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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...
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Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, is a true haven between sea and mountains. With its stunning landscapes, golden beaches like those of Piha, and vibrant urban culture, this metropolis offers a multitude of unforgettable experiences. To explore this unique destination at your own pace, renting a converted van in Auckland proves to be an ideal option. Whether you want to discover the vineyards of Waiheke Island or venture into the beautiful surrounding national parks, a van will allow you to fully experience every moment of your stay.
Itineraries and road trips from Auckland
Discover New Zealand by campervan starting from Auckland, the country's dynamic metropolis. Three iconic itineraries await you, from a short stay exploring nearby coastal treasures to a grand tour of both islands. Each route combines spectacular landscapes, unforgettable activities, and the freedom of movement characteristic of campervan travel.
Coastal getaway: 7 to 10 days
From Auckland, head out to explore the Coromandel Peninsula, a must-visit destination less than 2.5 hours away by road. Discover Cathedral Cove, its majestic rock formations, and Hot Water Beach where hot springs pierce the sand. Continue to Rotorua for geysers and geothermal springs, then return to Auckland. This compact itinerary allows you to taste New Zealand's diversity without excessive fatigue, ideal for a first campervan trip or a short stay.
Crossing the two islands: 14 days
Leave Auckland for Coromandel, then Rotorua and its geothermal wonders before taking the ferry to Wellington. Cross to the South Island discovering Abel Tasman and its turquoise forests, then Kaikoura renowned for whale watching. This balanced circuit allows you to experience the essence of New Zealand in two weeks. Returning to Auckland at the end of the journey facilitates flight connections and offers a final glimpse of this vibrant city at the heart of the trip.
Complete grand tour: 21 days
The ultimate itinerary starts in Auckland with two days of urban discovery and jet lag recovery. Then explore Coromandel, Rotorua, Wellington, before crossing by ferry to Picton. Travel through Abel Tasman, Kaikoura, Mount Cook with its emerald lakes, Milford Sound and its spectacular fjords, before returning to Christchurch. This grand three-week tour allows for complete immersion, combining cities, wilderness, and varied activities, with Auckland as a natural starting and ending point.
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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When to travel by van or campervan from Auckland
New Zealand offers a mild and contrasting climate around Auckland that strongly influences the ideal time to hit the road in a campervan from Queen Street to the beaches of Mission Bay or the volcanoes of Rangitoto Island.
From the waterfront of Viaduct Harbour in Auckland, the combination of weather, tourist seasons, and price variations allows for a very different van road trip depending on whether you head towards Piha, Takapuna, or Cornwall Park.
When to depart from Auckland in a campervan
From Auckland Airport, where most campervan rental depots are concentrated near Mangere and Onehunga, the high season generally runs from December to February, when residents of Ponsonby and Parnell also go on holiday to the Bay of Islands or Rotorua, which increases demand and thus the rates for vans.
Leaving from Auckland CBD in spring or autumn, for example, to follow the Hauraki Gulf from Devonport to Orewa Beach, you can enjoy still pleasant days, less crowded roads to Shakespeare Regional Park, and softer prices for campsites near Takapuna Beach Holiday Park.
Weather in Auckland and road comfort
Auckland enjoys a temperate and slightly subtropical climate, with summers around 23 °C felt on the Wynyard Quarter docks and cooler winters close to 14 °C in the neighborhoods of Mount Eden or Grey Lynn, which remains comfortable for driving a campervan on the highways leading to Hamilton or Whangārei.
The annual rainfall in Auckland, which exceeds 1,000 mm between the Waitākere Ranges hills near Titirangi and the waterfront of Saint Heliers, does require planning for a few rainy days on a van itinerary to Piha or Muriwai, especially in winter and early spring.
Seasonality of rates around Auckland
In summer, campervans leave Auckland en masse towards Coromandel or the Northland peninsula, which drives up rental prices at agencies located near Queen Street, Newmarket, and Auckland International Airport, as well as in popular campsites like Takapuna Beach Holiday Park.
Outside of New Zealand school holidays, particularly in May or October, it is often more economical to pick up a van around Auckland Airport and then radiate towards Hunua Ranges or the Matakana region, as promotions are frequent on vehicles parked at the Mangere depots and competition is strong among downtown rental companies near Aotea Square.
Choosing your season based on your itinerary from Auckland
For a trip focused on the beach and swimming at Mission Bay, Kohimarama, or Waiheke Island accessible from the Britomart ferry terminal, the period from December to March offers the warmest waters and long evenings ideal for campervanning, but requires early booking of your spots around Auckland.
For a road trip more oriented towards hiking to the volcanoes of Mount Eden, One Tree Hill, and the regional parks around Kumeu or Waitākere starting from downtown Auckland, the months of March-April and October-November combine moderate temperatures, still generous light, and more attractive rates for vans and campsites in the region.
Types of vehicles to 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!
Practical guide to campervan travel from Auckland
New Zealand is renowned for being the country of freedom camping, offering exceptional travel freedom to campervan travelers. From Auckland, the main departure city for road trips, you can explore the North Island and reach the South Island by ferry, provided you adhere to strict regulations and specific driving rules.
Driving and road regulations
In New Zealand, driving is on the left side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right. From Auckland, you should know that the speed limit is 100 km/h on main roads, but for campervans, the maximum speed is reduced to 90 km/h. Secondary roads around Auckland are often unsealed and require reduced speed. You will need to have a valid international driving permit and be at least 21 years old to rent a campervan. Before leaving Auckland, check with your rental company if certain gravel roads are permitted under your rental agreement.
Self-contained certification and camping zones
To camp freely in New Zealand, your vehicle must be self-contained certified, meaning it is self-sufficient in water, toilets, and waste management. This certification allows you to access free wild camping areas. Without this certification, you must camp at sites equipped with toilets and water points. Signage clearly indicates authorized or prohibited camping zones. If you park in a prohibited camping area, you risk a fine of NZ$400 (over 200 euros), and checks are regular, especially around Auckland and in tourist areas.
Renting and departing from Auckland
Auckland and Christchurch are the two main cities for campervan rentals in New Zealand. From Auckland, rental rates are generally more favorable than in the opposite direction, and the route to Christchurch is the most popular, allowing you to cross from the North Island to the South Island. Book your campervan in advance, as prices increase as the rental date approaches. You will need a valid driving license for at least a year and a credit card in the name of the main driver. If you drop off the vehicle in a different city from where you rented it, expect an additional fee called one way fee.
