The best way to explore New Zealand is to hire a Campervan or a motorhome. You can travel completely independently and spend most of your time outdoors, experiencing places off the beaten track. If you want to start your trip on the South Island, here are some tips for campervan hire in Christchurch.
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Where to rent a campervan from Christchurch?
Christchurch is the main rental hub of the South Island, and every major operator has a depot here: Britz, Apollo, Maui, Mighty, Cheapa Campa, Jucy, Star RV (now owned by Jucy), Lucky Rentals, Euro Campers, Heron Campers, Freedom Campers and Wendekreisen.
Worth knowing: thl (Tourism Holdings) owns Maui, Britz, Mighty, Apollo and Cheapa Campa, running a tiered fleet where Maui takes the newest vehicles and Mighty and Cheapa the oldest. The same floor plan often turns up at two or three price points depending only on vehicle age.
Depots sit mostly around the airport rather than in the city centre. Most run a free shuttle from the terminal, but confirm this when you book rather than on arrival.
Why renting a Campervan in Christchurch?
Christchurch sits at the heart of Te Wai Pounamu (New Zealand’s South Island), making it the perfect launchpad for iconic loops—be it the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass, the alpine lakes of the Mackenzie Country or the rugged coasts of the Catlins. Picking up your home-on-wheels here means fewer one-way fees, easy access to Glentunnel kiwi farms (for free camping), and a quick hop to Kaikōura’s whale-watching launches.
License & Age Requirements
You need a full, current driver’s licence, provisional and learner licences are not accepted. If your licence is in English, you can drive on it for up to 12 months and no international permit is required. If it is not in English, you need either an International Driving Permit or an official translation approved by the NZ Transport Agency, carried alongside the original.
Most companies set the minimum age at 21, with some premium brands raising it to 25. The lead driver must present a credit card in their own name for the security bond, debit cards are usually refused.
Types of Campervans & Daily Rates (NZD)
| Category | Sleeps | Bathroom | Off-peak (Apr–Sep) | Peak (Oct–Mar) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy campervan Jucy Chaser, Spaceships |
2 | No | NZ$65–100 | NZ$110–170 |
| Standard hi-top Britz HiTop, Mighty Highball |
2–3 | Porta-potti | NZ$90–140 | NZ$150–220 |
| 2-berth motorhome Britz Venturer, Maui Ultima |
2 | Yes | NZ$110–170 | NZ$200–300 |
| Family motorhome Mighty Double Down, Maui Beach |
4 | Yes | NZ$130–200 | NZ$230–350 |
| Large motorhome Maui River, Mighty Big Six |
6 | Yes | NZ$170–260 | NZ$300–450 |
Indicative daily rates for a Christchurch pick-up. Model line-ups shift each season — Britz NZ is withdrawing its Discovery and 6-berth Frontier, for instance. Always run a live search.
Read also : Motorhome models in New Zealand & Australia
What budget should you plan for a Road Trip in New Zealand?
Criteria to take into account
- Vehicle model (size / options / number of seats)
- Range level (recent or not)
- Rental season
- Rental period
- Advance booking deadline.
Tip: Booking 3–4 months in advance can save up to 20 % on peak rates; look for “early bird” offers on each provider’s website.
Insurance & Extras
Basic rental includes Third Party Liability and Basic Collision Damage Waiver, but your excess can run NZD 3 000–5 000. Upgrade to Comprehensive Cover to reduce excess to NZD 500 or less. Also consider adding:
- Windscreen & tyre cover (NZD 10/day)
- One-way drop fees waiver (if you plan a point-to-point journey)
- Camping gear pack (A$ 15–20/day for bedding, chairs, tables)
Always read the PDS (Product Disclosure Statement) for blackout dates and refund policies.
Some credit cards include vehicle hire insurance in their charges. So check before you hire your motorhome/ campervan.
You can also opt for private insurance, which will cost you less and provide better cover. However, you will still have to pay a deposit to the hire company.
