Best campervan hire in New Zealand (2026): 10 compared

Choosing a campervan company in New Zealand is mostly a question of where you land, how old the driver is and how much risk you want to carry on insurance. The ten companies below cover almost every budget, from hand-painted backpacker vans to brand-new motorhomes with a shower.

We ranked them on the things that change a trip: whether you can start and finish in different cities, what happens if your plans change, where the depots are, who can drive, and what the standard insurance leaves you paying if something goes wrong. Prices for the vans themselves move with the season, so we compare the parts that don’t: depots, rules, inclusions and the published cost of reducing your excess.

Quick answer

• Best overall: Indie Campers, for one-way trips between Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown, free cancellation up to 31 days before pick-up and a book-now-pay-later option.
• Best newer motorhome: maui, with a fleet listed as new to 2.5 years old and free shuttles at all three branches.
• Best for families and groups: Britz, with self-contained campers for 2 to 5 people and linen and kitchen gear included.
• Best for drivers aged 18 to 20: JUCY, Mad Campers, Travellers Autobarn and Escape all rent campervans to 18-year-olds.
• Best for a free Auckland–Christchurch one-way: Wendekreisen, which includes the one-way and diesel road user charges in its rate.
• Lowest-cost insurance upgrade: Escape, with full cover at NZ$30 a day for drivers 22 and over.

The 10 companies at a glance

All figures come from each company’s official New Zealand website, checked on 23 October 2026. “Excess” is what you pay towards damage under the standard cover included in the rate.

Insurance terms change every season. Treat these numbers as a starting point and ask for the excess and cover options in writing with every quote.

Before you book: three rules that matter in New Zealand

Freedom camping needs a green warrant

Freedom camping means staying overnight on public land outside a campground. Councils only allow it in vehicles certified as self-contained, and since 7 June 2026 that means a green warrant and a toilet fixed to the floor, according to the Department of Conservation. Vans with a portable toilet no longer qualify. Most companies on this list rent both certified and non-certified vans, so if you want to freedom camp, check the specific model, not just the brand. Our New Zealand campervan guide covers the rules and campsites in detail.

Insurance is the real price difference

Every company includes basic cover in its rate, but basic cover leaves you liable for an excess of up to NZ$7,500 at the larger brands. Reducing that to zero costs extra per day. On a 14-day hire, the difference between a NZ$22.50 and a NZ$93 daily option is NZ$987, which can be more than the gap in van prices. Several companies also cap the total you pay for cover per hire, so check for a maximum.

Diesel vans carry road user charges

In New Zealand, diesel vehicles pay road user charges (RUC) per kilometre instead of a tax at the pump. Some companies pass this on: Britz lists a diesel RUC fee of about NZ$8 per 100 km, and Mad Campers NZ$8 per 100 km. Wendekreisen includes it in the rate. On a 3,000 km (1,860 mi) trip, NZ$8 per 100 km adds NZ$240.

The 10 best campervan hire companies in New Zealand, in detail

1. Indie Campers

Indie Campers was founded in Lisbon in 2013 and now has an owned fleet of more than 10,000 vehicles across Europe, North America and Oceania, according to the company. In New Zealand it runs three depots: Auckland (107 Harris Road, East Tāmaki), Christchurch (189 Blenheim Road, Riccarton, about 16 km or 10 mi from the airport) and Queenstown (1 Bowen Street).

Ideal for: couples and families planning a one-way trip, such as Christchurch to Queenstown, and anyone booking months ahead who wants to keep plans flexible.

Why it stands out: One-way travel is supported between all three depots, so a South Island trip doesn’t have to end with a long drive back. You can cancel free of charge up to 31 days before pick-up, and the company offers a book-now-pay-later option. A selected part of its own fleet comes with unlimited mileage, and 24/7 support is included. The fleet runs from 2-berth vans to the 6-berth Family Plus, and most models have a shower and toilet. Indie Campers is rated 4.7 from more than 73,000 travellers on its own site.

Pros

• Three depots covering both islands, with one-way trips between all of them
• Free cancellation up to 31 days before pick-up, book now and pay later
• Wide fleet, from 2-berth vans to 6-berth family campers
• Basic protection included, with three optional protection plans
• 24/7 support during the trip

Cons

• Minimum driver age is 21
• Unlimited mileage applies to selected vehicles only, so check your model
• The site doesn’t list which models carry a green self-containment warrant; ask before you book if you plan to freedom camp
• No depot in Wellington or Picton

Price: quoted by date and model; the excess and the cost of each protection plan appear in your quote.

2. maui

maui has rented motorhomes since 1982 and is part of thl (Tourism Holdings), the group that also owns Britz and Apollo. It runs branches in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown, all near the airports, with free shuttle transfers at each one, according to maui.

