Top 10 Tips for Saving Money on your NZ Campervan Rental

Hitting the road on a New Zealand campervan adventure tops the bucket list for many travellers. Waking up to birdsong, sipping a hot coffee in the crisp morning air and enjoying the freedom to go wherever the road may lead sounds like bliss — but is it affordable? 

If you’re picturing substantial rental fees, high fuel costs and additional charges, hiring a motorhome in New Zealand may seem costly. However, with a few smart strategies, you can save money by knowing where and when to book, how to find the best deals and what hidden costs to look out for.

In this helpful guide, we share insider tips for saving money, common mistakes to avoid and how to get the best value for your motorhome rental.

1. Book in advance

Booking your motorhome rental in NZ as early as possible is one of the easiest ways to save money. It’s a little like booking flights — New Zealand campervan prices tend to be lower when rentals first become available, and as demand increases, so do costs.

So, when is your sweet spot for booking? It may be:

• Six to 12 months in advance — if you’re planning to travel during the peak summer months of December to February, RVs book out fast and last-minute options are often expensive or limited
  
  

• Three to six months before your trip — the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn may still offer plenty of choice, and prices may be slightly lower
  
  

• Last-minute deals — it’s always riskier to wait, but it can sometimes be worthwhile if you’re flexible with dates and vehicle type.

2. Travel in the shoulder seasons

Timing your trip right can significantly affect the cost of hiring a campervan — not to mention your overall experience. 

Summer is the busiest time to book a motorhome rental in New Zealand. However, spring from September to November and autumn between March and May offer many of the same perks but at lower prices.

The shoulder seasons often deliver money-saving deals due to:

• Lower rental rates — with fewer tourists on the road, demand for campervans tends to drop, as do prices
  
  

• More availability — with better chances of booking later and grabbing a discounted deal
  
  

• Cheaper activities and campsites — tours, experiences and camping grounds often cost less in the off-season, helping to stretch your budget further
  
  

• Fewer crowds — popular spots like Milford Sound, Queenstown and The Coromandel are quieter, which sometimes leads to activity tour price drops.
  
  

3. Be flexible with dates and locations

A little flexibility can go a long way toward saving money on a cheap campervan hire in Auckland or Christchurch. Shifting your travel dates by just a few days or adjusting your pick up and drop off locations could mean securing a better deal. 

Be open to different travel dates

Campervan prices in NZ fluctuate depending on demand — just like flights and accommodation. If you’re flexible, you may be able to take advantage of lower rates by:

• Starting your trip midweek — you may find cheap campervan hires in New Zealand if you pick up on a Tuesday or Wednesday rather than at the weekend
  
  

• Avoiding public holidays and school breaks — prices typically rise around long weekends and school holidays, so travelling just before or after these periods can save you money
  
  

• Checking price variations across a month or season — some weeks are more affordable than others, so comparing different start dates may help you find the best deals.
  
  

Consider a one way rental

If you're planning a more extended road trip, picking up your campervan in one city and dropping it off in another can sometimes be a more cost-effective option. You may be interested in travelling from:

• Christchurch to Auckland
  
  

• Auckland to Christchurch
  
  

• Christchurch to Queenstown.

Beyond potential savings, a one way rental is also a fantastic way to see more of the country. Travelling the length of New Zealand means you can experience both islands without having to backtrack — giving you more time to explore the diverse landscapes along the way.

Take a look at our ultimate guide to one way campervan rentals in New Zealand.

4. Compare multiple campervan rental operators

Not all campervan rental companies are the same. If you want the best value, it pays to shop around. 

Many travellers automatically book with big-name international brands, assuming they offer the best deals. But smaller, locally owned operators can sometimes provide better-equipped vehicles, more personalised service and pricing that’s just as competitive — if not better.

Comparison websites are a logical place to start, as they give you a quick overview of different rental options. However, many rental companies offer exclusive discounts, seasonal promotions and added extras when you book directly through their website.

