Campervan Hire in New Zealand

Renting a campervan in New Zealand is the dream of many adventurous holidaymakers. From Germany, New Zealand is on the other side of the world, and flying any farther is not possible.

Here, not only are the seasons reversed, but also the flora and fauna, and the spectacular scenery are completely different from native Central Europe. New Zealand is wild, exotic, adventurous, and beckons with the scent of the South Seas.

New Zealand is the country that forms the southern point of the Polynesian Triangle in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Here, exotic nature meets Western standards and the colorful culture of the New Zealand natives, the Māori.

New Zealand is not only an exotic but also a safe and comfortable destination. The infrastructure is well adapted to lively tourism. A common way to travel here is with a camper. There are countless campsites, rest areas, and remote wilderness locations scattered throughout the country, which are free for campers with their own sewage system.

A journey through New Zealand is incredibly diverse. Whether visitors want to enjoy plenty of water, gentle waves, and white sandy beaches, diving adventures, surfing waves, and beach bars. Or plan long hikes in the high mountains, around gigantic glaciers with alpine skiing.

And unlike neighboring Australia, New Zealand is not home to deadly, crawling creatures.

Whether you're an experienced traveler or embarking on your first campervan journey, it's always handy to have some useful tips for your adventure through New Zealand. Here are some essential facts you need to know before hitting the road:

Traffic Etiquette and Safety:

• Adhere to local traffic regulations and speed limits.
• Exercise extra caution on narrow and winding roads, especially in remote areas.
• Drive defensively and be mindful of other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.

Visas and Travel Documents:

• Check if you require a visa to enter New Zealand, depending on your nationality and travel purpose.
• Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months upon arrival in New Zealand.

Payment Options:

• Most shops, restaurants, and accommodations accept credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard.
• Always carry some cash for small purchases and emergencies.

Campervan Safety:

• Park at designated camper sites and avoid wild camping unless otherwise indicated and permitted.
• Always lock your camper when you're away and keep valuable items out of sight.

Emergency Numbers:

• Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers, including 111 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.

Weather Conditions:

• Stay informed about the weather conditions during your journey and adjust your route if necessary.
• Pack warm clothing and rain gear, especially if you plan to explore mountainous areas.

With these tips, you'll be well-prepared for your campervan adventure through New Zealand. Enjoy the stunning landscapes, friendly people, and unforgettable experiences this country has to offer!

New Zealand is known for its diverse climates, ranging from temperate in the north to subpolar in the south. Weather can play a significant role in planning your campervan adventure in this beautiful country. Here's a brief overview of the climate in different parts of New Zealand and how it can affect your experience of hiring a campervan:

Average Climate:

• The north of New Zealand has a mild, temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters.
• his area is ideal for campervan holidays throughout the year, with pleasant temperatures and an abundance of beautiful landscapes to explore.

Subtropical Climate:

• Some parts of the North Island, such as Auckland and the Bay of Islands, experience a subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters.
• The weather can be unpredictable, with rapid changes and occasional heavy rainfall. It's important to be prepared for this during your campervan journey.

Cooler Climate:

• The South Island generally has a cooler climate, especially in the southern regions such as Fiordland and Otago.
• Winters can be cold, with the possibility of snowfall in some areas. In summer, temperatures are moderate and pleasant.

Understanding the climate in New Zealand is essential when planning your campervan adventure. Make sure to adapt to the weather conditions and plan your route accordingly so you can fully enjoy your journey through this beautiful country.

New Zealand is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, adventurous activities, and unique culture. When visiting this beautiful country, there are several iconic sights and experiences you simply cannot miss. Here are some highlights that will make your trip to New Zealand unforgettable:

• Milford Sound: Take a boat cruise through the majestic Milford Sound, surrounded by steep cliffs, waterfalls, and lush rainforests. This fjord in Fiordland National Park is known as one of the most beautiful places in the world.
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Tackle the challenging Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the best day hikes in the world. Enjoy breathtaking views of volcanoes, crater lakes, and unique landscapes during this epic trek.
• Abel Tasman National Park: Explore the crystal-clear waters and golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park. Go kayaking, hiking, or take a water taxi to explore this stunning coastal landscape.
• Rotorua's Thermal Wonders: Visit Rotorua and experience the unique thermal activities, such as mud pools, geysers, and hot springs. Take a cultural tour of a Maori village and learn more about New Zealand's indigenous culture.
• Wanaka and Lake Tekapo: Discover the serene beauty of Wanaka and Lake Tekapo, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and azure blue lakes. Take a stroll along the shores or go stargazing in one of the world's best dark sky reserves.
• Kaikoura's Marine Life: Embark on an adventurous whale-watching tour or swim with dolphins in Kaikoura, a place known for its abundant marine life. Explore New Zealand's rich underwater world during an unforgettable encounter with nature.
• Waiheke Island: Escape the crowds and explore the idyllic Waiheke Island, located off the coast of Auckland. Sample local wines, enjoy stunning beaches, and discover charming villages during a day trip to this island paradise.

New Zealand is packed with adventurous opportunities and natural beauty you won't find anywhere else in the world. Don't miss out on these unforgettable experiences during your trip to this beautiful country!

There are three ways to explore New Zealand by campervan.

Either the North Island, the South Island or both islands. You should plan at least two weeks per island. Due to the enormous time change, it makes sense to plan a few days to recover from jet lag.

So: Depending on which travel option the camper friend chooses, there are certain options available. We start with the North Island and work our way south.

Campervan Hire in New Zealand: With the Camper on the North Island

Those who want to start their road trip in New Zealand on the North Island usually do so in the country's largest city, Auckland. Auckland is located in the north of the North Island and is the largest urban area in the country.

