Exploring New Zealand by campervan: insights from an experienced traveler

Traveling by campervan has long been a favored way to explore New Zealand, particularly for budget-conscious adventurers. This is largely due to the appeal of “freedom camping,” a system that permits overnight parking in designated areas at no charge throughout the country.

Having journeyed extensively across Aotearoa (the Māori name for New Zealand) in my own van, I've spent countless nights at free camping locations. Some spots are right by the ocean, while others are nestled high in the mountains. Even urban free camping areas feel like an adventure, allowing you to save more for discovering new destinations in New Zealand.

Renting a van is relatively straightforward, with many providers available, making it easy to experience this lifestyle on a short trip. However, rising fuel and rental prices, coupled with changes to freedom camping regulations in 2023, mean it's no longer as budget-friendly as it used to be.

With this in mind, here’s how to effectively plan your campervan journey in New Zealand.

Cost comparison: campervan versus car rental

Experiencing van life in New Zealand once symbolized freedom and affordability. However, it has increasingly become a lifestyle that comes with significant expenses. During the peak summer season from late December to late February, campervan rental prices can range from NZ$200 per day for budget options to over NZ$500 for motorhomes (RVs).

Additional expenses may also arise with campervan rentals. Diesel vehicles are generally less expensive to fuel (starting at around NZ$1.75/liter), but you must also account for Road User Charges (RUCs). These fees, passed on by rental companies, usually range from NZ$0.07 to NZ$0.09 per kilometer.

With petrol vehicles, you avoid these extra charges, but expect to pay more at the pump. Driving a campervan through New Zealand’s hilly terrain consumes more fuel than a smaller, agile car, and as of this publication, petrol prices exceed NZ$2.53/liter. The Gaspy app can help you find the best fuel prices available.

In contrast, renting a car can cost as little as NZ$80 per day during peak season, allowing you the comfort of sleeping in a proper bed each night. It can actually be nearly as economical to rent a car and stay in hotels. However, this might not apply in larger cities like Wellington or Auckland, where central hotel prices are steep, and parking can be around NZ$50 per night.

Nonetheless, campervans have their advantages. Having your own kitchen allows you to prepare more meals, reducing the expenses associated with dining out. Traveling by car can limit your flexibility since you'll need to book accommodations ahead of time. With a campervan, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.

Once you've settled in at one of New Zealand's breathtaking spots, offering easy access to hiking, swimming, sunsets, and scenic views, there's really nothing else you need to do.

Considering the purchase of a campervan?

If you plan to stay for several months or more, you might find a used van for under NZ$8000. Campervans frequently change hands among travelers. Just remember to include additional expenses such as insurance (about NZ$120 per month), registration (around NZ$10 per month for petrol vehicles), and maintenance costs, which can add up to thousands of dollars for vehicles with high mileage and years of use.

Is it possible to park a campervan anywhere in New Zealand?

Campervan travel was once a popular budget-friendly choice due to freedom camping, which allows for free parking at designated sites. However, this is changing. Starting in December 2024, only rental motor homes with plumbed toilets will be considered self-contained, which is now the minimum standard for legal freedom camping.

While some locations still permit freedom camping for vehicles that aren’t fully self-contained, these spots are becoming increasingly rare and are usually found in more remote areas.

Most smaller campervans typically lack the necessary amenities, as they usually only come with portable toilets. Consequently, if you want the option to freedom camp in most areas, you’ll need to rent a larger (and pricier) motor home. Additionally, infringement fees for camping violations have risen from NZ$200 to NZ$400.

If you’re considering freedom camping, it’s wise to manage your expectations. Often, these spots resemble little more than parking lots where overnight parking is allowed, but you must leave by 9 AM the following day. I’ve spent nights parked next to railway tracks in Dunedin and in barren fields with no views or facilities.

However, some freedom camping locations are absolutely breathtaking. One of my favorites is the Te Kopahou Visitor Center carpark in Wellington. Just a 15-minute drive from the city center, it offers access to the rugged, windswept coastline. Another stunning spot is the Castle Point carpark in the Wairarapa region, adjacent to a secluded lagoon and a rocky promontory crowned with a lighthouse. Popular freedom camp areas tend to fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive earlier in the afternoon since reservations aren’t possible.

Tips for locating budget-friendly camping in New Zealand

The simplest way to discover campgrounds is by using camping apps like Rankers or Campermate. These free apps will direct you to both free and paid camping sites, and indicate where you can find dump stations for wastewater disposal.

Campground prices vary widely, ranging from free to up to NZ$60 per person per night for premium powered sites. Most campgrounds don’t require advance bookings, except during the peak season from late December to early January when many locals are on holiday. Even then, you should still be able to find space in less popular campgrounds, usually located away from beaches or lakes.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) operates a nationwide network of campgrounds, many of which are free. Others charge between NZ$10 and NZ$15 per night for standard campsites (for campervans or tents), typically providing a water source and long-drop toilets (outhouses). Many DOC campgrounds can be booked online, which helps avoid cash hassles at the site.

For more amenities, such as hot showers and laundry facilities, check out New Zealand’s holiday parks. These well-equipped campgrounds offer everything from hot showers and laundry to playgrounds and swimming pools, often in desirable locations. Popular chains include Tasman Holiday Parks and Top 10 Holiday Parks, the latter of which offers a membership option for discounts on stays.

Another economical camping option for certified self-contained campervans or motor homes is Okay2stay. This membership program (available for NZ$50) provides access to over 100 locations nationwide where you can park for free, provided you support the hosts by purchasing their wine, produce, or other artisanal products. Hosts include boutique vineyards, craft breweries, orchards, and dairy farms, making it a fantastic way to connect with local growers and keep your kitchen stocked.

How much time should I allocate for a campervan journey around New Zealand?

Traveling across New Zealand takes much longer than you might expect. The country is about the size of Italy but has a population of just over five million, resulting in widely spread-out attractions, particularly on the South Island. The roads can be narrow and winding, so be sure to allow time for scenic stops.

Larger motor homes are limited to a maximum speed of 90 km/h, even though the speed limit is 100 km/h. However, reaching even that speed can be challenging in the hilly landscape.

The minimum duration for a campervan trip in New Zealand is around one to two weeks, focusing on one island. Most campervan rental companies allow pick-up and drop-off in Auckland or Christchurch, with a few also servicing Queenstown or smaller towns, making these cities the default start and end points.

If you have three weeks or more, you can start in Auckland and journey south, experiencing both islands. Just remember to book your ferry ticket in advance for inter-island travel, as spaces can fill up quickly during peak season. Also, verify whether your rental vehicle is permitted on the ferry.

One last consideration: the environmental footprint of campervan travel

In many areas, campervans can place strain on the environment. While most van travelers cherish nature, inadequate facilities in freedom camping zones can lead to litter being left behind, prompting the legislative changes regarding freedom camping in 2023 and 2024.

Think about exploring lesser-known regions of the country, such as Taranaki on the west coast of the North Island or the East Cape and Gisborne, to minimize the pressure on popular spots. These less-visited areas often have campgrounds that are more campervan-friendly and far less crowded.

No matter where your journey takes you, stay mindful of the environment and practice leave-no-trace principles. Be considerate of locals by pulling over if you're slowing down traffic (you'll find ample laybys or roadside stops for this purpose). If you opt for free camping, support the local community by visiting nearby cafes, shops, and small businesses.

Above all, savor the adventure. Traveling in a campervan gives you the freedom to welcome the unexpected, so keep your plans flexible and your mindset open.