Road trip New Zealand: campervan or rental car and hotels?

New Zealand is a country made for road trips. Where else can you drive from rugged coastlines to snow-capped mountains, geothermal wonders, and lush native forests in just a few hours? Its compact size means you’re never far from the next incredible destination, whether it’s a golden beach, a tranquil lake, or a rolling vineyard. 

A self-drive holiday is the ultimate way to soak it all in, giving you the freedom to choose your stops and spend as much time as you like in the places that catch your eye. Whether you’re cruising along the coastal highways of the Coromandel Peninsula or winding your way through the peaks of Fiordland, you’re in control of the journey – no set schedules, just your own pace and preferences. 

New Zealand’s well-maintained roads and short driving distances make it easy to navigate, whether you’re in a rental car or a campervan. There are also plenty of designated camping sites, many in scenic locations, which makes campervan travel an especially convenient and safe option.  

Not sure which part of New Zealand you want to explore? Check out our guide to New Zealand regions for some inspiration. 

What to expect from a campervan road trip

A campervan road trip in New Zealand offers an easy, flexible, and comfortable way to travel. Here’s what you can expect: 

• Everything you need in one vehicle: maui campervans come equipped with everything you need for your road trip including a fully stocked kitchen, cosy bedding, storage space, and even toilet and shower options. It’s all designed to make your journey as smooth as possible! 

• Freedom to explore: Campervan travel allows you to stop wherever you like. And there’s something waiting around every corner – think quiet lakeside rest stops, scenic lookouts, and peaceful beaches. Scenic detours and overnight camping under the stars are all part of the experience.  

• Cost-efficient travel: Combining your accommodation and transport into one vehicle also makes campervan travel cost-efficient, especially for longer trips. With no need to book multiple hotels or pack and unpack at each stop, you’ll save both time and money. 

• Amazing places to stay: New Zealand offers a range of fantastic camping options to suit every type of traveller. From well-equipped holiday parks with modern amenities to scenic Department of Conservation campsites in stunning locations, you’ll find plenty of places to park up for the night. Freedom camping, where permitted, is another popular option for those looking to get closer to nature. 

What to expect from a rental car and hotel combo

Opting for a rental car and hotel combination for your New Zealand road trip comes with its own set of advantages and considerations. Here’s what you can expect: 

• Comfort of hotels: Hotels offer larger spaces, and a range of amenities that can make your stay more luxurious. From king-sized beds to air-conditioning and room service, they provide a more traditional travel experience. 

• Dining options: With a hotel-based trip, you’ll likely rely on eating out at restaurants or takeaway meals. While this can be a great way to experience New Zealand’s culinary scene, it can become more expensive compared to cooking meals in a campervan. 

• Less driving: Driving a smaller rental car can make navigating New Zealand’s roads a little easier, especially in city centres or along winding routes. Shorter travel days and not having to manage a larger vehicle like a campervan may appeal to some travellers. 

• Planning ahead is essential: During peak travel seasons, hotels can book out quickly, which means you’ll need to plan and reserve your accommodation in advance. While this ensures you’ll always have a place to stay, it limits the spontaneity of your trip, as you won’t have the freedom to adjust your plans along the way. 

• Packing and unpacking: If you’re staying in multiple places, you’ll need to pack and unpack your luggage at every stop, which can quickly feel tiresome. Hotels are better suited to travellers who prefer staying in one spot for longer periods. 

Campervan vs. rental car and hotels - a detailed comparison

When deciding between a campervan and a rental car with hotels, it’s helpful to break it down by key factors: 

• Cost: Campervans combine your transport and accommodation, making them a cost-efficient choice for longer trips. However, you’ll need to budget for fuel and camping site fees. In contrast, a rental car and hotel combo can be more expensive, especially during peak seasons. 

• Flexibility: Campervans offer unmatched flexibility, allowing you to take detours, adjust plans, and stay in scenic spots as you go. With hotels, you’ll need to plan ahead and book accommodation in advance, particularly during busy periods, which can limit spontaneity. 

• Comfort: While campervans come with essential amenities like kitchens, bedding, and in some cases, toilets and showers, space is limited. Hotels, on the other hand, provide larger rooms, private bathrooms, and additional comforts like air-conditioning and room service. 

• Experience: A campervan lets you immerse yourself in New Zealand’s incredible outdoors, with options to stay at picturesque holiday parks or even freedom camp where permitted. By comparison, staying in hotels tends to keep you closer to towns and cities, often further from nature. 

• Ease of use: Driving a campervan can be a bit more challenging, especially on winding roads or in busy areas – however maui motorhomes are all automatic transmission and have handy features like large side mirrors and reversing cameras making them easier to drive. Rental cars, being smaller and easier to manoeuvre, are more straightforward to handle. However, with a hotel-based trip, you’ll need to unpack and repack your luggage at every stop. 

