Start your New Zealand self-driving adventure in Christchurch. Hire a premium motorhome from our base at 3 Export Ave, Harewood, Christchurch.
We are conveniently located less than ten minutes from Christchurch Airport, a short drive from State Highway 1, and just 12km from the CBD. Our free transfer service makes getting to our base easy. Check out the Transfers section below to find out how to take advantage of our free shuttle service.
Before you head out of the city, make sure you enjoy some of the many great things to do in Christchurch. Wander the beautiful parks, go punting on the Avon River and explore local history. Check out our itineraries that start from Christchurch for inspiration on where to head and what to do next.
Address
3 Export Ave, Harewood, Christchurch
Phone
NZ 0508 945 337
Int. +64 9 255 5300
Opening hours
8:30am - 4:30pm
Rental pick up hours
8:30am - 3:45pm
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to Wilderness. We can collect you from the airport or from one of the many hotels near the airport.
If you’re arriving at Christchurch airport, our free shuttle will collect you and transfer you to our Christchurch motorhome hire base. Your international flight’s scheduled arrival time must be no later than 2:45PM to allow sufficient time to meet our last shuttle from the airport at 3:45PM.
We’ll also drop you back to the airport at the end of your hire. To book your free airport transfer, go to My Booking page and add your details at least 24 hours before you arrive.
Once you have collected your luggage, call us on +64 98022605 so we can dispatch the shuttle to collect you.
Exit the terminal through door 2 in the domestic area. Wait for our shuttle at the taxi and shuttle zone.
If you’re staying at an airport hotel, our free shuttle can collect you from any of the hotels from the list below. We’ll also drop you back to the airport or your airport hotel at the end of your hire. To book your free airport transfer, go to My Booking page and add your details at least 24 hours before you arrive.
Free transfers are available to and from these hotels to our Christchurch campervan hire base:
If you plan to stay at a hotel other than those we offer free transfers from, we recommend you use one of the rideshare services below to get to our Wilderness base.
Check out:
If you’re arriving at our base by private car, we recommend parking at Airpark Canterbury secure parking nearby. The team at Airpark offer a complementary transfer to our base.
We highly recommend checking in online at least 24 hours before you arrive. Completing online check-in helps us to personalise your pick up, reduce the paperwork and set you off on your holiday sooner.
We have a warm welcome waiting for you at our Wilderness base in Christchurch.
One of our team will finalise the paperwork with you, then give you a show-through of your Christchurch campervan rental. We will make sure you’re confident with your new home on wheels before setting you off. We recommend you allow about 40 minutes at our base to finalise the paperwork, do the show-through, and get some holiday tips from our team of experienced motorhome tourers.
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to Wilderness. We can collect you from the airport or from one of the many hotels near the airport.
If you’re arriving at Christchurch airport, our free shuttle will collect you and transfer you to our Christchurch motorhome hire base. Your international flight’s scheduled arrival time must be no later than 2:45PM to allow sufficient time to meet our last shuttle from the airport at 3:45PM.
We’ll also drop you back to the airport at the end of your hire. To book your free airport transfer, go to My Booking page and add your details at least 24 hours before you arrive.
Once you have collected your luggage, call us on +64 98022605 so we can dispatch the shuttle to collect you.
Exit the terminal through door 2 in the domestic area. Wait for our shuttle at the taxi and shuttle zone.
If you’re staying at an airport hotel, our free shuttle can collect you from any of the hotels from the list below. We’ll also drop you back to the airport or your airport hotel at the end of your hire. To book your free airport transfer, go to My Booking page and add your details at least 24 hours before you arrive.
Free transfers are available to and from these hotels to our Christchurch campervan hire base:
If you plan to stay at a hotel other than those we offer free transfers from, we recommend you use one of the rideshare services below to get to our Wilderness base.
Check out:
If you’re arriving at our base by private car, we recommend parking at Airpark Canterbury secure parking nearby. The team at Airpark offer a complementary transfer to our base.
