16 tips for travelling New Zealand in a campervan
Advice for your campervan holiday, from a van lifer
I firmly believe New Zealand is best seen by campervan.
The scenery is gorgeous, campsites are prolific, the weather is (mostly) mild, and the country is relatively compact.
Plus, traveling in a bed on wheels means you get closer to the glorious outdoors that New Zealand is famous for.
Campervanning in New Zealand means rolling open the van door to see sunlight bouncing off the ocean. It’s bare feet in the sand, hanging my towel off the wing mirror to dry, crackers and hummus all day, jumping in the sea and calling it a shower.
I owned a campervan for two years and travelled both the North and South Islands in my van. I’ve clocked up more than 30,000 kilometres on New Zealand’s roads.
I’ve got plenty of tips on where to camp, travelling alone in a van, and what you need (as well as what you don’t).
Here’s my best advice for you if you're planning a campervan trip to New Zealand.
jump ahead.
Choosing a campervan
1. Consider the pros and cons of buying vs renting a campervan
Renting a campervan is by far the easiest option if you’re only visiting New Zealand for two weeks or less.
There are dozens of campervan rental companies to choose from, like Escape, Epic campers, or Mad Campers.
There are also many motorhome rental companies, which offer a more luxe experience.
You can get a different level of quality depending on your budget — the cheaper campervan rental services offer older vehicles with fewer trimmings.
That’s not to say the vehicles are worse. The great thing about any campervan rental company is that the vehicles will be road worthy and you’ll get on-road support if you happen to have mechanical issues.
It just means some will have more well-worn interiors and fewer creature comforts.
Campervan rental, especially for larger motorhomes that come with toilets and showers, can be extremely expensive — almost the cost of buying a cheap one secondhand.
If you’re visiting for 3-4 weeks, you might want to consider buying a campervan.
It can be more cost-effective to buy one kitted out with camping gear, and resell it again at the end of your trip. There is a thriving secondhand trade on Facebook marketplace, and campers change hands regularly.
It’s pretty straightforward and even if you sell for a loss at the end of the trip, you will have saved a massive amount of money compared to renting a campervan for a month.
The caveat is that there are obviously a few more things to worry about if you buy a campervan.
The risks with buying a campervan include:
Not knowing the vehicle history — you should get a pre-purchase vehicle inspection to make sure it’s safe and road worthy.
Bad campervan conversions with poorly built kitchens etc.
You might need to buy additional things, like bedding or cooking things.
It takes time to browse listings, go to viewings, and then to sell again at the end. You have to start the process a few weeks before you leave to make sure you aren’t stuck with the vehicle.
I bought a campervan off Facebook marketplace, and almost immediately had to pay for a service ($120) and three new tires (~$600) because of the condition of the vehicle.
Over the time I owned it, I poured thousands of dollars into repairs and maintenance — it’s expensive to look after a vehicle from 2014 with nearly 200,000 kilometres on the clock.
That’s not to scare you, it’s just something to consider when weighing up whether to buy or rent.
2. Pick the right size campervan for you
Standard ‘van’ size in New Zealand
A Jucy campervan
Campervans in New Zealand can be roughly divided into three categories:
Small campervans that are more like station wagons with a bed in the back. Spaceship rentals offer a small rental van in this size.
Classic ‘van’ size, for example Toyota Hiace or Ford Sprinters on the larger end of the scale (rental options include Jucy, Travellers Autobahn, and Mad Campers).
Motorhomes, which are much more fully equipped (popular rental options include Wilderness Motohomes, Britz, and Apollo).
I recommend hiring a smaller campervan, as smaller models are easier to manoeuvre around New Zealand’s narrow roads.
I owned a Mazda MPV, which was the perfect size for me. I could park it easily and handle it well on twisting roads.
Toyota Estimas and Mazda Bongos are other popular models that you will see available at campervan rental companies. They might not be as fancy as the larger models, but all you need is a bed, storage space, and a kitchenette.
Particularly if you’re travelling alone, you don’t need as much space as you think you do.
My recommendation: Unless you have a high-top van, pick a model with the kitchen in the back. This means you can cook standing up and won’t have cooking smells in your sleeping space.
However, if you’re the kind of person who likes to have their own shower and toilet, you might want to consider a motorhome instead.
What to take for your campervan trip
3. Pack just the basics
The less you pack, the less mess you’ll have to constantly tidy in your van.
You need less than you think for a comfortable campervan trip.
