Hiring a campervan in Queenstown means setting off from the heart of the South Island, between Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Fiordland, Wanaka, Mount Cook and the West Coast are all within driving distance. With 12 partner companies and 5 depots, Queenstown is one of our best-served departure points in New Zealand: Apollo, Britz, Maui, Jucy, Mighty Campers, Star RV Rentals and many more.
Most depots are grouped in Frankton, near the airport, so you can collect your vehicle a few minutes after landing and head straight for the great landscapes.
11 rental partners
Where to pick up your vehicle in Queenstown?
Britz Rental company category:Standard
Public rating of the rental company: 3.2/5 (16 reviews)
- Trustpilot 3.1/5 10 reviews
- Trustpilot 3.3/5 6 reviews
Public ratings collected on October 28, 2026 from independent review sites.
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Britz Campervan Hire Airport50 Lucas Place, 9300 FranktonView map
Campervan Village Rental company category:Economy
Public rating of the rental company: 2.9/5 (139 reviews)
- Trustpilot 2.9/5 139 reviews
Public ratings collected on October 28, 2026 from independent review sites.
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Airport234 Glenda Drive, 9371 Frankton - QueenstownView map
Cheapa Campa Rental company category:Low cost
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Airport50 Lucas Place, 9300 FranktonView map
Chill'd by JUCY Rental company category:Economy
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Jucy Rentals Airport52 Grant Road, FranktonView map
Hippie Camper Rental company category:Low cost
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Airport50 Lucas Place, 9300 FranktonView map
Jucy Rentals Rental company category:Economy
Public rating of the rental company: 3.5/5 (1,223 reviews)
- Trustpilot 3.5/5 1,223 reviews
Public ratings collected on October 28, 2026 from independent review sites.
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Airport52 Grant Road, FranktonView map
Maui Rental company category:Premium
Public rating of the rental company: 4.0/5 (499 reviews)
- Trustpilot 4.0/5 499 reviews
Public ratings collected on October 28, 2026 from independent review sites.
Mighty Campers Rental company category:Low cost
Public rating of the rental company: 4.0/5 (334 reviews)
- Trustpilot 4.0/5 334 reviews
Public ratings collected on October 28, 2026 from independent review sites.
MightyLITE Rental company category:Low cost
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MightyLITE Campervans New Zealand Airport9 Purple Ash Avenue, 9300 Frankton, QueenstownView map
Star RV Rentals Rental company category:Premium
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Airport52 Grant Road, FranktonView map
Observed prices
Rental prices observed in Queenstown
| Vehicle | Winter July | Spring October | Summer January | Autumn April |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campervan | from €70/day median €100/day | from €78/day median €98/day | from €129/day median €167/day | from €78/day median €100/day |
| Large motorhome | from €148/day median €148/day | from €230/day median €230/day | from €258/day median €272/day | from €151/day median €151/day |
Daily prices observed on October 21, 2026 for a 15-day rental: CoolDrive selling price, mandatory fees included, 4 rental companies compared. 100% of offers with unlimited mileage. Median excess: €3,801.
Road trip ideas
Road trips from Queenstown
1 Fiordland and Milford Sound
- Queenstown
- Te Anau
- Milford Sound
- Te Anau
- Manapouri
- Queenstown
Along the shore of Lake Wakatipu and then via Te Anau, the Milford Road crosses the mountains of Fiordland to the fjord of Milford Sound, best discovered on a cruise. On the way back, Manapouri gives access to Doubtful Sound, which is even wilder. The Milford road has no petrol station and often no mobile coverage: fill up in Te Anau and set off early in the morning.
- Distance
- about 600 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Camper van or campervan
2 Wanaka, turquoise lakes and Mount Cook
- Queenstown
- Wanaka
- Lindis Pass
- Lake Pukaki
- Aoraki/Mount Cook
- Lake Tekapo
- Christchurch
The Crown Range leads to Wanaka and its lake, before the Lindis Pass and the turquoise lakes of Pukaki and Tekapo. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park offers the finest easy walks on the island, at the foot of the country's highest peak. The route can end in Christchurch for a one-way trip.
