Campervans for hire

Answering your questions about New Zealand campervans

How much does it cost to rent a campervan in NZ with Escape?

At Escape, we use seasonal pricing, so your rental cost will depend on when you travel, how long you hire for, and your pick-up and drop-off location. Daily rates include GST, unlimited kilometres, insurance, multiple drivers, 24-hour roadside support, cooking and living equipment, guidebooks, maps and more

For an exact price, enter your trip details to get a no-obligation quote, which is valid for five days and subject to availability. Once you’re ready to book, a NZ$300 deposit secures your campervan, with the remaining balance due when you pick it up.

How far in advance should I book a campervan in New Zealand?

It pays to book early, especially for summer travel between December and February. We recommend booking at least six months ahead for peak summer, while 3–4 months ahead is a good guide for spring and autumn. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have.

Explore our tips for hiring a campervan in NZ.

What’s the difference between standard and self-contained campervans?

In New Zealand, a certified self-contained campervan has onboard facilities for fresh water, wastewater and a fixed toilet. This gives you more options for where you can stay, as some freedom camping areas only allow certified self-contained vehicles.

Escape’s S/C and S/C Plus campervans are self-contained, while the Standard campervan is not, so you’ll need to stay in places that allow non-self-contained vehicles.

Can I pick up my campervan in Auckland and return it in Christchurch?

Yes. Escape offers one-way campervan hire between Auckland and Christchurch, so you can pick up at one depot and return your campervan at the other. A NZ$300 one-way fee may apply, and one-way hires have a minimum rental period of seven days.

What do I need to hire an Escape campervan in New Zealand?

To hire an Escape campervan, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old and meet Escape’s driver licence requirements. Learner and provisional licences aren’t accepted. If your overseas licence isn’t in English, you’ll also need an acceptable English translation or International Driving Permit, along with your original licence.

Which campervan is best for two people?

If there are two of you travelling, both of Escape’s self-contained campervans are a great option. Choose the S/C for simple, budget-friendly self-contained travel, or the S/C Plus if you want a newer campervan with extras like a fridge, secondary battery and automatic transmission.

If keeping costs as low as possible is the priority and you’re happy staying at campgrounds or holiday parks, the Standard is another option.

Do I need a self-contained campervan to freedom camp in New Zealand?

In many places, yes. Freedom camping on local authority land generally requires a certified self-contained vehicle, although some designated areas allow non-self-contained vehicles. Even with a self-contained campervan, you can’t camp anywhere you like, so always check the local rules before staying overnight.

Fines can apply if you freedom camp where it’s not permitted or don’t follow the local requirements.