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The Costs of Renting a Campervan or Motorhome and Staying at Campsites, Holiday Parks, or Freedom Camping
Are you curious about the cost of renting a campervan in New Zealand? The answer isn’t straightforward since several factors are at play. You’ll need to consider the type of campervan, the season you’re traveling in, and the distance you’ll be driving to accurately estimate fuel expenses. If you’re under 25, a daily insurance excess reduction fee may be required. For further details, see Age Restrictions When Renting a Vehicle in New Zealand.
Below are approximate rental prices for both small campervans and larger motorhomes, varying by season. Additionally, you will have to factor in accommodation costs at holiday parks, campsites, and during freedom camping. Remember, you might need to connect to a power source or empty wastewater every few days. Thus, you are likely to spend some nights in a holiday park during your trip.
If you’re unclear about the campervan maintenance process, check out our Step-by-Step Guide to Renting Your First Motorhome or Vanlife: The Guide to Living in a Campervan.
Rental Costs for a Small Self-Contained Campervan
Summer (December to March): NZ$250/day with included insurance or NZ$280/day with add-on insurance
Spring/Autumn (April, May, September & October): NZ$180/day with included insurance or NZ$200/day with add-on insurance
Winter (June to August): NZ$100/day with included insurance or NZ$130/day with add-on insurance
Fuel (petrol) to fill a 70 l/18 gal tank: NZ$175
Rental Costs for a Large Self-Contained Motorhome
Summer (December to March): NZ$440/day with included insurance or NZ$480/day with add-on insurance
Spring/Autumn (April, May, September & October): NZ$320/day with included insurance or NZ$350/day with add-on insurance
Winter (June to August): NZ$240/day with included insurance or NZ$300/day with add-on insurance
Fuel (petrol) to fill a 70 l/18 gal tank: NZ$175
Fuel (diesel) to fill a 70 l/18 gal tank: NZ$135
Road User Charges (RUC) for diesel: NZ$62-$68 per 1,000 km (621 mi) traveled.
Additional Costs
One-way fees: Up to NZ$250
Additional driver: NZ$10
Ferry crossing (passenger + small campervan): NZ$205-$285
Ferry crossing (passenger + large campervan): NZ$310-$405
Camping Accommodation Prices
Holiday park night at a powered site for 2 people: NZ$40
Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite per night per person: NZ$20 for adults, NZ$10 for children (consider a DOC Campsite Pass for savings)
Freedom camping area: FREE
Example: Cost of Two Weeks in a Small Campervan in New Zealand
To provide a clearer picture, here’s a basic cost estimate for a couple or solo traveler (the costs are similar) using a small campervan with no insurance add-on for two weeks and covering 1,500 km. This example doesn’t factor in vehicles with differing fuel efficiencies, one-way fees, or ferry crossing costs.
- Campervan rental for two weeks in spring: NZ$2,520
- Fuel cost for 1,500 km at a rate of 12 l per 100 km: NZ$450
- Stay at a holiday park for five nights: NZ$200
- Stay at DOC campsite for two nights (per person): NZ$40
- Freedom camp for seven nights: NZ$0
= NZ$3,210
Keep in mind that the prices mentioned are approximate and may fluctuate due to varying fuel and rental rates. These figures are meant to give you a general idea of whether renting a car or campervan is more cost-effective.
Are you all set to explore New Zealand in a campervan? Be sure to check out The Best Motorhome & Campervan Rentals in New Zealand!
© EPIC Campers
Our Recommended Campervan Rental Company: EPIC Campers
For an affordable campervan rental experience, we highly suggest EPIC Campers. Whether you’re traveling with a partner, buddy, or exploring solo, their cleverly designed 2-berth campervans offer a unique travel experience. You can pick them up from either Christchurch or Auckland and enjoy the freedom camping benefits, thanks to the campervan’s self-containment certification. The vans feature high-quality interiors with amenities like a fold-out kitchenette and versatile living/sleeping areas. Plus, thoughtful extras like USB power points and a coffee plunger will enhance your trip! Book your EPIC camper with epiccampers.co.nz.
