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Campervan Hire in Christchurch

Compare campervan rental rates for Christchurch New Zealand

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Compare campervan and motorhome hire from Christchurch

Explore New Zealand's South Island with a campervan hire from Christchurch Airport (CHC) or City locations

Renting a campervan from us in Christchurch is one of the best ways to experience the South Island with total freedom and flexibility. Christchurch is often called the gateway to the South Island, and from here you can easily reach alpine landscapes, turquoise lakes, rugged coastlines, and national parks—all on your own schedule. With a campervan, you’re not locked into hotel check-in times or fixed itineraries; you can chase good weather, linger in places you love, and wake up to some truly unreal views. It’s also a cost-effective option when you factor in accommodation and transport rolled into one, especially for couples, families, or small groups.

Another big advantage of campervan travel around Christchurch is how well set up the region is for it. New Zealand has an excellent network of holiday parks, DOC campsites, and freedom camping areas (where permitted), many with great facilities and scenic locations. Roads are well maintained, signage is clear, and distances between major highlights are manageable, making driving less stressful than people often expect. From Christchurch, popular campervan routes include trips to Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook, the West Coast glaciers, Kaikōura’s whale-watching coast, and the wine regions of Waipara and Central Otago.


Christchurch also has a wide range of campervan rental suppliers, giving travelers plenty of choice to match different budgets and travel styles. Well-known international and national brands in the area include Britz, Maui, Apollo, Mighty, Cheapa Campaa, and Star RVa,, all offering modern, fully equipped motorhomes. For more budget-friendly or quirky options, companies like JUCY, Spaceships, Mad Campers, and Escape Campers are also popular and have depots near Christchurch Airport. With so many suppliers clustered in one place, it’s easy to compare vehicles, pick up your campervan straight after landing, and hit the road without delay.

Introduction to Christchurch & Surroundings

Christchurch Highlights for Campervan Travellers

Christchurch is a fantastic base for starting a trip with campervan rental, offering a relaxed city atmosphere alongside quick access to some of the South Island’s most iconic landscapes. The city itself is known for its English-style gardens, riverside walks, and creative food scene, making it an easy place to settle in before hitting the open road. Campervan-friendly holiday parks and well-serviced campgrounds are dotted around the city and nearby suburbs, so travellers can stock up, plan routes, and start their journey comfortably.

Just beyond Christchurch, the scenery opens up fast. Within an hour or two’s drive, campervan travellers can reach the rolling vineyards of Waipara, the wildlife-rich coastline of Banks Peninsula, or the alpine foothills of Arthur’s Pass National Park. The drive to Akaroa is a standout, winding through volcanic hills to a charming harbour town where dolphins, seals, and penguins are often spotted. These short but scenic routes make Christchurch ideal for both quick getaways and longer road trips.


Christchurch also serves as a natural gateway to bigger South Island adventures. Popular campervan routes head south to Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook, west to the glaciers and rainforest of the West Coast, or north to Kaikōura’s dramatic coastline and marine life experiences. With well-maintained roads, excellent camping infrastructure, and ever-changing landscapes, travelling by campervan around Christchurch lets visitors slow down, stay flexible, and fully soak in the region’s natural beauty.

Motorhome hire in Christchurch New Zealand

Find out more about our campervans in Christchurch

Our Campervans in Christchurch

We have a wide selection of different types of campers and motorhomes available, from sleeper cars, small campers, low-top, hi-top, 2-berth, 4-berth and 6-berth motorhomes.

Some Of Our Camper Hire Suppliers in New Zealand

If you’re thinking about renting a campervan rent in New Zealand, you’ve got a huge selection of vehicles to choose from, from our suppliers that range from well-known international brands to smaller local niche operators. Here are some options you can look into with us.

Apollo Campers

We have been partners with Apollo Campers for many years. Apollo Motorhome Holidays has been helping customers enjoy unforgettable road travel experiences since 1985. Apollo has depots in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown.

Britz Campers

Britz is part of one of the largest campervan rental companies in the world. We have partnered with Britz in New Zealand since we started over 20 years ago. Britz has depots in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstouwn.

Kiwi Campers

Kiwi Campers is a reputable supplier, with over 20 years experience. They operate a large fleet, from 2-berth budget vans to spacious 7-berth family motorhomes. Depots are in Auckland and Christchurch (with free airport transfers at these locations).

JUCY Campers

Another of our suppliers that we have had a long relationship with. JUCY offer a selection of budget-friendly hie campers, and have depots in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown.

Maui Motorhomes

Maui Motorhomes offer an good selection of affordble , but premium campervans for hire. Depots in New Zealand are in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown.

We partner with both premium and niche camper hire brands in New Zealand, including Jucy Campers, Mighty, Maui, Apollo, Cheapa Campa, Britz, Hippie, Spaceships, McRent, StarRV, Tui, Pacific Horizon, Kiwi Campers, Travellers Autobarn, Escape Campers, and more.