You can get away with a small wardrobe if you wear mostly casual, outdoorsy clothing.
If you’re kitting out a campervan yourself, keep it minimal.
You don't need a table inside, or a fancy interior, especially if you’re travelling in summer.
I never set my table up in nearly two years of owning my van. I leave my bed set up in the back and if I need to hunker down out of the rain I just stretch out on it.
When the weather is good, you’ll spend most of your time outside, including for cooking and eating. Most campsites will have picnic tables which are more comfortable than the inside of your van.
When I first hit the road, I installed small pot plants in the back and bought pure linen sheets. In short order, the plants died and the sheets accrued some unidentifiable stains.
Campervan travel in New Zealand isn’t like living in a boho apartment on wheels. Most of the time, I'm piling things into any available space and doing my best to minimise sand.
It can be a gritty, grubby adventure, which is all part of the fun — just don’t have too many expectations of it being as dreamy as it looks on social media.
Things that I've found are useful;
a pocket knife
a five-liter container for drinking water
a good chopping board
a fast-drying microfiber towel.
Things that aren’t useful;
a full set of cutlery
wine glasses
different-sized plates.
I use one bowl, one spoon, and a drink bottle, despite my well-stocked kitchen.
You need fewer clothes than you think you — it can get chilly but is rarely freezing cold. I wear mainly leggings and a thick hoody all the time.
14. But, warm things in winter are a good idea
Some campervan rentals will provide heaters as an add-on (for an extra cost of course) but you’ll need to be plugged into a powered site to use them.
A hot water bottle is a great way to stay warm on cold nights (I travelled all of June in my campervan and loved my hottie). You can get hot water bottles from bigger supermarkets or The Warehouse if you’re travelling in winter.
I also had a comfy faux fur throw that was delicious to snuggle into.
Tip: You can buy bedding and hot water bottles from many second hand stores (locals call them op shops) which you’ll find in every small town in New Zealand.
This is how I’ve found most things for my campervan, so if you need something extra for your rental this is the cheapest way to do it.
You can also find good second hand warm clothes in op shops in places like Queenstown and Wanaka, if you get there and find your wardrobe isn’t warm enough.
How to budget for travelling New Zealand in a campervan
5. First of all, you should know that renting a campervan isn’t necessarily a cheap way to travel
Although a campervan holiday in New Zealand might be a little rugged and adventurous, it might not be as cheap as you think it will be.
In peak periods, you can be paying $200 or more per day for a campervan hire, and on top of that you need to pay for petrol (which is currently around $2.70 a litre) and a campervan park, which can be between $25-80 depending on whether you need a powered site or not.
You’ll probably want to stay at a powered site every couple of days, particularly in the winter months.
These costs can add up quickly, and mean you might be better off with a cheap rental car and basic accommodation.
Of course, with a campervan you’re paying for the experience, but it’s something to consider when you’re looking at your budget.
6. Save money by using the Gaspy app and discount cards
Use the ‘Gaspy’ app for finding the cheapest fuel - I did a lot of miles and saved money where I could.
Get fuel and supermarket discount cards (from the petrol stations and shops)- this also saved quite a few dollars. You can just ask at supermarkets.
Safe driving tips
7. Allow more time than you think you need to drive places
New Zealand roads can be narrow, winding, and challenging.
Distances might not look so large on a map, but with the kinds of roads we have, driving can take a lot longer than you think it will.
If you have a rental campervan, you should double check what type of roads you’re allowed to drive on.
Many campervan rental companies prohibit you from driving on unsealed roads, or to ski fields, for example.
If you’re travelling solo, allow even more time for breaks.
The biggest safety issue of travelling solo in a campervan in New Zealand is not being able to share the driving.
Be gentle on yourself and only tackle realistic distances each day. It’s better to see a little less and not feel tired from excessive driving.
8. Download a maps app
In more remote areas, mobile phone reception can be spotty.
Download an app for navigation (Google offline maps, or Maps.me) so you can always get directions.
9. Pull over and let traffic pass
Drivers in New Zealand can unfortunately be aggressive when they get stuck behind a plodding campervan. The driving etiquette here is to let traffic pass if you’re holding up the line.
If you have people behind you, save yourself the stress and pull over and let them pass.
Often you’ll see official passing bays and lanes, which I recommend making the most of. I’m a slow driver and prefer being able to go my own pace without the pressure of people behind me.