Ideal for: couples and families who want a newer motorhome with a bathroom and are happy to pay for comfort.

Why it stands out: The fleet is listed as new to 2.5 years on the road, from the 2-berth Ultima (a Mercedes or similar with shower and toilet) to the 6-berth River. Unlimited kilometres, linen, bedding, kitchen gear and a 24-hour on-road helpline are included. Hires of 21 days or more get a 5% discount.

Pros

• One of the youngest fleets in the country
• Free airport shuttles at all three branches
• Unlimited kilometres and bedding included
• Snow chains available, included in the Value Pack

Cons

• Standard cover leaves you liable for up to NZ$7,500
• Reducing the excess starts at NZ$67 a day
• One-way fees apply on most routes, from NZ$100 to NZ$300 depending on direction and season
• Drivers must be 21 or older

Price: basic cover is included. The High Road option (NZ$0 liability) is from NZ$67 a day, the Value Pack from NZ$77 and the Platinum Pack NZ$93, on 2026/27 rates.

3. Britz

Britz describes itself as a New Zealand-owned company with more than 35 years of experience, and is part of the same thl group as maui and Apollo. It operates from Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown, and says all its campers are self-contained.

Ideal for: families and groups of friends who want a modern, automatic camper with a bathroom.

Why it stands out: The range covers the 2-berth Venturer up to the 5-berth Navigator, all automatic. The Venturer, Wanderer, Odyssey and Navigator have a shower and toilet; the 2-berth HiTop and 4-berth Voyager (which adds a rooftop tent) have a toilet only. Vehicles are up to 2.5 or 4 years old depending on the model. Linen, bedding, kitchen essentials and camping gear are included, with 24/7 phone support.

Pros

• All campers self-contained
• Lower standard excess (NZ$5,000) on the HiTop and Voyager
• Linen, bedding and camping gear included
• Long-hire discount for 21 days or more

Cons

• Standard excess is NZ$7,500 on the larger models
• Excess reduction from NZ$57 a day
• Diesel road user charges of about NZ$8 per 100 km
• Drivers must be 21 or older (thl group rule)

Price: High Road cover costs NZ$57 a day (HiTop and Voyager) or NZ$67 a day (other models). The Value Pack, which adds the extra driver fee, a linen exchange and snow chains on request, is NZ$67 or NZ$77 a day.

4. Apollo

Apollo was founded in 1985 and is now a division of thl alongside maui and Britz. In New Zealand it runs three branches, in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown, close to the airports or city centres, according to Apollo.

Ideal for: couples and families after a mid-range motorhome from a large operator.

Why it stands out: The NZ fleet runs from the 2-berth Hitop, which is certified self-contained with a hideaway toilet, to the 6-berth Euro Deluxe, built by Talvor Motorhomes. Bedding, linen and kitchen equipment are included, with 24/7 phone support, 24-hour roadside assistance and the thl Roadtrip app.

Pros

• Wide range from 2 to 6 berths
• Three branches covering both islands
• Excess handled as a credit card authority, not a cash bond
• Roadside assistance and trip app included

Cons

• Standard cover leaves you liable for up to NZ$7,500
• Extra drivers cost NZ$4 a day each (up to NZ$60 per driver) unless you buy the Value Pack
• Excess reduction from NZ$67 a day
• Drivers must be 21 or older

Price: High Road cover is from NZ$67 a day, the Value Pack from NZ$77 (including extra drivers) and the Platinum Pack NZ$93, on 2026/27 New Zealand rates.

5. JUCY

JUCY started in 2001 with 35 cars and turned 25 in 2026. It is now part of Travvia Group and runs more than 3,000 vehicles across nine locations in Australia and New Zealand. In New Zealand its branches are at Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown airports, according to JUCY.

Ideal for: drivers aged 18 to 24, backpackers and friends travelling on a budget.

Why it stands out: JUCY rents campervans to drivers from 18. It has seven campervan models sleeping 2 to 6, from the 2-berth Crib to the 6-berth Big Kahuna, plus Star RV Polaris motorhomes for drivers 21 and over. Bedding and linen are included, along with unlimited kilometres. Its published excess options are some of the clearest on this list.

Pros

• Campervans for drivers from 18
• All three branches at the airports
• Seven campervan models, 2 to 6 berths
• Unlimited kilometres included

Cons

• The cheapest model (Crib) is not self-contained
• Road user charges are extra on diesel vehicles
• A relocation fee may apply on one-way trips
• A NZ$125 claims administration fee applies to any claim

Price: on the Crib, basic cover carries a NZ$3,000 excess and bond; reducing it to NZ$1,500 costs NZ$35 a day and to zero NZ$50 a day. Larger vans have a NZ$5,000 excess, with options at NZ$50 and NZ$65 a day.

