Is travelling in a campervan in New Zealand worth it?

Emma Taylor and her partner Matthew are seasoned travellers and campervan converts! In this handy guide, Emma shares her insights and tips for travelling New Zealand by campervan.

When we first started exploring New Zealand, we did it the way many travellers do – renting a car and staying at motels and hotels. It was tried and true, but we always felt like we were missing something. Then, after talking with friends who have their own campervan, Matthew and I decided to book a campervan hire and plan a New Zealand road trip around the South Island – and we’ve never looked back. We love being able to set our own pace, stop anywhere for coffee, and enjoy the cosy, affordable experience of life on the road.

The appeal of campervan travel in New Zealand

There’s something really special about campervan hire in New Zealand. For us, it’s the best way to travel, here are a few reasons why …

Freedom to explore

If I had to describe campervan hire in one word, it’s ‘freedom’. When Matthew and I book a campervan, we usually have a rough idea of where we’re headed, but we love being able to change our plans as we go. We don’t have to worry about strict check-in times or making it to the next town by a certain hour. If we discover a beautiful spot along the way, we just stop. Simple as that. In the off-season, we often don’t even book campgrounds – we just find places to stay as we go. It’s the kind of flexibility that makes travelling by camper so easy and stress-free.

Connection with nature

One of the best things about campervan hire in New Zealand is how close it brings you to nature. There’s nothing quite like waking up with an incredible view right outside your door. One of our favourite trips was to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – an absolute must-see if you’re into stargazing. The night sky there is unreal. It’s not just the scenery though – being in a camper lets you really disconnect from the hustle of daily life and reconnect with nature in a way that feels so refreshing. It’s those moments, away from everything, that really makes campervan travel so special.

Unique experiences

Travelling by camper gives you experiences you’d miss if you were staying in hotels or motels. I’ll never forget the morning we woke up at the White Horse Hill Campground in Aoraki National Park. It’s a pretty basic spot, with no water or toilets, but with our camper, we had everything we needed. We opened the door and found a couple of cheeky kea hanging out just outside. We made coffee, sat outside with bacon sandwiches, and just soaked it all in. Later that day, we hiked the Hooker Valley Track, which is an amazing walk, and when we got back to the camper, we met some fellow travellers from Germany. We spent hours chatting and sharing stories over a bottle of wine – those are the kinds of moments that really stick with you.

How much does travelling in a campervan in New Zealand cost?

One of the things we love about campervan travel is how flexible it can be in terms of budget. Whether you’re looking for a super affordable getaway or you’re ready to splurge a little, there’s an option that can fit your style of travel.

Initial costs

When it comes to renting a campervan in New Zealand, the price can vary depending on a few factors like the time of year, the type of camper you choose, and how long you’re hitting the road for. From our experience, we’ve found that campervan hire can range from around $100 to $500 per day. The longer you rent, the better the daily rate, so if you’re planning a decent New Zealand road trip, you can save a bit there. We usually book through Cheapa Campers because they have a Price Match Promise, which gives us peace of mind that we’re getting a good deal.

Fuel is another cost to keep in mind. We always make use of the Gaspy app which helps you find the best-priced fuel nearby.

Stocking up on snacks and meals at local supermarkets before setting off also helps us avoid too many extra trips. It's all part of keeping costs manageable.

As for campsites, we often stay at DOC (Department of Conservation) campgrounds because they offer amazing value for money – sometimes as low as $10 a night, or even free. When we feel like treating ourselves, we’ll opt for a powered site at a holiday park, which can be around $30 to $60 a night depending on the location and facilities.

Comparative costs

Before we started travelling by camper, we used to rent a car and stay at motels and hotels. But now, after adding it all up, we’ve realised that campervan hire is much more cost-effective. Instead of paying for a car rental, hotels, and eating out every night, with a camper, you’ve got your own little setup where you can cook, sleep, and travel all in one.

Last year, we took a road trip in autumn when it was a little quieter, and the savings were even more noticeable. We spent way less on accommodation than we would’ve if we’d stayed in motels, and we loved the fact that we could pull over anywhere for a break, without having to rely on restaurants or cafes for every meal.

Budget-friendly tips

If you’re keen to keep costs down while travelling by camper, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.

First, cooking your meals in the camper saves so much money. Most campervans come with a little kitchen, so instead of eating out every night, we stock up on fresh produce and cook up something simple. And for some reason, even the most basic meals taste so much better when you’re travelling in a campervan.

We also try to make the most of free or low-cost campsites. Like I mentioned earlier, we love staying at DOC campgrounds because they’re affordable and often in some of the most stunning spots. New Zealand has heaps of free camping areas too (just make sure you book a camper that is self-contained). We’ve had some unforgettable nights parked up by lakes and beaches for free.

