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One of the most popular and best ways to explore New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes is with a campervan. Think about it, you’ll have the freedom to go at your own pace, stop at any scenic sights you please, and save money because you can camp for free each night at one of the designated freedom camping spots dotted throughout the country.
You’re in for a real treat when you decide to rent a campervan from Auckland – you can head to the black sand beaches of the West Coast, check out the epic surf spots in Raglan, or head to the tourism hotspot of Hobbiton. As the saying goes, ‘the world is your oyster,’ or more specifically, in this case, the North Island of New Zealand.
Your campervan will essentially be your home for a week, or more, so it’s essential you do some investigating to find the one that’s right for you. The price, how many people it sleeps, does the company charge a relocation fee are all factors you must consider.
Thankfully, there are heaps of great campervan rental companies based in the city and its surrounds, and in this blog post, I will detail 6 of the best campervan rental companies in Auckland. I’ve done the research, so you don’t have to!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve organized a special discount code that will get you 5% off if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy! This promotion is available for the entire year, except for travel dates from December 16, 2024 to January 19, 2025.
Why Rent a Campervan in Auckland
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and is home to the country’s biggest airport- Auckland International Airport. In fact, this is where most tourists to New Zealand start their kiwi vacation. Plus, it’s the gateway to the North Island, so, from here, you can take some epic Auckland tours and road trips like heading to the bright lights of Wellington (the country’s capital city) or exploring lesser-known gems like the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga.
With most campervan rental companies having an Auckland office, you’re spoiled for choice when starting your campervan road trip from the ‘city of sails.’
Would you believe there are over 500 freedom camping sites throughout the country, and a lot of them are located on the North Island (where Auckland is situated) – so by renting a campervan from a reputable company, you can save big $$$ on hefty accommodation costs (especially when touring during the summer months). To camp in these sites, though, it’s important your campervan is self-contained certified, and all of the options listed below are certified.
With low prices and the flexibility to stop where and when you please, it’s no wonder renting a campervan from Auckland is so in demand! Now, let’s dive in and find you the perfect campervan for your North Island adventure!
If you’re still on the fence, read my review to see if renting a campervan in New Zealand is worth it or not!
Related Read: Heading to the South Island? Check out the best road trip itineraries on the South Island!
Important Factors to Consider before Renting a Campervan in Auckland
Is your campervan self-contained certified?
Self-contained campervans enable you to freedom camp (aka camp without charge in some regions of New Zealand). Because many of the ‘free camping’ areas don’t have toilet facilities, your self-contained camper is required to have its own fully enclosed plumbing system. It’s also worth noting that many freedom camping sites in the country need you to show a self-contained certification sticker in any easy-to-see place on the campervan (ideally in the window).
Because self-contained campervans are so popular with visitors to New Zealand, most rental companies in Auckland provide this feature. Still, not all of them do, so it’s certainly something you should keep an eye out for if you plan on freedom camping here!
How many people are you traveling with?
Campervans come in various sizes, meaning they can sleep from one to a maximum of four people. The cheaper campervans typically will sleep two people, based on the pair sharing a double bed, so if you’re not comfortable with that, renting a four-person campervan is advisable. But because they are bigger, they will be more costly!
So, before booking, make sure that the campervan you rent can sleep the number of people you are traveling with. If you are touring the country with more than four people, you should look at renting a motorhome in Auckland instead. You can read my detailed blog post about renting a motorhome in New Zealand for all of the details.
What is your drop-off location?
You should remember that not all campervan rental companies have drop-off locations throughout New Zealand. So, it’s essential you plan your trip accordingly – ensuring the company you choose can accommodate you dropping the vehicle off in a different location; otherwise, you will likely have to pay a relocation fee! To help you out, I created this guide to the best campervan rentals in all of New Zealand, which lists the drop-off locations for each company.
To save money, however, I recommend dropping your campervan off at the same place you picked it up. The cheapest deals in Auckland almost always only allow you to pick up and drop off your campervan in Auckland. With that said, if you choose the right company, there will be no charge to drop off at other locations, too.