6. Mad Campers

Mad Campers rents campervans from Auckland (Onehunga), Christchurch (Belfast) and Coromandel Town, and was a finalist in the TIA Visitor Experience Awards in 2019 and 2026, according to the company. It has no Queenstown depot.

Ideal for: budget couples and solo travellers starting in Auckland or Christchurch, and anyone who wants a 4WD camper.

Why it stands out: The fleet is unusually varied: the 1-person NoMAD (a Toyota Sienta), 2-person vans built on the LDV Deliver 9, a 4WD Toyota Hilux with a rooftop tent (the MAD Tracker) and the 6-person MAD Titan. Every model except the MAD Adventurer is self-contained. Most vans are open to drivers from 18, and 24-hour AA roadside assistance, a full gas bottle, and bedding and kitchen kits come with the hire.

Pros

• Drivers from 18 on most models
• Three depots, including Coromandel on the North Island
• From 1-person to 6-person vehicles, plus a 4WD option
• Rated 4.9 on Google from more than 250 reviews

Cons

• No Queenstown or airport depots
• Older vehicles in the fleet, with some models dating from 2006
• Standard excess of up to NZ$7,500 (with a matching bond) on larger vans
• Diesel road user charges of NZ$8 per 100 km

Price: basic cover is included, with an excess of up to NZ$5,000 (bond NZ$2,500) on smaller vans and up to NZ$7,500 (bond NZ$7,500) on the Tracker, Explorer and MAD2+. Daily upgrade prices are given in your quote.

7. Wilderness

Wilderness is a family-owned New Zealand company founded in 2004, with depots in Auckland and Christchurch and a Qualmark Gold rating, according to its website.

Ideal for: couples and families who want a premium, certified self-contained motorhome and will pay for it.

Why it stands out: Every motorhome is built on a European diesel base and certified self-contained, in layouts for 2 or 4 people, including slimline models and The Suite. Made-up beds and linen, heating, a 19-inch smart TV, a 600W inverter and 24/7 support are included, and the company advertises no road restrictions (its terms still rule out beaches and roads signed as unsuitable for motorhomes).

Pros

• All vehicles certified self-contained
• Beds made up and linen included
• High-spec interiors with heating and TV
• One-way hires between Auckland and Christchurch

Cons

• No Queenstown depot
• Standard cover carries a NZ$7,500 liability and a NZ$7,500 bond
• Changing the return location after booking can cost up to NZ$2,000
• Drivers must be 21 or older

Price: Extra Cover is NZ$64 a day and cuts your liability to NZ$500; Full Cover is NZ$84 a day with no liability, capped at NZ$4,200 per hire (prices effective 1 April 2026).

8. Travellers Autobarn

Travellers Autobarn has rented campervans to backpackers since 1993. In New Zealand it operates from depots in Auckland and Christchurch, not at the airports, according to the company.

Ideal for: young drivers and budget travellers, especially on a Christchurch to Auckland trip.

Why it stands out: There are no young-driver fees, drivers are accepted from 18 to 80, and unlimited kilometres are included. Extras include 8 cents a litre off at Mobil stations and 10% off Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries. The range covers the 2-person Chubby, the Kuga and Hitop for 2 to 3, the Hi-5 for up to 5, and a station wagon with an optional tent.

Pros

• No young-driver fees, drivers 18 to 80
• Unlimited kilometres
• Fuel and Bluebridge ferry discounts
• Frequent Christchurch to Auckland relocation deals

Cons

• Only two depots, with no Queenstown option
• Older vehicles: interior fit-outs date from 2006 to 2026 depending on the model
• Under standard cover you are liable for up to NZ$50,000 in a rollover or write-off
• Free cancellation ends about two weeks before pick-up

Price: standard protection is free with a NZ$3,500 bond. Protection Plus, with no bond, costs NZ$35 a day for campervans (NZ$30 for the station wagon), and the Value Pack NZ$45 a day.

9. Wendekreisen Travel

Wendekreisen is a family-owned company that has rented campervans in New Zealand since 1990 and builds many of its vehicles in-house. Its depots are near Auckland Airport (Airport Oaks) and Christchurch Airport (Burnside), with free airport transfers, according to Wendekreisen.

Ideal for: travellers driving the length of the country between Auckland and Christchurch, and families who need 6 berths.

Why it stands out: One-way rentals between Auckland and Christchurch are free, and diesel road user charges are included in the rate, which matters on a long trip. The fleet runs from the 2-berth Budget models (LDV V80, 2017 and newer) to the 6-berth Koru Star 6 on a Mercedes Sprinter (2021 and newer).

