Renting a campervan in New Zealand

Our campervans for every kind of trip.

Seven models in two classes: compact car-based campers for a smaller budget, and self-contained vans with a kitchen on board that let you legally stay overnight away from campgrounds too. Pick-up in Auckland & Christchurch.

Compact campers

Car-based campers with a bed and camping kit: affordable and easy to drive. You stay at campgrounds.

Self-contained campers

With a sink, water tank and a SELF-CONTAINED certificate, so you can legally stay away from official campgrounds.

Two classes

Compact or self-contained? The most important decision.

Before you look at features and details, settle this one question first: do you want the freedom to park up anywhere, or is a campground each night fine with you? More than anything else, this shapes how your trip feels and what it costs.

A compact camper is a converted car-based van with a sleeping space and full camping gear. It's affordable, easy to manoeuvre and uncomplicated in city traffic. You stay overnight at campgrounds and the basic Department of Conservation (DOC) sites found all over the country.

A self-contained camper has a sink, water tank and the other on-board fittings required for the official certificate. That lets you stay overnight wherever the local council allows freedom camping, at bays, lakes and lookout points where no one else is parked. On longer trips, you often make back the extra cost through the campground fees you save.

A certificate isn't a licence to park anywhere, though. Each council sets its own rules, no-camping signs are enforced, and fines are handed out consistently. We'll tell you before pick-up what to watch for in your region.

Decision guide

Which model suits who?

A quick orientation before you dive into the details:

You're travelling …The right modelWhy
two people, small budgetThe Tastee TourerThe most affordable start: a smooth-riding van with comfort for two, overnight at campgrounds
two people, as independent as possibleThe Trustee TravellerCompact and self-contained, with sink and water pump, freedom camping allowed
two or three people, longer tripsThe Super TravellerOur most popular model: self-contained, semi-high roof, plenty of storage for weeks on the road
three people or plenty of luggageThe Island ExplorerOur largest vehicle with a long wheelbase, 42-litre fridge and two-burner cooker
Features

What's on board every camper

Whichever model you choose, you set off ready to travel. The exact features of your vehicle are listed on its model page.

  • A sleeping space with a mattress, including bedding and wool blankets on the self-contained models
  • A camping kitchen with a gas cooker, pots, dishes and cutlery
  • A camping table and chairs, plus a cooler box or fridge depending on the model
  • GPS navigation and unlimited kilometres
  • Automatic transmission on six of the seven models, which makes driving on the left much more relaxed
  • Basic insurance included, with a reduced excess available as an add-on
Honest about condition

Condition, maintenance and safety

Our campervans aren't new, and we don't pretend they are. They're proven vehicles that are common all over New Zealand. That means you can get parts and quick help anywhere in the country, instead of waiting days for a specialty part.

Every vehicle has a valid WOF sticker, New Zealand's warrant of fitness inspection, and is checked over before handover. Signs of use are part of the deal, since New Zealand's gravel roads leave their mark on every camper after a season. If something isn't quite right, we'll tell you beforehand instead of surprising you at pick-up.

The photos on this page are examples. Which exact vehicle is available for your travel dates depends on the season and our fleet; we'll confirm it in your offer.

At a glance

Compare all models

ModelBase vehicleSleepsSeatsSelf-contained
The Vrooms with a View SmallNissan Note / Ford Focus or similar3 (roof tent)4No
The Vrooms with a View BigFord Mondeo or similar3 (roof tent)4No
The Tastee TourerToyota Previa / Estima or similar22No
The Trustee TravellerNissan Vanette / Toyota Hiace or similar2+13Yes
The Super VroomToyota Previa / Estima or similar2+12Yes
The Super TravellerNissan Caravan or similar2+13Yes
The Island ExplorerFord Transit or similar33Yes
Book now

See the full product comparison

Vehicle photos are examples; available models depend on season & fleet.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the models

What exactly does self-contained mean?

Self-contained means the camper is equipped to be self-sufficient and officially certified for it, with a sink, water supply and a wastewater solution on board. Only with this certificate can you stay overnight in New Zealand wherever freedom camping is allowed. Four of our seven models are self-contained.

Which camper is the cheapest?

The Tastee Tourer is our cheapest option: a compact car-based camper with a sleeping space for two and full camping gear. It's not self-contained, so you stay overnight at campgrounds or basic DOC sites.

How many people fit in a camper?

Our models are built for two to three people. The Tastee Tourer sleeps two, the Trustee and Super Traveller sleep two plus one, and the Island Explorer sleeps three. For bigger groups, get in touch and we'll find a solution.

Are the campers automatic or manual?

Six of our seven models are automatic; only the Island Explorer has a five-speed manual. In left-hand traffic, automatic is the more relaxed choice for most travellers, since it's one less thing to operate with your unfamiliar hand.

Is there a toilet or shower on board?

Our campervans are compact vans without a built-in bathroom. Showers are available at campgrounds and holiday parks, and often at public facilities too. We'll tell you before booking exactly which sanitary features your vehicle has for the self-contained certificate.

Can I drive the camper anywhere?

Yes, on all public roads in New Zealand, including the usual gravel roads to beaches and walking-track car parks. A few routes are excluded from rental agreements generally, such as ski-field access roads or driving on beaches. If in doubt, just ask before you turn off.

Which model is best for a long-term trip?

For trips of several months, we recommend the Super Traveller or the Island Explorer: more storage space, a raised roof, and on the Island Explorer a full 42-litre fridge. From around two months onward, it's also worth looking at our Presale model, since buying with a guaranteed buyback is usually cheaper than renting by then.

Booking · no obligation

Not sure which model fits?

Tell us how long you're travelling and with how many people. We'll recommend the right vehicle and give you the price for your dates.