🚐Campervan Hire FAQs for Aotearoa – New Zealand: What You Need to Know (With Help from Motorhome Republic)

Hiring a campervan is one of the best ways to experience Aotearoa – New Zealand. But if it’s your first time, you probably have a few questions like whether your licence is valid, how much it cost or if freedom camping is allowed.

We’ve pulled together the most frequently asked questions about campervan hire in New Zealand to help you plan your trip with confidence. Whether you’re visiting from overseas or planning a local roadie, this guide gives you straightforward answers with helpful tips and trusted tools to make booking easier.

Table of Contents

• Your Campervan Hire Questions Answered
• How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Campervan?
• What Kind of Driver’s Licence Do I Need?
• Can You Freedom Camp Anywhere in NZ?
• What Are the Key Driving Rules in NZ?
• What’s the Minimum Age to Rent a Campervan?
• What Do I Need to Bring When Collecting My Camper?
• Is There a Minimum Rental Period?
• Can I Pick Up and Drop Off in Different Cities?
• Are Unlimited Kilometres Included?
• When’s the Best Time to Hire a Campervan?
• Can I Bring Pets?
• Can I Pick Up or Return Outside Business Hours?
• Related Resources
• Already Hired Your Campervan?
• Find the Perfect Campervan

🧭 Your Campervan Hire Questions Answered

❓How much does it cost to hire a campervan in NZ?

Rental rates vary based on van size, season, and features:

• Budget sleepervans: from NZD $50/day
• Premium motorhomes: up to $500+/day in peak season

Booking in advance or travelling off-peak can unlock great savings. Keep an eye out for free day promotions, early bird discounts and one-way specials.

❓What kind of driver’s licence do I need?

You’ll need a full and valid driver’s licence.
If it’s not in English, bring:

• An official translation, or
• An International Driving Permit (IDP)

Most travellers can drive in NZ for up to 12 months using their home licence.

❓Can you freedom camp anywhere in NZ?

No — freedom camping is only allowed in designated areas and only in certified self-contained vehicles.

• Rules vary by region
• Check signage before staying overnight
• Use apps like CamperMate or Rankers to find legal spots
• DOC campgrounds are a great low-cost alternative

👉 Read our full guide: Freedom Camping in NZ – What You Need to Know

❓What are the key driving rules in NZ?

• Drive on the left-hand side
• Seatbelts are mandatory
• No mobile phone use while driving
• Obey posted speed limits
• Take extra care on winding, mountainous roads
• Yield at one-lane bridges and roundabouts
• Rest well before driving after a long flight

More tips at DriveSafe.org.nz

❓What’s the minimum age to rent a campervan?

• Some companies allow drivers 18+
• Others require renters to be 21+
• A young driver surcharge may apply under 25

Check the terms when booking.

❓What do I need to bring when collecting my camper?

• Your full driver’s licence (and IDP if needed)
• Passport (for international visitors)
• Booking confirmation
• The credit card used to reserve the camper

❓Is there a minimum rental period?

Yes — most companies have a minimum hire period (typically 3–7 days).
Shorter trips may still be charged for the full minimum.

❓Can I pick up and drop off in different cities?

Yes — many companies support one-way rentals with depots in:

• Auckland
• Wellington
• Christchurch
• Queenstown
• Nelson
  …and more.

A relocation fee may apply.

❓Are unlimited kilometres included?

✅ Yes — most campervan hires include unlimited kilometres, even one-way trips.
Still, always double-check during your booking.

❓When’s the best time to hire a campervan?

• Summer (Dec–Feb): Great weather, peak pricing
• Shoulder seasons (Oct–Nov & March–April): Mild temps, fewer crowds
• Winter (June–Aug): Snow adventures in the south, heating-equipped campers available

👉 Tip: Book early and avoid school holidays if possible.

❓Can I bring pets?

Some companies allow pets but others don’t.
Always check the terms & conditions before booking if your furry mate is coming along.

❓Can I pick up or return a campervan outside business hours?

Usually no — pickups and drop-offs must happen during depot hours.
Contact the rental company directly for any special arrangements.

📚 More Helpful Campervan Resources

• 🧳 Campervan Packing List – What to Bring & What to Skip
• 🚐 Driving in NZ – Safety Tips for Campervan Travellers
• 💰 How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Campervan in NZ?
• 🏕️ Where to Camp – Finding the Best Campgrounds

💡 Already Hired Your Campervan?

If you’re already on the road or about to start your trip, check out our On-the-road FAQ guide.
It covers practical stuff like:

• Where to dump waste and refill water
• Using LPG gas
• Parking tips and solo safety
• Choosing the right van size for your needs

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.