When comparing options, it’s important to look beyond just the daily rate. Consider:

• What’s included — there may be extra charges for essentials like kitchenware, bedding, outdoor furniture and fan heaters
  
  

• Insurance costs — some rental operators may have high excess fees or limited coverage
  
  

• Customer reviews — checking reviews can help you avoid companies with hidden fees or poor service.

Read our blog on the best campervan hires in New Zealand.

5. Choose the right size motorhome

It’s normal to assume that bigger means better when it comes to motorhome hires. More space, more comfort — and more room to spread out. However, a larger recreational vehicle can also come with a bigger price tag, higher fuel costs and more expensive campsite fees. 

Choosing the right RV size for your travel group is vital if you want to keep costs down yet still travel comfortably.

Compact campervans

A compact campervan is an ideal budget-friendly option for exploring New Zealand. 

If you’re a solo traveller or couple who wants to minimise costs while still enjoying the freedom of the open road, weigh up hiring a compact campervan because they’re:

• Affordable to rent and run — relatively low daily rental rates and economical fuel efficiency make compact campervans a cost-effective choice
  
  

• Easy to drive and park — their comparatively smaller size makes them perfect for navigating narrow roads, tight parking spots and city driving.
  
  

• More adaptable at camping spots — smaller campervans can access a broader range of campsites and remote locations that larger RVs may struggle with.

Two berth motorhomes

A step up in comfort, two berth motorhomes offer more space than a campervan while still being easy to drive.

They’re perfect if you’re a couple or two friends who want extra convenience and the freedom to stay in more remote locations without relying on campgrounds. Two berth motorhomes usually provide:

• Self-containment — through an onboard kitchen, bathroom with fixed toilet and fresh and waste water tanks, making them a viable choice for freedom camping
  
  

• Better storage and living space — creating a more comfortable option for longer trips, especially if you’ve got lots of gear to bring
  
  

• A more comfy sleeping set up — made up beds often give a better night’s sleep than compact campervans with convertible lounge-bed areas.

Four berth motorhomes

Larger four berth motorhomes offer extra space and sleeping capacity if you're travelling with your family or a group. They’re often configured with a permanent fixed bed in the rear and a drop down bed up front over the dining area. Four berths are:

• More like the feeling of home — distinct living, dining and sleeping areas can provide a more spacious environment on the road
  
  

• Ideal for families — with plenty of room for kids to have their own space, eat meals at the dining table and keep to familiar routines on the road
  
  

• Sometimes better for longer trips — due to extra storage and living space which can make extended travels more comfortable.
  
  

Get more tips on choosing the right size RV rental in New Zealand.

6. Look out for discounts and deals

If you know where to look, you can snap up some low-priced motorhome rental deals in New Zealand — the trick is to be proactive.

A few tips to help you stay ahead of the discounting game include:

• Signing up for newsletters — as an email subscriber, you may be among the first to find out about specials, like relocation deals, before they’re announced elsewhere
  
  

• Following social media pages — platforms like Instagram, Facebook and YouTube are where you need to be for flash deals, discounts and special offers
  
  

• Checking the rental operator’s deals page — some of the best discounts are only available when booking through a company’s official website.

7. Consider relocation deals

If you’re open to spontaneous travel, a relocation deal could be your ticket to a cheap short campervan hire to Christchurch or Auckland. 

Rental companies often have to move vehicles between locations, usually from Christchurch to Auckland or vice versa — to keep up with demand. Instead of paying to transport them, they may offer heavily discounted campervan hire to travellers willing to make the drive for them.

Some relocation deals include:

• Rental rates from as low as $1 per day
  
  

• Discounted or free ferry crossings
  
  

• Insurance cover.

But there can be a catch — strict timelines. Relocation deals typically come with a set window of time for picking up and dropping off. In other words, you may have a set time to complete the journey.

This will likely mean less time for detours and sightseeing, so relocation deals are best suited to you if you’re a traveller who:

• Is happy to plan your itinerary around the available deal dates
  
  

• Can drive long distances in a relatively short timeframe
  
  

• Doesn’t mind last-minute travel planning.

Sign up to receive notifications about relocation deals.

8. Beware of hidden costs

That great campervan rental deal you found may not be as cheap as it seems.