And if you’ve got some flexibility with your travel dates, travelling during the shoulder season – spring or autumn – is a great way to save. Not only is campervan hire cheaper during those times, but you also avoid the summer crowds, which means you get the best spots to yourself. Honestly, some of our best trips have been outside of peak season.

Comfort and convenience

One of the best things about travelling by campervan is how comfortable and convenient it is. These days, campervans come with all the modern amenities you need to feel at home on the road.

Modern campervan amenities

The last campervan we booked was a Cheapa 4 Berth motorhome, and I have to say, it had everything we needed and more. We did a two-week New Zealand road trip from Queenstown to Christchurch, and having the extra space was a game-changer. Since it was winter and we were carrying all our ski and snow gear, that extra room made a huge difference.

The Cheapa 4 Berth motorhome has a lounge area that easily converts into a double bed – super comfy for those chilly nights. There’s also a dinette, which was perfect for meals, and we definitely made good use of the kitchen facilities. Plus, it has an onboard shower with hot, pressurised water, and heating, which was an absolute lifesaver on our winter roadie. Being able to warm up after a long day on the slopes made the whole trip that much better.

Flexibility in itinerary

Another thing we love about campervan hire is the flexibility it gives us. You’re never locked into a strict travel itinerary – if something comes up or the weather changes, you can just go with the flow. On one recent trip, we had plans to spend a few days parked up by the beach in Coromandel. But the weather had other ideas – it wasn’t ideal for beach days, so we decided to switch it up and head to Tauranga instead. We ended up having a fantastic time exploring the city and its surroundings. That’s the beauty of travelling by campervan – you can adapt your plans as you go and make the most of whatever comes your way.

Accessibility

For us, one of the biggest perks of travelling by campervan is how easy it is to access remote spots, especially national parks and out-of-the-way campgrounds. If you’re into hiking like we are, having a camper means you can base yourself right near the trails, without having to drive for hours from a motel or hotel. We’ve stayed at some amazing campgrounds right in the heart of the action. Instead of wasting time commuting back and forth, you can just step out of the camper and hit the trails straight away. It’s such a convenient way to experience New Zealand’s great outdoors.

Challenges of campervan travel

While we absolutely love travelling by campervan, it does come with its challenges. But for every little hurdle, there’s usually a solution or a silver lining. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way to make the most of life on the road.

Space constraints

Let’s be real – travelling in a confined space can take a bit of adjusting. When Matthew and I first started exploring New Zealand in a campervan, I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed by how much stuff we were bringing along. With clothes, food, gear, and all the essentials, it can feel like you’re cramming everything into a very small space.

But here’s the thing – while a camper might not have the space of a hotel room, it’s far more spacious than a car. And with everything you need in one spot, you end up figuring out ways to be smart about space. For us, keeping things tidy and organised made all the difference. We have a system where everything has its place – once you get used to that, it actually feels like a pretty cosy setup.

There’s also a lot more you can do in a campervan than you’d expect. You’ve got a kitchen to whip up meals, a table for eating or working (if you’re like me and can’t resist getting a few photos edited on the road), and a comfy bed that’s always ready for when you need to crash after a long day of exploring.

Driving considerations

One thing that’s definitely different about campervan travel is driving a larger vehicle. Some of the roads in New Zealand’s more remote areas can get narrow and windy, so you have to take it slow and steady. The first time I got behind the wheel of a bigger van, I was a little nervous – especially when it came to parking or navigating tighter spots. But, like anything, it’s a skill you pick up quickly. Plus, it’s not as hard as it seems to get the hang of it. I’d say just take your time, get comfortable with the size of the van, and you’ll be a pro in no time.

I do recommend using slow vehicle areas on narrow roads if there’s traffic behind you – it’s a great way to keep the locals happy and reduce the pressure when you’re still getting used to driving a larger vehicle.

Planning ahead

One thing we quickly learned about campervan travel is that while it’s great for spontaneity, a little bit of planning goes a long way – especially if you’re travelling during peak seasons. Popular campgrounds can fill up fast, so it’s worth booking ahead if you’ve got your eye on a particular spot. We’ve found that in the busier summer months, it pays to secure your spot at a holiday park in advance. But that being said, there are so many campgrounds around New Zealand, you’ll never be left without somewhere to stay.

Book your Cheapa Campa today

Is campervan travel in New Zealand worth it? Absolutely! Travelling in a campervan has given Matthew and me the kind of freedom, flexibility, and connection to nature that you just don’t get with other forms of travel.

Whether it’s waking up to the sound of the ocean, pulling over for an impromptu coffee break, or meeting fellow travellers at a campsite, every journey in a campervan brings something special.

So, is it worth it? If you’re looking for an affordable, flexible, and adventurous way to explore New Zealand, I’d say it’s a no-brainer. Why wait? Book your own Cheapa Campa today and get ready to hit the road. Trust me, the adventure of a lifetime is just around the corner!