• Meals: Campervans are equipped with kitchens, giving you the freedom to cook your own meals – a budget-friendly and convenient option. When staying in hotels, eating out is typically your only choice, which adds convenience but can quickly add up in costs. 

Costs - which option is more affordable? 

When planning your New Zealand road trip, understanding the costs of each option can help you decide what works best for your budget. 

• Campervan costs: A campervan holiday typically includes rental fees, fuel, campsite fees, insurance, and groceries for cooking your own meals. With a range of campervans available to suit different budgets, you can choose a model that fits your needs – from compact vans to fully equipped motorhomes. For an idea of the options available, take a look at our campervan hire range. 

• Car + hotel costs: Choosing a rental car and staying in hotels means factoring in car rental fees, fuel, nightly hotel costs, insurance, and the cost of dining out. While hotels may offer added comfort, dining out every day can significantly increase your expenses over the course of the trip. 

Campervans can be especially cost-effective for longer trips or if you’re travelling as a family or group, as the shared space reduces accommodation costs. Plus, when you have flexibility with your travel dates, you can take advantage of deals such as off-peak discounts or seasonal sales. Use our booking tool to get a personalised quote for your trip and see how it fits into your plans. 

While campervan hire costs are often comparable to a combination of hotels and car hire, they offer much more freedom to explore at your own pace. They also provide a truly unique and memorable travel experience, giving you the chance to wake up in some of New Zealand’s most spectacular locations.  

Why should you choose a campervan?

A campervan is the perfect choice for adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone craving the freedom to explore New Zealand at their own pace. It’s ideal for: 

• Families, couples, or friends travelling together: With space to share and the convenience of having everything you need in one vehicle, campervans are a practical and enjoyable option for group travel. 

• Travellers looking to save on dining and accommodation: Cooking your own meals and avoiding nightly hotel costs can make a campervan trip a budget-friendly option, particularly for longer holidays. 

• Those after a unique travel experience: The beauty of a campervan holiday is waking up to breathtaking views right outside your door – whether it’s beside a picturesque lake, beneath a mountain backdrop, or overlooking a coastal vista. It’s an experience that hotels simply can’t match. 

If flexibility, affordability, and the chance to stay close to nature appeal to you, a campervan could be the ideal way to explore New Zealand. 

Who should choose a rental car and hotels?

For travellers who value comfort and prefer a more traditional travel experience, a rental car and hotels may be the better option. It’s a great choice for: 

• Those who value amenities and creature comforts: Hotels provide larger spaces and extra conveniences like room service, making them ideal for those who want a touch of luxury. 

• Short trips or travellers not comfortable with campervans: If you’re only visiting for a few days or feel unsure about managing a campervan, a rental car offers simplicity and ease of use. 

• Luxury seekers and food lovers: For those who enjoy dining out at restaurants and staying in premium accommodations, the rental car and hotel combo caters perfectly to this style of travel. 

If your ideal holiday involves pre-planned itineraries, city comforts, and dining out, then a rental car and hotels might suit you best. 

Tips for planning your New Zealand road trip

Planning ahead is key to making the most of your New Zealand road trip, whether you’re travelling by campervan or opting for a rental car and hotels. Here are some tips to help you get started: 

• For campervans: 

• Familiarise yourself with freedom camping rules and plan to book holiday parks during peak seasons to secure a spot. The thl Roadtrip app is a handy tool for finding and booking campsites. 

• Choose a campervan that suits your group size and travel style. Larger campervans are great for families or groups, while compact models are ideal for couples or solo travellers. 

• For rental car + hotels: 

• Pre-book your accommodation well in advance, especially during busier times of the year, to ensure availability. 

• Look for car rental deals and opt for a fuel-efficient vehicle to save on costs, particularly for longer trips. 

• General tips for all travellers: 

• Pack light to maximise space and make your trip easier to manage. 

• Allow extra time in your itinerary for sightseeing, photo stops, and unexpected discoveries along the way. 

• Check weather conditions regularly and make sure you’re familiar with local road rules to stay safe on the road. 

Ready to explore New Zealand by campervan? 

If the idea of flexibility, convenience, and the unique campervan experience appeals to you, it’s time to make it happen. Book your maui campervan today and start planning your ultimate New Zealand road trip – your next great adventure is waiting. 

FAQs

How long do you need to travel New Zealand in a campervan?

A minimum of 7–10 days is ideal for exploring one island, while 3–4 weeks allows you to see both the North and South Islands at a relaxed pace. 

Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in New Zealand?

No, freedom camping is only permitted in designated areas. Many holiday parks and campgrounds offer great overnight options with excellent facilities. 

Should I buy or rent a car in New Zealand?

For short trips, renting is more cost-effective and convenient. Buying may be better for longer stays, but it comes with added responsibilities like insurance and resale.