you'll still get super value for your money.

Food

One of the joys of RV travel is the freedom to cook your own meals and enjoy delicious food wherever your adventures take you. How much you spend on food will depend on how often you cook in your RV kitchen — and how frequently you eat out.

New Zealand offers plenty of options to satisfy your food cravings, whether you're a gourmet foodie traveler or a budget-conscious one.

Supermarkets are as widely available as in America. You'll find familiar chains like Countdown and New World, plus local favorites like Pak'nSave — known for its budget-friendly prices. Just like in the US, if you venture into a small town, there may only be one small, slightly pricy supermarket.

From casual cafes and fish ‘n’ chip shops to award-winning restaurants, New Zealand's dining scene has plenty to offer you as an American traveler. Treat yourself to a:

• Waterfront dinner with stunning views

• Quick bite at a food truck

• Gourmet feast at a vineyard restaurant.

For a taste of fresh, local goodness, check out New Zealand's vibrant farmers’ markets. You'll find everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to artisan cheeses, freshly baked bread and locally sourced meats. It's a great way to support local farmers and discover unique regional specialties.

Create delicious meals with your farmers' market finds, or try some of our favorite RV-friendly recipes. Cooking in your motorhome is a great way to save money and enjoy the flexibility of dining your way.

Download our RV recipes for the road and get a head start on your food prep.

Your travel requirements as an American visiting New Zealand

Before you hit the road on your awesome New Zealand escapade, there are a few essential travel requirements to check off your list, specifically your:

• Passport — valid for at least six months

• Visa — apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and you can generally enter New Zealand visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism purposes

• Driver licence — your US driver’s license is valid for driving in New Zealand, but remember to drive on the left hand side of the road

• Travel insurance — though not compulsory, it’s wise to get travel insurance that covers medical expenses, accidents, trip cancellations and theft of your belongings.

Always read the fine print of what’s covered under your RV rental insurance policy.

Understanding the New Zealand tongue

While Americans and New Zealanders share a common language, you may encounter a few quirky words and phrases that leave you scratching your head.

Not to worry, as this handy guide will help you navigate the nuances of Kiwi lingo — and avoid awkward moments while on your RV adventure.

Is it time to pack your sense of wonder and start preparing for your New Zealand RV vacation?

See our top ten tips for planning your first New Zealand RV road trip.