How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Campervan in NZ?

Already tried Googling campervan hire prices in New Zealand?
Then chances are you’ve seen how wide the prices can range, but that’s not a bad thing. What you pay depends on when you’re travelling, how long for, and what kind of van you want to roll with.

Campervanning might look more expensive upfront than other ways to travel, but it often works out cheaper once you’re on the road. You’ve got your bed, your kitchen, and your wheels all in one. That means no hotel bookings, fewer meals out, and no ticking clock on check-in times. You can pull over when the view’s good and sleep wherever it suits.

If you’re looking for campervan hire in NZ’s South Island that travellers recommend, Big Little Campers is here to help you make sense of it all. We’ll break down what affects the cost and how to pick the right setup for your trip.

Season Changes Everything

Looking to travel over the summer, say from the months of December to February? Expect to pay more per day. That’s just how the season rolls. Demand goes up, and so do rates. The good vans get booked out early too, so you’ll definitely want to plan ahead for a holiday roady.

The shoulder months are your best bet for saving on your next adventure—March through May, or September through early November. The weather’s still decent, the roads are quieter, and the daily hire price drops. Winter is the cheapest time to hire, especially if you’re keen to explore snowier spots or don’t mind rugging up a bit. Just be ready for shorter days and cooler nights from June to August.

Our pricing follows the seasons, too, but we keep it straight-up. No sneaky surcharges or mystery fees hiding in the fine print.

Van Type Plays a Big Role

This one’s simple: bigger van, bigger price. But that doesn’t mean you always need a hefty setup. A smaller self-contained campervan will cost less to hire, run, and park, and it still gives you everything you need for a classic Kiwi road trip.

When you’re travelling solo or with a partner, something like The Little One is spot on. It’s compact, easy to drive, and has everything you need: bed, kitchen, toilet, storage. When you’re after more room to stand up, stretch out, or stash extra gear, you might want The Big One or even The Biggest One in our fleet.

The added cost gets you more than just space. You’ll get solar power, more battery capacity, extra water storage, a bigger fridge, and an internal kitchen. These little extras make a big difference when you’ve got a bigger crew or you’re planning to go off-grid for a few days at a time.

At the end of the day, it’s all about how you want to hit the road. We’ve put together a fleet that fits different budgets and styles, and we’ve taken every van out for a proper spin: from the surf coast right through to the Southern Alps.

Longer Trips = Better Value

Lots of people assume shorter hires mean a smaller bill. But the truth is, longer trips usually give you more bang for your buck. Most campervan companies (us included) offer discounts once you hit the two-week mark. So adding a few extra days to your planned 10-day road trip could actually bring your average daily cost down.

Taking it slower also takes the pressure off. Instead of rushing from one place to the next, you’ve got time to cruise, stay longer when a spot feels right, and not stress about backtracking. Campervanning is about soaking it all in, not just ticking off highlights.

What’s Included, and What’s Not

Not every hire company is upfront about what comes with the van. Some will lure you in with a low daily rate, then charge extra for basics like bedding, kitchen gear, camp chairs, even gas canisters. That can add up fast and throw your budget off.

That’s not how we do things at Big Little Campers. We’d rather account for all essentials in the price right out of the gate. That means your van comes ready to roll—sheets, duvets, cooking gear, storage bins, the works. No last-minute add-ons. No surprise fees at pickup.

As for insurance, we keep it simple. You can stick with the standard bond, which is fully refundable if the trip goes smoothly. Or, if you’d rather not have anything hanging over your head, you can upgrade to a zero-excess cover. It’s a bit more per day, but you won’t have anything to worry about from the moment you turn the key.

Price Ranges You Can Expect across NZ

So what does campervan hire in New Zealand actually cost? Most daily rates fall somewhere between NZD 75 and NZD 300, depending on the season, the van, and where you’re picking up.

Winter rates tend to sit at the lower end, while summer and holiday periods push prices higher. A compact van like The Little One will usually sit closer to the base rate, while a larger, solar-equipped setup will cost more, especially around holidays or long weekends.

Where you pick up matters, too. Auckland and Christchurch are the main hubs for pick-up and drop-off. Some companies charge extra for remote locations or one-way trips. We keep it simple: choose Auckland or Christchurch, no hidden relocation fees, no tricky fine print.

When you book with us, it’s not just about the daily rate. Our vans are made for those who want to hit the road on their terms: comfy, hassle-free, and ready for whatever comes next. Ready to get started? Give us a shout and we’ll help you find the perfect van for your trip.