Motorhomes and campervans

Motorhomes or campervans are the ultimate accommodation choice for flexibility on a driving holiday. A home on the road gives you the freedom to take each day as it comes, roam the country and find beautiful and remote places to park and camp.

Campervans and motorhomes are available for pick up from New Zealand's main centres. Some companies will offer flexible pick up and drop off options, allowing you to travel from one point to another instead of a round trip.

Motorhomes are larger vehicles that have more generous living areas. Some come fully equipped with showers and toilets. 

Campervans are the slightly smaller cousins of motorhomes, typically the size of a van. Not all campervans are self-contained, so you need to check this if you plan on freedom camping. These smaller vehicles can be easier to drive and park. 

Daily rental rates vary according to the season - over summer you could pay almost twice as much as in winter. 

Prices also vary depending on the condition of the vehicles. Some companies hire out older vehicles for budget travellers, while others cater to drivers who want the best features and a higher level of comfort. 

To get the best deals on motorhomes, consider travelling in the shoulder seasons and book well in advance.

Rates generally include unlimited kilometres per day, but don't cover costs such as insurance. You can choose whether or not you want to add insurance to your daily rate. If you have comprehensive travel insurance, it may not be necessary, but you may need to pay a substantial bond instead.

Holiday parks and camp grounds have kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities and many are positioned at the edge of a lake or by the beach. Powered sites allow you to hook up your vehicle so you can charge your battery and use more electrical features, such as heaters. 

Responsible freedom camping may be possible for fully self-contained vehicles, but it’s wise to check with the local information centre first as each district in New Zealand has different rules on where it is permitted.

If you are a food and wine enthusiast, there are a number of vineyards, farms, olive growers etc that allow you to park up at their property for free! Check out Okay2stay(opens in new window) for more information on this great service.