Smart van-lifers make their budget go further by cooking their own kai (food), knowing the best freedom camping spots, and timing their adventure right.
A campervan is your ticket to discovering those remote beaches and hidden valleys that make Aotearoa special – places well off the beaten track of expensive hotels and tour buses. Accommodation and transport rolled into one sweet package.
After 20 years of helping travellers explore NZ, we’ve gathered the best local tips to make your dollar go further.
Book your NZ campervan holiday early and travel in Spring or Autumn for the best deals.
Visit New Zealand in Autumn or Spring
You’ll save a lot by booking your trip to New Zealand in off-peak seasons – Escape Rentals campervans can be $45 per day during spring and autumn.
Travel smart by:
- Booking 3-4 months ahead for best rates
- Packing for colder weather (you can get four seasons in a day here)
Visit New Zealand in autumn (March to May) or spring (September to November).
You’ll get stunning landscapes without peak season prices – campervan hire can be 20% cheaper than summer rates, with fewer crowds at popular spots.
Both seasons are perfect for hiking, with temperatures typically between 12-20°C (54-68°F). Yes, you might catch some rain, but that’s part of the adventure!
Hire a campervan that meets your needs
When travelling New Zealand on a budget, choosing the right campervan is key to keeping costs low while still enjoying all the freedom of the open road.
Escape Rentals offers competitively priced options—with daily rates as low as $45 off-peak—so you can focus on exploring rather than spending.
Self-Contained campervan comes with a built-in toilet and an official “self-contained” status, allowing you to freedom camp almost anywhere—potentially saving on nightly campground fees despite its slightly higher daily rate.
We’ll provide you with all the basic gear you need for your NZ road trip including:
- Gas cooker and gas bottle
- Cutlery, plates, and cooking utensils
- Pots and pans
- Kettle (because no Kiwi adventure starts without a cuppa!)
- Mugs and cups
- Can opener and bottle opener
- Chopping board and sharp knife
- Dish scrubber and tea towels
- Comfortable mattress
- All bedding (duvet, pillows, and sheets)
- Extra blanket for those chilly mountain nights
- Privacy curtains
- Camping chairs
- Power cord for holiday parks
- Basic tool kit
- USB charging ports
- Maps and camping guides
With the following optional extras for a small fee if you need them:
- Portable BBQ
- Extra camping table
- DOC campsite pass
- Picnic blanket
- GPS navigation
- Snow chains (seasonal)
Plan your itinerary to balance important activities with flexibility for driving time and weather
The secret to a great Kiwi road trip? Balance. You need enough time to soak in those stunning views while respecting our sometimes challenging roads and full days of diving.
Here’s how to nail your planning:
✓ Mark your fuel stops (especially on the South Island’s West Coast)
✓ Download offline and/or topographical maps – mobile coverage isn’t guaranteed
✓ Check road conditions at NZTA.govt.nz
✓ Plan rest stops every 2 hours
✓ Allow extra time for photo stops (you’ll need it!)
Planning to pick up your campervan in Christchurch? Here’s a two-week South Island itinerary we planned just for you!
Prepare for food to be more expensive than at home
Food in New Zealand can be pricey. But with these local tricks, you can keep costs down while eating well:
Where to shop:
- Pak’nSave (it’s generally the cheapest of New Zealand’s supermarkets)
- Bulk food stores
Money-saving food tips
- Stock up in major towns (stores in small towns will sting you with high prices for essentials and snacks)
- Cook your own food in your campervan or at the campsite facilities – our campervans come with a full kitchen
- Buy seasonal produce (be aware that farmers markets can be just as expensive as the supermarket)
Decide where to save and where it’s worthwhile to spend the money
Our favourite free activities in NZ
- DOC walking tracks through ancient forests and coastal paths
- Geothermal areas in Rotorua’s public parks
- Public beaches, waterfalls, and swimming spots
- Natural hot pools (some locations)
- The best stargazing spots
Paid activities that are worth considering
- Guided cultural experiences: Head to Rotorua and join a visit to Tamaki Māori Village. These tours offer interactive storytelling, traditional performances, and a chance to learn about Māori customs, art, and cuisine firsthand.
- Milford Sound cruises: Experience the breathtaking fiords of Milford Sound on a RealNZ cruise. Glide past towering Mitre Peak and cascading waterfalls, with narrated tours that reveal the history and natural wonders of this iconic region.
- Thermal pool complexes: Unwind in Rotorua’s geothermal spas such as the Polynesian Spa. These thermal pool complexes provide relaxing hot mineral waters and spa treatments that are the perfect antidote to an action-packed day exploring.
- Wildlife encounters: In Kaikoura, embark on a whale watching tour with Whale Watch Kaikoura to see sperm whales and other marine life up close.
- Adventure sports in Queenstown: For thrillseekers, try bungy jumping off the famous Kawarau Bridge — Queenstown’s experiences are second to none.
- Lord of the Rings location tours: Visit Hobbiton in Matamata on a guided tour that recreates the magic of Middle Earth, or explore filming locations near Tongariro National Park to relive scenes from the epic Lord of the Rings films.
Be savvy with local apps and convenient electronics
These apps and tips will help you avoid the cost of being underprepared.
Essential apps for travel in NZ
1. CamperMate: find camping spots and dump stations
2. Maps.me or NZ Topo Map: works offline when cell service doesn’t
3. Gaspy: find the cheapest fuel nearby
4. MetService: our most accurate weather app
Find out more in our full list of do’s and don’t when travelling in New Zealand.
Tech tips
- Bring a good power bank
- Download maps before heading to remote areas
- Use DOC’s website for track conditions before hiking
Your NZ holiday doesn’t have to cost a fortune – we can help
Our best advice for an epic New Zealand adventure on a budget:
- Book in the shoulder season (March-May or September-November)
- Mix DOC campsites with holiday parks
- Follow local tips for free activities
- Keep a 70/30 split between planned and spontaneous activities
Ready to hit the road? We’ve helped thousands of travellers explore Aotearoa on a budget – let’s get your adventure started. Book now.