We highly recommend checking in online at least 24 hours before you arrive. Completing online check-in helps us to personalise your pick up, reduce the paperwork and set you off on your holiday sooner.
We have a warm welcome waiting for you at our Wilderness base in Christchurch.
One of our team will finalise the paperwork with you, then give you a show-through of your Christchurch campervan rental. We will make sure you’re confident with your new home on wheels before setting you off. We recommend you allow about 40 minutes at our base to finalise the paperwork, do the show-through, and get some holiday tips from our team of experienced motorhome tourers.
Motorhome and campervan rental rates in Christchurch vary substantially depending on the motorhome you choose and when you plan to travel. You can find prices for motorhome rentals in Christchurch by entering your intended holiday dates in our motorhome search tool.
There are lots of options for places to stay the night in and near Christchurch with a self-contained motorhome. We recommend staying at a powered site at a holiday park on the first night of your holiday.
You can explore some of the holiday park and campsite options near the CBD.
Our Christchurch campervan rental base is easy to get to for your motorhome pick up or drop off. We are conveniently located near the Christchurch Airport in Harewood. Simply take State Highway 1 and exit at McLeans Island Road.
You do not need to end your motorhome rental at the same location from where you started.
If you want to cover both the North Island and the South Island without doubling back, we highly recommend a one way hire. New Zealand’s geography is perfectly suited to one way travel as the country is long and relatively narrow. You can start your motorhome hire in Christchurch and end at our Auckland base.
Christchurch is the second most popular airport for international arrivals with about 14% of visitors disembarking here. The most popular arrival destination is Auckland.
One of the consequences of Christchurch being a less popular arrival destination than Auckland is that Christchurch ends up with a surplus of RVs at certain times of the year, so you can often find great deals for northbound travel with the same wide selection of motorhome options as Auckland.
Christchurch is a great place to start a trip of the South Island or a launch point for a northbound trip. Check out our many itineraries that start from Christchurch for some inspiration on how to maximimise your motorhome trip.
When renting a motorhome, you need to budget for the rental cost, a liability reduction option (LRO), and any optional extras you choose. Unlike some locations in New Zealand (like Queenstown), starting your campervan rental in Christchurch will typically not incur any additional costs on top of these.
Luxurious motorhomes designed for relaxation - with made up beds and SmartTV.
Rated 4.8 out of 5.0 on thousands of independent reviews.
100% owned by a Kiwi family — and you can be part of the family.
Explore off-the-beaten-path with our no road restrictions policy.
Qualmark Gold certified and committed to our Enviro Promise.
Your deposit is usually fully refundable up to seven days before your hire begins.
Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand's South Island, is a vibrant rebuilding city that may be alluring for you as a motorhome traveller. Its storied history, breathtaking natural vistas and thriving arts culture are just a few of the reasons to explore.
If you adore nature, a visit to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens is an absolute necessity. Situated in the heart of the city, these expansive gardens encompass over 21 hectares — showcasing a diverse array of plant species and blooms.
Wander at your own pace through the garden's tranquil paths, enjoy a leisurely picnic on the lush lawns or enhance your experience with a guided tour on plant diversity. Throughout the year, the gardens also play host to a variety of events and concerts.
Are you a history enthusiast? Consider getting a Christchurch Tram hop on-hop off ticket encompassing the city's prominent attractions like the Canterbury Museum and the Arts Centre. Alternatively, take a bike tour pedalling through the city and its picturesque surroundings — or wander around on two feet.
The city is part new-part old with plenty of rebuilding still going on amongst the preservation of heritage buildings.
Embark on an exciting journey up the Christchurch Gondola. You’ll ascend to the summit of Mount Cavendish for unparalleled views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and the majestic Southern Alps.
Upon reaching the summit, you can explore walking trails and delve into the region's natural and cultural heritage. The Christchurch Gondola promises you an immersive experience — seamlessly blending breathtaking vistas with a touch of adventure.
