Travelling Aotearoa – New Zealand by campervan gives you the freedom to roam, but it can also eat into your savings fast if you’re not prepared. From daily expenses to sneaky hidden costs, this guide will help you plan your budget with confidence — so you can focus on the epic landscapes, not the numbers.
The good news? Our dollar isn’t strong, which means most international visitors get great value for their money while travelling in Aotearoa.
Table of Contents
Typical Daily Budget Overview
So how much should you actually budget per day? Here’s a rough idea depending on your travel style:
| Type of Traveller | Daily Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Budget | $90–$225 |
| Mid-Range | $220–$425 |
| Luxury | $390–$600+ |
These estimates include campervan hire, fuel, camping fees, food, and activities. Your costs will vary depending on how much you move around and how many treats you give yourself.
Campervan Rental Costs
Campervan rental is usually your biggest upfront cost, so choosing wisely can make a huge difference.
- Budget models
- (e.g. JUCY, Spaceships): $50–$100 per day
Compact and efficient, perfect for short trips or solo/duo travellers.
- (e.g. JUCY, Spaceships): $50–$100 per day
- Mid-range
- (e.g. Britz, Apollo): $100–$200 per day
Offers more space and amenities like showers or kitchens.
- (e.g. Britz, Apollo): $100–$200 per day
- Luxury
- (e.g. Maui, Wilderness): $200–$300+ per day
Full comfort with high-end features and panoramic views.
- (e.g. Maui, Wilderness): $200–$300+ per day
➡️ Tip: Prices spike in peak season (Dec–Feb). Book early or travel during shoulder seasons to save money.
🚐 Need a Campervan for Your Journey?
Looking to explore Aotearoa – New Zealand by road? Start by comparing motorhome options with Motorhome Republic. It’s a simple way to find the best fit for your travel style — whether you’re after a cosy van for two or a fully equipped home on wheels.
🚐 A Note on Campervan Insurance
Rental companies offer multiple insurance options—and it can get confusing fast. Most come with a basic insurance package that includes a large excess (bond)—anywhere from $3,000 to $7,500 NZD—which will be charged to your credit card if there’s any damage. This includes minor scrapes, windscreen cracks, or even accidents caused by others.
To reduce or remove this excess, you’ll usually be offered additional daily insurance cover at around $20–$50 per day. Some companies call it a “Stress-Free” or “All-Inclusive” package.
If you already have travel insurance, check whether it covers rental vehicle excess—that could save you from doubling up. However, many policies don’t include campervans, or limit coverage to small rental cars.
We personally choose full insurance through the campervan company. It’s more upfront, but it gives peace of mind and removes the stress of dealing with third parties if something goes wrong.
➡️ Tip: Always read the fine print—some insurance plans exclude overhead, underbody, or tyre damage unless you upgrade.
Motorhome Republic can help with Travel Insurance for peace of mind.
Fuel and Road Costs
Fuel is one of the most significant ongoing costs during a road trip, especially if you’re covering long distances or driving a larger motorhome.
- Fuel Price (approx): $2.20–$3.00 per litre
- Prices vary depending on location—expect to pay more in remote areas or tourist hotspots.
- Diesel vs Petrol:
- Diesel is typically cheaper at the pump, but comes with RUC (Road User Charges) of around $70–$80 per 1,000km. Petrol vehicles don’t have this charge but cost more per litre.
- Average fuel use:
- Small vans: 8–12L per 100km
- Larger motorhomes: 12–16L per 100km
Most fuel stations in Aotearoa – New Zealand are self-service and use pay-at-the-pump systems. Make sure your card supports contactless or has a PIN, as you’ll often need it—even during staffed hours.
Different fuel chains have very different pricing:
- Gull and Waitomo are often the cheapest—these are no-frills, pump-your-own stations.
- Z Energy, BP, and Caltex tend to be more expensive but are more common in rural and high-traffic areas.
- Allied Petroleum and NPD also offer competitive pricing in certain regions.
➡️ Money-saving tip: Use the GASPY app to track real-time fuel prices and find the cheapest station nearby. The savings can really add up over a long trip.
Campground Fees
Where you stay each night will have a big impact on your budget—but there are options for every travel style and price range.
- Freedom camping
- Free but only allowed in designated areas and usually only for certified self-contained vehicles. Always check signage and local rules.
- DOC campsites
- $10–$25 per night. Managed by the Department of Conservation, these camps are often in stunning natural settings, with basic facilities like long drops and water tanks.
- Holiday parks
- $25–$60 per night. These offer powered sites, hot showers, laundries, and even communal kitchens and lounges—great for recharging both you and your devices.
➡️ Tip: Mix and match—save money by freedom camping when possible, then treat yourself to a night or two at a holiday park to restock and refresh.
💡 Insider Tip from Us (Former Campground Managers):
In Aotearoa – New Zealand, the standard practice is to check in at the office first before choosing a site. You’ll often be assigned a specific spot, especially in busy seasons. Holiday parks can book out quickly in peak times (summer, long weekends, school holidays), so consider calling ahead or booking online if you’re not flexible.
Food and Drink
Food and Drink
Eating well on the road doesn’t have to break the bank, especially if you mix cooking your own meals with the occasional treat.
- Groceries: Around $100–$150 per week for two people if you shop smart.
- Pak’nSave usually offers the best prices overall.