Hot Tip: You can compare all rental campervans in Auckland on Motorhome Republic! Their booking system is easy-to-use and allows you to compare different models, companies, prices, and features in one easy place.
6 Best Auckland Campervan Rental Companies
1. JUCY
- Price: Expect to pay around $30 NZD per night (during low season when renting for over a week)
- Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Auckland City, Auckland Airport, Queenstown Airport, Christchurch Airport, Wellington Airport
- Types of Campervans on offer: 2-person, 3-person- and 4-person campervans. Most are self-contained certified.
JUCY is my absolute favorite campervan company in New Zealand (I like them so much that I actually asked for a special discount code for my readers – keep reading below to find out more!) Not only are the campervans fun, but the customer service is top-notch. Plus, JUCY has plenty of depot locations which makes pick-up/drop-off a breeze no matter which route you’re doing.
JUCY is one of the biggest campervan rental suppliers in the world, with offices in Australia, New Zealand, and North America. You can’t miss their vibrant green and purple vans, which are a common sight to see around NZ. The bright color scheme is synonymous with their brand, and it’s a great marketing tool – everyone in New Zealand is aware of the company thanks to their hard-to-miss vehicles!
Fun fact – JUCY was founded by Auckland brothers Dan and Tim Alpe, and they started the company with only 35 vans. They followed in their father’s footsteps as he was the founder of Maui campervans which he set up in the 1980s!
One of the things that I love most about JUCY is the wide range of campervans they have on offer – there’s one suitable for every type of traveler!
Your options with JUCY include a 2-person Toyota Estima, 3-person Toyota Hiace, and 4-person Toyota Hiace campervans. All of their vehicles are reliable and spacious, and you can opt for a larger van if you’re traveling with a bigger group.
What’s great, too, is that the majority of their campervans are self-contained, meaning that you’ll have sanitation and running water! Some of their models even come with drinking water and cooking equipment so you can spend more time exploring Auckland’s remote hidden gems.
JUCY campervan’s prices vary depending on the type of campervan you select and the length of your trip. But in all honesty, JUCY’s prices are better than most campervan companies in New Zealand, and even with the affordable price you can expect a quality campervan.
Start with easy pickup right at Auckland Airport, which is about a 45-minute drive to Auckland CBD. And if you’re not sure where your final destination will don’t worry – you can drop the van off at a different destination from where you started. JUCY receives campervan returns in Queenstown, Christchurch, or of course – Auckland.
It’s no wonder JUCY is one of the most popular campervan rental companies in Auckland and throughout New Zealand. If you’re still unsure whether you want to go with JUCY, read my full review of JUCY campervans here!
Note: If you’re after a little more luxury, JUCY also has a motorhome rental company called Star RV. This is the place to go if you want a little more space than what you’ll find in a standard campervan. I have a review on Star RV here if you want more info!
Search for JUCY campervans available in Auckland here!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve organized a special discount code that will get you 5% off if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy! This promotion is available for the entire year, except for travel dates from December 16, 2024 to January 19, 2025.
2. Mad Campers
- Price: Starting from $50 NZD per night (during low season when renting for over a week)
- Pick-up/Drop-off locations: Auckland, Christchurch
- Types of campervans on offer: Solo, 2-person campervans. All are self-contained certified.
Based in Auckland and Christchurch, Mad Campers is one of my top choices for campervan rentals in Auckland. This innovative, reliable company has been operating since 2017, and all its vehicles are thoughtfully designed.
You can even add on helpful extras to your van, like a switchboard to control all your electronic devices from the back of the car, an extendable hose tap, and a pull-out kitchen that allows you to have lots more living space!
In Auckland, you can find their office at Onehunga, located about 15 minutes from the CBD and 15 minutes from Auckland Airport!
All Mad Campers campervans are self-contained certified and high-roofed; think a Nissan Vanette (or similar); this design is perfect for long travel journeys! Think about it, the more space you have, the more comfortable you’ll be!
