Renting a campervan is one of the most exciting ways to explore a country, but the experience can differ greatly depending on where you are. After our own adventures renting a campervan in the US and reflecting on how it compares to renting from Camper4Hire in New Zealand, we’ve put together this fun comparison. Of course, this is based on our personal experience and may differ with other campervan rental companies, but we hope it gives you a good idea of what to expect when renting a campervan in New Zealand!
In New Zealand, we call them campervans or motorhomes, while in the US, they’re often referred to as RVs. Whatever you call them, they will be your temporary home on wheels. But the differences go beyond the name, as you’ll see below!
In the US, full hookups—water, sewage, and electricity—are standard at many campgrounds. This allows you to stay connected and in one spot for days on end without moving your campervan. In New Zealand, campgrounds typically provide only electrical hookups. This means you’ll need to drive your campervan to a dump station to empty your greywater tank if you stay multiple days. However, most campgrounds here have on-site dump stations, and public dumping stations are widely available and often free to use, making the process convenient.
Freedom camping is a unique aspect of traveling in New Zealand, with designated spots available for self-contained vehicles. In the US, freedom camping is rare or nonexistent, and you’ll generally rely on campgrounds or RV parks. That said, our freedom camping spots fill up quickly, so plan ahead!
One major perk of renting from Camper4Hire in New Zealand is that unlimited mileage is typically included. In the US, you’re often charged by the mile, which can quickly add up on long road trips.
American RVs often come with generators, which provide 240V power even when not connected to a campsite. However, generators are noisy, usually not allowed to run all night, and come with extra charges. Additionally, the onboard batteries in many US RVs don’t last through the night, meaning you could lose heating or fridge power if you’re not connected to electricity. This makes staying at a campsite every night a necessity unless you’re okay with the inconvenience. By contrast, our Camper4Hire campervans have leisure batteries designed to last all night, ensuring you can enjoy heating, lights, and a functioning fridge, even when freedom camping, but unless you are connected to electricity at a campsite you will not have access to 240v power.
Camper4Hire campervans are typically smaller and more fuel-efficient, averaging around 10 liters per 100 kilometers. American RVs, being larger, consume around 24 liters per 100 kilometers—a noticeable difference in both cost and environmental impact.
Our Camper4Hire campervans come with everything you need for a comfortable trip: towels, outdoor furniture, fully equipped kitchens, and even a toilet brush (yes, really!). Additionally campgrounds in New Zealand often provide communal kitchens with fridges, adding an extra layer of convenience. In the US, you’ll need to rely more on what’s in the RV, and based on our experience, that wasn’t much beyond the absolute basics— and even these came at a charge.
In New Zealand, campervans typically use cassette toilets that you remove and empty at a dumping station. In the US, toilets are usually connected to the camper’s sewage tank, which you empty by hooking up to a dump station or a fully connected campsite. Both systems are straightforward but have their unique quirks.
9. Comfort and Insulation: A Better Night’s Sleep
Camper4Hire campervans are designed with double-glazed windows, proper insulation, and blackout blinds—features that many American RVs lack. This ensures you’re cozy and comfortable, even during colder nights.
In the US, levelling ramps are not standard in a rental RV, meaning you’re at the mercy of the terrain. All of our Camper4Hire campervans come with levelling ramps, so you’ll always have a good night’s sleep, no matter where you park.
In New Zealand, you can often book a campsite just a few hours before arrival or even show up at 6 PM at a campsite and still get a spot. In the US, bookings often close a day or two in advance, and late arrivals can be tricky to arrange as most campgrounds don’t accept arrivals after 3 or 4 PM.
Campervanning in New Zealand offers a different experience from traveling in the US. With Camper4Hire, our campervans are designed with your comfort and convenience in mind, making them perfect for freedom camping and exploring everything Aotearoa has to offer. While both countries offer incredible adventures, our campervans ensure you enjoy a streamlined, flexible, and comfortable journey.
Ready to hit the road? Check out our fleet and start planning your dream campervan adventure today!
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