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The Costs of Renting a Car and Staying in Hostels, Hotels, or Airbnbs
Similar to campervan rentals, car rental costs vary based on the type of vehicle, the season of your travels, and your expected travel distance, which in turn will affect fuel costs. There may be additional expenses, such as one-way fees. If you’re under 25, a mandatory daily insurance excess reduction may apply. See Age Restrictions When Renting a Vehicle in New Zealand for more information.
Check out the estimated prices below for renting both small and large cars depending on the applicable seasonal rates. You’ll also need to consider accommodation costs, which can vary significantly between hostels, hotels, and Airbnbs. For a broader exploration of accommodation options in New Zealand, consult our complete travel guide.
Rental Costs for a Small Car
Summer (December to March): NZ$80/day with included insurance or NZ$100/day with add-on insurance
Spring/Autumn (April, May, September & October): NZ$50/day with included insurance or NZ$70/day with add-on insurance
Winter (June to August): NZ$30/day with included insurance or NZ$50/day with add-on insurance
Fuel (petrol) to fill a 42 l/11 gal tank: NZ$105
Rental Costs for a Large Car
Summer (December to March): NZ$180/day with included insurance or NZ$200/day with add-on insurance
Spring/Autumn (April, May, September & October): NZ$120/day with included insurance or NZ$140/day with add-on insurance
Winter (June to August): NZ$70/day with included insurance or NZ$90/day with add-on insurance
Fuel (petrol) to fill a 50 l/13 gal tank: NZ$125
Additional Costs
One-way fees: Up to NZ$250
Additional driver: NZ$10
Ferry crossing (passenger + car): NZ$175-$255
Accommodation Prices
Private room in a hostel: NZ$80
Dorm bed in a hostel: NZ$35
Private room in an Airbnb: NZ$100
Hotel room: NZ$200
Example: Cost of Two Weeks in a Small Car Staying in Hostels and Airbnbs in New Zealand
For a clearer idea, here’s a simple cost example for a couple traveling in a small car with no insurance add-on for two weeks while covering 1,500 km. They will stay in reasonably priced private rooms in hostels and Airbnbs. This estimate doesn’t account for vehicles with varying fuel efficiencies, one-way fees, or ferry crossing expenses.
- Car rental for two weeks in spring: NZ$700
- Fuel cost for 1,500 km at a rate of 8 l per 100 km: NZ$300
- Stay in a private room at a hostel for 12 nights: NZ$960
- Stay in an Airbnb for two nights: NZ$200
= NZ$1,890
Example: Cost of Two Weeks in a Large Car Staying in Hotels in New Zealand
Using the same scenario as above but for a large car and with hotel stays, here’s an example budget:
- Car rental for two weeks in spring: NZ$1,680
- Fuel cost for 1,500 km at a rate of 12 l per 100 km: NZ$450
- Stay in a hotel room for 14 nights: NZ$2,800
= NZ$4,930
Remember, these prices are rough estimates as fuel and rental costs can fluctuate. The values provide a general understanding of which rental option—cars or campervans—may be more affordable.
Ready to explore by car? Choose the right rental option for your adventure from The Best Car Rental Companies in New Zealand.
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Conclusion: Which is Cheaper—Campervan Rental or Car Rental with Hotel, Hostel, or Airbnb Stays in New Zealand?
In this case, numbers can tell a compelling story. Contrary to popular belief, renting a car and staying in budget accommodations often proves to be less expensive than renting a campervan. However, if you choose to rent a car and stay in hotels, the expense will be only slightly higher than opting for a campervan.
To sum up, if you’re looking to explore New Zealand on a budget, choosing a small car rental along with stays in hostels or Airbnbs is the way to go.
Looking for more budgeting tips? Explore The Travel Guide to New Zealand on a Budget and How Much Does it Cost to Travel New Zealand?
