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Campervan Hire in Picton

Compare campervans and prices for campervan hire in Picton

Campervan near Queens Charlotte Sound New Zealand

Compare campervan and motorhome hire from Picton

Explore New Zealand with a campervan hire from Picton Ferry Terminal

Renting a campervan from us in the Picton, New Zealand area offers huge benefits for travellers who want to make the most of their South Island adventure. Starting in Picton — a scenic port town nestled in the Marlborough Sounds — a campervan gives you complete flexibility to set your own pace, stop wherever and whenever you like, and enjoy the stunning coastal drives and hidden bays that characterise this part of Aotearoa. With your accommodation and transport combined into one, you can save on hotel costs and cook your own meals under the stars, making roadtripping both economical and full of memorable moments. Being self-contained also means you can explore parks, beachside spots and sounds viewpoints that aren’t always near towns or lodges.

Another key advantage of campervan rental from Picton is the convenience of starting your journey right from the ferry terminal or nearby town centre, especially if you’re arriving from the North Island via the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry. Picton’s location at the top of the South Island makes it an ideal launchpad for heading south towards Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, the West Coast or even further down through Canterbury and Otago. Many rental companies offer 24/7 roadside assistance, flexible pick up/drop off options and fully equipped vehicles (including beds, kitchen facilities and sometimes even showers), so you can hit the road with confidence and minimal fuss.


Whether you’re planning a short scenic loop around the Marlborough Sounds or a longer South Island circuit, starting with a campervan rental in Picton gives you the freedom to tailor your itinerary and make the most of New Zealand’s breathtaking natural landscapes, perhaps even freedom camping in the area.

Introduction to Picton & Surroundings

Picton Highlights for Campervan Travellers

Picton, perched at the head of the Marlborough Sounds on New Zealand’s South Island, is a paradise for campervan travellers seeking both natural beauty and easy access to adventure. This picturesque port town is famous as the South Island gateway for ferries from Wellington, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the region at your own pace. Visitors with a rental campervan can enjoy scenic drives along winding coastal roads, stopping at secluded bays, waterfront picnic spots, and forested trails that are often inaccessible by larger vehicles. With its charming marina, boutique cafes, and relaxed small-town vibe, Picton itself is a delightful place to pause, rest, and soak up the tranquil surroundings before heading further afield.

One of the major draws for campervan travellers is the Marlborough Sounds, a labyrinth of sun-drenched inlets, sheltered coves, and rugged hills. From Picton, visitors can access stunning walking tracks such as the Queen Charlotte Track, which stretches 71 km through native forest and along hilltops with sweeping sea views. For those who prefer water-based adventures, the Sounds offer kayaking, sailing, and boat tours where you can spot dolphins, seals, and even penguins. Campervan travellers have the freedom to park at scenic spots near trailheads or waterfronts, making it easy to wake up to breathtaking views and fully immerse themselves in the region’s natural wonders.


Beyond the Sounds, Picton provides access to Marlborough’s renowned wine region and other South Island highlights. A short drive from town, the vineyards around Blenheim and Marlborough offer wine tastings and cellar door experiences that are perfect for leisurely afternoon stops. For nature lovers, trips to nearby Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve or the stunning coastal scenery of Kaikōura are easily doable in a campervan. With a vehicle as your base, you can explore the region’s rich diversity of landscapes—from golden beaches to native forests and sparkling waterways—without the restrictions of fixed itineraries, making Picton an ideal hub for a flexible and unforgettable road trip.

Campervan parked near Picton New Zealand

Find out more about our campervans in Picton

Our Campervans in Picton

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 Most Popular Vehicles in Picton

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

Compare campervan facilities around Picton

Campervan facilities and services around Picton

Here are some campervan-friendly facilities and services in the Picton, New Zealand area to help make your journey smooth, comfortable, and convenient

