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Road Genius compares RV rentals across New Zealand brands and shows you vehicle features and insurance options in one place. Queenstown on the South Island is a major pickup hub alongside Christchurch and Auckland. From here you can reach alpine passes, Fiordland National Park and Central Otago wine country. Weather changes quickly, so check the seasonal information below.
Renting a campervan in Queenstown costs between NZD $100 to $650 daily, with prices varying based on vehicle type, rental duration, season and drop-off point.
Campervans in New Zealand range from budget-friendly converted vans with basic amenities to larger motorhomes offering luxurious features like kitchens and indoor bathrooms.
| Season | Average High Temperature | Good time to visit? |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | 22°C / 72°F | Yes — warm weather, long daylight hours (about 15 hours) |
| Autumn (Mar–May) | 17°C / 63°F | Yes — mild weather, fewer crowds |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | 8°C / 46°F | Only if you ski; roads can be icy |
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | 15°C / 59°F | Good but weather can change quickly |
The rural speed limit is 100 km/h (62 mph), but winding lake roads often have lower speed limits.
Overnight street parking is not allowed inside Queenstown town center between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM.
Carry snow chains from June to September; police check vehicles on the Crown Range Road (State Highway 89) after snowfall.
There are no toll roads in Otago, and there are no low-emission zones.
The NZTA traffic map and MetService app provide live road and weather updates.
Gasoline, diesel and LPG are widely available in Frankton; fuel stations in remote areas may close before 6:00 PM in winter.
| Place | Facilities | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park | Full hook-ups | Walking distance to town center, accepts large vehicles up to 12 meters | Expensive, book 6 months ahead |
| Driftaway Queenstown (Frankton) | Full hook-ups | Lake views, modern facilities | Traffic noise from main road |
| 12 Mile Delta DOC Campground | No hook-ups | Low cost, lakefront location, short drive to town | Gravel access road, basic toilets |
| Moke Lake DOC Campsite | No hook-ups | Scenic hiking trails, water activities | Narrow access road, vehicle limit about 7 meters |
| Freedom-camping parking areas (Kawarau Falls, Gorge Road) | No hook-ups | Free for certified self-contained vehicles | Limited spaces, 2-night maximum stay, regular patrols |
BP 2go Frankton (Kawarau Road) offers gasoline, diesel, LPG, drinking water and parking spaces for large vehicles.
Queenstown Lakes District dump station, Glenda Drive, provides free gray water and black water disposal plus fresh water.
Cold weather fronts can drop temperatures by 10°C (18°F) within one hour; keep warm clothing ready.
Sandflies are active near water areas, especially at dawn and dusk; use insect repellent and keep vehicle screens closed.
Freedom camping requires a self-containment certificate; fines start at NZD 200 for vehicles without proper certification.
Call 111 for police, fire or ambulance emergency services; mobile phone coverage is weak beyond Glenorchy and on Skippers Road.
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.
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