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Campervan Hire in Queenstown

Compare campervans and prices for campervan hire in Queenstown

Lake Wanaka - Motorhome rental in Queenstown New Zealand

Compare campervan and motorhome hire from Queenstown

Explore New Zealand with a campervan hire from Queenstown Airport (ZQN) or City locations

Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most exciting bases for campervan travellers, offering a mix of dramatic alpine scenery and excellent road access to some of the South Island’s top destinations. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by mountain ranges, the town is well equipped with holiday parks, freedom-camping options nearby, dump stations, and supermarkets—making it an easy and convenient stop for life on the road. Campervan travellers can enjoy lakeside walks, scenic viewpoints, gondola rides, and a lively food scene, all while using Queenstown as a hub to explore the wider region at a relaxed pace.

Another key benefit is the convenience and comfort that campervans provide. Queenstown’s weather and terrain are ideal for road trips, and with features like cooking facilities, beds, and storage built in, you can tailor your journey to suit your comfort level. Hiring a campervan can be especially appealing for couples, families, or groups who want the flexibility to cook meals, stop whenever inspiration strikes, and stay immersed in nature without the hustle of changing hotels every night. Plus, many rental companies in Queenstown offer one-way hire options, allowing you to start and end your adventure in different locations if your travel plans span the length of the South Island.


In the Queenstown region there’s a wide range of campervan suppliers to match different budgets and trip styles. Popular local and national companies with pickup in or around Queenstown include Maui Motorhome Queenstown, known for premium motorhomes; Britz Campervan Hire and Mighty Campers, and Indie Campers, offering a range of sizes and price points. Budget or quirky choices like JUCY Campervan Hire Queenstown Airportare also available, giving you plenty of choice depending on your group size, comfort needs, and travel style.

Introduction to Queenstown & Surroundings

Queenstown Highlights for Campervan Travellers

Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most exciting bases for campervan travellers, offering a mix of dramatic alpine scenery and excellent road access to some of the South Island’s top destinations. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by mountain ranges, the town is well equipped with holiday parks, freedom-camping options nearby, dump stations, and supermarkets—making it an easy and convenient stop for life on the road. Campervan travellers can enjoy lakeside walks, scenic viewpoints, gondola rides, and a lively food scene, all while using Queenstown as a hub to explore the wider region at a relaxed pace.

Within short driving distances, campervan travellers are rewarded with iconic landscapes and unforgettable day trips. The route to Glenorchy offers one of the most scenic drives in the country, winding along the lake past towering peaks and filming locations for major movies. A longer but highly rewarding journey leads to Milford Sound, where waterfalls, fiords, and rainforest create a true bucket-list experience. Nearby towns such as Arrowtown and Wanaka provide historic charm, peaceful lakefronts, and excellent overnight camping options, ideal for slowing down and soaking up the scenery.


For adventure lovers, Queenstown is hard to beat. Campervan travellers can easily access world-class hiking and biking trails, ski fields in winter, and a huge range of adrenaline activities including bungy jumping, jet boating, and canyon swings. At the same time, the region offers quieter rewards—vineyards in Gibbston Valley, hot pools beneath the stars, and remote backcountry roads perfect for self-contained travel. With its combination of adventure, comfort, and jaw-dropping landscapes, Queenstown is a standout destination for campervan travellers exploring New Zealand.

Poad to Glenorchy - Campervan hire in Queenstown New Zealand

Find out more about our campervans in Queenstown

Our Campervans in Queenstown

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.

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 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 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).

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 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 Queenstown

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 and motorhome hire from Queenstown

Campervan facilities and services around Queenstown

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

Recommended Campsites for Campervans

  • Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park: Central location with full facilities, perfect for starting your Queenstown adventures. Offers powered and self-contained sites with lake views.
  • Moke Lake Campground (DOC): A small, scenic DOC campsite near Queenstown, ideal for campervans. Minimal facilities, so perfect for those who enjoy nature and starry nights.
  • Lake Hawea / Lake Wanaka Campgrounds: Offers lakeside spots, great for swimming, kayaking, and hiking. DOC sites like Matukituki Valley or Glendhu Bay are perfect for a quiet overnight stay.
  • Fiordland National Park DOC Sites: Options near Te Anau and Milford Sound, like Cascade Creek or Lake Gunn, allow you to immerse in native bush and fiord landscapes. Mostly self-contained sites — bring supplies.
  • Shotover River / Arrowtown Holiday Parks: Close to adventure activities like jet boating, rafting, and mountain biking. Great for mixing outdoor action with overnight campervan comfort.