- Countdown (Woolworths) and New World are widely available and well-stocked.
- Local Four Square stores are convenient in smaller towns but can be pricier.
- Casual eats:
- Expect to pay $15–$25 per person at bakeries, cafes, and takeaway shops.
- Restaurants:
- A sit-down meal can range from $30–$50+ per person, depending on location and style.
➡️ Tip: Keep a few coins or small notes handy—roadside stalls and honesty boxes are a great way to buy fresh local produce, eggs, or honey, especially in rural areas.
➡️ Bonus tip: Sites like GrabOne and First Table often have dining deals in bigger towns and cities.
Activities: Free and Paid
Aotearoa – New Zealand is known for its epic outdoor adventures, but that doesn’t mean everything has to come with a price tag. In fact, many of the country’s most memorable experiences are completely free.
🥾 Free Activities
You don’t need to spend big to experience the magic of this country. Some of the best moments are out in nature, and they won’t cost you a thing.
- Hiking and nature walks:
- Whether it’s the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or a short bushwalk to a hidden waterfall, there’s something for every fitness level.
- Beach walks and swims:
- Enjoy sunrise strolls, picnics, and sunset dips along both coasts—no entry fees, just bring your jandals.
- Waterfalls and lookouts:
- Scenic spots like Bridal Veil Falls, Nugget Point, or the Blue Pools in Haast are all accessible without a tour.
- Geothermal wonders:
- Some natural hot springs are free (like Kerosene Creek near Rotorua or Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel—just bring a spade and time the tides right).
- Museums and galleries:
- Some major museums like Te Papa in Wellington have free entry with optional donations, making them ideal rainy-day stops.
💸 Paid Activities
For thrill-seekers or those wanting to explore more remote places, Aotearoa also offers world-class tours and adrenaline-pumping experiences.
- Adventure sports:
- Bungy jumping (Queenstown or Taupō): $200–$300
- Skydiving: From $300+ depending on height and location
- Caving and glow worm tours (Waitomo): $100–$250
- Wildlife encounters:
- Whale watching (Kaikōura): $150–$200
- Penguin tours (Ōamaru): $35–$50
- Kiwi bird sanctuaries: $20–$60
- Scenic experiences:
- Glacier heli-hikes (West Coast): $350–$400
- Boat cruises (Milford Sound or Bay of Islands): $60–$150
- Hot pools and spas: $10–$35 (Hanmer Springs, Rotorua, Tekapo)
Ferry Crossings Between Islands
If you’re planning to explore both the North and South Islands (which we highly recommend), you’ll need to cross the Cook Strait by ferry. It’s a beautiful journey and a key part of many campervan itineraries.
- Cost: Expect to pay $300–$400 one way for a campervan and two passengers. Prices vary depending on the vehicle size, number of people, and how far in advance you book.
- Duration: The crossing takes around 3 to 3.5 hours.
- Ferry Companies:
- Interislander (often favoured for families and scenic decks)
- Bluebridge (known for slightly cheaper fares and sleeper options for overnight sailings)
Both ferries offer onboard cafés, comfortable seating, and stunning views—especially when sailing through the Marlborough Sounds into Picton.
➡️ Important tip:
- Book early—especially in summer or around public holidays—as vehicle spaces fill fast.
- Be flexible with times—early morning or late evening sailings are often cheaper.
- Allow buffer time—sailings are occasionally delayed due to weather or rough seas, so don’t plan tight schedules on either side of the crossing.
Once you arrive in Picton, you’re at the gateway to the South Island—ready to head toward Kaikōura, Nelson, or down the rugged West Coast. It’s a stunning shift in scenery and well worth the ferry ticket.
Smart Money-Saving Tips
Travelling by campervan doesn’t have to mean blowing your budget. With a few smart strategies, you can stretch your dollars further—without compromising the experience.
- Travel in the shoulder season (March–May or September–November) to take advantage of lower rental rates and fewer crowds.
- Use travel apps like CamperMate, Rankers, and Gaspy to find cheap campsites, fuel deals, dump stations, and more.
- Cook your own meals most days. Even simple one-pan meals or picnic lunches can save you hundreds over the course of a trip.
- Take advantage of relocation deals—some companies offer $1–$5/day hires if you’re flexible and can return vehicles between locations within a set time frame.
- Look for activity discounts on BookMe, GrabOne, or First Table—especially in bigger towns like Queenstown, Rotorua, and Wellington.
- Stock up in bigger towns where supermarkets are more competitive. Prices in remote areas or smaller Four Square stores can be noticeably higher.
🛣️ A Note on Toll Roads
Aotearoa-New Zealand has very few toll roads, and most are located in or near Auckland and Tauranga. The tolls are relatively cheap (around $2–$3.50 NZD for a car or campervan), and there are always free alternative routes that only add a few extra minutes to your trip.
➡️ Tip: If you’re using toll roads, pay online via the NZTA website to avoid fines. But most of the time, you can skip them entirely and enjoy the scenic route instead!
Final Thoughts
Campervanning across Aotearoa – New Zealand doesn’t have to break the bank. With some planning and a few clever choices, you can create a trip that balances cost and comfort—leaving more room for adventure and less worry about the budget.
➡️ Next Up: Freedom Camping in Aotearoa-New Zealand: What You Need to Know
E māo ana ki ua, e ua ana ki māo
It is fine until it rains, it rains until it is fine