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New Zealand, a natural paradise for road trip enthusiasts in campervans. A true land of adventures, this enchanting destination invites you to discover its breathtaking landscapes, from wild coastlines to snow-capped peaks. Whether you choose to explore the fjords of Milford Sound or immerse yourself in Maori culture in Rotorua, renting a campervan will allow you to have an unforgettable experience. Get ready to be amazed by the raw beauty of this island of a thousand facets, where every turn of the road holds new wonders.
Experience the ultimate adventure on New Zealand's roads with complete freedom
New Zealand offers varied and grand landscapes, ideal for a campervan journey. Whether for a short getaway or an extended adventure, its scenic roads wind along wild coastlines, active volcanoes, ancient forests, and majestic fjords. Here are three emblematic itineraries adapted to different durations, to discover the essentials of the country with complete freedom.
Itinerary 7-10 days: North Island and Coromandel Peninsula
Start your adventure in Auckland, then head to the Coromandel Peninsula, renowned for its golden beaches and lush forests. Don't miss Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hot spring in the sand. Continue to Rotorua to explore its geothermal areas and Maori traditions. On your way to Lake Taupo, admire the Huka Falls before reaching Tongariro National Park, ideal for spectacular hiking. This compact route combines nature, culture, and relaxation, perfect for a first campervan trip.
Itinerary 14 days: From North Island to South Island, from Bay of Islands to Abel Tasman
Start in the Bay of Islands region, famous for its paradise islands and the opportunity to drive on 90 Mile Beach. Head back to Auckland and take the ferry to the South Island. Explore the Marlborough Sounds on your way to Abel Tasman National Park, where golden beaches and coastal trails await you. Continue to Nelson to discover the local art scene, then Kaikoura, ideal for whale watching. This circuit combines sea, mountains, and forests, offering a balance between nature activities and cultural discoveries across two islands.
Itinerary 21 days: Complete grand tour of both islands
Depart from Auckland towards the Coromandel Peninsula, then head down to Rotorua and Taupo to enjoy volcanic landscapes and hot springs. Cross Tongariro National Park before taking the ferry to the South Island. Explore Picton, then the Marlborough Sounds, before following the west coast to Abel Tasman National Park. Continue to Te Anau and Milford Sound for an immersion in the fjords. End with Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook, offering exceptional alpine panoramas. This comprehensive journey blends geographical diversity and the freedom of campervanning, for an in-depth discovery of New Zealand.
All the towns where you can rent a motorhome in New Zealand
Discover on this map all the cities in New Zealand where you can rent your motorhome or campervan.
Use the search engine to find out exactly which departure and return towns you can use to organise your road trip.
To do this, enter the first letters of the country in the corresponding field and discover all the cities in New Zealand or elsewhere.
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Traveling by campervan or van in New Zealand: climate and seasonality
New Zealand, with its diverse landscapes ranging from majestic fjords, wild beaches, and alpine mountains, offers a unique experience for a road trip in a campervan or van, where weather and seasonality greatly influence the choice of travel period.
When to go to New Zealand?
The best time to travel by campervan in New Zealand is from November to April, corresponding to the spring and summer months in the Southern Hemisphere. During these months, especially in Queenstown or around Fiordland National Park, temperatures are pleasant and the days are long, ideal for exploring the landscapes without major weather constraints. Summer (December to February) is the hottest season, perfect for enjoying the beaches on the East Coast of the South Island or hiking around Christchurch, but it is also the peak tourist season with high crowds.
Weather and seasonal pricing
In peak season, which coincides with school holidays from December to late January, rental rates for campervans and vans rise significantly, especially for the highly sought-after 4 to 6-seater vehicles. To avoid the crowds and benefit from lower rates, it is advisable to favor the shoulder season, particularly in March or November, when the weather remains mild and the landscapes, like those around Lake Tekapo, are enhanced by the colors of autumn or spring. In winter (June to August), the New Zealand Alps attract skiing enthusiasts, but temperatures are cooler and some routes may be less accessible.
All vehicles for rent in New Zealand
This list gives you a good overview of the offer of motorhomes, campervans, and other vehicles in New Zealand. Please note that not all of these vehicles are necessarily available at all rental agencies of our partners. To find out about the available vehicle options for your road trip, please use the search form at the top of this page. You can then filter the results by rental company, price, type of motorhomes, compare rental offers and their options, check availability, save your offers, and of course book online when your choice is made!
Tips for a van trip in New Zealand
New Zealand, renowned for its grand natural landscapes and spirit of freedom, offers a unique experience for travelers in campervans or vans, with specific rules to know to fully enjoy the country.
