For those who want complete freedom and independence the option to hire your own transport in New Zealand is a good option. Both car and campervan rental companies are abundant so for you it means competitive pricing and some good deals.
Car is the cheapest option but you will then have to pay for accommodation and also stay in set places each night. A campervan allows you to travel anywhere you want and then camp in the wilderness or pull over to the roadside – the ultimate independence. In this article we will give you some pointers on the main options you will face on choosing a campervan company and the vehicle you hire.
Types of Campervan
There are a few different types of campervan available in NZ. Nearly all companies provide unlimited kilometres and roadside assistance but it’s still worth checking when asking for quotes. They are differentiated by size, facilities and price:
Converted Vans - These converted vans usually sleep 2-3 and are the cheapest campervan option around. They provide the basic facilities such as double bed and cooking equipment. Prices range from $40-100 a day depending on season and how long you hire for. The main advantage is the cheap price and ease of driving!
Full Size Campervans - The traditional trailer home campervans are also available in NZ. Prices range from $180-300 a day but you can find ones which sleep up to six people. Obviously if you are in a group of four or more this is your only option unless you opt for two cheaper vans! Other advantages include more seating and social space inside which is perfect for bad weather but an expensive option if you spend most of your time outdoors!
Spaceships - Developed in NZ, Spaceships are a new concept of a campervan/car hybrid. Spaceships are like a car to drive but with the sleeping advantage of a campervan. The vehicles are Toyota people-movers which are custom fitted with all the campervan features that you'll need. All Spaceships have a large double bed that you can use fully inside or extended out the back, a fridge, water supply, cooker, cutlery and bedding, seating for four, CD/DVD player, discounts on over 40 activities, a guide book, route planning and movie DVDs. You also get access to various 'Space Stations' around New Zealand for local guidance and support. You can also pick up more DVD’s to watch in the evenings!
Obviously like anything in NZ it’s much more expensive to hire a campervan in the peak tourist season of Dec-Feb. Prices are dirt cheap between May and September (the middle of winter) where you can pick up a campervan from $40 a day. In December you can pay up to $295 a day! Some companies will price for two seasons i.e. April-Oct and Nov-March. Other usually bigger companies will have different prices for each month slowly increasing in cost from winter to summer. Make sure you know the definite dates you will be travelling in NZ before asking for quotes as pricing can be very specific.
The larger companies will also have multiple depots so you can do one way drives without any extra charges. Smaller companies may only have 1-2 depots so you will have to pay to relocate your campervan or remember to plan this into your itinerary. Most companies also have a 5 day minimum hire period and it will get cheaper the longer you hire for. Normally around 20 days is the first price break.
Where would you stay?
The Department of Conservation has 250 campsites in some of the most beautiful areas of New Zealand some of which are free of charge whilst providing basic facilities. For more details have a look at the DOC site. There are also many Caravan Parks have a look at www.nzcamping.co.nz. Some hostels will also let you stay in their carpark and use their facilities for a reduced fee. There are also good public toilet facilities throughout New Zealand so you can pull up there in the morning to brush your teeth and freshen up if you have pulled over on the roadside!
For those who want complete freedom and independence the option to hire your own transport in New Zealand is a good option. Both car and campervan rental companies are abundant so for you it means competitive pricing and some good deals. 
Types of Campervan
