Gearing up to hit the road on your next adventure? Here are the most important things to know before renting a campervan in New Zealand so you can take off prepared and excited. Whether you’re planning a two-week loop or chasing waterfalls across both islands, this guide will help you avoid rookie mistakes and make the most of your adventure.
Table of Contents
1) Size does matter
While campervan parking is allowed in many places, you might have a harder time depending on the size of your camper. Normal parking spots are 5.4 meters, which doesn’t fit most campers. However, even some specific campervan spots are for maximum 6.0 meters! Our van was 7.4 meters – definitely on the long side – so parking took some extra effort.
2) Diesel is cheaper, until the end (Additional Fee!)
If you’re in a campervan, you’re probably topping up on diesel fuel at the pump. Luckily it is typically cheaper than gasoline! However, this the savings will get overridden once you turn your vehicle back in at the end. NZ imposes a fee for every 1,000km driven in a diesel vehicle, and as of this writing that’s $76 NZD!
So if you’re doing a North and South Island tour, you can estimate between 3k-4k kilometers, adding an additional $230-$300 extra.
3) Driving takes longer than you think
Google Maps is your best bet for navigating the roads of New Zealand, but don’t be surprised when the drive takes a few extra hours than what you accounted for. If your maps say 3 hours, account for at least 4.5 hours, especially for bigger vehicles! (Yes, some of this is to account for the stops at view points and vistas).
4) Freedom Camping isn't always Free
You’ve already spent a fortune on a campervan rental, so saving money by staying at free sites sounds awesome, right?! Well, it’s not always the case. For example, some “free” sites have a nightly fee or required donation, usually no more than $15 NZD ($8 USD). If you do camp someplace you’re not supposed to, you’re risking a $400 NZD fine, and yes, they do have people checking!
5) Self Contained is essential
Of course, if you prefer holiday parks and the creature comforts of modern life, you don’t need it. But, some of the most epic, beautiful campsites are SC only. You must rent a van with a certified Self Contained sticker!
So why do you need a self-contained vehicle? Well, because that’s how you’ll get the best camping views!
6) CamperMate will be your best friend
Keep the CamperMate app updated, available, and honestly just open all the time, you’ll be using it! For any campgrounds (free and paid), petrol, LPG swaps and refills, dump stations, water refill, toilets, laundromats, and everything else you will need on the road!
Be sure to read the comments, some places are less reliable than others!
7) Recycle! But, where?
NZ is pretty environmentally aware, and they promote recycling and waste reduction…but that doesn’t necessarily mean that finding places to recycle your waste is easy. CamperMate is one of the most essential apps for any New Zealand campervan trip, unfortunately, it doesn’t tell you where public bins are.
Use the RecycleMap Website to find a map of all the recycling places on both the North and South Island, so you can keep your van clean of waste, and keep the Earth clean too!
8) Book your Ferry in advance!
If you plan to do both the North and South Island, you’ll probably be putting your van on a ferry (either the Interislander or Bluebridge) and taking the 3 hour journey to the next island. There are only so many spots available for ferrys, so don’t let your poor planning keep your plans from moving forward!
9) Leave time for the unexpected
There is so much to see and do in NZ, and you might want to pack your schedule full. But, don’t underestimate the unexpected, because not everything will go to plan. In our 3 weeks, we had to reschedule because of rain, we broke down on the side of the road, and we had to go to a mechanic for half the day. Give yourself some wiggle room!
10) Know your insurance coverage
Every rental company will offer a few insurance packages, but you probably already have coverage through a credit card or travel insurance plan. Know what you’re covered for, and if the extra expense is worth it to you.
Story time: We did not get the insurance, which cost $75/day… but I accidentally kicked out the ceiling vent in my sleep. So, yeah..our credit card coverage did not support violent sleepers, and it cost us $900!
Summary - Things to know before renting a campervan in New Zealand
Taking off in a campervan to explore the wild landscapes of New Zealand is exciting! But, go into it prepared by knowing what to expect with camping, how to take care of regular life needs, and the realistic expectations with driving! The adventure is sure to be a sweet one (or “sweet as” as the kiwi’s say), but do some research and go into it prepared!
What are you most excited for?
