Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand, as well as the heart of the country’s retail and commercial activities. Nestled between two harbors, it’s surrounded by 48 volcanoes and many picturesque islands. Also, Auckland is home to New Zealand’s largest international airport, the tallest building in the country making it the most popular place to start any NZ vacation.
While there are plenty of fun things to do in Auckland (like seeing the city from the Sky Tower!), chances are that you will want to leave the city at some point to explore other areas of the country, and what better way to do that than with a motorhome?!
One of the best ways to travel around New Zealand is to rent a motorhome, as it gives you the freedom to go anywhere and whenever you like, and even camp for free!
Additionally, motorhomes are also super convenient as they are often equipped with many of the amenities one can find at home. If you prefer to travel in style and comfort, renting a motorhome in Auckland is a great option for you!
However, looking for the best Auckland motorhome rental company may overwhelm you as there are many to choose from. But need not worry! In this blog, I have put together the top 5 companies that offer motorhome hire in Auckland, NZ to make your search and selection easier and faster. I included all the essential details about each one of them, including the rates, so keep on reading!
Why Rent a Motorhome in Auckland
Located on the North Island, Auckland is a popular place to start and end your road trip in New Zealand. Its central location is the perfect starting point for visiting beautiful destinations around the country.
There are also many companies that rent motorhomes in Auckland – so you have plenty of choices! You sure;y will be able to find a motorhome with all the space and amenities you’re looking for.
While motorhomes are more expensive than campervans (much smaller than motorhomes than typically only sleep 2 people), they guarantee the utmost comfort while traveling and are perfect for freedom camping.
Freedom camping has been allowed throughout New Zealand for hundreds of years but only to vehicles that are self-contained certified. If this is what you plan on doing, it’s important to keep this in mind when choosing your motorhome below.
Hot Tip: If you are on a smaller budget and traveling along or just with one other person, consider renting a campervan in Auckland instead. They are smaller and less luxurious but also cheaper than motorhomes.
Important Factors to Consider before Renting a Motorhome in Auckland
Is your Motorhome self-contained certified?
As mentioned above, self-contained-certified motorhomes let you camp for free in certain areas throughout New Zealand. This helps you travel the country without going beyond your budget.
If you’re not familiar with a self-contained certified motorhome, well, it’s a vehicle designed to meet the sanitary and ablutionary needs of the occupants. This means it can deal with all types of waste and features tanks with water for drinking and cooking that can last for a minimum of three days.
A self-contained motorhome will allow you to camp for free in certain places!
Almost all motorhomes are self-contained certified, but just be sure this is true with your chosen motorhome rental by asking the rental company for the certificate location or sticker on the vehicle.
How many people are you traveling with?
Most companies provide various options to groups of travelers. A cheap motorhome rental in Auckland is ideal for only two people. Larger and more expensive motorhomes can sleep four or six people.
So when choosing which one to rent, it’s best to have the final number of people traveling with you in order to avoid complications on the day of the pick-up. And before you decide on how many will fit in one bed, you should first make sure there are enough seatbelts for everyone.
What is your drop-off location?
End-point locations are something not all Auckland motorhome rental companies have in common. If you aren’t also ending your road trip in Auckland, then you should verify what drop-off locations your chosen motorhome rental company has. That’s right, you can’t just drop off your motorhome anywhere!
It’s better to choose where your adventure will end before you begin your trip. This will prevent you from having to drop off your motorhome in an unwanted place or paying hefty relocation fees.
Browse ALL motorhomes available in Auckland online here!
Related Read: One of the best road trips is the journey from Auckland to Paihia/Bay of Islands. There are plenty of fun activities on offer in Paihia, too!
5 Best Motorhome Rental Companies in Auckland
1. Kiwi Motorhomes
- Price: Starting from $135 NZD per day (during low season when renting for a week)
- Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Nelson, Rotorua, Whangarei, Tauranga
- Types of Motorhomes on offer: 4-person, 5-person, and 6-person motorhomes. All are self-contained certified.
Kiwi Motorhomes is our number one choice for motorhome rental in Auckland. It’s what we typically use whenever we set off on a road trip to New Zealand. What sets them apart from other agencies offering motorhome hire in Auckland is the way they treat travelers. They will see you not just as a hirer but as a part of their family, so you’re sure to receive great service from them.
In fact, they provide two free mountain bikes with helmets, along with a bike rack, to help you explore the countryside effortlessly. Other complimentary extras for your trip, such as a child’s seat, camp chairs, GPS units, and boogie boards, just to name a few.
Kiwi Motorhomes also provides 24/7 AA roadside assistance and a customer service helpline, so you can reach out to them any time of the day when you have concerns or mechanical problems with the motorhome you rented.
What’s more, Kiwi Motorhomes can pick you up from the airport or your airport accommodation and drop you back off at the end of your trip—which is all free of charge.
About their vehicle options, choose from over 20 mid-range, premium, and luxury campervans and motorhomes that can sleep four to six people. These are all fully certified self-contained, meaning that you have enough supply of clean water throughout your journey. You can also expect Queen-sized Island beds, separate toilets, and full-sized showers in the premium and luxury campers.
