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So you’re going to travel through New Zealand by campervan, congratulations! You are about to embark on one epic road trip. The problem is, who should you trust to outfit you with a sleek and mean campervan machine?
Since I began living in New Zealand and taking frequent campervan road trips, I’ve gotten the lay of the land when it comes to the best companies to use for rentals. Depending on your needs, the size of your group, and your budget I understand it can be a time-consuming process to find the right one. So, I put together this list of the 5 most trusted companies you can count on for a fantastic experience.
Quick Pick: My Favorite Company
Don’t have time to read the full article?
My personal FAVORITE campervan rental company in Queenstown is JUCY! They consistently have great prices and offer a wide range of vans equipped with everything you need to have an epic road trip around New Zealand. I’ve only had positive experiences when booking with them!
Tip: Use my promo code DTRAVEL25 to get 5% off at checkout!
What are the most trusted Campervan rentals in New Zealand?
1. JUCY
- Pick up/drop off locations: Christchurch, Auckland, and Queenstown airports
- Types of Campervans: 2 – 4 person self-contained and non-self-contained, all with automatic transmission
- Price range: $46 NZD – $189 NZD per day during low season when renting for a week
Since 2001, JUCY Rentals has been the premier campervan outfitter for New Zealand and my favorite service to use when renting a campervan.
Starting in their garage and building custom-order vans, Dan Alpe and his brother have been leading market trends since the beginning. They took years of experience and put it together with their fun, family, pride, and passion motto to create one of the best services for renting a campervan in New Zealand and Australia. With some of the best rental prices in the country, it’s easy to see why they are the most popular campervan service to date.
Their award-winning and standout campervans range from self-contained to non-self-contained. All campervans regardless of the model come with cutlery, dinnerware, linen, pillows, towels, and AA roadside assistance. Optional add-ons like a roof rack, GPS, or camping tables and chairs can be added for your convenience. Honestly, that GPS can come in handy – especially if you’re driving in more remote areas that don’t get great cell reception (like the journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound – one of my faves!).
If you’re traveling with a pet, there is a specific line of vehicles you can rent with a cleaning fee so your furry friend can come along!
Their lineup consists of 3 automatic models:
- The JUCY Condo (Toyota Hiace) is their most popular self-contained campervan. It comfortably sleeps 4 people with a double bed up top and on the bottom. This is the one I use for road trips!
- Following in its steps is the JUCY Cruiser (Fiat Ducato). It’s also self-contained and sleeps 4, but is a little tighter inside since it lacks an “upstairs” and instead utilizes a double bed bunk setup.
- Finally, you have the JUCY Crib (Toyota Estima). This is their budget 2-person non self-contained campervan that packs a surprising amount into its smaller frame compared with the others!
Pick-up and drop-off locations are at either the Auckland, Christchurch, or Queenstown airports. The whole process is quick and easy with the option to pick it up at one airport and then drop it off at another. Everything from their campervans to the check-in process has been designed to be convenient for you, the traveler, and ensure you have the experience of a lifetime.
If you’re still unsure whether you want to go with JUCY, read my full review of JUCY campervans here!
You can compare models and reserve your JUCY campervan on their website 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! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Related Read: After you pick your campervan, check out my list of the BEST road trips on the South Island.
2. Star RV
- Pick up/drop off locations: Christchurch, Auckland, and Queenstown airports
- Types of Campervans/Motorhomes: 2 – 6 person self-contained, all with automatic transmission & GPS
- Price range: $200 – $400 NZD per day in low season and $450 – $800 NZD per day during summer
Star RV is one of New Zealand’s top campervan and motorhome rental companies, and after using them myself I was very impressed! Not only are their motorhomes high-quality and very comfortable, but they also provide excellent customer service and make it really convenient to work with.
If you think you may want more space than a traditional campervan, Star RV is the way to go. All of the vans have room to stand up and come equipped with everything you need to live comfortably during your travels including a stove, fridge, microwave, toilet, and shower! Plus the compact “van-style” designs of the motorhomes make Star RV’s fleet easier to drive and park than traditional motorhomes.
Star RV is ideal if you’re traveling as a family or with a pet. Pets are welcome for an additional charge and they also have booster or car seats available to rent, so you don’t have to bring your own. If you’d like other camping equipment, they also have camping chairs, tables, heaters, and other tools at your disposal for a small fee. They also offer linen changes – which I was grateful for during my 3-week road trip!
Their lineup consists of 3 automatic models:
- The Polaris 2 (Fiat Ducato) is the most compact model that sleeps up to 2 people. It is perfect for couples and is the option Dan & I always choose!