Driving and regulations
In New Zealand, driving is on the left side of the road and the maximum speed limit on main roads is generally 100 km/h, but for campervans, it is often limited to 90 km/h, especially around Queenstown where traffic can be denser. It is mandatory to have a valid driver's license for at least one year, as well as an international license or an official translation, to rent a vehicle in Auckland or Wellington. Some secondary roads, known as "gravel roads," are unpaved and require cautious driving, especially on the South Island.
Sleeping and connecting
Freedom camping is strictly regulated in New Zealand. Only certified "self-contained" vehicles, meaning equipped with fixed toilets, clean water tanks, and wastewater management systems, can park in free areas like those of the Department of Conservation (DOC) near Tongariro National Park. In urban areas like Rotorua, signs clearly indicate where camping is allowed or prohibited. Fines for non-compliance can reach NZD 400. For non-self-contained vehicles, it is mandatory to spend the night in campgrounds equipped with facilities, such as those around Lake Tekapo.
Local tips & safety
Local authorities, especially in tourist regions like Queenstown, enforce strict rules to preserve the environment and the tranquility of residents. It is advisable to strictly adhere to traffic signs and not to camp by the roadside, even for a short break. The Whangarei region, on the other hand, is more tolerant and encourages freedom camping in well-defined areas. Finally, road safety is paramount: roads can be winding and narrow, especially in the Southern Alps, so it is important to remain vigilant and adjust your speed, especially in winter when some roads may be closed to campervans.
Frequently Asked Questions in New Zealand
What are the requirements to rent a campervan in New Zealand?
To rent a campervan in New Zealand, you generally need to be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license for more than a year, as well as an international license or an official translation in English. A credit card is also required for the deposit, which can range from NZD 2,500 for a simple van to over NZD 5,000 for a larger motorhome.
What is a "self-contained" vehicle and why is it important?
A "self-contained" vehicle is a campervan equipped to be self-sufficient, with chemical toilets, a clean water tank, and a wastewater management system that allows it to hold waste for at least three days. This certification is mandatory to park for free or legally in many places in New Zealand and to avoid fines related to prohibited freedom camping.
Can you freedom camp with a campervan in New Zealand?
Freedom camping is strictly regulated and prohibited in most tourist areas. Only certified "self-contained" vehicles can park in certain free or paid authorized locations. It is essential to respect the "no overnight stay" signs to avoid fines, which can reach NZD 400 in case of violation.
What types of sleeping spots are available for campervans in New Zealand?
Options include caravan parks (private campgrounds with services), Department of Conservation (DOC) campgrounds which are often paid, and free areas reserved for "self-contained" vehicles. It is recommended to book in advance during peak season, as these spots are highly sought after and offer facilities like showers, electricity, and waste disposal.
What are the specific driving rules in New Zealand for a campervan?
Driving is on the left side, with a speed limit of 100 km/h on main roads. Roads can be winding and narrow, often single-lane. Caution is advised on "gravel roads." An international license is mandatory, and the minimum age to drive a rental campervan is 21 years.
How does the deposit and insurance work when renting?
A significant deposit is blocked on your credit card at the time of pickup, which can reach several thousand New Zealand dollars. Standard insurance is included, but the deductible can be high.
What equipment is generally included in a rented campervan in New Zealand?
Campervans are generally equipped with a kitchen (stove, sink, refrigerator), beds, an electrical system with a battery, and sometimes a shower and chemical toilets if the vehicle is "self-contained." It is important to check the operation of all equipment at pickup and to ask the rental company for explanations.
What tips for managing water, electricity, and waste in a campervan?
Regularly fill the clean water tank, empty wastewater at designated dump stations, and recharge the electric battery in equipped campgrounds. Following these guidelines is essential to remain self-sufficient and comply with local regulations, especially for "self-contained" vehicles.
They traveled in New Zealand
Discover the latest verified customer reviews translated into your language and published on Trustpilot and Verified Reviews platforms.
The car was very good. It's just that for tall people (I am 1.89m), it's short for sleeping lengthwise. With 20 cm more, it would have been more comfortable. But that's just something to know when you are tall. We also hadn't been really warned about the legislation regarding Self Contained vehicles in New Zealand. Since the vehicle did not meet these standards, we spent two months looking for fre...
Reminder by phone, friendly welcome, quick responses to our questions... keep it up, until then, it's perfect...
Top responsiveness
Very good responsiveness to solve a small reservation problem with our van. They found us the van that exactly matched our needs. Thank you for this responsiveness and efficiency.