The vehicles also vary from manual to automatic, and most of them are kid-friendly. If you wish to bring your pet with you, make sure to discuss it with them beforehand.
Rates range from $135 NZD to $375 NZD per day, making them one of the most affordable motorhome rentals in Auckland. You may extend your adventure as long as the motorhome you hired is available on your additional date/s, and it should be paid at the time of the extension.
Start your trip by collecting your motorhome in Kiwi Motorhomes’ Auckland branch and return it to the drop-off location you specified during the booking.
Regarding their insurance policy, Kiwi Motorhomes will provide cover for only the vehicles while on hire, and this is already included in the daily rate.
We love Kiwi Motorhome so much that we actually partnered with them to offer our readers a special discount code! When booking, be sure to use the code Queen5 to get 5% off your rental rate (you can thank me later!) Book Kiwi Motorhome on their website here with the above code for the best rate!
2. Sunrise Holidays
- Price: Starting from $200 NZD per day (during low season when renting for a week)
- Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport
- Types of Motorhomes on offer: 2-person, 4-person, and 6-person motorhomes. All have self-containment certification.
Sunrise Holidays is one of the best companies offering motorhome hire in Auckland, NZ. They are dedicated to ensuring that travelers have a beautiful holiday in New Zealand. They are known for their motorhomes creatively named after the country’s native birds, such as Piwakawaka, Weka, and Takapu.
Three sizes of motorhomes are available for hire at Sunrise Holidays; there are 2-berth, 4-berth, and 6-berth vehicles. Each one is self-contained certified, which makes them perfect for freedom camping.
The 2-berth motorhome is ideal for those who are not comfortable driving a larger vehicle, and for couples or small families. Due to its compact size, it can fit in most parking spaces. While it may be smaller than the other Sunrise Holidays motorhomes, it is still sufficiently spacious to travel, eat, and sleep in comfort.
Bikers would also love the 2-berth vehicle as it is complete with a bike rack suitable for three bicycles. It also has a full shower and toilet, a practical kitchen, and an extendable dinette table.
The 4-berth motorhome is available in two variations: standard and luxury. They both have the same amenities but differ in layouts. It can accommodate families with young kids, or couples seeking space in the kitchen and dining area.
If you prefer a bigger space, the 6-berth motorhome is your top choice. Like an apartment on wheels, it has a living space that can be converted to a bed at night time. There are also bunk beds at the rear of the vehicle.
Prices for the Sunrise Holidays motorhomes start from $200 NZD and go up to $450 NZD per day. The daily rates include standard insurance and unlimited kilometers.
At the end of your trip, make sure to deliver the vehicle to your preferred drop-off location with a full fuel tank and full LPG bottles. You may request for continuation of the hire for additional fees.
Search for available Sunrise Motorhomes online here!
3. Britz
- Price: Starting from $193 NZD per day (during low season when renting for a week)
- Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown
- Types of Motorhomes on offer: Motorhomes suitable for 2-6 people. All models are self-contained certified.
One of the experts in motorhome hire in Auckland, Britz is renowned for its excellent fleet of vehicles that can fit any budget and travel style. For over 35 years, they have served thousands of customers coming from different places across the globe, helping them see New Zealand in the most comfortable way.
They have motorhomes to offer to two people and even to a group of six people. Both adults and kids are welcome aboard, and also your pet (for an additional fee). Each motorhome has plenty of space for your stuff, even for your bike, cookbook, or guitar.
On top of that, Britz ensures your utmost comfort by filling many of the motorhome models with essential amenities, such as refrigerators, solar power, fixed awnings, shower, toilet, beds, and gas bottles, among others. Another thing I love about Britz is that all their motorhomes are self-contained certified, so no matter which model you hire, you’re always free to stay overnight at any freedom camping site.
If you prefer to end your trip in Christchurch or Queenstown, without going back to the Britz Auckland branch, no worries— the company has branches there as well, plus pop-up branches in partnership with TOP 10 Holiday Parks. Collect your motorhome in Auckland and drop it off in the other designated areas.
In case you changed your mind about your drop-off location, you can always have it changed. Just contact the Booking Hosts via phone for authorization. Once approved, you may be asked to give an additional charge.
But before you pick up the vehicle, you should first download the THL Roadtrip app and watch a short show-through video featuring the motorhome you chose prior to your arrival. You will also find planning and preparation tips on the app, along with details about what to expect at pick-up and extensive on-the-road how-to clips. Moreover, the app can walk you through preparing your motorhome for a drop-off.
Britz is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, even during weekends. So, whether you want to begin your road trip in the morning or in the afternoon, friendly staff can always accommodate you with your Auckland motorhome rental.
Search for available Britz motorhomes online here!
4. Maui
- Price: Starting from $244 NZD per day (during low season when renting for a week)
- Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown
- Types of Motorhomes on offer: Motorhomes ideal for 2-6 people All vehicles are self-contained and automatic and feature various amenities like GPS systems.