- The Polaris 4 (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) is a medium-size motorhome that can sleep up to 4 people. It has a full kitchen on board (including a stove) and is a great option for families or groups or friends!
- Last but not least, the Polaris 6 (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) is the largest motorhome that can sleep up to 6 people. This makes it a great option for families who want a comfortable travel experience.
No matter which model you choose, they will all be equipped with cutlery and dinnerware, bedding, blankets, pillows, a gas stove, GPS, solar panel, and an extendable awning so you can be outside no matter the weather! I also love that they provide 24/7 roadside assistance and have affordable insurance coverage starting at only $45 NZD per day – so that you’re covered in case any unwanted issues arise!
Picking up and dropping off the motorhome is really simple, as they have locations at the Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown Airports. It’s even more convenient because they allow online check-in and “drop-and-go” check-out so you don’t have to wait around for a long time. There is also a shuttle that goes from their location to the airport during business hours for the easiest option!
I could keep going on and on about how great Star RV is – but I think you get the gist! They truly provide great service and comfortable vehicles at the lowest prices possible. If you’re ready to explore the beautiful corners of New Zealand in comfort and style – Star RV is the way to go!
For more information on my experience with Star RV, you can read my full review of Star RV here!
Check availability and book your motorhome with Star RV 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 Star RV! Simply click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
3. Mad Campers
- Pick up/drop off locations: Auckland and Christchurch
- Types of Campervans: 1-2 person self-contained and non self-contained, automatic or manual depending on model
- Price Range: $45 NZD – $180 NZD per day during low season when renting for a week
Mad Campers started in 2017 when three friends decided to take their passion for exploring New Zealand’s great outdoors to a whole new level. They believe the best way to experience the country is with a well-outfitted campervan and I totally agree!
I love this company so much that I have organized a discount code for my readers. Use the referral code QUEEN5 to get 5% off!
Their goal is to provide you with a camper that can take you just about anywhere you want to go at a price that is almost too good to be true. They even have the Mad Challenge where you get 5% off on your return if you get a picture of yourself at different places around New Zealand! I haven’t tried it yet but it’s on my bucket list.
All campervans come with essentials like cutlery, bowls, linens, pillows, and AA breakdown assistance while extras like tables and chairs can be rented at a cost. Other great additions to their self-contained fleet are an extendable hose tap for washing dishes or your feet after the beach, a passport lockbox, and an auxiliary battery. Animals are strictly prohibited in any of the campervans, so if you have a furbaby you want to bring, you should consider another service.
Mad Campers offers 4 different types of campervans that you can rent:
- The Mad Explorer (LDV Deliver 9) is their premium self-contained 2-person campervan with all the bells and whistles. It can have either an automatic or manuel transmission.
- Their Mad 2 (Nissan Vanette or similar) is a smaller 2-person self-contained camper with automatic transmission.
- The Mad 1 (Nissan Cube or similar) is a 1-person self-contained variation of the Mad 2.
- Finally, you have the Mad Adventurer (Toyota RAV4), a 2-person non self-contained camper equipped with a comfortable James Baroud roof tent. It’s also an automatic.
If you would like to quickly compare the features of their campervans, you can see a comparison chart here.
Pick-up and drop-off can be done at either of their locations in Auckland or Christchurch between 9 am to 4 pm with some exceptions for late drop-off. The whole process is quick and easy with their friendly team and they will have you on the road in no time!
Reserve one of Mad Campers adventure-ready campervans online here. Use the code QUEEN5 to get an exclusive 5% off!
4. Escape Campervan Rentals
- Pick up/drop off locations: Auckland and Christchurch
- Types of Campervans: 1-3 people self-contained and non self-contained Nissan Caravan. Can get either manual or automatic ($10 fee to specify transmission type)
- Price Range: $53 NZD – $63 NZD per day during low season when renting for a week
For over 20 years Escape Campervan Rentals has been providing stylish and low-cost campervans to adventurous travelers in New Zealand. Rob Mewton, a New Zealand native and avid traveler-turned-entrepreneur has made it his life work to provide people from all over the world a top-tier experience with some sweet down-to-earth campervans. Overall, I like that they have a minimalist design but still manage to maintain comfort and keep prices low – and that goes for both their self-contained and standard models.
Every campervan comes with everything you need to cook and eat from the mini kitchen in the back as well as linens and pillows for its queen-size bed. However, it’s the solar shower and camping chairs that really seal the deal for me! Of course, 24-hour roadside assistance is included and you can rent optional items like a camping table if you want.
An important note is that they have both manual and automatic transmissions. Unless you want to pay $10 NZD for a specific transmission guarantee, you could get either.
