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Plan your camper trip from Wellington – find your ideal camper in minutes

Road Genius compares campervan and motorhome rentals across New Zealand so you can choose the right vehicle and price. Wellington is the capital on the southern tip of the North Island and a common start or end point for one-way trips that also cover Auckland, Taupō or the South Island via the Cook Strait ferry. The region has a mild climate, but wind and narrow hill roads make advance planning important for any RV journey.

Campervan Rental Cost

How much does it cost to rent a campervan in Wellington?

Renting a campervan in Wellington costs between NZD $75 to $465 daily. Prices are influenced by the vehicle's size, age, and type, the duration of the rental, the season, and whether it's a one-way rental.

Companies offer budget-friendly campers with basic amenities as well as luxury motorhomes, with features like ensuites and full kitchens but at a higher price.

Campervan Pickup Locations

Map of campervan rental depots near 551214

Best Months for a Campervan Trip in Wellington

Season Avg High °C / °F Good time?
Summer (Dec–Feb) 21 / 70 Yes
Autumn (Mar–May) 17 / 63 Yes
Winter (Jun–Aug) 12 / 54 Cool, wetter
Spring (Sep–Nov) 16 / 61 Shoulder season

Driving Notes

  • The rural speed limit is 100 km/h (62 mph) unless a sign shows a lower speed. Most urban roads are 50 km/h (31 mph).
  • State Highway 2 over the Remutaka Hill has steep grades up to 10% and tight bends. Allow extra time and use low gear when going downhill.
  • Coastal routes and the Wellington urban motorway often have wind gusts over 90 km/h (55 mph). Keep both hands on the steering wheel.
  • Most rental campervans use diesel fuel. Diesel costs less than gasoline, but rentals include Road User Charges (RUC) instead of fuel tax. Renters do not need to pay these charges separately.
  • Freedom camping (free overnight parking) is legal only in marked areas in Wellington city. Fines can reach NZD 200 if you park overnight in other places.
  • There are no toll roads in the Wellington region. You do not need an electronic tag or online payment account.

Campsites and Overnight Options

Place Hook-ups Pros Cons
Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park, Lower Hutt Full Large powered sites, dump station, bus to city center 15 km from city, exposed to wind
Wellington Waterfront Motorhome Park (CentrePort) Water+Electric Walking distance to city center and ferry, CCTV security, toilets Maximum vehicle length 7.5 m, small park that fills quickly
Evans Bay Marina Carpark (freedom camping) None Free, harbor view, city bus nearby 2-night limit, no waste dump, fills early
Catchpool Valley Campground, Remutaka Forest Park None Forest setting, low fee, hiking tracks 18 km gravel road, no mobile phone coverage
Kaitoke Regional Park Campground None Wide grass area, river swimming, no booking needed Can flood after heavy rain, bring drinking water

Resupplying Options

  • High-roof fuel stations (suitable for tall vehicles) and LPG gas at BP Petone and Z Seaview. Both are near State Highway 2 on the way into the city.
  • Free dump station with drinking water at Seaview Marina (Lower Hutt) and another in Porirua near Aotea Lagoon.
  • Large supermarkets with open parking lots: Pak'nSave Petone and Countdown Porirua. Both accept vehicles over 3.2 m height.

Local Tips

  • Summer sun is intense. Use sunscreen even on cloudy days and keep 2 liters of water per person in the van.
  • Winds are strongest from September to February. Park with the front of your vehicle facing into the wind when possible.
  • Night temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F) in winter. Most onboard heaters need to be plugged into electricity at powered campsites.
  • Open fires are banned during the fire season from November to April. Only use gas stoves or enclosed cooking equipment.
  • Quiet hours at DOC (Department of Conservation) and regional park campsites are 22:00–07:00 (10 PM to 7 AM). Generators are not allowed during these hours.
  • Dial 111 for any emergency. Download the free NZ Civil Defence mobile app for earthquake and storm alerts.

FAQs

Are there any age restrictions when renting a campervan in New Zealand?

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.

What sort of license is required to rent a campervan in New Zealand?

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).

Is it possible to rent a campervan one-way in New Zealand?

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.

Are pet-friendly campervan rentals available?

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.