Manage Booking
Image
Search for Campervans

Campervan Hire in Wellington

Compare campervans and prices for campervan hire in Wellington

Camper hire - Castlepoint near Wellington New Zealand

Compare campervan and motorhome hire from Wellington

Explore New Zealand with a campervan hire from Wellington Airport (WLG) or City locations

Renting a campervan from us in the Wellington, New Zealand area opens up a world of flexible, immersive travel that blends urban exploration with road trip freedom. Starting your journey from Wellington — the nation’s vibrant capital perched between hills and the Cook Strait — means you can experience the city’s rich culture, waterfront cafés, and museums before heading out into scenic countryside and coastal landscapes. A rental ampervan combines your transport and accommodation, letting you avoid hotel bookings and tailor your itinerary day by day. With a self contained van, you can prepare meals on the go, reduce dining costs, and enjoy the freedom to stay in designated spots both in and around the region.

Campervan hire from Wellington is also practical for exploring both the North and South Islands. Wellington is the ferry gateway to the South Island, so you can pick up your campervan here and cross over on the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry to continue your road trip through Marlborough, Kaikōura, and beyond. Having a campervan gives you the flexibility to discover coastal drives, vineyards, and national parks at your own pace, stopping unexpectedly for walks, beaches, or viewpoints that interest you. Wellington’s compact streets also make for easy first time navigation before you hit wider open roads.


For campervan hire directly from Wellington and the surrounding area, there are a few suppliers to choose from, including Pacific Horizon, Freedom Campers, and Tui Campers - all offering a range of vehicles from compact city campers to fully equipped motorhomes. It’s a good idea to book ahead, especially in peak travel seasons, and check requirements for self contained vehicles if you plan to freedom camp along your route.

Introduction to Wellington & Surroundings

Wellington Highlights for Campervan Travellers

Wellington, New Zealand’s compact and vibrant capital, is an excellent starting point for campervan travellers who want a mix of urban culture and natural beauty. Nestled between hills and the stunning Cook Strait, the city itself offers plenty to explore before you hit the open road. Campervan travellers can enjoy the scenic waterfront, the famous Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, and the quirky Cuba Street cafes, all while having the freedom to leave the city behind for the surrounding landscapes whenever they choose. With a campervan, you can easily combine city sightseeing with overnight stays in coastal or rural locations, giving you a flexible and immersive travel experience.

Heading out from Wellington, the region offers a wealth of scenic drives and outdoor adventures. The rugged Kapiti Coast is just a short drive away, with golden beaches and nature reserves perfect for walking, surfing, or birdwatching. To the east, the Rimutaka Range provides winding mountain roads and trails, while nearby Wairarapa is famous for boutique wineries, charming small towns, and the iconic Putangirua Pinnacles — a dramatic landscape made famous in film. Campervan travellers can stop spontaneously at these destinations, enjoying short hikes, vineyard tastings, or quiet beachside nights without being tied to hotel check-in times.


For those willing to venture a little further, Wellington is also the gateway to the South Island via the Interislander or Bluebridge ferries. This opens up opportunities for multi-day campervan adventures through Marlborough, Abel Tasman National Park, and beyond, with scenic coastal routes, lush forests, and wildlife encounters along the way. Even within the North Island, areas like Castlepoint and Lake Wairarapa offer tranquil overnight stops and outdoor activities. Overall, campervan travel from Wellington allows for unmatched flexibility, blending city culture, coastal scenery, and mountain adventures into one memorable road trip.

Kaptiki Coast near Wellington - Cheap campervan in Wellington New Zealand

Find out more about our campervans in Wellington

Our Campervans in Wellington

Our main suppliers in Wellington are Discover NZ Motorhomes, Tui Campers and Freedom Campers.

Some Of Our Most Popular Vehicles in Wellington

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

Discover NZ Sleepavanz in Wellington New Zealand
2 Berth Sleeper Van

2 Berth Sleepavanz

  • from Discover NZ Motorhomes
  • 2009-2012 Model
  • 2.4 DOHC
  • Transmission: Auto
Tui Bunkie 4 to hire in Wellington New Zealand
4 Berth Campervan

Tui Bunkie

  • from Tui Campers
  • 2019
  • 2l Diesel
  • Transmission: Auto
Tui Trail Adventurer for hire in Wellington New Zealand
2+1 Berth Camper

Tui Trail Adventurer

  • from Tui Campers
  • 2019
  • 2l Diesel
  • Auto
Discover 4 Berth for hire in Wellington New Zealand
4-6 Berth Motorhome

Fiat Ducato Autotrail 720

  • from Discover NZ Motorhomes
  • 2021
  • 2.3l Multijet Euro 6D
  • Transmission: Auto
Tui Trail Explorer to hire in Wellington New Zealand
6 Berth Camper