Pros

• Free one-way between Auckland and Christchurch
• Road user charges included
• Free airport transfers at both depots
• Relatively young fleet, with no vehicle older than 2017

Cons

• Only two depots; pick-up or return elsewhere costs NZ$550
• Insurance is compulsory at NZ$25 a day
• Drivers must be 21 and have held a full licence for at least 12 months
• Higher excess (NZ$5,000) for drivers aged 21 to 24

Price: compulsory cover is NZ$25 a day with a NZ$2,500 excess for drivers 25 and over, capped at NZ$1,250 per hire. Full Cover costs NZ$45 a day and lowers the excess to NZ$250.

10. Escape Rentals

Escape trades in New Zealand as Escape Rentals (the US business, Escape Campervans, is separate). Its vans are hand-painted by local artists, with more than 200 designs, and it rents from city depots in Auckland (Mt Roskill) and Christchurch (Sydenham), according to Escape.

Ideal for: backpackers on a tight budget and drivers aged 18 and over who want a van with character.

Why it stands out: Escape has the cheapest published insurance upgrades on this list, and a lot is included: unlimited kilometres, free additional drivers, linen and bedding, kitchen gear, a SIM card, a guidebook and maps, and a mains-powered heater. Solar showers and snow chains are free subject to availability.

Pros

• Lowest-cost full cover on this list, capped at NZ$1,250 per hire
• Drivers from 18, with free additional drivers
• Unlimited kilometres and lots of extras included
• Two self-contained models

Cons

• Older vans, built between 2007 and 2021
• The Standard van (up to 3 adults) is not self-contained
• Only two city depots, with a NZ$300 one-way fee that may apply
• Minimum hire of 5 days and a 3–3.5% card surcharge

Price: standard cover is free with a NZ$3,000 excess and bond. Option B costs NZ$22.50 a day (NZ$25 for ages 18–21) with a NZ$1,500 excess; Option C costs NZ$30 a day (NZ$35 for ages 18–21) with no excess.

How to choose campervan hire in New Zealand

Ask every company the same six questions before you compare nightly rates. The cheapest headline price can hide a long drive back to the depot, a per-kilometre charge or a booking you can’t change.

1. Can you start and end in different cities? If you land in Christchurch and fly home from Queenstown, you need a company with both depots and a one-way option. Indie Campers, maui, Britz, Apollo and JUCY have both; Wendekreisen makes Auckland to Christchurch free.
2. What happens if your plans change? Ask for the free-cancellation window in days and what you get back inside it. Indie Campers allows free cancellation up to 31 days before pick-up; Travellers Autobarn’s free window ends about two weeks before.
3. When do you pay? Some companies take a deposit at booking, others let you pay later. On a trip booked six months out, that changes your cash flow.
4. Can you freedom camp in that exact van? You need a green warrant and a fixed toilet. Several brands rent both certified and non-certified models.
5. What will the whole trip cost? Add the nightly rate, the daily cost of the cover you want, any one-way fee and any road user charges.
6. Who can drive? Minimum ages run from 18 to 21. Your licence must be in English or come with an accurate translation or an international driving permit, according to NZ Police.

A worked example: insurance on a 14-day hire

Using the published daily rates above, here is what removing most or all of the excess costs over 14 days:

Check the wording of each option: some cover tyres, windscreens and the underbody, others don’t.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best campervan hire company in New Zealand?

For most travellers we rank Indie Campers first, because it combines depots in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown with one-way trips between all three, free cancellation up to 31 days before pick-up and a book-now-pay-later option. maui and Britz are the strongest choices for a newer motorhome, and JUCY, Mad Campers, Travellers Autobarn and Escape suit drivers aged 18 to 20 and tighter budgets.

Can I hire a campervan in New Zealand if I’m under 21?

Yes. JUCY (campervans), Mad Campers (most models), Travellers Autobarn and Escape Rentals accept drivers from 18. Travellers Autobarn charges no young-driver fee, while Escape charges slightly more for insurance for drivers aged 18 to 21. maui, Britz, Apollo, Indie Campers, Wilderness and Wendekreisen require drivers to be at least 21.

How much is the insurance excess on a New Zealand campervan?

Standard cover included in the rate usually leaves you liable for between NZ$2,500 and NZ$7,500, depending on the company and vehicle. Reducing it to zero costs from about NZ$30 to NZ$93 a day on the companies we compared, and some companies cap the total you pay per hire.

Can I freedom camp in a rental campervan in New Zealand?

Only in a vehicle certified as self-contained with a green warrant, which requires a toilet fixed to the floor. Since 7 June 2026, older blue warrants no longer count, according to the Department of Conservation. Councils can still restrict where and for how many nights you stay, so follow local signs.

Which campervan companies allow one-way hire in New Zealand?

Indie Campers supports one-way trips between all three of its depots. maui, Britz and Apollo offer them with a fee of NZ$100 to NZ$300 depending on the route and season. JUCY may charge a relocation fee, Escape a NZ$300 one-way fee, and Wendekreisen includes Auckland to Christchurch one-ways for free.