Philosopher Ralph Emerson famously said, it’s not the destination — it’s the journey. Although he may not have been planning a premium motorhome rental in New Zealand at the time, his words couldn’t be more relevant.
A motorhome holiday isn’t just about the places you visit — it’s about how you experience them. It’s the freedom to explore at your own pace, the comfort of feeling at home wherever the road takes you and the memories that stay with you long after the journey ends.
At Wilderness, we want every guest to have the best motorhome experience New Zealand has to offer. That’s why our commitment to quality goes beyond our luxurious motorhomes. From the warm, personal welcome when you arrive to the little touches that make your motorhome road trip feel effortless — we’re here to help you make the most of every moment.
In this blog, we explore what sets a Wilderness customer experience apart, highlight which luxury motorhome features are worth paying for, and share tips on saving money on high-end motorhome rentals in New Zealand.
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Premium support from start to finish
When you choose a premium motorhome rental in New Zealand, you’re not just booking a vehicle — you’re investing in a complete travel experience. At Wilderness, that experience is built on care, attention to detail and genuine support from beginning to end.
Whether it’s your first motorhome holiday or your fifth, we’re here to make each step along the way feel easy, personal and thoughtful. Here are a few ways we do that.
Our family-first approach
Wilderness is more than a motorhome company — it’s a family-owned business grounded in genuine hospitality. We take pride in creating a travel experience that feels personal, welcoming and thoughtfully considered.
From your first enquiry to your final drop off, you’ll be treated with the kind of care and attention we offer to our own whānau (family). It’s this approach that leaves a lasting impression — and why many of our guests return to travel with us again.
A warm, seamless welcome
We want your holiday to start the moment you arrive. That’s why we offer complimentary pick up from Auckland or Christchurch airports — or your nearby accommodation.
When you reach our motorhome base, you’ll be welcomed with a:
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Cup of coffee or tea — as we run through the paperwork and offer some travel tips
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Informative vehicle orientation tour — through your motorhome rental, with time to ask whatever questions you have.
By the time you hit the road, you’ll feel well-prepared and ready for the holiday of a lifetime.
Attention to detail — inside and out
Before handover, your motorhome goes through a comprehensive inspection and professional detailing. That means it’s spotless, fully stocked and ready for the road.
From freshly-made beds to sparkling windows and two full bottles of LPG — we take care of the details, so you don’t have to.
It’s part of what makes stepping into a Wilderness motorhome feel more like checking into luxury accommodation than picking up a rental vehicle.
Find out more about choosing a Wilderness motorhome.
Support you can count on
Even the best-planned road trips can have the occasional hiccup — but you’re never on your own.
With 24/7 guest support and roadside assistance, help is always just a phone call away. Whether it’s a flat tyre or a question about your route, our support team is here for you — day or night.
An easy end to an unforgettable journey
Your road trip may have to end, but the service from Wilderness doesn’t stop there. When you return your motorhome, our team will be waiting to welcome you back and ensure your drop off process is as smooth as the pick up.
We can even take you back to the airport, or your airport hotel — so you can finish your holiday just as relaxed as when you started it.
Find out what you need to do before and after returning a Wilderness motorhome.
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What to expect from a premium motorhome rental in NZ A premium motorhome rental is all about superior comfort, quality and support throughout your holiday. You can expect:
From hotel-style bedding to personalised onboarding and support, every detail is designed to help you explore New Zealand comfortably — and with complete peace of mind.
Read more in our guide to hiring a luxury campervan in New Zealand. |
No hidden fees — just honest value
With some motorhome rental companies, what looks like a good deal upfront can cost far more once the extras are added.
One-way fees, cleaning charges, additional driver costs and even basic essentials like toilet chemicals can come with hidden price tags.
At Wilderness, we do things differently. Our pricing is upfront and transparent — so you know exactly what you’re paying for from the start. There are no surprise add-ons or sneaky fees buried in the fine print.
Need to change your plans? No problem — your deposit is almost always fully refundable until seven days before pick up, giving you the flexibility to book confidently. The exception is for rental periods commencing between 21 December and 8 February — where you need to cancel 21 days or more before pick up.
As for essentials, they’re already included. Windscreen and tyre protection, extended roadside assistance and the peace of mind that comes with them are all part of your package — not added costs.
Take a look at our blog on premium motorhome rental inclusions, fees and add-ons for more details about what’s included.
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The motorhome served us well and performed better than expected across the week we had it. It was very comfortable and warm and, to our surprise, economical to run. We were sad to hand it back but have agreed to do it all again.
Philip Thomas |
German-engineered quality for total comfort
Not all motorhomes are created equal. The difference lies in the details — and it starts with build quality.
Our German-designed and built motorhomes offer premium quality and are perfectly crafted for New Zealand’s roads. You can expect a smoother, safer drive and a more enjoyable experience behind the wheel.
Step inside and you'll immediately feel the difference. Thoughtfully created interiors provide the comfort and space you need to truly unwind. Cosy seating, spacious living areas, efficient heating and excellent insulation keep you comfortable whatever the season.
You’ll also enjoy innovative technology like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SmartTV and the option of onboard WiFi — making it easy to stay connected wherever your journey takes you.
The extra touches will elevate your experience, such as:
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Hotel-style bedding — already made up for you
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High-spec kitchen appliances — to help make cooking times easy
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Sleek cabinetry — and soft-close drawers
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Ambient lighting — creating a relaxing mood in the evenings.
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If you’re wondering which luxury motorhome features are worth paying for, my advice is to look for the little things that will genuinely shape your day-to-day experience. Things like enjoying a great night’s sleep in a luxurious bed, relaxing in a spacious, immaculate interior and driving a modern, high-end RV that feels comfortable and effortless on the road. You’ll remember the experience long after you’ve forgotten the price. Claire Smith – Motorhome writer & editor |
Explore beyond the beaten track
New Zealand’s most unforgettable locations often lie beyond the main highways — down an unassuming country road, near a remote beach or tucked away in a national park. To reach them, you’ll need more than a sense of adventure — you’ll need a recreational vehicle you can rely on.
