EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RENTING A CAMPERVAN WITH NOMADO

Renting a campervan in New Zealand

Planning a New Zealand road trip? Here’s everything you need to know about renting a campervan in New Zealand, including vehicle options, what’s included, pickup locations, insurance, one way travel and helpful tips for exploring NZ by campervan.

What You Need to Know Before Renting a Campervan in New Zealand

Renting a campervan in New Zealand is one of the best ways to explore the country, giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace while experiencing more of NZ along the way. From choosing the right campervan through to understanding insurance, one way travel, pickup locations and what’s included in your rental, this guide covers everything you need to know before starting your New Zealand road trip.

Simple Booking Process

We keep the booking process simple and personal so you can focus on planning your New Zealand road trip.

Step 1

Send an Enquiry

ell us your travel dates, pickup location and group size, and our team will help match you with the right campervan or motorhome for your trip.

Step 2

Secure Your Booking

Once you are happy with your campervan option, we’ll confirm your booking and guide you through the next steps including pickup details and travel information.

Step 3

Start Your NZ Adventure

Pick up your campervan in Auckland or Christchurch, complete your vehicle walkthrough and begin exploring New Zealand with full local support from our team.

Find the right campervan for your New Zealand road trip

Choosing the right campervan depends on your travel style, group size and the type of New Zealand road trip you are planning. From compact 2 berth campers for couples through to spacious family motorhomes, we offer a range of fully equipped vehicles designed for comfortable travel across NZ.

2 Berth Campervan

Perfect for friends, couples or solo travellers looking for a compact and easy to drive budget campervan.

3 Berth Campervan

A practical option for 2 or 3 travellers wanting extra space and the comfort of a full bathroom on the road.

4 Berth Campervan

Ideal for families with one or two kids or groups wanting more room and amenities for longer New Zealand adventures.

6 Berth Campervan

Spacious family motorhomes designed for larger families and group for a comfortable road trip across NZ.

Insurance & Security Bond

Payments & Cancellations

Why choose Nomado?

Why choose Nomado for your campervan hire in New Zealand

We make campervan travel simple, flexible and memorable with great vehicles, honest service and support from a local team.

Fully Equipped Campervans

All the essentials are included, so you can relax and enjoy your roadtrip.

Unlimited Kilometers

Explore without limits, no hidden charges, no distance restrictions.

Unlimited Drivers

Share the driving and the adventure at no extra cost.

Auckland & Christchurch Depots

Convenient locations with easy pick up and drop off options across New Zealand.

One Way Rentals

Pick up in one place and drop off in another. Travel the country your way. 

Family Owned Business

Friendly, local and passionate about helping you have the best New Zealand adventure.

From your first enquiry to the moment you return the keys, our goal is to make your New Zealand campervan adventure easy, flexible, personal and unforgettable.

Helpful Tips for Renting a Campervan in New Zealand

Plan Longer Driving Times

New Zealand roads are scenic, windy and often slower than expected, especially in rural areas.

Book Summer Travel Early

December to February is peak campervan season in NZ and campervans are often booked out from September.

Book the Ferry during peak times

If you are travelling between the North and South Island during peak times, we strongly recommend booking your ferry crossing well in advance.

Choose the Right Campervan Size

Smaller campervans are easier to drive, while larger motorhomes offer more comfort for families. Only book what you feel comfortable driving.

Freedom Camping Rules Vary

Some areas allow freedom camping unless prohibited, others prohibit freedom camping unless explicitly allowed. Always check local regulations and use approved camping areas where required. If in doubt, opt for official freedom campsites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about renting a campervan in New Zealand, including insurance, one way travel, pickup locations, vehicle requirements and what to expect during your road trip. Can’t find the information that you are looking for? Send us a message here.

Yes, we have depots in both Auckland and Christchurch and offer one way hires between those two locations. We may also consider accommodating One Way Hires to/from Queenstown, Wellington or Nelson if it fits into our booking calendar. 

Absolutely. All of our campers are certified to be self contained and therefore allow you to freedom camp.

  • Our campervans are equipped with solar panels, harnessing the power of the sun to charge the leisure battery during the day. This means you have a continuous supply of electricity to run your appliances, lights, and heating system even when you’re away from traditional power sources. 
  • Self-Sufficient Water Systems: We understand the importance of having access to fresh water and managing waste responsibly while freedom camping. That’s why our campervans are equipped with fresh water and grey water tanks. You can enjoy the convenience of a built-in sink, tap, and shower, knowing that your water needs are met and waste is contained. Our separate toilet and shower facilities ensure privacy and hygiene, allowing you to fully embrace the freedom camping experience.
  • Gas Bottles: All of our campers come with a full gas bottle, which allows you to cook independently, heat the water and heat the campervan while out in nature.

There is no limit on how many days you can freedom camp. As the campervans charge their battery during the day, you will have power permanently. You will need to empty the grey water and toilet every couple of days and top up the fresh water as well as the gas. We also do request that you plug into power at least once a week to fully charge the battery to ensure that the battery health is maintained.

New Zealand has public dumping stations all over the country. These are free and open 24/7. The free Campermate App shows you the locations of dumping stations. Dumping Stations usually have fresh water as well, but note that most of the time this is not suitable for drinking and should only be used for washing.