So whether you’re traveling with a friend or loved one or on your own, Mad Campers will have the perfect camper van for you! It’s also important to note that they were the first company in the country to launch a single-berth self-contained campervan.
They offer various options, from a two-berth campervan with a toilet and canopy to a smaller single-berth van. Thankfully, both options come with extras like LED lighting, Bluetooth radio with USB, car alarms, a full Bedding set, and security lock boxes, to name a few.
Prices vary based on the type of campervan you want and how long you need it for.
And the cherry on top is that all Mad Campers campervans come with 24-hour AA roadside assistance, so if you break down or there’s something that urgently needs to be repaired, they will come to wherever you are and fix it!
Mad Campers is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm during the week (until 4 pm on the weekends). The latest possible pick-up time from the depot is 4 pm. Therefore, if you arrive on a late flight, I recommend spending your first night in a hotel in Auckland and picking up your van in the morning. Pick-up and drop-off points can either be in Auckland or Christchurch.
Standard insurance is included in your daily rate but only for the vehicle. So, I advise having your own travel insurance for your personal belongings. You can also upgrade your insurance to a “You’re Good” policy so that you have peace of mind during your trip.
We love Mad Campers so much that we have organized a special code with them directly. When you book, use the referral code QUEEN5 to get 5% off your rental rate! Book on their website here!
Search for Mad Campers campervans available from Auckland here!
3. Escape Rentals
- Price: from $50 NZD per day during summer and $15 NZD a day during winter
- Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Auckland, Christchurch
- Types of Campervans on offer: 3-person campervans, either self-contained certified or standard
Next up is a popular campervan rental company in Auckland that focuses on all the comforts of home, in a micro-camper that can take the country’s notoriously winding roads comfortably. All of their campervans can sleep up to 3 adults and come with free bedding, camping chairs, and kitchen equipment!
Escape Rentals has been in operation for over 20 years and is mostly used by backpackers on a budget, I mean, with $15 per night rates in winter, it’s no wonder it’s so popular with those looking for a bargain!
And you can’t but miss their colorful campervans on New Zealand’s road – they are all graffiti sprayed with images of butterflies, flowers, and more proudly emblazoned on their Nissan Caravan fleet.
There are two options you can choose from when booking with Escape – the standard campervan, or the newer certified self-contained campervans. Both come with heaps of storage, a gas cooker, sink with running water, and, USB adapter plugs, as well as that winter chains, are provided for free during the winter months!
With optional extras like a portable BBQ hotplate, picnic table, fast WiFi (note – 500MB per day comes free!), and more, it’s easy to see why this rental company is a firm-favorite with backpackers.
You can pick up your Escape campervan from their Mount Roskill depot, a 15-minute drive from Auckland Airport. They offer relocation deals, so you can drop your campervan to their Christchurch office if you wish!
Search for Escape campervans available in Auckland here!
4. Travellers Autobarn
- Price: Travelers can expect to spend around $25 NZD per night (during low season when renting for over a week) + $100 location fee
- Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch, and Queenstown
- Types of Campervans on offer: A range of campervans that sleep anywhere from 2-5 people. Most are self-contained with a few smaller and cheaper options that are not.
Travellers Autobarn is an Australian company that has been operating in New Zealand since 1993. This established brand offers a wide range of campervans to suit all your travel needs.
It’s a firm favorite among budget travelers and backpackers especially. They offer some units with portable toilets, and as well as that, they provide 24/7 roadside assistance and unlimited kilometers. I reckon it will be hard to find a better option than Travellers Autobarn in Auckland!
Prices per day range from $29 to $85 NZD for a Toyota Estima, Toyota Hiace, or signature Kuga campervans, which can accommodate from 2 up to a maximum of 5 people. Plus, Travellers Autobarn offers big discounts on long-term rentals, including their larger campervan models.
The best thing, though, is that most of their campervans are self-contained, ideal for exploring the more remote places on the North Island. Plus, there are plenty of dedicated freedom camping spots near Auckland, meaning you can stay the night at one of these and save your money for fun activities instead!