Responsive to emails and good advice
This is the second time I have used the services of Cooldrive for trips in NZ. I can only say good things about their advice and the follow-up on their offers. However, during my last experience, the rental of a van got off to a bad start due to a rental company's failure to meet its commitments. Through their professionalism, Cooldrive was able to get them to reconsider their decision and revert...
Very good email contact. Great responsiveness.
After an unanswered complaint email, a registered letter is being sent today to request a refund for an overcharge demanded on-site under the threat of not providing us with the van.
Very professional and attentive during the preparation of our trip. Very responsive to email and phone exchanges. I am satisfied with the service but not with the rental company that Cooldrive works with in New Zealand.
Yes, however, we planned a vehicle template that suited us for our trip preparation, but we ended up with a much longer one, which penalized us for parking and made driving in tight spaces more complicated.
Excellent cooldrive service. We can call if we need information. The representatives are always attentive to our needs. We receive a call back if we leave our contact details. Very well-designed website. Thank you.
Friendly staff providing good advice, especially on N26.
We rented a campervan in New Zealand for December 2020. It was the best value for money offer we found online (and I did a ton of comparisons). We had to cancel our vacation 4 days before departure (Thursday to pick up our vehicle on Tuesday). I really thought we had lost all the money we had paid, and it totally demoralized us. Then I received an email from Olivier saying that he would do what he...
Excellent phone reception. Market price.
Very satisfied with all the services provided.
Very responsive to all requests!
very practical in terms of interior layout. forgot to provide us with the electrical cable at the beginning. too bad.
reasonable rates but the explanation about the self-contained was unclear so an additional charge to pay even though we had taken out insurance for that. Moreover, after 3 emails and 3 phone calls, we are still waiting for the refund of the overpayment.
3 rentals with cool drive .. always just as happy. Good advice. Available and attentive contact person ... personalized rental that leaves no room for bad surprises.
super
Everything was in accordance with the contract, highly recommended.
First rental of this type of vehicle in a professional context where the rental must take place from France to Canada. Many questions and Cooldrive (Marlène) has been a valuable support in guiding my choices. Efficiency and responsiveness beforehand, and on-site a vehicle and service that met our expectations. No complaints. Great!
Too rigid computer system
Very good customer experience with Cooldrive. I highly recommend it! Thanks to the team who were attentive and available for organizing my trip to Canada.
Great experience with Cooldrive. I highly recommend it 100%. Reliable, attentive, available, responsive. Thanks to Marléne for her support.
Initially, the camper offered online was not available, but a good alternative was quickly provided. The communication regarding the various steps to be taken is clear. The camper was from 2025 and was clean and complete. The pick-up in Norway took longer than expected (4 hours), but in the end, it became a vacation to never forget. Highly recommended!
No unpleasant surprises
Cooldrive recommended that I take out insurance, which turned out to be unable to handle an issue that arose during the stay.
Top rates and service
Motorhome and campervan rental companies in New Zealand
Below you’ll find all the motorhome and campervan rental companies we work with in New Zealand.
These are exclusively professional rental companies in New Zealand, renowned for the quality, reliability and maintenance of their fleet of vehicles.
Renting a motorhome with CoolDrive from one of these companies gives you the guarantees and insurance you need to make sure your trip goes smoothly in New Zealand.
Click on the logo to access the rental company’s details.
Special offers on motorhome rentals in New Zealand
Here are the promotional offers currently available for each motorhome and campervan rental company in New Zealand.
The conditions for applying these discounts are managed individually for each rental offer and depend mainly on the dates of your trip in New Zealand.
To find out exactly what promotions are available in New Zealand, the easiest way is to carry out a search and look at the offers on offer.
You can then save these offers in your customer area or make your booking request directly.
Most promotions are limited in time, so make the most of them before they’re gone!
5%
long-term discount
8%
long-term discount
5%
long-term discount
8%
early booking discount
5%
long-term discount
5%
long-term discount
5%
long-term discount
5%
long-term discount
Why choose CoolDrive Nomad?
A team of enthusiasts and professionals to serve and advise you
And simply the best platform for booking motorhomes and campervans around the world!
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Complete offer
Certainly the most comprehensive and diverse offer for motorhome and campervan rentals around the world
Customer satisfaction
Insurance, guarantees, customer satisfaction, what to ask for more for your motorhome rental abroad
Cancellation Insurance
Book your motorhome rental without stress, with the guarantee that you will be reimbursed according to the insurance conditions
Baggage insurance
Receive compensation for the replacement of your belongings in case of loss, theft, or damage to your baggage
Serenity+ Pack free*
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Stay connected
An eSIM with several GB to stay connected and surf the web, even on the other side of the world
Park4Night+
Premium version of the app offered for 1 year to easily find a spot to park overnight
Free Mobility Pack
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