At Wilderness, we want you to experience the real New Zealand — not just the highlights everyone else sees. That’s why, unlike some standard rental companies, we don’t restrict where you can drive. Our insurance covers travel on any public road in New Zealand, allowing you to go further with confidence.
However, this freedom to explore requires a motorhome that's up to the challenge. Our premium motorhomes are built to handle New Zealand’s varied terrain to ensure you can take full advantage of such unrestricted access. Every RV is carefully inspected and prepared before you set off.
This combination of unrestricted travel and robust, reliable vehicles creates a unique experience. After all, real adventure isn’t about going off the map — it means having the freedom to explore more of what’s on it.
Find out how you can hire a New Zealand campervan without road restrictions.
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Planning a personalised trip At Wilderness, we've made it easier than ever to plan your adventure. Our curated itineraries and travel blogs are full of inspiration, local insights and off-the-beaten-path gems — helping you shape a road trip that reflects your interests and pace. Whether you’re after coastal drives, alpine views or hidden hot springs, we’ll help you find an ideal route. |
Total peace of mind with our zero liability option
Accidents are rare — but knowing you’re protected if something goes wrong makes all the difference. Most standard motorhome rental insurance comes with a high excess, which means you could face a significant out-of-pocket cost if there’s any damage during your trip.
Wilderness offers a VIP liability reduction option that takes the stress out of the unexpected. Opt in, and you won’t have to pay any excess if an accident happens — no matter how big or small.
Choosing VIP insurance is about more than just coverage. It’s peace of mind that lets you stay focused on what really matters — enjoying your road trip adventure.
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Experience the height of motorhome luxury with The Suite If you’re a traveller who wants the absolute best, The Suite is our most luxurious four berth model. From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the differences, like:
It’s also packed with features that make life on the road seamless, like a large fridge-freezer, extra storage and a powerful heating system for year-round comfort. The Suite delivers if you're looking for a motorhome that feels more like a high-end apartment. |
Eco-friendly and sustainable travel
Adventuring across New Zealand by motorhome isn’t only about seeing more — it’s about experiencing a deeper connection to the land. That connection comes with a responsibility to protect the places you travel through.
We believe in responsible travel at Wilderness, so our commitment to sustainability is embedded in everything we do. As a Qualmark Gold-certified operator, we meet the highest standards for environmental care and tourism sustainability.
Our premium motorhomes are meticulously maintained for efficiency, designed to minimise waste and built to last — because true luxury means caring for the world you’re here to experience.
As a Wilderness guest, you're also part of that journey by following New Zealand’s Tiaki Promise. It’s a pledge to care for NZ’s people, places and culture — and to help ensure these remarkable landscapes remain unspoiled for future travellers.
Helpful tools, guides and inspiration
A premium motorhome experience should begin with planning that feels exciting, not overwhelming. Our Wilderness website is designed to be intuitive and supportive — to help you confidently build your perfect road trip.
We understand that there’s a lot to consider. Where should you go? How long should you stay? What should you bring? Which motorhome is right for you?
To make your planning more manageable, we’ve created a range of helpful tools and resources to guide you every step of the way, such as our:
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Comparing motorhomes chart — to view all specs side-by-side together with our comprehensive guide to choosing the right motorhome
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Packing checklist — in conjunction with our blog about packing for your motorhome road trip
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Recipes for the road ebook — for 23 Kiwi favourites to go with our top 20 best food experiences in NZ and this epic NZ foodie tour
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Driving a motorhome for the first time in New Zealand guide — to help you feel confident before you even leave the depot
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Best national parks to visit by motorhome blog — for inspiration about what to do when you’re in New Zealand touring around.
When you’re ready to book, the process is simple, transparent and easy to navigate — just like any premium experience should be.
Seven tips for saving on a high-end NZ motorhome rental
Booking a premium motorhome rental in New Zealand doesn’t necessarily require a big budget. Planning and flexibility will help you enjoy a high-quality experience at a great price.
Make the most of your travel budget by following these tips.
- Book early — rental availability is often limited during peak times, so booking well in advance gives you access to more of the fleet and may secure you a better daily rate.
- Travel during off-peak seasons — autumn, spring and even winter have stunning scenery, fewer crowds and often significantly lower prices, so you can enjoy the same high-end experience for less.
- Look out for special offers, such as seasonal deals or promotions, that may include discounts, added-value extras, or the chance to save money by travelling one way from Christchurch to Auckland.
- Be flexible with your dates — try adjusting your trip dates by a few days to get a lower daily hire rate, especially if you can avoid school or public holidays when prices may rise.
- Watch for relocation deals — rental providers occasionally need to relocate vehicles between Auckland and Christchurch and may offer heavily discounted rental rates.
- Rent a motorhome for longer — some RV companies offer reduced daily rates for bookings of 14 days or more, and may even offer long hire discounts.
- Travel smarter — look beyond just price as the best deal isn’t always the cheapest, but the one offering the most value.
Ready to go premium?
Choosing a motorhome isn’t just a logistical decision — it’s the foundation of your New Zealand experience. With Wilderness, you’re not simply renting another vehicle. You’re choosing comfort, confidence and the freedom to explore NZ easily.
From beautifully designed motorhomes and upfront pricing to personalised support and local expertise, every detail is crafted to elevate your journey.
It’s not about spending more — it’s about getting more out of every kilometre.
Hear from travellers just like you about why they’ve independently rated Wilderness Motorhomes 4.9 out of 5 stars.
