If you are visiting New Zealand, the best way to explore the country is to hire a motorhome or campervan. You will be able to travel freely and spend most of your time outdoors, discovering this beautiful country. If you want to start your trip on the North Island, here are some tips for motorhome hire in Auckland.
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Why hire a motorhome in Auckland?
Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city and home to half of its population. The international airport is close to most RV rental agencies and there are usually free shuttle services.
Be aware, however, that rentals are generally more expensive in Auckland compared to Christchurch (South Island). This is simply due to the fact that demand is much higher in Auckland than in Christchurch. Most travellers start their trip from Auckland, and we advise you to hire a motorhome in Auckland if you are visiting the North Island.
Compare motorhome hire prices
The best way to get an idea of the different prices and models of motorhomes available is to visit a price comparison website. We recommend going through Motorhome Republic, as it has great deals and is easy to use:
Motorhome and campervan rental agencies in Auckland
Most motorhome and campervan rental agencies are located less than 10 minutes from the airport. The main rental agencies in Auckland include:
- Britz
- Apollo
- Maui
- Jucy Rentals
- Happy Campers
- Kiwi Camping
- Freedom Campers
- Wendekreisen
- StarRV (company acquired by Jucy)
Rental rates for motorhomes
Motorhome rental prices in Auckland vary from agency to agency and depend on the length of hire and the model of the vehicle, as well as availability and the time of year you are intending to travel.
Renting a motorhome in Auckland can be quite expensive, especially during school holidays and over Christmas. If you plan to travel between December and January, you’ll need to give yourself a bigger budget and book your morhome hire as early as possible.
Booking your motorhome three months before your trip will be much cheaper than booking it a week before you leave, especially in high season. The daily rates will also be lower if you rent a motorhome for a long period. You will of course pay more for a newer and/or better equipped vehicle.
To give you an idea, in peak season a 4 berth motorhome can cost around NZD 350 per day. In contrast, renting a similar vehicle in the low season (in June, for example) will only cost you around 90 NZD per day.
Tips for renting a cheap motorhome
- Book your motorhome rental far in advance for lower rates and deals
- Use a price comparison website like Motorhome Republic
- Avoid traveling in high season (Dec/Jan)
- If you’re driving from Auckland to Christchurch route, consider starting your journey in Christchurch as this often works out cheaper
Motorhome hire price guide for Auckland
To give you an idea, here is an average price for the different models by season. As each rental company sets their own prices, it’s almost impossible to give you an exact price chart, but it will give you an idea of how much to budget. Prices are in NZD.
Low season rates
- Average price of a 2-seater motorhome: $40 / day
- Average price of a 4-seater motorhome: $65 / day
- Average price of a 6-seater motorhome: $80 / day
Mid season rates
- Average price of a 2-seater motorhome: $75 / day
- Average price of a 4-seater motorhome: $125 / day
- Average price of a 6-seater motorhome: $140 / day
High season rates
- Average price of a 2-seater motorhome: $145 / day
- Average price of a 4-seater motorhome: $455 / day
- Average price of a 6-seater motorhome: $610 / day
Visit Auckland and its surroundings
Auckland City Centre
Being the largest city in New Zealand, the roads in Auckland are very busy. We suggest you avoid driving in the city and on the motorways during rush hours (6am–10am and 3pm–7pm), otherwise you could end up sitting in a traffic jam for an hour or two! Parking within in the city is expensive so a cheaper alternative is to take the red bus route for approximately $1 NZD into the main downtown street of Auckland, Queen Street.
The two main must-sees in Auckland are the Sky Tower and Mount Eden. Mount Eden is an old volcano in the centre of the city that has magnificent 360-degree views.
Outside Auckland
30 minutes outside Auckland
Waiheke Island is located 30 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland. The island is known for its pristine beaches and world-class vineyards. For more adventurous types there is kayaking, surfing, mountain biking and fishing.
1-2 hours outside Auckland
Pihan Beach is a beach with volcanic black sand that stretches for kilometres and is said to be Auckland’s best-known surfing beach. The road into Piha Beach is one lane and very steep.
Muriwai or Muriwai Beach is known for its impressive colonies of gannets, a seabird, which migrate to and from Europe every year. A mind-blowing show!
Raglan is located 150 kilometres southwest of Auckland and is a popular spot for beginner surfers.
2+ hours north of Auckland
Cape Reinga is a very sacred place for Maori. Located north of Auckland, it is a place of passage for souls to heaven. The Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea meet here, leaving a magnificent sight to unfold before your eyes.
2+ hours south of Auckland
The Peninsula Coromandel is a slice of paradise nestled between forests and beaches. The winding road that takes you around the whole peninsula is the best to explore. Cathedral Cove, a 40-minute walk to a beach of pure white sand and turquoise waters is not to be missed.
Rotorua is a 3-hour drive from Auckland and known for its hot springs, mud baths, and sulphur. Be careful though, the streets of the city centre smell of sulphur, and the smell will quickly get into your clothes! A few must do’s in the area include a traditional Maori dinner (the hangi) in Te Puia, the Polynesian Spa to relax, and for the thrill-seekers, mountain biking in the Redwoods.
Tongario Crossing: If you are feeling fit and you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, the 19km one-way hike to Tongario Crossing will definitely remind you of the road to Mordor!
Ideas for itineraries departing from Auckland
5 day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland and city tour.
Day 2: Drive to the Bay of Islands (3 hours), stopping for water activities such as snorkelling and fishing.
Day 3: Drive to Rotorua to explore geothermal terrain including geysers, mud pools and hot springs. You will have to drive for two hours to reach the hot springs.
Day 4: Drive to Coromandel (1.5 hours) for a day of relaxing on the beaches and exploring the spectacular rocky landscapes.
Day 5: Return to Auckland via the replica hobbit village in Hobbiton (1 hour).
This itinerary can be customised to suit your interests and schedule. For example, you can include a day hike in Tongariro National Park, a park with mountains, lakes and hiking trails, including the famous Mount Tongariro mountain loop. Check the weather conditions before you go.
10 day itinerary
Day 1-2: Arrival in Auckland and city tour.
Day 3: Drive to the Bay of Islands (3 hours), with stops for water activities such as snorkelling and fishing.
Day 4-5: Drive to Coromandel (1.5 hours) for a day of relaxing on the beaches and exploring the spectacular rocky landscapes, and a day of hiking in the region.
Day 6-7: Drive to Rotorua (2 hours) to explore geothermal terrain including geysers, mud pools and hot springs.
Day 8-9: Head to the North Island (30 minutes by ferry or 15 minutes by plane) for a day of relaxation on the beaches and a day of hiking in the forests and mountains.
Day 10: Return to Auckland via the replica hobbit village in Hobbiton (1 hour).
This itinerary can be customised to suit your interests and schedule. For example, you can include a day of hiking in Tongariro National Park or a day of wildlife discovery on the west coast.
Driving in New Zealand
New Zealand’s roads are well-maintained and mostly paved. Here are some tips for a smooth journey:
Remember that you drive on the left side of the road in New Zealand!
Speed limits are strict: generally 100 km/h on main roads. For other speed limits, make sure you follow the road signs.
Drive carefully as the roads are often narrow and winding. This is especially true if you are driving a motorhome or campervan.
Plan a longer journey time than that indicated on your GPS!
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