Road Genius compares campervan rentals across New Zealand so international travelers can choose the right vehicle and supplier for their route and budget. Christchurch is the main South Island entry point, with quick links to Kaikōura (north), the Southern Alps (west) and Queenstown (south). Use the guide below to plan the practical side of your road trip.
Renting a campervan in Christchurch typically costs between NZD $50 to $550 per day inclusive of most fees. The price depends on the vehicle's size, age, and type, as well as the booking length, time of year, drop-off location, and whether it's a one-way rental.
In New Zealand, "campervan" encompasses any motorized camping vehicle, with rental companies in Christchurch offering small 2-person vans up to large 6-berth or 7-berth motorhomes.
Season | Avg High °C/°F | Good time? |
---|---|---|
Summer (Dec–Feb) | 22 °C / 72 °F | Yes – warm, long daylight |
Autumn (Mar–May) | 17 °C / 63 °F | Yes – stable weather, fewer crowds |
Winter (Jun–Aug) | 12 °C / 54 °F | OK – good for skiing; cold nights |
Spring (Sep–Nov) | 16 °C / 61 °F | Yes – blossoms, shoulder-season prices |
Place | Hook-ups | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Christchurch TOP 10 Holiday Park (Papanui) | Full | Pools, playground, close to city bus | Higher price, book 2–3 months ahead in summer |
Amber Kiwi Holiday Park (Riccarton) | Water+Electric | Quiet suburb, supermarket 500 m | Sites tight for RVs >8 m |
Spencer Beach Holiday Park | Water+Electric | Near beach & forest tracks | Sandflies in summer evenings |
Rakaia Gorge Camping Reserve | None | Scenic river setting, donation only | Gravel access, no dump station |
DOC Lake Pearson / Moana Rua (SH73) | None | Lakefront alpine spot, low fee | Can be snow-bound, no phone signal |
New Brighton Beach Freedom Zone | None | Free for self-contained vans max 2 nights | Windy, toilets locked 10 pm–6 am |
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.