RatPack Campervan Hire New Zealand
We provide the wheels.
You hit the road.
Blending freedom and flexibility with open road travel and anywhere accommodation is why campervan hire in New Zealand is the dream experience for travellers seeking independence and lifetime memories.
Whether immersing yourself in New Zealand’s dynamic urban scene or venturing on an unforgettable expedition from the city to the surrounding wonders, take control of your dream journey, and savour an epic, all-time travelling experience with a campervan rental from RatPack.
Buzzing for the vibe? Get in touch today.
Why hire your campervan with RatPack?
So, what makes RatPack any better than your average campervan hire in New Zealand?
Well, a few things:
We’re cheaper than booking online
Booking doesn’t have to be gnarly. Our travel gurus get the best rates from the best operators. And once you’re satisfied, we provide a discount, making it even cheaper than booking online.
Come rain or shine, we only book you a camper van if we can make it cheaper than the online rate. That’s the RatPack guarantee!
Zero charges for date changes
As travellers ourselves, we appreciate that dates can change while you’re out doing your thing and living your best life. That’s why we don’t charge for any late cancellations or amendments, giving you more dollars to spend on the important stuff.
Personalised service
When it comes to Aus, we’ve been there and got the t-shirt. Our travel guru team comes with bags of lived travel experience. We have excellent knowledge of the best travel routes and campervan hire New Zealand, making sure you strike the best deal for a once in a lifetime trip.
5-star reviews
Since launching in 2016, we’ve received more 5-star reviews than any other Aussie travel agent! And it all comes down to our approach. We believe in going above and beyond for your trip down under.
We combine our awesome camper hire knowledge and experience with our passion to deliver an amazing experience for our clients. No exceptions.
The RatPack Promise
We know what it feels like to have a negative travel experience. It blows. In fact, it’s one of the core reasons we founded our business in the first place. The good news is we’re here to give you the best campervan hire service and deals.
Rather than trying to be the biggest at what we do, we made it our mission to become the best. It’s this philosophy that’s allowed us to make so many longstanding relationships with every reputable campervan rental and tour guide in the game.
Based on these principles with the values of backpack travel, we live and breathe campervan hire every day from our HQ in Byron Bay.
So, if you’re ever passing through, drop in and say hey. We’d love to hear about your adventures.
Feeling nervous about campervan hire in New Zealand?
It’s normal to feel nervous about your first campervan hire in New Zealand… Trust us, we know how you feel. Travelling with a camper across a great whopper of a country is a daunting thought.
And that’s ok. But rest assured, we’ve got you covered with a guaranteed, around-the-clock personal service.
We’re here to help on WhatsApp if you have any questions or concerns over any part of your trip. Whether you need advice or support, we’re here for you.
Explore the Best Campervan Hire New Zealand Options for Your Dream Road Trip
Exploring New Zealand’s dazzling landscapes, pristine beaches and one-of-a-kind attractions is an extraordinary experience that everyone should try. Taking a campervan road trip allows you to have complete freedom in creating your very own itinerary of this magical country. To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, it is important for travelers to select a reliable campervan hire agency in New Zealand, plan their route carefully and consider essential tips from experts before heading out on their adventure!
Key Takeaways
Choose the perfect campervan for your NZ adventure based on size, layout, budget and amenities.
Explore North Island highlights like Auckland & Wellington or South Island wonders such as Christchurch & Queenstown.
Make sure to understand camping regulations and follow essential tips for a safe journey!
New Zealand Locations for Camper Collection:
- Auckland
- Christchurch
- Queenstown
Campervan rental New Zealand options: Which campervan will you choose?
Regardless of your budget and preferences, we’ll partner you with the ideal camper that meets your requirements.
Here is a list of our classic campervan options.
The 2-seater, 2-sleeper
With a cosy bed in the back, the two-berth campervan rental is super easy and ideal for two people planning a short campervan road trip.
