Hiring a campervan for your NZ road trip is easy and cost-effective with Escape Rentals. Our campervans are available for as low as $45 per day off-peak, or $150 per day over the peak summer season.

Travelling in a camper makes seeing New Zealand a lot cheaper – but, of course, you’ll need to budget for your food, activities, and fuel costs.

We understand it can take a lot to get all the way to New Zealand, but getting around once you’re here shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. You can enter your dates and get a quick quote here.

Here are some local tips to help you plan a budget-friendly New Zealand campervan trip.

 

Cost of Hiring the Campervan

Campervan hire with Escape Rentals is cost-effective and simple. We know you want to get the keys and hit the road, so we’ve made cheap travel in New Zealand easy as.

 

Self-Contained or Standard

We have two types of campervan for you to choose from. Find both options here.

Escape Rentals standard Self-contained Campervan

Standard: This is the cheaper option, featuring everything you need. However, it does not have a fixed toilet, so you’ll need to stay at campgrounds

Escape Rentals Certified Self contained campervans

Self-Contained: Features a fixed toilet, and has an official “self-contained” status, so you can freedom camp almost anywhere.

Our Self-Contained option has a higher daily rate – but keep in mind that you’ll be able to freedom camp and avoid campground fees. Our Self-Contained fleet is also slightly more modern than the Standard – but both types of vehicles are hardy and ready for NZ roads!

Please note: There are strictly enforced rules for camping in a vehicle that is not self-contained. Be a responsible camper and know the rules.

 

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Insurance options

Campervan insurance can be tricky, but we’ve got 3 simple options.

Insurance Options Pros Cons
Option 1: “Roll the Dice Bro!” No Daily Rate
$3000 bond is returned if you don’t have any issues.
Highest Potential “out of pocket” cost.
Windscreen, Tyre, and gravel road incidents not covered.
Option 2: “Middle Ground” Cheaper daily rate
$1500 bond, returned if you don’t have any issues.
$1500 bond required, plus a daily rate starting at $22.50.
Windscreen, Tyre and gravel road incidents not covered.
Option 3: “No Worries Mate” No bond required
Windscreen and Tyre Cover
Gravel Road Cover (rare in NZ)
$0 Maximum Liability
Highest daily rate, starting from $30.

For more details, see our full insurance information page and feel free to flick us an email if you’re unsure.

 

Additional costs

All of our rentals come fully stocked with everything you need for an NZ campervan road trip. However, depending on your holiday priorities, you may want to add additional items.

Item Price
Sheet Set $60
Sleeping bag $75
AUX Cable $12
Two Person Tent $80
Automatic Transmission Guarantee $150
Towel $10
Snow Chains (Subject to availability) Free

 

On-Road Costs

Hiring a campervan for your NZ road trip means you’ll save on accommodation and travel costs, but it’s important to consider the extra, unavoidable costs of your holiday. Our tips will hopefully save you a few expensive mistakes.

 

Fuel

All Escape Rental vans use unleaded 91 fuel, meaning no road user charges for diesel.

Fuel prices are subject to change and vary a lot across the country, but have been sitting around $2.50 per litre as of November 2024.

We recommend you download the “Gaspy” app to find the cheapest fuel in your area, as there can be some variation between different fuel stations.

 

Ferry Crossing

You can only cross Cook Strait on a ferry, and you need to book online in advance.

Depending on how many people you have, and how early you book, the prices vary but, expect between $250 – $300 per way.

You can book online from Bluebridge (avail 10% discount when you book with Escape Rentals) and our advice is to get there early! (It takes longer to get from Nelson to Picton than you think!)

Consider booking flexible tickets so you can change your booking for free (if you reschedule at least 1 hour before departure) and get a refund if your crossing is cancelled.

 

Camping

If you have a “Self-Contained” van, you can freedom camp, which generally means finding a carpark and staying the night in your vehicle.

Take care to follow the rules, including council bylaws. You can find out more about the rules for freedom camping here.

DOC Campsites are a budget-friendly option for camping, with toilets and water, perfect for our “Standard” van. They usually cost between $10-$20 per person, per night.

 

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Parking

Parking is strictly monitored in NZ’s cities and tourist hotspots.

Time restrictions or pay-by-plate/meter options often apply in these areas. Checking your specific region online is the best way to stay in the know, and avoid a fine. Many areas have a regional parking app, where you can easily track and pay for your parking.

If you do get a fine, pay it immediately to avoid additional fees.

 

Living Costs

Obviously you’ve got to factor in the cost of enjoying NZ food and activities – we have a few tips to save money while enjoying the things that count!

 

Food

Buy the essentials, like milk, bread and sauces from a big supermarket, like PaknSave. They are only located in the bigger towns, so plan ahead. Buying from a smaller corner store will cost you a surprising amount more.

Cooking ‘at home’ is going to save you heaps of money. If you’re not familiar with making meals on the road, check out our campervan cooking ideas.

 

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Activities

If you want to avoid the over-priced tourist activities, there are many amazing things to do in NZ for free! Hiking or surfing (if you brought your board and wetsuit) are great options. Talk to a friendly local for other ideas in your area.

Our Idea: Kerosene Creek, Rotorua (Free geothermal hot pools!)

If your heart is set on a particular tourist activity, like wine tasting in Marlborough, or bungee jumping in Queenstown, it’s worth putting it in your travel budget and keeping that money aside.

 

Planned Your NZ campervan road trip Itinerary yet?

Road-tripping New Zealand in a campervan is the best way to enjoy Aotearoa, and as a bonus, it can be extremely cost-effective!

If you need some pointers on where to go, we’ve got some great tips for travelling in specific regions, like Northland, and also advice for the whole country.

 

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Book your Escape Rental camper now, and start the NZ road trip of a lifetime!