Take a look at our top ten things to do in Christchurch blog for more ideas.
For a delightful change of scenery, embark on a day trip to the picture-postcard town of Akaroa. Situated just an hour and a half from Christchurch, Akaroa boasts a distinctive French influence and offers mesmerising harbour views.
Delight in a harbour cruise to spot dolphins and marine wonders, or meander through the town's charming boutiques and cafés. Don’t forget to savour the local seafood — including the local Akaroa salmon.
Nestled amidst the pristine beauty of New Zealand's South Island, Hanmer Springs is a tranquil alpine village celebrated for its natural hot springs and majestic mountain vistas.
These geothermal pools will provide you with a soothing sanctuary if you’re in search of rejuvenation. But Hanmer offers more than just relaxation, such as a wealth of outdoor pursuits — including hiking, mountain biking and jet boating. The popular mountain town blends restorative serenity and thrilling escapades within its breathtaking natural scenery.
In the heart of New Zealand's Canterbury region lies Methven, a scenic alpine town celebrated for its warm hospitality and its location near the Southern Alps.
Methven has access to winter sports like skiing and snowboarding along with summer adventures such as hiking, mountain biking and golfing. Its convenient location close to Mount Hutt ski area makes Methven a fun day trip — whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or you prefer tranquil getaways.
Banks Peninsula is a striking geological feature that enchants visitors with its rugged terrain and vibrant ecosystem. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, the peninsula is a stark contrast to the nearby Canterbury Plains — characterised by its rolling hills, historic craters and dramatic coastlines.
The peninsula has a network of hiking trails revealing pristine wilderness and awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean. If you love nature, you’ll have the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife, including the rare Hector's dolphin — one of the world's smallest dolphins.
Hagley Park is a haven of natural beauty and recreational opportunities in the heart of Christchurch City. Spanning more than 160 acres, this expansive park features lush lawns, meandering waterways and vibrant gardens.
You can take a punt on the Avon River which gracefully winds its way through the park. Meanwhile, seasonal floral displays, like the blooming daffodils in spring, infuse the landscape with bursts of colour.
Gracing the Christchurch coastline is a scenic retreat where golden sands meet rolling hills — Sumner Beach. This beloved spot is enjoyed by both locals and visitors, as a leisurely stroll along the promenade, a refreshing swim in the Pacific Ocean or simply catching waves.
Sumner provides the ideal blend of serenity and excitement. Charming cafes and eateries along the shoreline will enhance your beach experience, making it an idyllic spot to soak up the sun and unwind in the big city.
For art connoisseurs, the Christchurch Art Gallery is an unmissable treasure. This lauded gallery houses a remarkable collection of over 6,000 artworks — spanning paintings, sculptures and photography.
It also serves as a dynamic platform for temporary exhibitions, spotlighting the creations of both local and international artists. Admission to this cultural gem is complimentary — making it a budget-friendly endeavour on your motorhome travels.
The Arts Centre stands as a testament to Christchurch's cultural legacy — a captivating blend of history and creativity housed within its Gothic Revival architecture. This historic complex has evolved into a dynamic hub that weaves together galleries, studios, theatres and boutique shops.
Beyond its architectural marvels, the Arts Centre pulsates with a commitment to cultivating the culture and the arts. It's not just a physical space — it's a stage for exhibitions, performances and workshops to breathe life into the city’s cultural narrative.
The Isaac Theatre Royal stands as an eloquent tribute to the city's cultural legacy. Originally inaugurated in 1908, this historic venue recently underwent meticulous restoration, reviving its Edwardian Baroque architecture.
The theatre serves as a radiant centre for the performing arts, hosting theatrical productions and concerts to ballet and comedy shows. As a revered cultural landmark, the Isaac Theatre Royal remains a timeless stage where you can see live performance at its best.