Would you like to rent a camper in New Zealand?
When you rent a campervan in New Zealand you’ve come to the right place. Here we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about hiring a campervan in New Zealand and more. From the size of campervans, to the brands available, to the best destinations and lengths of stay, where you can park and camp and what insurance options are available. After reading this, you’ll be well equipped to confidently hire your perfect campervan in New Zealand. Whether you’re planning to travel next year or tomorrow, we’ve got you covered!
What different types of campervans can you rent in New Zealand?
There are a few different types of campervans you can rent in New Zealand, depending on what you need and what your budget is.
-First, there’s the low-budgetSleeper Van. These are mainly for 2 people where you sleep in the back of the car. car and usually the kitchen is at the rear of the campervan.
-Then there’s the Hitop campervan. These are perfect if you want a little more space and the ability to stand upright inside the campervan. They usually have a seating area at the back with a table that can be converted into a bed for sleeping. The kitchen is located either at the rear of the campervan or behind the driver’s seats, depending on the provider and layout.
-Another option is the Mercedes Sprinter style. These are perfect for those looking for some luxury, with a shower and toilet, but not as big as a campervan. These campervans usually have a fixed bed in the back so you don’t have to move/set it up every day, a kitchen in the middle of the campervan, a shower and toilet and a seating area with a table.
-The biggest option is the campervan. These have similar layouts to the Sprinter style, but have more space and more sleeping options for up to 4-6 people, but can also be great for 2 people looking for more luxury and space.
What is the difference between “self-contained” and “non-self-contained” campervans?
A self-sufficient campervan is a vehicle that can get by without external resources. These certified campervans are equipped with a toilet and a water tank that collects gray water (from sinks and showers) and waste water. This means that you don’t need public toilets when staying overnight in one place. The best part is that you can leave a place with no trace of your stay. In New Zealand, self-sufficient certified vehicles must be able to hold three days worth of waste before needing to visit a dump station. To be able to camp for free in New Zealand at so-called freedom camping sites, your camper must have the following things:
- A washbasin connected to a watertight gray water tank
- A fixed toilet
- Fresh water tanks that hold at least 12 liters of water per person for three days
- A black water tank that can hold the same or more waste for three days
- A waste water hose
- A waste garbage can with lid
- A self-sufficiency certificate that is visibly displayed
What is Freedom Camping?
Responsible Freedom Camping in New Zealand means camping in a tent, campervan or vehicle on public land, in a place with minimal or no facilities such as toilets or showers. There are over 500 responsible freedom camping sites in New Zealand, and freedom campers must follow some basic rules and regulations when camping overnight. For more information, you can visit the New Zealand government website here here.
Do I get unlimited kilometers?
With most campervan companies you get unlimited mileage with your campervan, but not with every company. That’s why it’s always good to talk to a campervan expert and make sure that you don’t have any unpleasant surprises when you pick up your campervan for your dream adventure.
Do I have to pay a deposit/deductible?
Most campervan companies offer both standard and comprehensive insurance. In most cases, standard insurance requires a substantial deposit, around $3,000 to $8,000 depending on the model, while comprehensive insurance reduces the deposit and excess to either zero or a very small fee. However, it is advisable to be careful as this varies from company to company.
Do I need insurance?
Although you’ll usually already have travel insurance, it’s very rare for this to cover campervan hire, so here at Time To Backpack we strongly recommend taking out fully comprehensive insurance directly with the campervan company. This has several advantages, including:
- Reduction of your deposit and deductible to zero or a very small amount in the event of an accident
- In many cases, you will receive free extras such as camping chairs and table and an additional driver, which are included in the insurance package
- By booking insurance directly with the campervan rental company, you deal directly with them and don’t have to involve a third-party provider.
How old do I have to be to rent a campervan in New Zealand?
Campervan companies have different age restrictions depending on the type of vehicle. Almost all companies allow you to rent their entire fleet if you are over 21. But there are also many backpacker-friendly companies that have a minimum age of 18. In some cases, there are vehicles that are only available to people over 25, although this is rare, it’s always good to check with a campervan expert and get good advice.
Where can I rent a campervan in New Zealand?
The main pick-up and drop-off points in New Zealand for hiring a campervan are in Auckland and Christchurch. There is also the option to pick up and drop off your camper in Queenstown, however there are fewer options there and it is usually more expensive with higher one-way fees. In New Zealand, you can choose between a one-way rental or return to the same pick-up location if you only want to explore the South Island or North Island.
Campervan hire Auckland
Campervan hire Christchurch
Campervan hire Queenstown
The best advice we can give is to speak to a campervan expert at Time To Backpack andand we can help plan your dream route in the perfect campervan.
What equipment does the campervan have?
Most campervans are equipped with the basic cooking and cleaning utensils, such as pots and pans, cutlery, plates and glasses, dustpan and brush, tea towel and bedding, either pillow and sheet or sleeping bag. Not all companies offer this as included, some have it as optional and some offer no sleeping equipment at all. To avoid any nasty surprises, talk to us before booking your campervan to know exactly what you’ll get with each campervan company.
Do I need an international driver’s license?
If your driver’s license is not in English, you will need an International Driver’s License or an official translation. Here are some of the best places to get an official translation:
https://idaportal.com/
https://internationaldrivingauthority.com/
https://licencetranslation.com.au/languages/german-licence-translation/
Where can I park and camp with my campervan in New Zealand?
Freedom Camping Freedom camping means camping on public land that is not a recognized campsite or vacation park. Plan your trip carefully and respect the area you are camping in. Camping on common land Each county and municipality has different ordinances. Some do not allow freedom camping within one kilometer of the city limits or only allow overnight camping in a parking lot. The rules of the municipalities also differ from the regulations that apply on DOC (Department of Conservation) land. Check with the local municipal administration about the applicable regulations. Camping on DOC land Freedom camping on DOC land is generally permitted, with some exceptions. There are places on DOC land where you are not allowed to camp because the site is of special value, for example a Māori burial ground (urupā) or a protected plant or animal area. You can only camp on DOC reserves if signs specifically allow it.
Here are some great apps to help you find campsites:
Rankers Maps
Campermate
Department of Conservation NZ
Wikicamps
How far in advance should I book?
It’s best to book as early as possible. The earlier you can book your campervan, the more options are available, and the earlier you book, the more likely you are to qualify for an early booking discount with most companies. So in general, once you’ve booked your flights, the campervan should be your next priority. We can even search for campervan prices up to 1.5 years in advance, but the optimum time is around 9 to 12 months in advance.
But don’t worry if you’ve also left it to the last minute and are struggling to find something. Here at TTB, we specialize in finding what others can’t, often even taking care of customers who want to leave the next day. So whether you’re planning your dream trip over a year in advance or you’re already in Australia and need some last minute help, get in touch with our team and we’ll help you find the best deals and most suitable campervans.
How do I get the best deal on a campervan in New Zealand?
It’s easy, just contact our campervan experts at Time To Backpack via WhatsApp or fill out our online form Campervan Hire New Zealand and our team will search for the best deals, compare the market for the most suitable campervans and send you a customized quote with our unique TTB discounts.
