Road Genius compares campervan rentals from many New Zealand suppliers so travelers can find the best vehicle for their route, dates and budget. Auckland is the country's main international gateway and a good starting point for trips to Northland, the Coromandel Peninsula, Rotorua and beyond. The mild climate allows year-round travel, but weather and visitor numbers change significantly between summer and winter.
Renting a campervan in Auckland costs between NZD $50 and $550 per day. The rental pric depends on factors like the vehicle's size, age, type, the duration of your rental, the season, drop-off location and if it's a one-way rental.
Camper rental companies in Auckland offer a range of options, including budget-friendly campervans with basic amenities like a fold-out couch or fixed bed and a slide-out kitchen, and luxurious motorhomes with ensuite bathrooms and indoor kitchens, though they come with higher rental and fuel costs.
Season | Avg High (°C | °F) | Good time to visit? |
---|---|---|---|
Summer (Dec – Feb) | 24 | 75 | Yes – warm and beaches at their best |
Autumn (Mar – May) | 21 | 70 | Yes – mild, fewer crowds |
Winter (Jun – Aug) | 15 | 59 | Maybe – cool, more rain |
Spring (Sep – Nov) | 18 | 64 | Yes – pleasant, lower prices |
• 100 km/h (62 mph) is the maximum speed on open roads, while most city streets are 50 km/h (31 mph) unless signs show otherwise.
• The Northern Gateway Toll Road on SH1 uses an electronic system only. Pay online or at a machine within 5 days to avoid a fine.
• Expect heavy traffic on the Southern and Northern Motorways during weekday rush hours, roughly 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:30.
• Many coastal and rural roads are narrow with single-lane bridges. Drive at a speed that lets you stop within half the visible distance.
• Fuel stations often close by 22:00 outside the city. Keep at least half a tank when going to remote areas.
• Police strictly enforce the 0.05% blood-alcohol limit and mobile-phone ban while driving. Random roadside checks are common.
Place | Hook-ups | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Takapuna Beach Holiday Park | Water+Electric | Waterfront location, cafés within walking distance, accepts vehicles up to 8 m | High demand; book 3–6 months ahead in summer |
Ambury Regional Park Campground (Auckland Council) | None | Close to airport, farm walks, inexpensive | No power; maximum stay 7 nights |
Auckland North Shore Holiday Park | Full | Pool, dump station, large powered sites | 30 minutes from city center in traffic |
Wenderholm Regional Park Campground | None | Ocean and river views, kayak rental nearby | Limited sites; no hook-ups |
Freedom Camping Zones (self-contained only) | – | Free, many coastal locations | Must have NZS5465 self-contained sticker; strict fines if rules are broken |
• Z Energy Truck Stop, Wiri Station Rd: 24/7 diesel, high roof clearance, drinking water tap.
• BP Connect Silverdale: petrol, diesel, LPG cylinder swap, coin-operated fresh-water hose and dump point.
• Auckland Council public dump stations at Albany and Massey provide free gray/black-water disposal.
• Freedom camping is legal only for RVs with the blue "Certified Self-Contained" sticker. Fines are NZ $200.
• Overnight street parking is banned in the city center between 22:00 and 06:00. Use paid parking buildings instead.
• Heavy rain can flood low roads around Kaiaua and Helensville. Check MetService weather alerts before driving.
• The sun is strong even on cloudy days. Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen every two hours.
• Emergency number is 111 for police, fire and ambulance.
• Carry $1 and $2 coins for council showers and laundry machines at some campgrounds.
In New Zealand, most campervan rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle from their fleet.
A few companies allow drivers aged 18 to 21 however options are usually limited to certain models and may involve extra insurance costs.
To find suitable vehicles, enter the driver's age in our search tool, and we'll show you what's available.
To rent a campervan, every driver needs a valid, full driver's license. If you have a foreign license, it must be in English or have an official English translation. If not, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Many rental companies offer one-way trips between the North and South Islands, with popular starting and ending points in Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Wellington.
Keep in mind that traveling one-way involves a ferry fee between the islands. Our support team is available to help you arrange your one-way rental.
Many campervan rental companies in New Zealand welcome pets, like dogs and cats, to join your adventure. You'll need to get approval ahead of time, and there might be a fee for additional cleaning.