For more than 35 years, Maui has been a go-to company for excellent motorhomes for a New Zealand holiday. They are recognized for their fleet of premium, modern vehicles that are sure to make you feel at home. So, if you seek luxury comfort on your trip, Maui motorhomes are your number one choice.
Owned by Tourism Holdings Ltd. (THL), the same company as Britz, Maui offers a fleet of motorhomes that have been designed with the comfort and convenience of occupants in mind, providing plenty of storage and incorporating all the amenities that will complement your journey.
It is also worth noting that all their motorhomes are self-contained, automatic, and guaranteed to be under two and a half years old at the time of hire. They even vary in size, with the smaller model only accommodating two people and the largest can sleep six people.
All vehicles Maui offers come with a GPS, hotel-quality linen and bedding, a gas cooker, a microwave, a fridge, and internet. Each is also equipped with a shower and a toilet, which are amenities that are quite essential when you’re traveling.
Additional features of some motorhomes are a fixed awning, fly screens, and child/booster seat fittings. You can purchase more extra items when you’re in the process of motorhome hire in Auckland. Daily rates of Maui vehicles differ depending on the type of motorhome you rent and how long your trip will take.
Since Maui is under the same agency as Britz, they’ll also require you to download the THL Roadtrip app (which is used by both companies), where you’ll find videos, tips, tutorials, and more that will come in handy during your trip.
Another thing I love about Maui is that they give other options for drop-off locations apart from their Auckland office. Motorhomes can be returned to their branches in Queenstown or Christchurch, which is really convenient especially if you plan to explore either of the two cities next.
Maui is open seven days a week from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and also offers a nine-person max airport shuttle, which is available from Monday to Sunday starting at 8:00 am until 3:30 pm.
Seach for all available Maui motorhomes available online here!
5. Wilderness Motorhomes Rental Auckland
- Price: Starting from $269 NZD per day (during low season when renting for a week)
- Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Auckland, Christchurch
- Types of Motorhomes on offer: Premium motorhomes for 2-4 people. All models are certified for freedom camping.
Wilderness Motorhomes is one of the first-rate companies offering motorhome hire in Auckland, NZ. For more than 15 years, they have offered an excellent fleet of premium motorhomes, each with different layouts, sleeping configurations, and unique features to fit different travel groups.
All of their modern vehicles provide a luxury feel to occupants and a chance to camp responsibly in every freedom camping site throughout the country. They are also complete with comfortable fixed beds, a full-service bathroom, a kitchen, quality linen, full insulation and central heating, automatic transmission, and storage space, making each one of them a home away from home.
Extras with a surcharge include Wi-Fi, ferry tickets, a bike rack, a camping chair and table, a portable barbecue grill, show chains, and more. You can order your desired additional amenities when you book a motorhome. Daily rates range from $269 NZD to $469 NZD for the vehicles, which can accommodate anywhere from 2 to 4 people.
Don’t have a car to get to their Auckland branch from the airport? No worries—Wilderness Motorhomes has free transfers from the airport or the airport hotel to the base. Then, at the end of your trip, they can drive you back to the airport or hotel without a charge.
A notable appeal to Wilderness Motorhomes Rental Auckland is that they encourage travelers to explore spectacular off-the-beaten paths and out-of-the-way spots, unlike other companies. This means you’re free to take back roads whenever you please. Just make sure to prevent damaging the motorhome.
Moreover, the company provides hirers exclusive access to a collection of secret camp spots across New Zealand. They are willing to share their favorite secret sites which only locals know about.
Search for all available Wilderness motorhomes online here!
Related Read: If you also need a car for your time here, these tips on renting a car in Auckland should be helpful!
Where to go with your Motorhome in Auckland?
There are so many amazing road trips you can begin from Auckland! There are so many that you’ll find it hard to choose just one! Below I’ve listed a few of my personal favorites with some information as well as 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 the glow worms that NZ is famous for!
- Road trip 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 the Coromandel Peninsula – this popular road 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: You’ll need a hotel before you pick up your motorhome rental, check out our complete guide about where to stay in Auckland!
Travel Insurance Has Your Back!
Life can be unpredictable and when you’re traveling abroad the last thing you want to worry about is getting sick or injured and having to pay out of pocket for treatment.
If this concerns you, SafetyWing can help! SafetyWing specializes in very affordable and comprehensive medical and travel insurance that is aimed at digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers. It costs just $45 USD per 4 weeks!
To start coverage you must purchase it after leaving your home country, so we usually purchase it as soon as we land in the airport.
Since using SafetyWing we’ve been reimbursed thousands of dollars when we’ve gotten sick. During the pandemic, they’ve even gone as far as to pay for our last-minute flights back to Canada before the border closed!
Thanks for reading!
And there you have it, the best motorhome rentals in Auckland! Now that you have this info, you should easily be able to choose the best motorhome for your New Zealand road trip.
I’ve written a ton of other content about road trips and travel in NZ including the following related reads:
The BEST Road Trips on the South Island
The Top Hikes on the the North Island