10. Take breaks
One great thing about travelling New Zealand in a campervan is that we have frequent rest stops along our roads.
You’ll see the blue signs with a tree and a picnic table pointing out rest areas. I recommend making use of these spots, as they are often scenic and pretty, and they provide a good chance to get some fresh air and stretch your legs.
Finding campsites
11. Know where you can park your campervan in New Zealand
You can’t just park your campervan anywhere in New Zealand. You’ll need to find offical campgrounds, DOC campsites, or legal freedom camping areas in New Zealand.
If you want a hot shower and cooking facilities, you can book a holiday park but note these tend to be aimed at young families or retirees with massive motorhomes. They are also the most expensive at NZD$20+ a night.
Top 10 campsites are a great and reliable option with excellent facilities. It’s handy to have access to washing machines at least once a week on your trip.
12. Freedom camping in New Zealand is awesome, but has its limits
Freedom camping is restricted by local council bylaws, which means you can’t just park anywhere, or you risk getting a hefty fine.
To find places to park your campervan in New Zealand, I recommend using the Rankers or Campermate apps.
If you’re on a budget and driving a self-contained campervan, you can park in freedom camps. These are often car parks with designated overnight parks and a public toilet nearby.
It's a mixed bag, sometimes they're in prime locations on the beachfront, other times they are on the outskirts of town.
I read the reviews on Rankers and avoid any that mention unfriendly locals or a weird vibe. Most of the places with good reviews are reliably amazing.
The important thing to note is that if you park overnight outside designated freedom camping areas, you risk incurring fines.
13. DOC campsites are the best budget option for campervans
Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites sit on public conservation land and are beautifully scenic.
They’re also budget friendly, ranging in price from NZD$5 -$20 depending on the facilities. They usually have water and compost toilets, and sometimes cold showers.
Considering my longest stretch without a shower was around two weeks over the hottest part of January, even a cold shower is a luxury.
14. Most campgrounds are pretty safe
In all my time traveling alone in my van, I have never felt unsafe in campgrounds.
I always keep friends and family updated on where I’m going.
I typically tuck myself into bed before dark, which means summer travel is easier when there is light until 9pm. In the gloomier winter months, I make sure I have reading material and podcasts downloaded for the evenings.
Of course, I lock my doors at night and don’t leave belongings outside — especially if there are wekas around.
In many campgrounds in the South Island, the most dangerous thing you’ll need to watch out for is the weka — these flightless, chicken-sized birds are adorable but endlessly annoying. They will steal anything you leave lying around.
They will dash out of the bushes and steal anything you leave lying around.
And I mean anything, I lost a bar of soap to one, nearly lost one of my hiking boots to another, and have had various snacks stolen by even more.
If you leave your van doors open, they might even jump inside on the hunt for treasure, so keep your things in the campevan and the doors closed!
15. You don’t need to book most campsites in advance
Outside of the peak of the peak season (December and January) you don’t need to pre-book campsites.
Campsites are generally less busy than hotels, except for the Christmas and New Years period, when locals all go camping for their summer holidays.
Not having to book accommodation in advance is one of the great perks of travelling New Zealand in a campervan.
Epic campervan destinations in New Zealand
The beauty of travelling New Zealand in a campervan is that you can get well and truly off the beaten track.
These are some of my favourite places to go in a campervan.
The Coromandel
My favourite campground: Waikawau Bay
Driving north of Coromandel town always feels like setting off for the last frontier.
The already narrow roads dwindle to slivers of gravel alongside the pohutukawa-lined coast.
Waikawau Bay is one of my favourite places to head to in the northern reaches of the Coromandel. There’s a sprawling DOC campsite right next to the long surf beach.
Over the hill, Little Bay is the sweetest slice of Kiwiana life with tractors on the beach and baches tucked into the bush. There’s a great freedom camping spot here right by the beach.
Raglan
My favourite campground: Te Kopua Whanau Camp
Raglan’s laid-back, bohemian vibe makes it a dreamy campervan destination.
A perfect day here is going to yoga and getting coffee from Raglan Coffee Roasters, before heading over to Ngarunui Beach to walk, swim, or surf.
This beach is one of the North Island’s famous black sand beaches.
If you stick around long enough, the lookout point above the beach comes alive at sunset, with people settling onto picnic blankets and benches to enjoy the show.
Te Kopua Whanau Camp is a great campground only a few minutes walk from the beach. It’s $15 a night for a spacious, basic campground.