Like budget airlines, some motorhome hire companies lure travellers in with low base rates — only to pile on extra charges as you go through the booking process. By the time you’ve added all the additional fees, your bargain rental could end up costing around the price of a premium one.

A few standard add-ons to watch out for are:

• Additional drivers — some rental operators charge extra if more than one person wants to get behind the wheel
  
  

• One way fees — if you’re picking up in one city and dropping off in another, check whether there’s an additional charge
  
  

• Kilometre limits — certain rental providers include a set number of kilometres you’re allowed to travel each day and will charge you extra fees for exceeding the limit
  
  

• Public holiday surcharges — some rental operators charge an additional fee for picking up or dropping off a motorhome on a New Zealand public holiday
  
  

• Unexpected extras — look out for add-on costs like gas bottle refills, cleaning costs, toilet chemicals and even portable heaters in winter
  
  

• Camping gear and bedding — while most companies include these for free in your rental agreement, others may charge extra for essentials like bedding, outdoor chairs and kitchen equipment
  
  

• Administration fees — some rental operators add booking or processing fees, so be sure to check the final price before completing your reservation.

Discover what some motorhome rental operators won’t tell you.

9. Take time to read the fine print

Finding an excellent motorhome deal is one thing — knowing precisely what you're signing up for is another. Before you book, be sure to check:

• Road access restrictions — some rental companies prohibit travel on gravel roads or remote routes, and violating these rules could void your insurance
  
  

• Breakdown and roadside assistance — find out if your rental includes 24/7 assistance and whether you’re responsible for any call out fees
  
  

• Deposit and cancellation terms — some operators have strict cancellation policies, while others offer more flexibility, so read the terms and conditions to know what will happen if your plans change
  
  

• Rental extensions and late return fees — returning your RV late, even by an hour, can come with a hefty penalty
  
  

• The insurance excess — find out how much you’ll have to pay should you make a claim, as excess amounts can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

A few rental operators offer liability reduction options for complete peace of mind. However, this often comes at an extra daily cost, so assess the total price to see if the additional peace of mind is worth it.

10. Plan some freedom camping into your route

You can save significant money on your motorhome road trip by taking advantage of freedom camping. Freedom camping involves staying overnight in designated free or minimal-cost camping spots.

Knowing the rules before you park up for the night is important. Freedom camping is a privilege, not a right, and it only works when fellow travellers respect local regulations and the environment.

Some tips for freedom camping responsibly in a motorhome in New Zealand include:

• Staying only in approved areas — freedom camping is permitted in designated areas only, so use apps like CamperMate and check local council websites to find legal sites
  
  

• Making sure your RV hire is self-contained — freedom camping sites require a certified self-contained motorhome or campervan, so be sure to check this when booking a rental
  
  

• Leaving no trace — take all rubbish with you, use public dump stations for waste and be mindful of noise to avoid disturbing wildlife and nearby communities
  
  

• Supporting local communities — consider spending money in nearby towns, whether grabbing a coffee, refuelling or shopping at local markets
  
  

• Having a backup plan — freedom camping spots can fill up quickly, so always have an alternative campsite to avoid driving around late at night looking for a place to stay.

Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites are another relatively cheap and sometimes free option if you’re travelling in a motorhome or campervan hire.

If you intend to freedom camp for most nights during your road trip, it’s worth considering spending a little more on an RV that’s more livable and comfy when the weather turns bad.

Check out our essential guide to freedom camping in New Zealand.

Your campervan trip through New Zealand doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With some planning and insider know-how, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down while enjoying an unforgettable adventure.

Booking early, travelling in the shoulder seasons and being flexible with your dates and route can all help you find a better deal.

Looking beyond the big rental brands, choosing the right-sized motorhome, reading the fine print and watching for discounts can also make a big difference. 

Once you’re on the road, be mindful of hidden fees and incorporate freedom camping into your itinerary — to help you make every dollar count.

Want to know exactly how much a campervan trip in New Zealand might cost — and where you can save? Read our informative guide on how much it costs to rent a motorhome in New Zealand.