![2-seater-2-sleeper-campervan](images/2-seater-2-sleeper-campervan-in-christchurch.jpg)
The Hi Top
With space to stand, cook and lounge, this three-berth beaut of a camper is perfect for two or three setting out on a long adventure. Now, that’s a bit of us.
![hi-top-campervan Hi-Top Campervan in Christchurch New Zealand.](images/hi-top-campervan-in-christchurch-scaled.jpg)
The Motorhome
A boujee choice providing you with a new luxurious home on wheels, a six-berth motorhome rental is the best option for large groups/families regardless of how long you expect to be on the road.
![motorhome-in-new-zealand Motorhome in Christchurch, New Zealand.](images/motorhome-in-christchurch.png)
Choosing the Perfect Campervan for Your New Zealand Adventure
If you’re planning a New Zealand trip, selecting the right campervan can make your journey more enjoyable and unforgettable. To help guide you in this process, here are factors to think about when deciding on a vehicle: size, layout, budget as well as amenities available. Keeping all these aspects into account will enable you to find the ideal one for your adventure!
When it comes to the size of the van, consider how many people will be traveling with you so that everyone has enough space during their travels throughout NZ. Taking note of its layout is also vital. Does it suit what kinds of activities or trips do you intend? Bear in mind any features or extras needed such as electric hook up points which might not come standard but could make life easier along the way. Staying within an acceptable budget range is essential too.
Budget Considerations
When preparing a budget for your campervan journey through New Zealand, consider the rental fees which can vary from NZD$50 to more than $500 per day depending on the size and luxury of the vehicle.
Most rentals come with unlimited kilometres perfect for sightseeing around the country. As fuel costs should be taken into account – approximately 12 litres/100km (20 mpg) – There are several ways to save money but your best bet is booking through Ratpack Travel. We are always cheaper than booking via any online comparison!
Amenities and Comfort
Exploring New Zealand with a campervan is such an epic experience. Don’t forget you will need to consider all necessary amenities such as cooking utensils, power supply and toilet facilities when choosing your ride.
Our recommendation would be to book campers with ample storage and comfortable sleeping arrangements while also having efficient energy management systems in place – this will maximise enjoyment during exploration of destinations like Waikato River, Oreti River or Lake Pukaki.
We also love a camper which has areas suitable for lounging or dining. You’ll be thankful once you arrive at the stunning locations throughout New Zealand!
Just get in touch and we will happily guide you through the booking process. It’s so simple, so easy and we’ve been there and done it.
Top Campervan Rental Companies in New Zealand
At RatPack we work with the best campervan companies. We negotiate directly with them and can guarantee better rates than booking via any online system. Essentially we do the hard work for you.
Hiring a campervan in New Zealand can be an easy process. If you have your eyes on a certain camper from any of the following companies, we can help you secure it for less. That’s the RatPack promise!
Campers we can book for you;
- Apollo
- Britz Campervans
- Maui Motorhomes
- Real Value
- Jucy
Planning Your New Zealand Campervan Itinerary
Exploring New Zealand in a campervan is going to be insane, provided your trip is meticulously planned. There are tonnes of places this stunning country has to offer on both its North and South Islands, we recommend you explore both!
Ok, let’s get into it. These are the RatPack’s most memorable locations! Two islands make NZ such a special place! From the most instagrammable scenes and amazing landscapes, there’s something for everyone when travelling around New Zealand.
We wanted to share with you an itinerary to inspire your upcoming campervan adventure.
North Island Highlights
Exploring New Zealand’s North Island by campervan is a great way to get the most out of your trip. From Auckland and Queenstown, with their iconic Muriwai Beach and Milford Sound respectively, to Wellington’s Red Rocks Reserve or Mount Victoria Lookout – there are plenty of spots not-to-miss.
For those looking for an unforgettable journey on the island, why not consider taking The Lost World Highway? Or exploring along the Coromandel Peninsula from Napier up through Taupo?
These drives will give you incredible views showcasing lush forests framed against breathtaking coastlines that could make any visitors experience one they would never forget!