Golden Bay
My favourite campground: Farewell Gardens Holiday Park
Cruise out to Puponga to discover a wild corner of Golden Bay.
Farewell Spit is a long arc of sand which acts as a beacon to migratory birds. There are short walks around the base of Farewell Spit and Puponga Farm Park. Hike to a lighthouse, meander along granite-coloured cliff tops, or stop by Cape Farewell, the northernmost point of the South Island.
Wind-swept Wharariki Beach is reached by a 20-minute walk across farmland. This wild beach has vast dunes and views out to the Archway Islands, plus a resident seal colony.
Soak up the peace for longer by staying at Farewell Gardens Holiday Park.
The Wairarapa region (Castlepoint, Martinborough and Cape Palliser)
The drive from Wellington to Castlepoint takes around two and a half hours.
Castlepoint feels like a world apart from the city. Fishing boats sit pulled up onto the sandy shore. Occasionally, someone bobs past on a horse. Other than a local shop, which also serves as a coffee place and takeaway joint, there’s not much here other than simple baches hunkering against the hills.
Watching over the small settlement is Castlepoint Lighthouse, a monolith atop a craggy limestone knoll lashed by waves.
First lit in 1913, it's the tallest lighthouse in the North Island and one of the last two remaining lighthouses in New Zealand with a rotating beam. A boardwalk scales the fossil studded ridge of the headland to reach the lighthouse, then climbs beyond to an epic lookout.
For an alternative vantage point, follow the Deliverance Cove Walking track from the carpark.
It curves along a pine-covered ridge above the beach, eventually leading to the mighty Castle Rock. Scramble up through golden grass and until you reach the lofty peak. At 162 metres high, it looms over the coast and gives impressive views in all directions. Walk back to the carpark along the half moon of the lagoon, where surfers catch waves rolling in through a narrow gap in the rock.
Park up your campervan at the Castlepoint Holiday Park for a prime spot close to the water, with views of the lighthouse. It’s equally pretty at night, with the beam of light swirling over town beneath skies dusted with stars.
Visiting Cape Palliser is one of the best things to do near Martinborough in the Wairarapa region.
Make a pit stop for coffee and cake at The Land Girl cafe in blink-and-you-missed-it Pirinoa. It’s the perfect amount of quirky, with upcycled outdoor seating where you can enjoy country views, and even some vintage clothing treasures to browse.
To break up the drive, stop by the Putangira Pinnacles to go for a bush walk and marvel at distinct rock formations. The track follows the streambed to the knobbled fairy chimneys of the pinnacles, reaching up from the stony ground.
There is a DOC campsite here if you enjoy the peace of the bush.
The road to Cape Palliser follows the pebbled coast and is dotted with one-way bridges, slowing you down in preparation for the pace of life in Ngawi, a quirky fishing village wedged between a cliff and gravelly beach.
Bulldozers tinted orange from salt spray sit in a haphazard line along the water’s edge, rusted hulks waiting to drag homecoming fishing boats from the ocean.
Rogue sheep trot across the road, only mildly perturbed by passing cars.
Continuing on past Ngawi, you’ll start to feel as if you’re reaching the end of the world, and in some ways you are; this is the southernmost point of the North Island.
The road becomes narrow and potholed, dipping in and out of fords and clinging to the rocky cliff in places.
Only attempt it if you’re in a small to medium-sized campervan.
On the way to the lighthouse is the largest fur seal colony in the North Island. The seals are everywhere, hopping between bushes and lugging themselves over rocks, wafting pungent smells as they go. They are often sprawled right by the parking area, so take care and make sure you keep at least a 20-metre distance.
The Cape Palliser lighthouse is the last stop on the road. Boldly candy striped in red and white, it has stood at its fantastic vantage point since 1897. Climb the 253 steep steps to enjoy views of the harakeke-covered hills and surf surging onto shingle beaches below.
The camping area of Ngawi is right in the middle of the village, conveniently next to the Captain’s Table Food Truck which dishes up fresh fish and chips.
The campsite is run on donations, so drop a few coins into the box and settle in for the evening to watch the bustle of activity around the fishing boats.
As a final port of call before making the return trek over the Remutaka Range, call in at Poppies Martinborough for lunch. You can’t drive through the Wairarapa without visiting at least one winery, and Poppies is a highlight.
Lunch comes in the form of decadent, seasonal platters. Call in advance to book; it’s a delightful treat to end a weekend of campervanning.