Some Of Our Most Popular Vehicles in Christchurch

choose from sleeper cars, small campers, low-top, hi-top, 2-berth, 4-berth and 6-berth motorhomes

Most of our campervans are fully equipped with bedding (duvets, sheets, pillows and covers and towels) and the kitchen comes fully equipped with cutlery, crockery, electric appliances etc ' most have a Microwave included. Costs vary and in some cases charges are made for the hire of equipment and bedding. These are itemised when you request a quote

Maui Motorhomes in Christchurch New Zealand
6 Berth Motorhome

Maui River

  • from Maui Rentals
  • 2022 - 2024 Model
  • 2.2l turbo diesel
  • Transmission: Auto
Kiwi Campers in Christchurch New Zealand
2 Berth Camper

Kiwi 2 Berth

  • from Kiwi Campers
  • 2007-2015
  • 2.5lL Diesel
  • Manual
Cheapa Campa campervans in Christchurch New Zealand
4 Berth Motorhome

Cheapa Motorhome

  • from Cheapa Campa
  • 2017 - 2019
  • 2.1L Diesel
  • Transmission: Auto
Apollo Euro camper in Christchurch New Zealand
4 Berth Camper

Apollo Euro Camper

  • from Apollo Motorhomes
  • 2020 - 2025
  • 2.4L Diesel
  • Transmission: Auto
Brtitz Discovery camper in Christchurch New Zealand
4 Berth Camper

Britz Discovery Camper

  • from Britz Campervans
  • 2022 - 2025
  • Turbo Diesel
  • Transmission: Auto
Jucy Crib camper in Christchurch New Zealand
2 Berth Camper

JUCY Crib

  • from JUCY Campervans
  • 2004 - 2007
  • 2.4l Petrol
  • Transmission: Auto
Spaceships Dreamer camper in Christchurch New Zealand
2 Berth Camper

Dream Sleep Mini

  • from Spaceships Campervans
  • 2017 - 2019
  • 2.4l Petrol
  • Transmission: Auto

Suggested Multi-day Trips

Trip Ideas From Christchurch With Your Camper Hire

Here are some useful suggestions for multi-day trips to explore the area around Christchurch.

1. Christchurch → Akaroa & Banks Peninsula (2–3 days)

Driving: ~1.5 hours to Akaroa

Highlights:

  • French-inspired village of Akaroa
  • Harbour cruises to see Hector’s dolphins
  • Scenic drives around Banks Peninsula with coves and viewpoints
  • Hiking: Godley Head or Akaroa Head

Example Trip Plan:

  • Day 1: Christchurch → Akaroa, explore town
  • Day 2: Harbor cruise, scenic drives, small walks
  • Day 3: Return to Christchurch via scenic route, stopping at beaches
2. Christchurch → Hanmer Springs → Kaikōura (3–4 days)

Driving: Christchurch → Hanmer Springs (~2 hours), Hanmer → Kaikōura (~2.5 hours)

Highlights:

  • Hanmer Springs: Hot pools and spa relaxation
  • Kaikōura: Whale watching, seal colonies, coastal walks
  • Scenic drives through mountains and coastline

Example Trip Plan:

  • Day 1: Drive to Hanmer Springs, enjoy hot springs
  • Day 2: Explore Hanmer, then drive to Kaikōura, coastal walks
  • Day 3: Whale watching, seafood tasting, return to Christchurch
  • Day 4: Detour inland through Waipara wine region
3. Christchurch → Lake Tekapo & Mount Cook (4–5 days)

Driving: Lake Tekapo (~3 hours), Tekapo → Mount Cook (~1.5 hours)

Highlights:

  • Lake Tekapo: Church of the Good Shepherd, turquoise lake, stargazing
  • Mount Cook National Park: Hikes like Hooker Valley Track
  • Twizel: Adventure activities (kayaking, biking)
  • Stunning alpine scenery

Example Trip Plan:

  • Day 1: Christchurch → Lake Tekapo, evening stargazing
  • Day 2: Explore Tekapo, short hikes
  • Day 3: Drive to Mount Cook, hike Hooker Valley Track
  • Day 4: Optional longer hikes or glacier tours, return to Tekapo
  • Day 5: Drive back to Christchurch
4. Christchurch → West Coast Adventure (5–6 days)

Driving: Christchurch → Arthur’s Pass (~2 hours), then West Coast towns like Greymouth or Hokitika

Highlights:

  • Arthur’s Pass National Park: Alpine hikes and waterfalls
  • West Coast: Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, Hokitika Gorge
  • Optional: Franz Josef or Fox Glacier

Example Trip Plan:

  • Day 1: Christchurch → Arthur’s Pass, short hikes
  • Day 2: Arthur’s Pass → Hokitika, explore gorge
  • Day 3: Hokitika → Punakaiki, Pancake Rocks
  • Day 4: Glacier experience (helicopter or walks)
  • Day 5: Return via Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch
5. Christchurch → Southern Wine & Coastal Loop (3–4 days)

Driving: Christchurch → Waipara (~1 hour), then coastal towns like Kaikōura

Highlights:

  • Waipara Valley: Vineyards and wine tasting
  • Kaikōura: Coastal walks and seafood
  • Scenic coastal and inland drives

Example Trip Plan:

  • Day 1: Christchurch → Waipara, wine tasting
  • Day 2: Waipara → Kaikōura, coastal walks
  • Day 3: Kaikōura → Christchurch via seaside
  • Day 4: Optional detour through Hanmer Springs

Compare campervan facilities around Christchurch

Campervan facilities and services around Christchurch

Here’s a detailed guide to campervan facilities around Christchurch, New Zealand — including official campgrounds, motorhome stops, freedom camping rules, and essential services like dump stations and water refills.