Pick up your campervan at their Auckland Airport location, and you can drop it off at any of their locations around New Zealand. Plus, convenient Saturday hours (9:00 am to 1:00 pm) make it easy to plan a weekend trip through the North Island.
If you prefer flexible payment options, then this is the company for you, as you can book now and pay later! This, combined with their cheap daily dates, means you have what is arguably Auckland’s most affordable campervan rental company in Travellers Autobarn.
Search for Travellers Autobarn campervans available in Auckland here!
5. EPIC Campers
- Price: Starting from around $142 NZD per night (during low season when renting for over a week)
- Pick-up/Drop-off locations: Auckland, Christchurch
- Types of campervans on offer: 2 berth campervans, only one three-seater campervan. All are self-contained certified.
An excellent option for high-quality, modern, and reasonably priced campervans in Auckland is EPIC Campers. What I love is that it’s a family-owned company that has been in operation since 2018, and they offer a great, personalized service!
All of Epic Campers’ campervans are high-roofed Mazda Bongos, and all are 2011 or newer; each vehicle has been professionally converted into self-contained certified two-berth campervans. They also offer one larger, three-seater campervan that is perfect for a small family.
Each campervan boasts an array of essentials like a fully-equipped kitchen, two seats that can be turned into a bed, 25L fresh and gray water tanks, and USB ports! So, you’ll feel right at home in an Epic campervan! You can also add on extras like camping chairs, roof bars, and a solar shower for an additional charge.
Rates vary depending on the type of van you’re after (two-berth or three-berth) and for how long you want to rent it.
Their Auckland office is located in Point Chevalier, which is located an 11-minute drive from the CBD or 30 minutes from the airport. You can grab a taxi or drive your car to the office. If you drive there, you can leave your car at their Auckland office until you return.
At the end of your trip, you may return the campervan to either the Christchurch or Auckland location – whichever is closer to your final destination!
Search for Epic Campervans available from Auckland here!
6. Mighty Campers
- Price: Starting at $80 NZD per night (during low season when renting for over a week)
- Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Auckland Airport, Queenstown Airport, Christchurch Airport
- Types of Campervans on offer: Campervans and budget-friendly motorhomes that sleep 2-6 people. All models are self-contained.
Mighty Campers is a fantastic option for those on a tight budget who still want to explore Auckland in a unique, truly Kiwi way. This company is a subsidiary of the large Tourism Holdings Limited, which is a reliable, well-established corporation here in New Zealand.
Their campervans come in an array of configurations, which can be adjusted for day or night use. Mighty’s vehicles can cater to 2 to 6 people. What’s great, too, is that their vans boast fold-out beds, stowaway tables, and loads of storage – so it’s an ideal option for those on a longer trip who have lots of baggage. You can easily transform your daytime living space into a comfortable sleeping area with just a few minor adjustments! So handy!
They even offer child-friendly and pet-friendly campervans! And as I mentioned, they’re one of the cheaper campervan rental companies in Auckland with prices starting from $100 per day for a two-berth campervan, which comes with heaps of great features. Plus, you can add on a wide range of handy extras, such as fan heaters, camping equipment, and pre-paid fuel.
It’s easy to see why Mighty Campers has made it into our top 6 best campervan rental companies in Auckland. Their office is located at Auckland Airport, a 45 minute drive from the CBD.
Search for Mighty campervans available in Auckland here!
Related Read: Check out our guide to the best romantic getaways in New Zealand!
Where to go with your campervan in Auckland?
There are so many amazing road trips you can begin from Auckland that you’ll find it hard to choose just one! I have my top 14-day North Island road trips here or below I’ve listed a few of my personal favorites with links to my detailed blogs about the places so that you can easily choose a couple.
Drive from Auckland to Paihia – this short-ish drive is a great way to explore the stunning beaches of Northland like Whale Bay, Sandy Bay, and Matapouri in Tutukaka. The drive is 230 kilometers (124 miles) and will take you 3 hours and 15 minutes without stops. But I highly recommend allowing a full day for this road trip. Also, be sure to stop at the quirky Waipu Caves to see glow worms!
