One-Way Campervan Hire in New Zealand

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New Zealand One-Way Campervan Rental

Planning a campervan road trip in New Zealand? With a one-way hire you pick up in one city and drop off in another, so you can cover both islands without doubling back.

Use the search above to compare one-way campervan prices for your route and dates, including any one-way fee, then explore the popular routes below.

Satellite map of New Zealand’s main one-way campervan route: Auckland to Wellington, 640 km; the Cook Strait ferry to Picton, about 3.5 hours; Picton to Christchurch, 340 km; and Christchurch to Queenstown, 480 km
The main one-way routes link Auckland, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch and Queenstown.

Find the perfect camper for your travel needs

All

  • Euro Tourer 2-Berth

    Euro Tourer 2-Berth

    Apollo

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

  • Cabana

    Cabana

    Jucy

    Automatic

  • 4 Berth Euro Star

    4 Berth Euro Star

    Apollo

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

  • 4 Berth Double Up

    4 Berth Double Up

    Mighty

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

  • 4 Berth Euro

    4 Berth Euro

    Apollo

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

  • Sleepervan

    Sleepervan

    Backpacker Sleepervans

    Automatic

  • Budget Finder

    Budget Finder

    Budget Campers

    Manual

  • Cheapa 2-Berth

    Cheapa 2-Berth

    Cheapa Campa

    Automatic or manual · Toilet · Shower

  • 6 Berth SAM

    6 Berth SAM

    Pacific Horizon

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

  • 4-Berth GEM Premium

    4-Berth GEM Premium

    Pacific Horizon

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

  • Budget Seeker

    Budget Seeker

    Budget Campers

    Manual · Toilet · Shower

  • 2-Berth with ST

    2-Berth with ST

    Discover NZ

    Manual · Toilet · Shower

Cheap

  • Lucky Rover

    Lucky Rover

    Lucky Rentals

    Automatic · Porta-potty toilet

  • Rocket 2-Berth

    Rocket 2-Berth

    Spaceships

    Automatic

Luxury

  • 6-Berth Euro Deluxe

    6-Berth Euro Deluxe

    Apollo

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

  • 6-Berth Frontier

    6-Berth Frontier

    Britz

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

  • River

    River

    Maui

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

  • 6-Berth Big Six

    6-Berth Big Six

    Mighty

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

  • 6-Berth SAM Premium

    6-Berth SAM Premium

    Pacific Horizon

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

  • 6 Berth Imala Deluxe

    6 Berth Imala Deluxe

    Discover NZ

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

  • 4-Berth Imala 730

    4-Berth Imala 730

    Discover NZ

    Automatic · Toilet · Shower

Prices, one-way fees and availability can differ by direction, so if your plans are flexible, search both ways.

Chart of driving times on New Zealand’s main one-way legs: Auckland to Wellington, 640 km and 7 h 45 min, allow 3 to 7 days; the Cook Strait ferry, about 3.5 hours; Picton to Christchurch, 340 km and 4 h 20 min, allow 1 to 2 days; Christchurch to Queenstown, 480 km and 6 h, allow 3 to 7 days
Estimated driving times per leg. Allow 7 to 14 days for Auckland to Christchurch and 10 to 14 days for Auckland to Queenstown.

Good to Know Before You Book

One-way fees

Many rental companies charge a one-way fee when you return the campervan to a different depot. The amount depends on the company, the vehicle, the season and the direction you travel, and some companies set a longer minimum hire for one-way trips. Our search shows each total price for your dates with any one-way fee included, so you can compare like for like.

Crossing Cook Strait

Every trip between the North and South Islands includes the Cook Strait crossing. Interislander and Bluebridge both run vehicle ferries between Wellington and Picton, with several sailings a day between them, and the crossing takes about 3.5 hours. The ferry is usually not included in your campervan hire: you book it yourself, and the fare depends on the length of the vehicle and the number of passengers. Book early for December to February and the school holidays, when vehicle space sells out. Most rental companies allow their campervans on the ferry, but check your rental terms first.

Best time to go

December to February is peak season, with the longest days and the highest demand. March to May and September to November are quieter and often better value. From June to August, alpine passes in the South Island can have snow and ice, so check road conditions and allow extra time.

Where to pick up and drop off

Auckland and Christchurch are New Zealand's main campervan hubs, with the widest choice of vehicles, and most of their depots are near the airports. Queenstown and Wellington have fewer depots, so the choice of campervans can be smaller on one-way trips that start or end there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there one-way fees in New Zealand?

Often, yes. Many companies charge a one-way fee when the drop-off depot differs from the pick-up depot, and the amount varies by company, vehicle, season and direction. Our comparison shows the total price with any one-way fee included before you book.

Can I pick up my campervan in the South Island and drop it off in the North Island or vice versa?

Yes, many companies have depots in both the North and South Islands and allow one-way trips.

If planning this type of trip, you will need to pay the cost of the ferry and any one-way fees. Our support team can help with your booking.

Is it better to travel north to south or south to north?

Both work well. Prices and availability can differ by direction and season, so if your dates are flexible, search both ways and compare.

Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in New Zealand? Is freedom camping allowed?

Freedom camping, or the ability to sleep in your campervan in New Zealand, is allowed but heavily regulated by local councils. It is essential to know the specific rules of the region you’re visiting before settling in for the night. The Department of Conservation (DOC) also maintains a network of campervan- and motorhome-friendly campsites across the country for responsible self-sufficient camping.

These DOC sites typically provide basic amenities, so campers must dispose of waste properly, respect the environment, and follow local by-laws.

For a more comfortable experience, consider campgrounds designed for campervans and motorhomes. They often have power and water hookups (so you can use your fridge, appliances, shower, etc.), dump stations for waste, and sometimes facilities like swimming pools or playgrounds.

When planning your trip, research local camping regulations and choose campgrounds or sites that suit your needs. That way you enjoy New Zealand’s beauty while camping responsibly and sustainably.

What is a certified self-contained campervan?

On council land in New Zealand you can generally only freedom camp in a vehicle that is certified self-contained and displays a current green warrant, unless a site is set aside for vehicles that are not self-contained. A certified vehicle has a fixed toilet and fresh-water and waste-water tanks. Not every campervan is certified, so check the vehicle details before you book if you plan to freedom camp, and follow local rules wherever you stop.

Does my campervan rental come with unlimited mileage?

Yes, unlimited kilometres are generally included for standard vehicle rentals in New Zealand. The comparison tool will show you whether your preferred vehicle has unlimited or restricted kilometres.