Tui Trail Explorer

  • from Tui Campers
  • 2011
  • 2.4l Diesel
  • Transmission: Manual

Compare campervan and motorhome hire from Wellington

Campervan facilities and services around Wellington

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

Recommended Campsites for Campervans

  • Discovery Parks – Wellington: Central location with powered and unpowered sites. Easy access to the city and main highways for onward travel
  • Lake Ferry Campsite (DOC): Near Lake Wairarapa and the South Coast, minimal facilities but scenic and tranquil. Suitable for self-contained campervans
  • Cape Palliser Campsite (DOC): A small, scenic campsite near the lighthouse and seal colony. Basic facilities; best for nature lovers who want peace and starry nights.
  • Martinborough Top 10 Holiday Park: Excellent base for exploring vineyards and wineries. Full facilities including power, showers, and dump stations.
  • Paraparaumu / Raumati Beach Holiday Parks: Great coastal options near Kapiti Coast. Offers beach access and easy stops for walks or cycling.


Tips for Campervan Travel Around Wellington:

  • Many DOC campsites are basic and may not have power or water — make sure your campervan is self-contained.
  • Roads like Remutaka Hill or coastal routes can be narrow and windy; allow extra time for safety and sightseeing.
  • Early departure helps you make the most of daylight for stops and photography.
  • Check tide times if exploring beaches like Cape Palliser or Kapiti Coast for easier access and safety.

Suggested Multi-day Trips

Trip Ideas From Wellington With Your Camper Hire

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

1. Southern Coast & Cape Palliser Adventure (3 Days)

Day 1 – Wellington to Lake Wairarapa / Lake Ferry

  • Head east along the scenic coastal route (~90 km, 2 hrs).
  • Stops: Lake Wairarapa, small fishing villages, riverside walks.
  • Camp: Lake Ferry DOC Campsite — peaceful lakeside camping with basic facilities.

Day 2 – Lake Ferry to Cape Palliser

  • Continue along winding coastal roads (~40 km, 1 hr).
  • Highlights: Cape Palliser lighthouse, seal colony, and rugged cliffs.
  • Optional short hike up to the lighthouse for panoramic views.
  • Camp: Cape Palliser DOC Campsite for a true coastal experience.

Day 3 – Cape Palliser back to Wellington via Martinborough

  • Drive through Wairarapa vineyards (~80 km, 2 hrs).
  • Stops: Martinborough for wine tasting, boutique cafés, and historic streets.
  • Return to Wellington by evening.
2. Wairarapa Wine & Nature Loop (3 Days)

Day 1 – Wellington to Martinborough

  • Drive (~85 km, 1.5 hrs) to the heart of New Zealand’s wine country.
  • Enjoy wine tasting, bike rides between vineyards, and exploring the charming town.
  • Camp: Martinborough Top 10 Holiday Park or nearby self-contained DOC sites.

Day 2 – Martinborough to East Coast / Castlepoint

  • Drive east (~90 km, 2 hrs) to Castlepoint, a stunning coastal area with lighthouse and beach walks.
  • Optional hike: Walk to the Castlepoint Lighthouse for panoramic views.
  • Camp: Castlepoint Campsite or nearby DOC sites.

Day 3 – Castlepoint to Wellington via Remutaka Hills

  • Drive through Wairarapa vineyards (~80 km, 2 hrs).
  • Stop for a short hike in the Remutaka Forest Park or view the Rimutaka Hill lookout points before finishing in Wellington.
3. Kapiti Coast & Hutt Valley Explorer (2–3 Days)

Day 1 – Wellington to Kapiti Coast

  • Drive north (~50 km, 1 hr).
  • Stops: Paraparaumu, Paekākāriki, or Waikanae beaches; Kapiti Island viewpoints.
  • Camp: Paraparaumu Beach Holiday Park or self-contained camping near the coast.

Day 2 – Kapiti Coast to Wainuiomata / Rimutaka Hills

  • Explore hill walks, native forest, and rivers in the Wainuiomata and Remutaka ranges.
  • Optional: Short hikes in Orongorongo or Kaitoke Regional Park.
  • Camp: A quiet DOC campsite or return towards Wellington for overnight.

Day 3 – Optional: Day in Wellington City

  • Explore Te Papa Museum, waterfront, or take the Wellington Cable Car.
  • Return campervan or continue on further road trips.
Tips for Multi-Day Campervan Travel from Wellington:
  • Many DOC campsites are basic and best suited for self-contained vans.
  • Plan routes with scenic stops and overnight campsites to avoid long driving days.
  • Take time for short hikes, beaches, and wineries along the way — these are often highlights of the trip.
  • Check road conditions, especially on coastal and hill routes, as some are narrow and winding.

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

Need help or have a question?

It's easy to talk over what you are looking for in a camper hire when our office is open 24 hours a day - our phone calls are free or charged at local rates.

Customer Support