Fuel & Road-Trip Costs
Fuel has become a real budget line in New Zealand. Following the global supply disruption of early 2026, 91 octane has been running at roughly NZ$3.00 to 3.50 per litre, with diesel higher still, and prices remain volatile, check a live source such as the Gaspy app or MBIE’s weekly monitoring before you budget.
A campervan uses 12–15 L/100 km and a large motorhome 15–18 L/100 km. A realistic South Island itinerary covers 800 to 1,200 km per week, not a few hundred which puts fuel at roughly NZ$300–550 a week for a mid-size vehicle. Expect a premium of 10–20% at isolated West Coast and Fiordland stations, and fill up before Arthur’s Pass, the Haast Pass and the Milford road.
One cost that catches people out: diesel vehicles pay road user charges by distance rather than fuel excise at the pump, around NZ$8 per 100 km. Check whether your rental includes RUC or bills it on return.
Campsites and freedom camping
- DOC campsites (Department of Conservation) run from a few dollars for basic sites up to around NZ$25 for serviced ones. An annual DOC Campsite Pass covers Basic, Standard and Scenic sites — check the current price on doc.govt.nz before buying.
- Holiday parks start around NZ$30 a night for an unpowered site and NZ$50–60 powered.
- Freedom camping is free but only in permitted areas, and in most of them only for certified self-contained vehicles.
The self-containment rules changed on 7 June 2026. The old blue warrant is now void, whatever expiry date is printed on it. Only the green warrant card is accepted for freedom camping, and it requires a permanently fixed toilet, a porta-potti no longer qualifies. Stickers on the windscreen carry no legal weight; what counts is the card inside the vehicle, backed by the national register you can check by number plate. Fines start at NZ$400. Ask your supplier to confirm in writing that your specific vehicle holds a current green warrant.
Use CamperMate or WikiCamps NZ to find sites and check which ones require self-containment.
How to Book a Motorhome?
We advise you to use a booking comparator to get an overview. This will allow you to know the different models of vehicles available as well as the different rental companies. Once you know your travel dates and arrival city, use the Motorhome Republic comparator to get the best available rates.
Also consult the reviews on the Internet. These can sometimes direct your choice towards one agency rather than another.
Visiting Christchurch and surrounding areas
Christchurch itself
After the devastating earthquakes, this city has come back to life with a new energy, creativity and unique farm meets city vibe. You will notice the city walls are stricken with urban artwork and beautiful sculptures decorate the streets. The restaurants and cafés are found to offer fresh food, sourcing local produce. The perfect place to satisfy all foodies!
As in all major cities, it is best to walk through the city centre due the parking expense and traffic. Try not to drive in the district around the cathedral, as there are always construction sites and the streets are pretty narrow!
If you do wish to park within the city however, there are several parking spaces available that provide ample space for motorhomes but it’s best to walk or use public transport. If you use the Cathedral as your centre point of navigation, you will find the main sights are located close by. There is the Canterbury Museum, the Transition Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens and the 7-day Riverside Farmer’s Market.
What to visit near Christchurch
LESS THAN 30 MIN. FROM CHRISTCHURCH
Christchurch Gondola: A cable car that takes you from the city centre to the mountains and offers a magnificent view of the Banks Peninsula! An absolute must-see!
International Antartic Center: The Antartica Expedition Center, where you can see blue penguins, the world’s smallest penguins. You can also put your hand in water at 0 ° or experience a snowstorm. Cold temperatures are guaranteed here!
1 TO 2 HRS FROM CHRISTCHURCH
Banks Peninsula: There are beautiful lookouts, fine sand beaches, rivers and a small French village called Akaroa. Beware, there is not much petrol available on the peninsula. We strongly recommend refuelling in Christchurch! Even though at the beginning the road is still flat, at some point it rises steeply. Therefore, you need a vehicle with a powerful engine!