Roadtrip to Tauranga from Auckland – another short drive is this road trip from Auckland to Tauranga, which will take 2 hours and 40 minutes without stops (211 km / 131 miles). I don’t recommend stopping too often along the way except for at Mount Maunganui and McLaren Falls Park. When you get to the coastal city of Tauranga, you’ll find there are lots to do here, from exploring beaches, hiking, dolphin watching, or joining a very cool glow worm kayaking tour!
Drive from Auckland to Rotorua – this city is a hotbed for geothermal activity and is one of the most popular places to visit on the North Island. Rotorua is 227 km (141 miles) from Auckland, and the drive (without stops) will take approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. To be honest, there’s nothing a lot to see along the way except for the city of Hamilton or Waitomo Caves. Instead, save the hours for Rotorua, where you can visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, go white water rafting, learn about Maori history at Te Puia, and so much more!
Auckland to Taupo road trip – Taupo is home to one of the best ski resorts on the North Island – Mount Ruapehu and Lake Taupo, which the town is built around, is the largest lake in the country! As you can guess, many of the best activities in Taupo involve the huge lake, from checking out Maori rock carvings to SUP’ing; as well as that, you can head to the nearby Waikato River, where you can get the adrenalin-pumping on a white water rafting tour. Taupo is 273 km (170 miles) from Auckland and will take 3 hours and 20 minutes without stops.
Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula – this popular day trip from Auckland is on most tourists to New Zealand’s bucket list – that’s because the famed Cathedral Cove is located here and was featured in the Chronicles of Narnia movies. As well as that, there’s the famed Hot Water Beach, and even the opportunity to kayak to a remote island. The drive to Coromandel from Auckland is 168 km (104 miles) and will take 2 hours and 20 minutes without stops!
Related Read: One of the most popular things to do in New Zealand is seeing the glow worms at the Waitomo Caves which are also included on many Hobbiton tours from Auckland!
Things to do While You’re in Auckland
As New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland is filled with amazing things to do and see! While you’re here, make sure not to miss out on some of the top attractions and activities.
- Take a harbor cruise – Nicknamed the City of Sails, there are SO many boats in Auckland, and the harbor is a must-see aboard one. I love this 1.5-hour harbor cruise that takes you past the Auckland Bridge and you even get to help the crew steer!
- Hike Mt Eden – One of the best hikes on the North Island is to the top of Mt Eden. This dormant volcano has amazing views of Auckland and the loop trail is only a 40-minute walk.
- See dolphins and whales – One of my favorite Auckland activities was joining this dolphin and whale watching tour to the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. You’re on a luxury catamaran looking for all the amazing marine animals around here. Plus if you don’t see any dolphins or whales, you can do the tour again for free.
- Go to the top of the Auckland Sky Tower – The Auckland Sky Tower offers the best view of Auckland. Go at sunset for an amazing show! You can book your tickets online here.
- Explore Ponsonby – Easily the coolest Auckland neighborhood, Ponsonby is full of trendy bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Make sure you stop at Prego for Italian food and Bedford Soda & Liquor for the best cocktails in the city!
- Go to the beach – Only 45 minutes from Auckland is the famous Piha Beach! This is one of the best beaches in New Zealand and one of the most beautiful with black sand and bright blue water. You can drive yourself or join a guided tour to get here.
Thanks for reading!
No matter what type of campervan you’re after you’re sure to find what you’re looking for on this list. And remember your campervan will be your home on wheels, so it’s important to choose wisely!
I hope this list of the best campervan rentals in Auckland helps you to have your most adventurous New Zealand road trip experience! Be sure to browse around to check out my other blogs about the North Island – I have tons of info to share! Or see the popular guides I’ve listed down below.
Where to Stay in Auckland: The BEST Auckland Hotels for all budgets!
12 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Tongariro National Park
27 BEST Hikes on the North Island of New Zealand (for all levels and abilities!)