- Distance
- about 500 km
- Recommended vehicle
- All types of motorhomes
3 The West Coast and its glaciers
- Queenstown
- Wanaka
- Haast Pass
- Fox Glacier
- Franz Josef
- Hokitika
- Arthur's Pass
- Christchurch
After Wanaka, the Haast Pass drops down to the West Coast, its rainforests and the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. You then head up the coast to Hokitika before crossing the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass to Christchurch. A New Zealand classic, with short stages but slow roads.
- Distance
- about 800 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Motorhome or campervan
Weather and seasons
When to go in Queenstown?
Best time
March and April
March to April
highs 15 to 19 °C, lows 8 to 11 °C
The southern autumn is the best season to set off from Queenstown: golden colours around Arrowtown and Wanaka, quieter roads and campsites, and days that are still fine. Nights are getting cooler: a heated vehicle is a real plus.
High season
December to February
December to February
highs 19 to 21 °C, lows 10 to 12 °C
The southern summer: long days, lakes warm enough for a swim and peak season. Campsites in Fiordland and at Mount Cook are in high demand, as are campervans: book your vehicle and your pitches several months in advance.
October and November
October to November
highs 14 to 17 °C, lows 5 to 8 °C
The New Zealand spring is in bloom and changeable, with lupins colouring the lakeshores towards the end of the year. Snow is still possible on the passes: check road conditions before each mountain stage.
Winter
May to September
May to September
highs 7 to 12 °C, lows 2 to 5 °C
Winter turns Queenstown into a ski resort. Mountain roads, starting with the Crown Range and the Milford Road, sometimes require snow chains and may close. A well-heated motorhome and cautious stages let you enjoy snowy, uncrowded landscapes.
Climate in Queenstown, month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21 °C | 12 °C | 109 mm | 11 h/day |
| Feb | 21 °C | 12 °C | 114 mm | 11 h/day |
| Mar | 19 °C | 11 °C | 98 mm | 9 h/day |
| Apr | 15 °C | 8 °C | 108 mm | 8 h/day |
| May | 12 °C | 5 °C | 129 mm | 6 h/day |
| Jun | 8 °C | 3 °C | 95 mm | 5 h/day |
| Jul | 7 °C | 2 °C | 124 mm | 5 h/day |
| Aug | 8 °C | 2 °C | 93 mm | 7 h/day |
| Sep | 11 °C | 3 °C | 200 mm | 8 h/day |
| Oct | 14 °C | 5 °C | 159 mm | 9 h/day |
| Nov | 17 °C | 8 °C | 121 mm | 11 h/day |
| Dec | 19 °C | 10 °C | 139 mm | 12 h/day |
Averages 2016–2025 computed from Open-Meteo data (ERA5 reanalysis).
Practical tips
Everything to know before hitting the road
Pick-up in Frankton
Most depots are in Frankton, around Lucas Place, Purple Ash Avenue and Grant Road, a few minutes from Queenstown Airport. Indie Campers is in Queenstown itself, on Bowen Street. Check your company's exact address in the confirmation.
Freedom camping for self-contained vehicles only
In New Zealand, freedom camping is only allowed for certified self-contained vehicles, at sites where it is permitted. Otherwise, book a holiday park or a campsite run by the DOC, the Department of Conservation that manages the national parks. Fines are common around Queenstown.
Driving on the left in the mountains
Traffic keeps to the left, often on narrow, winding roads with single-lane bridges. Take time to get used to the vehicle before tackling the passes, let faster cars overtake and watch out for morning frost in winter.
Fill up in Te Anau
Between Te Anau and Milford Sound there is no petrol station and no supermarket, and there is no mobile coverage on much of the road. Stock up on fuel, water and groceries in Te Anau before setting off.