Recommended Campsites
  1. Picton TOP 10 Holiday Park
    A highly convenient base near town with full campervan facilities, powered sites, and easy access to the marina and ferry terminal. Great for your first night or last night in Picton.
  2. Bay of Many Coves Resort (Marlborough Sounds)
    A more premium option if you want to stay right in the Sounds. Campervans can park with waterfront views, and there are opportunities for kayaking, walking tracks, and wildlife spotting.
  3. Linkwater or Anakiwa Campsites
    Located along Queen Charlotte Drive, these smaller holiday parks and DOC (Department of Conservation) sites give you direct access to walking tracks like the Queen Charlotte Track. Some are basic, ideal if you enjoy a more “back-to-nature” feel.
  4. Kenepuru Sound DOC Sites
    For freedom camping or minimal facilities, DOC-managed sites along Kenepuru Sound let you park close to the water or forest. They are perfect for stargazing and morning wildlife spotting.
Tips for Campervan Travellers
  • Book in advance for summer: campsites fill up quickly, especially around Queen Charlotte Track trailheads.
  • Watch road widths on Kenepuru Sound and parts of Queen Charlotte Drive—they’re narrow and winding, so drive cautiously.
  • Combine driving and walking: Park at a scenic spot and explore a short walk or beach for a fuller experience.

Suggested Multi-day Trips

Trip Ideas From Picton With Your Camper Hire

Here are some inspiring multi-day campervan itineraries you can drive from Picton, New Zealand — mostly exploring the top of the South Island (Marlborough, Nelson, Abel Tasman, Kaikōura) and beyond.
1. Relaxed 3–5 Day Loop – Marlborough & Coastal Bays
  • Day 1: Picton → Havelock (via Queen Charlotte Drive)
    Drive the Queen Charlotte Drive — a twisty scenic road with views over the sounds. Stop for picnics and lookouts.
  • Day 2: Havelock → Blenheim
    Visit local vineyards around Blenheim — this region makes some of NZ’s best sauvignon blanc. Bike the wine trail or do a guided tasting
  • Day 3: Blenheim → Kaikōura
    Head south along the coast to Kaikōura (whale watching, seal colonies, seafood)
  • Day 4: Kaikōura → Picton
    Take your time back up the coast; stop at fishing towns or beaches.
2. Classic Top of the South – Picton → Nelson → Abel Tasman (5–8 Days)
  • Day 1: Picton → Nelson
    Hit the road early via Queen Charlotte Drive or the inland road; explore Nelson town and waterfront
  • Day 2: Nelson
    Relax, check out local markets and cafes, or the Nelson Lakes area
  • Day 3–4: Nelson → Abel Tasman National Park
    Park your van and take water taxis to beaches like Torrent Bay or Totaranui; hike sections of the coast track
  • Day 5: Totaranui → Marahau → Motueka
    Slow scenic drive back, spots for picnics and short walks
  • Day 6–7: Return toward Picton
    Make it a relaxed drive north with stops at Pelorus Bridge and Bays; Marlborough wine tasting on the way
Extended South Island Loop (10–21 Days)

General Flow: Picton → Nelson → West Coast → Queenstown → Fiordland → Christchurch → Kaikōura → Blenheim → Picton


Key highlights include:


  • Nelson Lakes & Abel Tasman – beaches, hiking.
  • West Coast – Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, glacier regions.
  • Queenstown & Fiordland – adrenaline capital + Milford Sound.
  • Arthur’s Pass & Hanmer Springs – alps scenery and hot pools.
  • Kaikōura coast – wildlife viewing and seafood.
4. Food & Wine Focused Trip (4–7 Days)
  • Day 1: Picton → Blenheim — wine tasting, cellar doors
  • Day 2: Blenheim wine cycle tour or reserve winery lunch
  • Day 3: Blenheim → Kaikōura — seafood lunch stop at coastal towns
  • Day 4: Kaikōura → Picton — slow coastal cruise or beach picnic
  • Extras: Add Nelson breweries, artisan food stops, or a seafood feast in Havelock
Tips for Campervan Touring from Picton
  • Ferry routes connect Picton to Wellington if you want to add a North Island loop
  • Leave room for short detours to waterfalls, forests, and wildlife stops — some roads (like Queen Charlotte Drive) reward frequent stops with hidden coves
  • Book holiday parks ahead in peak summer — Marlborough and Abel Tasman are hugely popular

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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