That absolutely depends on the campervan, the number of people travelling with you and your habits. With 4 people showering and doing the dishes twice a day, and using the toilet, the water and toilet lasts about 2 days. With 2 people and only mini showers you might be able to stretch the water to 4 days. 

The gas lasts usually for at least a week if you are heating a lot, much longer if you don’t use much heating.

The free Campermate App has a range of Freedom Camping Sites. You can also search on Google Maps by zooming in on the area that you are looking and type in “freedom camping”. This will often bring up additional freedom camping spots.

No, all of our campervans come equipped with a power lead that let’s you plug in at a campsite.

While freedom camping you can use all of the appliances, USB ports and any 12v equipment. The 240v power points only work when connected to power at a campsite.

All of our campervans have an outdoor table and camping chairs.

No, however we do require a valid credit or debit card to be securely held on file for the duration of your rental in case any damage occurs.

Rental charges for rental campervans & motorhomes are calculated per calendar day, regardless of the actual pick-up time.

Our prices include:

  • Unlimited Kilometres
  • Unlimited drivers
  • On-road assistance
  • Bedding – duvets, duvet covers, pillow, pillow cover, sheets, towels 
  • Kitchen and cooking utensils (incl. pots, frying pan, bowls, cooking utensils, dishes, crockery, coffee plunger, stove top Espresso can, cleaning equipment, tea towels)
  • Full LPG gas bottle (to be returned full)
  • Camping table and chairs for the number of travelers
  • Toll Roads
  • Goods and Services tax (GST)

No, the campervans do not have Wifi, however we offer the Wifi as an add on with unlimited data for $10/ day.

Get unlimited wireless internet on the road with an onboard router. Wifi is a better solution than a mobile data plan for most users because

  • It typically has better coverage than mobile phone networks which mostly have good coverage in populated areas but can be limited elsewhere.
  • You can connect multiple devices and, with a range of about 20 metres, you can be online inside or outside your motorhome.
  • It usually works out significantly cheaper
  • Subject to coverage and fair us

All listed drivers must be at least 25 years old and have had a valid full license for at least 12 months. Your driver’s license must allow vehicles up to a GVM of 3.5t. You will be asked to present you driver’s license at vehicle collection.

If your overseas driver license or permit isn’t in English, you must provide an accurate English translation when you are driving. The translation must be provided by:

  • A translation service approved by the NZ Transport Agency)
  • A diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, or the authority that issued your overseas license.
  • An International Driving Permit (issued in accordance with a United Nations Convention on Road Traffic) is acceptable as a translation.

Yes, the minimum hire period is depending on the season. We sometimes may be able to accommodate shorter rentals if they fall between existing bookings.

New Zealand law stipulates that all children under seven years of age must use an approved child restraint appropriate for their age and size.

We have child seats and booster seats available. 

Don’t worry, we have very comprehensive training videos that make you a Campervan Pro in no time. They cover everything from using the fridge, heating, emptying the grey water, using the cassette etc. Check them out here: Training Videos

If you have NOT selected the “Quick Drop Off” Option, we expect the following has been done before returning the camper:

  • Empty the grey water.
  • Empty the toilet cassette.
  • Fill up fresh water.
  • Clean the camper inside including hob, oven, fridge, toilet, shower (We do not expect you to wash the sheets or clean the outside).
  • Fill up the tank.
  • Fill up the gas bottle.
  • Empty the fridge and all groceries.
  • Empty the rubbish.
  • Do the dishes.

Should you have selected the “Quick Drop Off” Option, we expect the following has been done before returning the camper:

  • Fill up the tank.
  • Fill up the gas bottle.
  • Empty the fridge and all groceries.
  • Empty the rubbish.

Yes, you are welcome to leave your car at our storage facility for $10 a day.

We do not offer delivery of the campervans to the airport as it is very hard to do the training and handover there. The easiest way to get to our Auckland or Christchurch branch is to take an Uber from the airport or hotel.

Yes, you will have roadside assistance through AA. 

If the Campervan breaks down, or has a mechanical problem that cannot be mobilised at scene, the AA will tow the campervan to the nearest place of safety or repair, where arrangements for its repair can be made or where it can be safely stored. Breakdown service does not cover any breakdown cost due to incorrect fuel, lost keys or if you have locked yourself out of the vehicle.

Yes, all raised beds have a safety net to prevent your little ones falling out.

Anyone using New Zealand’s roads contributes towards their upkeep. Most road users pay levies when they buy fuel. Others, such as drivers of light diesel vehicles and heavy vehicles like trucks, pay through road user charges (RUC). Road User Charges will be calculated based on the kilometers that you have travelled. During the handover we take note of the odometer at the start of your trip and then calculate the distance travelled when you return the campervan. Road User Charges are charged at $9/100km travelled and can be paid in cash or via credit card at the end of your trip. 

Ready to Start Your New Zealand Road Trip?

Whether you are planning a short getaway or a full New Zealand adventure, our team is here to help you find the right campervan for your journey. Send us an enquiry and let’s start planning your NZ road trip together.