Campervans & Motorhomes Hire New Zealand

Whether you’re a first time traveller or a fully-fledged grey-nomad there are no limits here. Across roads around New Zealand and Australia, you’ll meet people of all ages loving life as they bounce from place to place living life on the road. Campervans are suitable for those with a thirst for adventure looking to see all the hidden gems along the way. Not sure which Campervan is the best option for you? Let our travel experts help you to find the perfect campervan for you!

It’s common knowledge that New Zealand and Australia can be pretty expensive places to travel. Depending on your spending habits you can make travelling in a campervan as cheap or as expensive as you like.

We find that a campervan is considerably cheaper if you are travelling in a group of two or more compared to booking public transport and paying for accommodation as you go.

In most campervans you combine all your sleeping, travelling and cooking needs into one. This helps cut costs as the overall cost is rolled into one. You will be able to save money especially if you book your travel in peak season far in advance.

If travelling solo you can definitely rent a campervan. You will be able to connect to fellow travellers by staying on campsides and holiday parks along the way.

You will find that both in New Zealand and Australia there are restriction on where you can camp and stay for the night. There is a very useful app called ‘Campermate’ that has all this information available in one spot. If you would like some guidance feel free to ask our team for roadtrip itinerary recommendations.

We recommend that you check out a mix of campsites whilst on your travels. Check out the application campermate to research the different types of campsites and amenities they offer. There are amazing options for every budget. We also recommedn to always be aware of the distance to the next petrol station from your intended campsite so you can make sure you have enough fuel for the journey.

Depending on what style of camper you choose i.e. 2-seater camper car, hi-top or motorhome you’ll see that size matters. The smaller the vehicle, the easier they are to drive. If you’re looking for something that drives like a car then we recommend a 2-seater camper car or a mid-sized hi-top. These come in both manual and automatic transmission and drive just like a normal car.

It is hard to make an exact prediction of how much fuel you will need by just putting in your start and end location into Google Maps. If you would like a good estimation, message our team and we can work it out while also taking all the destinations you want to see into account.

We always recommend pre-booking as many dates as you think you’ll need to reach your destination as extending is always subject to supplier availability. If on your trip though you decide that you’re loving van-life and want to extend then just contact us, we’ll contact the supplier for you and ask if you can extend. Booking with Happy Travels makes life easy. Like, super easy.

If your travel is cancelled due to government implemented travel restrictions then please contact us immediately. We will contact the supplier and cancel your travel. You may request a refund which is subject to supplier terms and conditions. Each supplier’s terms and conditions may vary so it’s important to read these carefully before booking.

Happy Travels does not charge a booking fee and our service is free for our customers. Once you have completed your purchase, we get paid by the supplier. Our prices are never above the RRP set by our suppliers, making it always the same price or cheaper to book with Happy Travels.

The right campervan size depends on your travel style, group size, and comfort level. Couples often choose 2-berth vans for flexibility and lower fuel costs, while groups of 3–6 prefer larger motorhomes with more space, storage, and onboard bathrooms. If you’re planning longer trips or travelling in winter, a larger self-contained campervan is usually the most comfortable option.

A self-contained campervan is certified to carry fresh water, wastewater, and a toilet, allowing you to freedom camp in designated areas across New Zealand. These vehicles meet government regulations and are ideal if you want flexibility and access to more remote camping spots. Non-self-contained vehicles have more restrictions on where you can stay overnight.

Yes, but only in designated areas and usually only with a certified self-contained campervan. Each region has its own rules, and fines apply if you camp in restricted areas. Popular freedom camping spots are clearly signposted, and apps or local advice can help you find legal places to stay.

During peak season (December to February), it is highly recommended to book campsites in advance, especially in popular areas like Queenstown, Wanaka, and Milford Sound. In the shoulder and off-season, you can often travel more flexibly and book as you go.

For longer trips, campervan travel is often cheaper as it combines transport and accommodation into one cost. It also offers more flexibility and access to remote locations. For shorter stays or city-focused trips, a car and hotels may be more suitable.

Some campervans, especially larger motorhomes, come with onboard bathrooms including toilets and showers. Smaller vans typically use shared facilities at campsites. If convenience and privacy are important, we recommend choosing a fully self-contained vehicle.

Many campervans include heating systems, but not all. If you’re travelling during winter in New Zealand, it’s important to choose a vehicle with proper heating and insulation for comfort, especially in colder regions like the South Island.

Most campervans can be driven with a standard car licence. If your licence is not in English, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation. Larger motorhomes may have additional requirements, but this is uncommon. Here is the official list of approved translators: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/new-residents-and-visitors/approved-translators

Yes, you can take your campervan the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry between Wellington and Picton. We recommend to book ferry crossings in advance, especially during peak travel periods. Our team can do this for you and hook you up with some discounts on the ferry.

Yes, many campervan rentals allow one-way trips between cities such as Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown. A one-way fee may apply depending on the route and season.

Rental companies provide 24/7 roadside assistance. If you experience any issues, support teams will help resolve the problem quickly, whether it’s repairs, replacement vehicles, or accommodation if needed.

Yes, you can add additional drivers . Some companies include this for free, while others may charge a small daily fee. All drivers must meet licence requirements.

Yes, campervan travel is great for families. Many vehicles come equipped with child seat anchor points, and larger motorhomes provide plenty of space for comfortable travel with kids.

Some campervan companies allow pets, but policies vary. If you’re travelling with a pet, it’s important to check availability and any additional cleaning fees in advance.

Summer (December to February) offers the best weather but highest prices and demand. Spring and autumn are great for fewer crowds and lower costs, while winter is ideal for snow trips and quieter travel experiences.

For peak season, it’s best to book 2–6 months in advance to secure the best vehicle and price and availability.

No, you must stay in designated campsites or approved freedom camping areas. Parking overnight in restricted areas can result in fines. Always follow local signage and regulations

Yes, most campervans come fully equipped with basic kitchen gear including a stove, fridge, cookware, and utensils. This makes it easy to cook your own meals and save money while travelling.