Why rent a campervan in New Zealand? The ultimate freedom in "Middle-earth"

Renting a motorhome in New Zealand is the undisputed best way to explore this incredibly diverse country. The biggest advantage is your absolute flexibility. You are your own master of time and space, able to linger at a breathtaking viewpoint, spontaneously add a hike, or follow the weather. Planning is easy with a platform like Campcruisers: conveniently compare different models, features, and prices from providers across New Zealand online. You'll find the perfect camper to fit your budget and adventure plans. When you rent a camper in New Zealand, you are right in the middle of nature. You wake up to the sound of the waves, have breakfast with a view of snow-capped peaks, and live the "vanlife" dream in one of the safest and most beautiful settings in the world. Important: In New Zealand, they drive on the left!

The best tours when you rent a campvervan in New Zealand

A rented motorhome is your key to the most spectacular landscapes in the world. Here are three legendary route suggestions for your New Zealand campervan adventure.

🏔️ Tour 1: The Classic South Island Loop

This route takes you to the iconic highlights of the South Island, famous for its dramatic nature.

• Duration: 14-21 days
• Distance: approx. 2,000 km
• Ideal for: First-time visitors, hikers, landscape photographers
• Day 1-3: Christchurch & Lake Tekapo (approx. 230 km)
• Start in Christchurch and drive into the Mackenzie Basin. Marvel at the unreal turquoise Lake Tekapo and visit the famous "Church of the Good Shepherd". The region is a dark sky reserve, perfect for stargazing.
• Day 4-6: Queenstown – Adventure Capital (approx. 260 km)
• Drive to Queenstown, New Zealand's adrenaline hotspot. Here you can go bungee jumping, jet-boating, or simply enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery.
• Day 7-9: Fiordland National Park – Milford Sound (approx. 290 km)
• Your destination is the world-famous Milford Sound or the quieter Doubtful Sound. Take a boat tour through the fjord and admire the steep cliffs and immense waterfalls. The drive there is an experience in itself.
• Day 10-12: West Coast & Glaciers (approx. 400 km)
• Drive along the rugged West Coast. Visit the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. A guided hike or a helicopter flight over the ice are unforgettable experiences.
• Day 13-14: Abel Tasman National Park (approx. 450 km)
• Explore Abel Tasman National Park with its golden beaches and turquoise waters. The best way is by kayak or water taxi.

🌋 Tour 2: Volcanoes, Beaches & Māori Culture on the North Island

This route combines geothermal wonders with subtropical coasts and the rich culture of the North Island.

• Duration: 10-14 days
• Distance: approx. 1,500 km
• Ideal for: Culture enthusiasts, Lord of the Rings fans, beach lovers
• Day 1 & 2: Auckland & Bay of Islands (approx. 230 km)
• Start in Auckland and drive north to the sun-drenched Bay of Islands. Take a boat tour through the maze of islands and look out for dolphins.
• Day 3 & 4: Coromandel Peninsula (approx. 300 km)
• Explore the Coromandel Peninsula. Visit Cathedral Cove and dig your own hot water pool in the sand at Hot Water Beach.
• Day 5-7: Rotorua & Taupō (approx. 150 km)
• Immerse yourself in the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua with bubbling mud pools, geysers, and hot springs. Experience Māori culture at a traditional performance. Then head to the huge Lake Taupō.
• Day 8 & 9: Tongariro National Park (approx. 100 km)
• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the most spectacular day hikes in the world, which takes you through an active volcanic landscape and past "Mount Doom" from "Lord of the Rings".
• Day 10: Wellington
• End your tour in the relaxed capital, Wellington. Visit the national Te Papa museum and the Weta Workshop studios.

Getting to New Zealand: The flight to the other side of the world

The journey to New Zealand from Europe or North America is a long-haul flight.

• ✈️ By Plane:
• The main international airports are Auckland (AKL) on the North Island and Christchurch (CHC) on the South Island.
• From Europe & North America: There are no direct flights from many locations. The journey will always involve at least one stop, typically in the Middle East (like Dubai), Asia (like Singapore), or a major US hub. Airlines like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Air New Zealand (in partnership) offer good connections. Expect a total travel time of at least 24 hours.

After your arrival, you will get to the pick-up location of your camper. The exact address of our partner's motorhome rental station and information on how to get there from the airport will be in your booking documents.

New Zealand's Cuisine: Fresh, Innovative & with the Best Wine

During your campervan roadtrip through New Zealand, you can enjoy the country's relaxed food culture and fresh produce.

What you should definitely try:

• 🐑 Lamb: New Zealand lamb is among the best in the world.
• 🥧 Meat Pie: A hearty little pie with a meat filling, the perfect snack from a petrol station.
• 🥝 Kiwi & Co.: Try the famous kiwis, but also feijoas and other exotic fruits.
• 🍷 Sauvignon Blanc: The Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region is world-famous. A visit to a winery is a must.

Camping in New Zealand: A Paradise for Campers

New Zealand offers one of the best and most diverse camping infrastructures in the world.

• 🏕️ Freedom Camping (Wild Camping):
• "Freedom Camping" is strictly regulated in New Zealand. It is only permitted in designated zones and often only with a vehicle that has the "Self-Contained" certification (toilet, fresh and grey water tanks on board). Violations are penalised with heavy fines. Apps like "CamperMate" are essential for finding legal spots.

• 🚐 Official Sites & Campsites:
• The network of official sites is huge and suitable for every budget.
• DOC Campgrounds: Government-run, often basic but spectacularly located campsites from the Department of Conservation in national parks and along hiking trails.
• Holiday Parks: Private, often very well-equipped campsites with kitchens, showers, power, and Wi-Fi.

• TOP 10 Holiday Parks
• A chain of over 45 high-quality holiday parks throughout New Zealand. A reliable choice with high standards.
• Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park
• Perfectly located to explore Queenstown on foot, with fantastic views of Lake Wakatipu.
• White Horse Hill Campground (Mount Cook)
• A DOC site with an unbeatable location at the foot of Mount Cook, the starting point for many hikes.
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You can also find and book campsites on Campcruisers as they become available.