Auckland also has a good tourist infrastructure. Numerous hotels, car rental stations, restaurants and sights are located in the city. Perfect, therefore, to recover from the long journey for a few days and to do the most important things comfortably and quickly.

It makes sense to pre-book your campervan before you arrive to ensure you get one. Many rental companies are fully booked, especially in the peak summer season and during holiday periods.

First leg: Auckland to Hobbiton

180km south-east of Auckland lies one of the great highlights of the North Island: Hobbiton.

Hobbiton is a film village that was used for the exterior filming of the three-parter The Lord of the Rings. Visitors must pre-book a ticket for Hobbiton, board a coach at the main entrance, which takes them to the gigantic film set in a few minutes.

Here, travellers have the opportunity to wander through the huge wasteland-looking village, learn interesting facts about the filming and take breathtaking souvenir photos.

Second stage: Hobbiton to Rotorua

In the city of Rotorua, travellers with a caravan or campervan are best advised to find a great campsite on the beautiful Lake Rotorua and explore the area from here.

Rotorua is famous for its colourful and sulphur-smelling thermal pools. The Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is probably the most spectacular thermal park in the country. It bubbles and steams in all colours of the rainbow over a huge area.

Also highly recommended is the free Kuirau Park in the middle of the city. Here, travellers walk through a huge lake of boiling steam, among other things.

Third stage: Rotorua to Taupo

Taupo is a town with a feel-good atmosphere. There are particularly wonderful campsites here with great lake views. On calm days, water sports or boating can be enjoyed on the lake.

Highlights of the immediate area include a boat trip, sometimes lasting several hours, through mystical river landscapes to the spectacular Huka Falls.

The Craters of the Moon Thermal Park is also well worth a visit. Here visitors walk on footbridges through a fantastic natural area, from which it steams, stinks and bubbles from all the gullies and craters.

Stage Four: Taupo to Tongarino National Park

On the way from Taupo to the capital Wellington, the campervan traveller should definitely stop for a night in Tongarino National Park. This rugged mountain landscape has already taken the breath away of many hikers.

Those who dare and are fit enough should not miss the 9-hour hike Tongarino Crossing, which leads around the active and also smoking volcano. Four hours further on, travellers reach the capital Wellington.

Fifth stage: Tongarino National Park to Wellington

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. It is very hilly and offers spectacular views of the ocean from almost everywhere.

We recommend a free visit to the gigantic National Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongorewa. It is very centrally located, right on the Wellington Waterfront Walk.

Another highlight is climbing or experiencing Mount Victoria, which is located directly in Wellington and offers probably the most spectacular sunset in the city.

This is where the first voyage of discovery across the North Island ends. If you also don't want to miss the South Island, take the Interislander or Bluebridge Ferry from the port in Wellington to Picton on the northern South Island. Dolphins and seals can often be spotted on the way. The journey continues to Christchurch.

Campervan Hire in New Zealand: With the camper on the South Island starting in Christchurch

First stage: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki

Christchurch is, in contrast to Auckland and Wellington, a rather unspectacular but nevertheless cosy city. If you want to hire a campervan, this is the place to be.

So, the first stage leads quickly to Lake Takapo and Lake Pukaki, which are close to each other. These two lakes glow in such a magnificent shade of blue that visitors can hardly believe their eyes. They are set against the picturesque mountain backdrop of the New Zealand Alps. Countless hiking trails start from here.

Second stage: Lake Tekapo to Dunedin

The large city of Dunedin offers wonderful beaches and campsites for rent, from which the sound of the sea can already be heard in the campervan. But Dunedin is not only about hours of beach walks.

On the nearby Otago Peninsula, the only albatross colony breeding on the mainland can be spotted. The best place to see the birds is the Royal Albatross Centre.

Stage Three: Dunedin to Milford Sound

Milford Sound is one of the landmarks of New Zealand's South Island. It posters dozens of travel brochures and patiently poses as the best photo the New Zealand tourist has probably ever taken.

Along the shores of Lake Te Anau, visitors head towards the magnificent bay for a magnificent boat trip, often accompanied by dolphins. This can only be topped by the equally popular helicopter flight. However, free camping with the campervan is prohibited in Milford Sound, as the place is located in a national park.

Stage Four: Milford Sound to Queenstown

Queenstown is one of the most picturesque towns on the South Island. Here, everything is really geared towards tourism. The shore promenade entices with countless first-class restaurants in front of magnificent lake views. Beautiful hiking trails lead directly from Queenstown along the shore of Lake Wakaputi.

Action holidaymakers in particular get their money's worth here. Activities such as skydiving, paragliding, helicopter tours, canyoning, rafting and much more are waiting to be enjoyed by adrenaline junkies. There are also several campsites to hire with a campervan.

Fifth stage: Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

Not far north of Queenstown is the 10 km long Franz Josef Glacier in the Westland National Park. It lies at an altitude of just 400 metres and in earlier times reached into the sea.

The glacier can be hiked or flown around by helicopter. It flows half a metre per day. The closest campgrounds for hiring a camper van are in Waiau.

Sixth stage: Franz Josef Glacier to Abel Tasman NP

From Franz Josef Glacier, the tour returns to the north coast of the South Island, to the 225.3 km² Abel Tasman National Park. Between the picturesque bays of Golden Bay and Tasman Bay, lies a fantastic landscape of blue ocean tongues and serpentine island chains. A paradise for hikers and kayakers.

Seventh Stage: Abel Tasman NP to Kaikoura

In Kaikoura, on the east coast between Picton and Christchurch, wildlife watching is a big part of the programme. Here you can even swim with wild dolphins under professional guidance. A truly extraordinary experience. Parking spaces for the campervan are available in town.

Stage eight: Kaikoura to Christchurch

The last stage leads back to Christchurch, from where return and onward flights can be taken.