Arthur’s Pass: One of New Zealand’s national parks, a real favourite. Like the Banks Peninsula the road goes steeply uphill. Check for overheating. The drive from Arthur’s Pass village to Devils Punchbowl Waterfall takes about 30 minutes and is well worth it. Parking is limited.
MORE THAN 2HRS FROM CHRISTCHURCH
Hokitika: This small town on the west coast of the South Island is known for its glassblowers and rivers. The Hokitika River is 30 km from the city. Finding a parking space is difficult due to lack of space and the road is quite long, but the trip is worth it!
Moeraki: The round rocks called Moeraki Boulders create an enormous sense of well-being when being touched. A beautiful place that you should not miss!
Dunedin is 350 km from Christchurch (a 5-hour drive without a break). This city is known for its historic train station, the chocolate factory Cadbury (a must-visit) and the peninsula. Amazing!
Itineraries from Christchurch
Christchurch – Queenstown (on the west coast)
Duration: 2 weeks
Sights on the way:
- Arthur’s Pass
- Pancakes Rocks to Punakaiki
- Hokitika
- Fox Glacier and Franz Josef (in good weather)
- WanakaMilford Sound
- Queenstown
Christchurch – Queenstown (on the East Coast)
Duration: 2 weeks
Sights on the way:
- Mount Cook
- Lake Tekapo
- Oamaru (capital of the blue miniature penguins!)
- Dunedin
- The Caitlin
- Invercargill (There is the southernmost Starbucks in the world)
- Pahia
- Queenstown
Christchurch – Christchurch (north of South Island)
Duration: 10 days
Sights on the way:
- Arthur’s passport
- Punakaiki
- Nelson Lakes (Beware of Sandflies!)
- Nelson
- Abel Tasman National Park (kayaking!)
- Blenheim (wine tasting)
- Picton
Please note: Before leaving, inquire whether Kaikoura Road is open.
Driving in New Zealand
New Zealand has well-maintained roads, most of which are tarmac. Here are some tips for a smooth drive in New Zealand:
- Driving is on the left — and New Zealand roads are narrower and more winding than most visitors expect.
- An English-language licence is sufficient; an International Driving Permit is only needed if your licence is not in English.
- Speed limits are 100 km/h on the open road, 50 km/h in towns. They are actively enforced, including by camera.
- Allow far more time than your GPS suggests. On South Island roads, 200 km can easily take four hours in a motorhome. Underestimating driving time is the single most common planning mistake here.
- Many one-lane bridges exist, particularly on the West Coast. Check the signs for who has right of way before committing.
- Mountain passes in winter (Arthur’s Pass, Lindis Pass, the Crown Range) may require chains or be closed. Check the NZTA website for road conditions before setting off between May and September.
When is the best time to take a road trip in New Zealand?
The best time to take a road trip in New Zealand depends on your interests. The summer months (December to February) are the warmest and driest, making them ideal for outdoor activities. It’s the perfect time to enjoy beaches, water activities and mountain walks. Autumn (March to May) brings mild temperatures and colourful landscapes as the leaves change colour. The winter months (June to August) can be colder, but also offer opportunities for winter activities in the snow, such as skiing. Finally, spring is characterised by milder temperatures, blossoming flowers and lush greenery. It’s a great time of year for nature lovers, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching and botanical gardens.
FAQ New Zealand
It is advisable to hire a spacious and comfortable vehicle for your road trip. If you plan to do a lot of hiking, a 4WD may be useful. Motorhomes and vans are also popular for road trips and a good way to save money on accommodation (hotels).
It is important to consider the driving time between destinations, the activities you want to do, and the closing times of attractions. It is also useful to plan ahead to book accommodation and activities along the way.
A standard driver’s license is usually sufficient for most motorhomes and campervans, but regulations may differ based on vehicle size and weight.
Additional costs may include insurance upgrades, equipment rental, fuel, campground fees, and potential excess charges.
Yes, a security deposit is typically required to cover any potential damages or excess charges during the rental period.