Regardless of whether you get a self-contained or standard model (both are Nissan Caravans), the layout of each will be the same except that the self-contained option comes with a portable toilet for the back. Storage is plentiful and the custom spray paint job is sure to impress everyone who sees you on the road! Trust me, I’ve driven past these bad boys and they definitely catch your eye. Just get ready to be cozy if there are 3 of you because there is only a queen-sized bed.
Pick-up and drop-off are quick and easy, and can be done in either Auckland or Christchurch. Pets are welcome to stay with you in the van from October to June with some minor restrictions – so if you want to bring your furbaby, contact them beforehand.
Book your Escape Rentals campervan in advance here.
5. Britz Campervan Hire
- Pick up/drop off locations: Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch
- Types of Campervans: 2-4 people self-contained, automatic transmission (occasionally also offer limited-time motorhomes for up to 5)
- Price Range: $83 NZD – $447 NZD per day during low season when renting for a week
Britz Campervan Hire is a large company well-known in New Zealand for their luxury vehicles and convenience-oriented approach. Having lived here for some time, I can tell you they are a safe and trusted option by both locals and visitors and have been around for over 30 years.
Britz provides everything you need for a comfortable beginning-to-end experience. Overall, I think they’re great for families who want to hit the road or a larger group of friends.
Each of the self-contained campervans is incredibly spacious and comes equipped with a large fridge, microwave, gas stove, shower, and toilet. Some even have an awning! I am not picturing myself pulling over to enjoy an outdoor picnic with some much-appreciated shade!
Everything that you would need for general living is included. If you plan on traveling for more than a week, you can request fresh linens so everything stays fresh and clean. This is particularly nice if you’re traveling with a furry friend (at a small fee) and need a change of sheets after they inevitably find a mud puddle.
Britz offers 2 campervans for rent. They also occasionally have motorhomes, and you can check the full list of available options on their website here. Overall, their campervans tend to run on the larger side compared to some of the other options I mentioned. However, they come with all the bells and whistles to make for a super plush road trip.
The smaller of their 2 campervans is the 2-Berth Venturer. This is a 2-person, self-contained campervan with an automatic transmission. It comes equipped with a kitchen, shower, and toilet along with a dining table and a double bed – it’s basically a little home on the road!
Their 4-Berth Discovery is also automatic and comes with everything the 2-Berth Venturer does. However, the dining table converts into an additional double bed. So the main difference here is – you guessed it – it can fit 4 people!
Britz makes the pick-up and onboarding process simple with a THL road trip app that you download before your arrival. It has helpful videos on how to operate your vehicle and what to expect for pick-up and drop-off – pretty much all you have to do is go get the keys! Another huge perk of their service is the ability to get your camper from one location and drop it off at another for no extra charge.
Click here to see to check options and prices for Britz Campervan Hire.
Related Read: If you’re planning that road trip, read about the best places to visit on the North Island as well as the top destinations on the South Island.
Is renting a campervan in New Zealand worth it?
Yes, renting a campervan in New Zealand is totally worth it! I think experiencing New Zealand by campervan is the best way to see the country and offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You can go where you want, wake up in beautiful places, and do incredible things along the way. You can even try one of my many epic New Zealand road trips that I’ve already planned for you!
While renting a campervan can be expensive at first glance, I’ve found that it’s cheaper in the long run since New Zealand offers plenty of places to freedom camp totally free of charge. Hotel costs can add up quickly. Even holiday parks where you have to pay to camp are dirt cheap in comparison!
To gather even more info on the topic, check out my guide to renting a campervan in Auckland. And if you’re heading to the South Island, I also have guides to renting a campervan in Queenstown and Christchurch. If you’ve never road-tripped in a campervan, I know it can be a bit nerve-wracking, so I want you to feel as prepared – and excited – as possible! And trust me, you’re in good hands with any of the companies I listed above.
So if you’re ready to have the ultimate road trip through New Zealand, do yourself a favor and rent a campervan. I’m positive you won’t regret it!
Don’t forget to use my 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!
Hot Tip: Compare ALL campervans available for rent in New Zealand on Motorhome Republic! Their booking system lets you easily compare various models, companies, prices, and features all in one easy place.
Thanks for reading!
I’ve had so much fun road tripping through New Zealand by campervan – and gotten to know the different campervan companies as a result. This list includes the top 5 companies that I feel are most reliable, with JUCY being my number one. Whichever rental company you choose, I hope this guide gets you one step closer to that memorable road trip!
If you’re looking for more help planning your travels, check out my blog all about New Zealand. I’ve lived here for many years and traveled all over, and want to help you do the same! To get started, just click on one of the links below. And as always, thanks for reading!
North Island VS South Island of New Zealand – Which is Better?