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Campervan Hire Christchurch
Pickup at Christchurch Airport, then straight onto the South Island roads that matter: Aoraki, Kaikōura, the West Coast.
Christchurch Campervan Hire at a Glance
Campervan hire Christchurch puts you within easy reach of Aoraki/Mt Cook, Kaikōura, Akaroa and the start of the Christchurch-to-Queenstown loop. Pickup is at our depot near Christchurch Airport, so you’re on the road within an hour of clearing customs.
Expect peak-season rates around NZD $200 to $400 per day, with winter deals from $80 per day. Every van in the BLC fleet is self-contained for freedom camping, comes with bedding, kitchen kit and unlimited kilometres included, and one-way rentals to Auckland are available year-round.
Campervan Hire Christchurch Airport: How Pickup Works
Our Christchurch base sits a few kilometres from Christchurch Airport in the Harewood area, so pickup is fast once you’ve cleared customs.
Pickup Location
Getting there:
Default Times:
Handover Time:
Do your supermarket run after pickup, not before. Countdown Christchurch Airport on Memorial Avenue is two minutes from the depot, and it’s much easier to stock the fridge once you’ve seen the space.
Choose your Campervan
The Little One
The Big One
The Biggest One
What’s Included in Your Hire
when booking with Big Little campers
Discount code supplied via email once your booking is confirmed. Useful if you’re picking up in Christchurch and returning in Auckland, or making the inter-island ferry crossing during your trip.
Best Routes from Christchurch
Christchurch is one of the best South Island launch points because you can go in any direction and hit something worth stopping for within a day.
Christchurch → Kaikōura
The coastal drive north is one of the easiest scenic runs on the South Island. Whale watching, fur seal colonies, and the crayfish stop at Nin’s Bin make it a strong first-day option. Good freedom camping along the Kaikōura coast for self-contained vans.
Christchurch → Aoraki / Mt Cook
Through the Canterbury Plains, up past Lake Tekapo and into the Mackenzie Basin. Lake Pukaki freedom camping near the spillway gives you a straight-shot view of Aoraki, one of the most photographed spots in the country, and free to stay at with a certified van.
Christchurch → Queenstown
The full South Island highlight reel through Lake Tekapo, the Lindis Pass and Wanaka. Most travellers build in stops at Lake Pukaki, the Mackenzie Basin and Wanaka before reaching Queenstown. Read our Christchurch to Queenstown guide for the must-see stops along the way.
Why Self-Contained Matters
A self-contained campervan unlocks legal overnight stays at Department of Conservation sites and council-approved camping spots across New Zealand. It’s the difference between paying $50 a night at a holiday park and parking lakeside for free. Every van in the BLC fleet is fully certified, which means you get:
Access to the best free camping spots. Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, the Catlins coast and the West Coast around Greymouth all sit on land that’s only open to certified vans.
Flexibility to follow the weather. If the West Coast forecast turns, you can change plans without losing a campsite booking.
Lower nightly costs. A mix of free DOC sites and the occasional powered ground keeps your average closer to $20 a night.
Legal compliance. Councils across the South Island fine non-certified vans for overnight stays. Certification keeps you out of trouble.
Proper waste systems on board. Fixed toilet, freshwater and greywater tanks, so you’re not running between public facilities.
Why Big Little Campers
Big Little Campers is independent and family-run. Jon, Lizi and Jason started BLC in 2019 because the existing rental options didn’t suit the trips they wanted to take. Every van is designed and built in New Zealand, fully self-contained, and set up for the kind of road trip we’d want to take ourselves.
Real humans
on the phone
Vans designed
for New Zealand
Flexible
by default
Self-contained
from day one
What Travellers Say
Common Questions About Christchurch Campervan Hire
How much does campervan hire from Christchurch cost?
Campervan hire from Christchurch runs around NZD $200 to $400 per day in peak season (mid-December to February), with shoulder-season rates from $150 to $250 per day and winter deals from $80 per day. Pricing depends on which van you choose and the length of your hire. See the fleet above for per-van starting rates.
Can I do a one-way campervan rental Christchurch to Auckland?
Yes. One-way rentals between Christchurch and Auckland are available year-round at BLC, and we sometimes run heavily discounted relocation rates if we need a van moved between cities. The Bluebridge Ferry crossing between Picton and Wellington is part of the route, and BLC bookings include a 10% Bluebridge discount code.
How does pickup from Christchurch Airport work?
Our depot sits a few kilometres from Christchurch Airport in Harewood. We don’t run an airport shuttle because the airport is close enough that an Uber or YourRide rideshare typically costs under NZD $10 and gets you to the depot faster. Plan 30 to 45 minutes at the depot for the van handover. Default pickup time is 1:00 PM.
Do I need a self-contained van for the South Island?
Strongly recommended. A self-contained van unlocks free overnight stays at DOC sites and council-approved freedom camping spots, which is where the South Island’s best scenery sits. Every BLC van is fully certified, so you’re set from pickup.
What’s included in the daily rate?
The daily rate includes unlimited kilometres, bedding, full kitchen kit with gas, camp chairs, a table, 24/7 roadside support, and self-contained certification. The standard $5,000 bond is included; an optional $0-bond upgrade is available from $35 per day.
Can I bring a dog?
BLC is pet-friendly. Let our team know at the time of booking so we can flag any route or campsite considerations. Our campervan with a dog guide covers what to plan for.
What if my flight is delayed?
Just let our team know. Because BLC is independent, we can usually shift your pickup time without the rigid policies you’d get from a larger chain. Call or message us as soon as you have an updated arrival time.
Ready to Start Your
South Island Trip?
Christchurch is the South Island the way it should be done: straight from the airport into a van, and out toward Aoraki, Kaikōura or the West Coast within a couple of hours. Pick your van, lock in your dates, and our team will handle the rest.