Tips for Campervan Travel in Queenstown

  • Check DOC campsite availability, especially in peak summer/winter seasons.
  • Self-contained campervans give access to more remote locations and freedom camping spots.
  • Some alpine roads (Crown Range, Milford Sound) can be narrow or icy in winter — drive cautiously.
  • FPlan scenic detours — sometimes the smaller side roads deliver the best views.

Suggested Multi-day Trips

Trip Ideas From Queenstown With Your Camper Hire

Here are some multi-day campervan road trip itinerary ideas you can drive to from Queenstown, New Zealand, ranging from short loops to longer explorations of the South Island’s best scenery and highlights.

1–3 Day Explorer: Queenstown & Surrounds

Highlights

  • Queenstown Base Days: Explore adventure activities, lakeside walks, local hikes and scenic lookouts.
  • Glenorchy & Paradise: Classic scenic drive along Lake Wakatipu with hikes, jet boating and wilderness camps.
  • Moke Lake: Peaceful lakeside camping beneath dark skies (great for stargazing).
  • Arrowtown & Gibbston Valley: Historic gold-rush town and boutique wineries with nearby overnight options.

Suggested Trip Plan

  • Day 1: Queenstown → Glenorchy → Paradise → camp
  • Day 2: Return via Moke Lake → Arrowtown for history + wine
  • Day 3: Return to Queenstown
3–5 Day: Te Anau + Milford Sound Loop

From Queenstown to the wild heart of Fiordland – great for nature lovers and photography.

Typical Route

  • Day 1: Queenstown → Te Anau (basecamp for Fiordland attractions)
  • Day 2 Te Anau → Milford Sound scenic drive (optional overnight near Milford or Te Anau return)
  • Day 3: Explore Milford Sound, enjoy a cruise, short hikes like Lake Marian
  • Day 4: Te Anau → Queenstown with scenic stops en route

Driving tip: Milford Road is one of the most scenic drives on the South Island but can be slow due to 1-lane bridges and curve-filled terrain.

5–7 Day South Island Loop

For a taste of alpine lakes, fiords, small towns and wide open landscapes.

Example 7-Day Route

  • Day 1: Queenstown – explore town + lakeside
  • Day 2 Queenstown → Wanaka (via scenic SH6 or Crown Range – check campervan allowance)
  • Day 3: Wanaka – hikes, lakefront & nature
  • Day 4: Wanaka → Lake Tekapo — Great star-gazing + relaxation (remember to plan for campsites early)
  • Day 5: Lake Tekapo → Aoraki/ Mt Cook — alpine walks & glacial views
  • Day 6: Mount Cook → Dunedin (optional) or back toward Queenstown
  • Day 7: Return to Queenstown

This loop shows a wider diversity of landscapes and can be easily adjusted for time or interests.

7–10+ Day Classic South Island Tour

A deeper road trip that covers almost every iconic region of the South Island. Based on extended itineraries:

Itinerary Example

  • Day 1: Queenstown → Te Anau
  • Day 2 Te Anau → Milford Sound
  • Day 3: Milford Sound → back to Te Anau / or towards Wanaka
  • Day 4: Wanaka – explore the lakes, hikes, wineries
  • Day 5: Wanaka → Lake Pukaki & Mt Cook NP
  • Day 6: Mt Cook region – walks and alpine views
  • Day 7: Lake Tekapo – star gazing and relaxation
  • Day 8 - 9: Head back to Queenstown via smaller towns like Cromwell or Omarama

This gives plenty of time for scenic stops, walks, short hikes, cruises or local experiences without spending all your time driving.

Tips for Campervan Travel in NZ
  • Freedom camping is possible but only in self-contained vehicles and in designated areas – check local rules.
  • Use apps like CamperMate, Rankers or DOC camping app to find sites, dump stations and water refill points.
  • Driving times can be long due to winding roads — plan for slower travel than typical highway distances.

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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