Marlborough and the Marlborough Sounds
One of the first places I stop after catching the inter island ferry from Wellington to the South Island is Pelorus Bridge.
The Pelorus River is an exceptionally clear, green ribbon of water carving through a pocket of towering native forest.
The scenic reserve feels like a quiet green haven, with the added bonus of a cafe. A series of short walks lead through the reserve and down to rocky riverbanks and pools of water. Plunging into the liquid glass water after a long drive is sublime.
The Pelorus Bridge campground is right next to the river.
For a campground well off the beaten track, head to French Pass.
The drive out to French Pass is a little hair raising.
The narrow road follows an impressive ridgeline with sweeping views of the sounds and offshore islands, tapering off to gravel for the last 20 kilometres — probably not ideal for larger motorhomes.
At French Pass there’s a waterfront campsite in a quiet bay.
Massive black stingrays sweep through the calm waters, close enough to touch. A rustic wharf juts out of the centre of the beach, and sitting here watching the rays glide underneath is mesmerising.
There are also a couple of short walks to explore. From the French Pass lookout you can watch the power of the French Pass current spin water into thick swirls between D’Urville Island and the mainland.
If you’re not up for driving all the way out to French Pass, Elaine Bay is roughly at the halfway mark of the Croisilles-French Pass Road. Here you’ll find a gorgeous DOC camping area right by the water of Pelorus Sound.
The West Coast of the South Island
Kohaihai Campsite is one of my favourite places to camp on the West Coast of the South Island.
Kohaihai is the last stop on the West Coast road heading north.
The campsite here is bordered by a tannin-dark lagoon and a beach of creamy sand. This is the start/end point of the Heaphy Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.
You can walk the first section of the track to reach deserted beaches fringed by nikau palms, enjoying a stretch of coast that feels truly untouched.
Gentle Annie Campground
Gentle Annie’s Campground is another highlight of the West Coast.
It’s a beautiful, sprawling green space set where the Mokihinui River meets the sea. The beach here is strewn with driftwood, which is occasionally scraped together for sculptures or bonfires.
Sunsets are spectacular, and if you walk down the beach to Gentle Annie Point you’ll find a clever maze crafted out of trees. If you can find your way through, you’ll emerge to a stunning sunset lookout point.
Punakaiki
The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes walk is the main draw at Punakaiki, but the village itself is a beautiful place to spend time, sheltered under a limestone bluff and bordered by rivers.
The Porari River Track follows the boulder-studded river through thick nikau forest. The track eventually reaches the Inland Pack Track, and you can either turn around and head back or make a loop by following the Inland Pack Track around to where it exits by the Punakaiki River.
Stay at the Punakaiki Beach Camp to make the most of exploring. The section of highway north of Punakaiki is the most epic on the whole coast, so you might want to drive back and forth to Fox River a few times.
Ōkārito
Tiny Ōkārito is famous for the surreal Ōkārito Lagoon.
The wetland landscapes make the area ideal for walking and kayaking. Ōkārito Coastal Walk is also a great way to take in the surreal landscapes of wetlands, coastal forest, and mountains. The track runs high along a bluff before arriving at a tannin-dark lagoon. If it’s low tide, you can loop back along the beach and keep an eye out for Hector's dolphins playing in the waves.
Right by the beach is a small, community run campground, the perfect place to spend a night or two.
Franz Josef
Franz Josef makes a great base for exploring glacier country.
I stayed at the Orange Sheep Campervan Park, tucked into lush native bush, and sought out epic glacier views via the Roberts Point and Alex Knob tracks, some of the country’s top day walks.
Depending on the weather and your experience, you can head 20 minutes down the road to hike the Mount Fox route, which gives epic views across Fox Glacier.
Lake Matheson and Gillespies Beach Campground
Lake Matheson is a classic West Coast pit stop. The walk around the lake is stunning even if breezes ripple the surface and you can’t see the mirror reflections of the mountains.
Keep on driving past Lake Matheson to reach Gillespies Beach Campground.
This DOC site is small and remote, set just back from the beach. Walks lead down the coast to the remains of an old gold mining settlement, and further to quiet lagoons.
The sunsets from the pebbled beach are beautiful, but the best part is standing on the beach and looking back toward the mountains, and seeing Fox glacier flowing from the Alps.
My beloved van parked up in Raglan
Thanks for reading this far! I hope you found some useful tips for planning your campervan holiday in New Zealand. I’m excited that you’re going to visit us!
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