South Island Wonders
Starting a campervan trip on the South Island with Christchurch as your starting point could also be a strong option. We advise you travel from Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson and journey down wild sandy beaches along the West Coast before reaching Queenstown which is well equipped for some epic experiences.
You can expect to see foaming waterfalls, snow-capped mountains or taking in some of nature’s finest wonders such as Milford Sound located between Te Anau & Queenstown. 4, 5 hours away. Finally head towards the Catlins coast, renowned for its rugged coastline. All we can say is – get your camera ready.
Image Sourced: https://jonistravelling.com/catlins-new-zealand-coast/
Navigating New Zealand’s Camping and Parking Regulations
Driving a campervan in New Zealand requires only a valid driver’s license, and international visitors can use theirs from their home country for up to 12 months.
Planning your trip with the knowledge of available parking and camping rules will ensure an smooth experience on your adventure through New Zealand.
Campers have various lodging options that include staying at holiday parks or Department of Conservation campsites as well as freedom (wild) camping (our favourite option!)
This must always be done at campgrounds which allow such accommodation. Understanding these regulations is key for having smooth exploration while travelling around by campervan within NZ!
Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Campervan Journey
When embarking on a campervan adventure in New Zealand make sure to take your time when driving, as roads can be quite twisty and narrow.
It’s nice to have time and not be clock watching, take some breaks to appreciate the landscape by stopping at points of interest – there will be tons of them!
Google maps works wonder’s so you don’t lose track while travelling around this amazing country.
To ensure that everything runs smoothly during your journey, it is important not to forget about maintaining your vehicle: remember to always top up with water. Power-up where possible, wash dishes regularly for hygiene purposes, study weather forecasts before planning any trips outdoors and familiarise yourself with freedom camping regulations which may vary depending on location within New Zealand itself. By following these tips we guarantee an insane trip! Yeeeeow!
Summary
If you are ready to hit the open road and experience New Zealand in a campervan, then hopefully we have given you all the juice info you need!
We have discussed all of the essential aspects that will help plan an unforgettable trip, including finding the perfect camper van rental company for your journey, mapping out an effective itinerary with safety tips included.
So get ready to take on an adventure. Pack up your stuff and begin planning that dreamy New Zealand Campervan Road Trip today! With detailed insight into what is needed, it’s time to slow down and let nature lead the way!
Campervan hire: Frequently asked questions
Now, just in case you have any questions, here are some classic campervan hire FAQs for you:
Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, it is possible to spend the night in a campervan – provided you remain at the beaches, parks and reserves set aside for camping. This offers travellers an excellent way to explore this amazing country from their own vehicle!
Do I need a special licence to drive a campervan in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, if you wish to drive a campervan, all that is needed is a valid driving licence from your home country. International visitors can use their licence for up to 12 months without needing any special permit or authorisation in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
What are some top campervan rental companies in New Zealand?
For a great campervan rental experience in New Zealand, consider Apollo, Britz, Maui Real Value and Jucy Rentals. These firms are top-notch providers of quality vans don’t forget to book with us at RatPack travel for the best deals. This is what we do best!
What are the most beautiful routes to take in a campervan in North Island, New Zealand?
Experience a memorable journey as you travel and explore North Island in New Zealand by campervan. Have an exciting adventure taking the Lost World Highway, with splendid views between Napier and Taupo along the way. Also don’t miss out on visiting the Coromandel Peninsula for its beautiful sights.
How can I save money on campervan rentals in New Zealand?
To economise on campervan hires in New Zealand, be aware of any additional charges and book with RatPack to get the best price. They will personally compare rental deals so that you can save money when hiring a campervan in NZ.
Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in New Zealand?
Unfortunately, you can’t just park where you want in New Zealand and sleep in your camper. Keeping your campervan in the wrong place can land you with some expensive fines.
So, try to find RV-friendly locations or campsites when you’re on the road. Permitted parking areas include national parks, roadside campervan camping, beachside locations, private parks for campervans and certain rest areas.