Official Campgrounds & Holiday Parks (with Facilities)

These sites offer services important for campervans such as power hookups, dump stations, water refill, toilets, showers, and waste disposal — ideal for longer stays and full campervan support:

Top Holiday Parks & Campervan Friendly Sites

  1. North South Holiday Park Large park near Christchurch with powered sites, waste facilities, toilets & showers.
  2. Tasman Holiday Parks - Christchurch City park with powered sites, full campervan amenities.
  3. Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park Popular seaside park with a wide range of facilities.
  4. South Brighton Motor Camp Smaller beachfront site with basic campervan facilities.
  5. Omaka Scout Camp Simpler campground option that can suit campervans (check services on arrival).
  6. Weedons NZMCA Park NZMCA park great for members with dedicated motorhome spaces.

Holiday parks typically offer: powered electrical hookups, potable water, dump stations (or nearby access), toilets & showers, laundry, and sometimes Wi Fi. Prices vary by season and services chosen (powered vs unpowered).

Department of Conservation (DOC) & Other Camping Options
  1. Awaroa / Godley Head DOC Campsite – DOC site on Banks Peninsula with natural settings. Toilets are available; no power hookups — good for self contained vans.
  2. Prebbleton Tavern Free Campground for Self-contained Vehiclss – Informal free camping area for self contained vans (basic, usually no hookups).
Freedom Camping Rules in Christchurch

Christchurch City Council allows freedom camping only in self contained vehicles (with certified onboard toilet, wastewater storage etc.).

Key Points

  • You can camp in designated public parking areas if your campervan is certified self contained — no park setups (chairs, awnings) in these spots.
  • Freedom camping doesn’t allow overnight sleeping in parks or reserves unless in the defined camping grounds.
  • Bylaw restrictions and maximum stays apply, especially in city coastal zones.

Tips for freedom camping:

  • Look for designated spaces (signposted or mapped) on the Council site or in apps like CamperMate or WikiCamps.
  • Always use dump stations and avoid illegal waste disposal.
Essential Campervan Services

Dump Stations & Waste Services

  • Christchurch has public dump stations where you can empty grey and black water — always use these for proper disposal
  • Holiday parks and many campgrounds also offer wastewater disposal points.

Water Refill

  • Fresh water refills are usually available at holiday parks, some petrol stations, and public taps.
  • Apps like CamperMate show water refill points and other facilities on your route.

Rubbish & Recycling

  • Council maps show local rubbish and recycling stations — many near campgrounds or holiday parks.
Helpful Tools & Apps

To plan and find services while you’re on the road:

  • CamperMate – Maps dump stations, toilets, water, camping grounds, rubbish bins and more.
  • WikiCamps NZ – Lists holiday parks, freedom camping spots, user reviews, and campground details.

We Answer Your Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting Our Campervans

Generally, you need to be 25 years-old to be able to hire and drive a campervan in New Zealand, with some of our suppliers allowing 21 years-old to hire. Some companies may allow 18-year-olds to drive smaller "sleeper cars”, so make sure to check the rental requirements.

What you need to know about Freedom Camping

Freedom Camping Info for New Zealand

Here’s a useful list of websites and online resources with official info, maps, rules, and planning tools for campervan freedom camping in New Zealand — great reference links to help you find legal spots and understand your obligations:

  1. The Department of Conservation (DOC) is a great start as you can search for freedom campsites and find out what areas are prohibited for freedom camping. Freedom Camping Rules
  2. Kiwi Campers – Freedom Camping Rules & Guide – Overview of freedom camping in NZ including where you can and can’t camp legally. Freedom Camping Rules – Kiwi Campers
  3. KiwiCamping – Freedom Camping Rules NZ Map – Regional guide to current rules and mapped legal sites across NZ. Freedom Camping Rules by Region – KiwiCamping
  4. Camplify NZ – Freedom Camping Guide – Travel blog with practical tips and links to local laws & apps. Freedom Camping NZ: Complete Guide & Rules (Camplify)
  5. Freedom Camping Act 2011 (Legislation NZ) – Full legal text of the Act that defines freedom camping and sets the national rules. Freedom Camping Act 2011 – New Zealand Legislation
  6. TCDC Freedom Camping Info (Thames-Coromandel Council) – Example council resource on how freedom camping works locally (includes maps & designated areas). Freedom Camping Bylaw | Thames‑Coromandel District Council
  7. TOHU Travellers – Freedom Camping Guide – Independent traveller guide with useful links to apps and legal tips. Freedom Camping in Aotearoa | Tohu Travellers
  8. CamperMate (App & Website) – A key interactive guide for finding freedom camping spots, dump stations, toilets, and other services during your trip (note: search via their map interface for spots). CamperMate NZ – Freedom Camping and Campsite Finder

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