What travellers ask
Your questions about a road trip in Queenstown
Where can I pick up a campervan in Queenstown?
Twelve partner companies welcome you at fifteen depots, most of them in Frankton, near the airport: Apollo, Britz, Maui and Mighty Campers on Lucas Place or Purple Ash Avenue, Jucy and Star RV Rentals on Grant Road, Campervan Village on Glenda Drive. Indie Campers is in Queenstown.
Can I do a one-way trip between Queenstown and Christchurch?
Yes, it is one of the most common one-way trips on the South Island, and many rental companies have a depot in both cities. A one-way fee may apply: it is included in the displayed price as soon as you enter Christchurch as your return city.
Which vehicle should I choose for the South Island?
A certified self-contained camper van or campervan offers the most freedom, especially for freedom camping where it is allowed. For families or a long trip, a motorhome with a shower and toilet brings real comfort, particularly outside summer.
How many days should I plan from Queenstown?
Allow four to five days for Fiordland and Milford Sound, a week to add Wanaka and Mount Cook, and ten to fourteen days for a big loop via the West Coast. Roads are slow: plan shorter stages than you would in Europe.
Verified customer reviews
They rented in Queenstown with CoolDrive Nomad
4.3
818 reviews
Excellent phone reception. Market price.
(anonymous)
New Zealand · Jan 2020
Avis Vérifiés
Quick and efficient response
Bruno S.
New Zealand · Oct 2025
Avis Vérifiés
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 free camping spots, often stressing about getting caught. But we faced zero fines in 2 months. Finally, the fridge never worked in the car, but we had just experienced that for a month and a half in Australia as well, so we were used to living without a fridge.
Lisa A.
New Zealand · Apr 2025
Avis Vérifiés
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — Campervan and motorhome hire in Queenstown
Is my driving licence valid in New Zealand?
A valid foreign licence is accepted for a limited period, provided it is in English or accompanied by an official translation or an international driving permit. Rental companies also set a minimum age and a minimum number of years holding a licence, shown in the offer conditions.
What does “self-contained” mean for a campervan?
A certified self-contained vehicle has fresh and grey water tanks and a fixed toilet, and carries an official certification. Only these vehicles may freedom camp at authorised sites. This information appears on each vehicle's page before you book.
What do travellers who left from Queenstown say?
Customers who started their trip in Queenstown gave us a rating of 5 out of 5, praising in particular the quality of our telephone service. Our experts help you choose the right rental company and vehicle for your itinerary, before and during your trip.
Do I need snow chains in winter?
In winter, the Crown Range, the Milford road and the South Island passes may require snow chains, and rental companies often offer them as an option. Check the road conditions published by the New Zealand Transport Agency every morning before heading into the mountains.
How do I get to the depot from Queenstown Airport?
The airport is in Frankton, a few minutes from the depots on Lucas Place, Purple Ash Avenue and Grant Road. Some rental companies offer a shuttle; otherwise a taxi will do. Allow time for the vehicle handover, which often takes a while in peak season.
When should I book a campervan for the southern summer?
For December, January and February, book several months ahead: Queenstown is one of the most popular departure points in the country and campervans go fast. In the southern autumn and spring, the choice remains wider and travel conditions are very pleasant.
About us
Why start a motorhome trip from Queenstown
Queenstown is the best starting point for exploring the south of the South Island by motorhome. The fjords of Fiordland, the lakes of Wanaka, Pukaki and Tekapo, Mount Cook and the glaciers of the West Coast are all within a few stages, in some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world.
With twelve partner companies and fifteen depots, almost all in Frankton near the airport, the choice is very wide: compact van, self-contained campervan or family motorhome. Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, other departure cities of our partners, make it possible to plan a one-way trip or a full crossing of the country. The only musts: book early for the southern summer and respect the strict freedom camping rules, which protect these exceptional landscapes.
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