Why It's Worth Hiring a Campervan

Hiring a campervan in NZ means freedom to explore at your own pace — no check-ins, no rigid plans, just stunning views, remote spots, and built-in adventure.

New Zealand is built for road trips. With coastlines that stretch for days and mountain passes around every corner, there’s no shortage of places to explore. And the best ones aren’t usually where your Airbnb is booked.

We’ve travelled Aotearoa every which way - by car, bus, tent, hostel, you name it. But nothing beats having your own campervan hire in NZ. It gives you the freedom to chase the sunshine, pull over for swims, and sleep under the stars without needing to plan much. That’s why we started Big Little Campers — to give people the ultimate freedom and flexibility to explore New Zealand on their own terms.

The Drawbacks of Travel

NZ is magic. But that doesn’t mean travel always runs smoothly. Bookings fall through, the weather changes, or you just want to stay somewhere longer but can’t.

We’ve been there - stuck inside in the rain, locked into places that sounded dreamy online but didn’t quite hit right in person. Or spending more time ‘getting settled’ than actually seeing the place you came to see.

The Benefits of Hiring a Campervan

Hiring a campervan in New Zealand isn’t just about the wheels. It’s your bed, your kitchen, your view, and your freedom. You wake up where you want to wake up. You cook dinner next to a lake. You follow the weather, not your itinerary.

1. Total Freedom

No check-in times. No rigid bookings. No set routes.With a camper, you don’t have to lock yourself into accommodation weeks in advance. Want to stay longer in Raglan because the surf’s pumping? Keen to visit that waterfall you just read about? You can.

2. Transport + Accommodation = Sorted

Your van is your wheels and your home all in one. One cost, minimal admin, and no lugging bags between places. Park up, cook your own food, and enjoy the views without running to a check-in desk.

3. Access to Remote Spots

Some of NZ’s best camping spots are tucked down quiet backroads or deep in the bush — often right by stunning lakes, forests, or beaches. Freedom camping or DOC campsites in your van are the perfect way to reach them.

4. Built-In Adventure

With a camper, you’re not stuck to a plan. If you spot a hiking track that looks good, you can pull over and check it out. Wake up early and feel like a swim? Sweet — the beach is right there. Your trip is as flexible and adventurous as you want it to be.

5. Make the Budget Go Further

While it might seem like a splurge, campervan hire can be pretty good on the wallet. You combine transport and accommodation, cook your own meals, and save on Airbnb and Uber. Booking the 8-dorm room at the hostel is no longer necessary.

Why We Travel This Way

For us, it’s pretty simple: a campervan gives you more freedom, more flexibility, and more chances to connect with the landscapes that make this place so special. You’re not just ticking off stops, you’re genuinely exploring.

We started Big Little Campers because we wanted to build the kind of vans we couldn’t find when we were travelling NZ — well-designed, easy to drive, genuinely good-looking, and properly set up for real adventures. From beach spots to mountain passes, these vans are made for travellers who get out there.

Whether you’ve mapped out every stop or just want to see where the road takes you, contact Big Little Campers, and we’ll help make your NZ roady an epic one.