New Zealand’s breathtaking scenery and diverse landscapes make it a top destination for travellers seeking adventure. Whether you’re visiting the geothermal wonders of Rotorua or the stunning fjords of Milford Sound, choosing the right mode of transport can make or break your experience.

While renting a car is a common option, campervan rental in New Zealand offers unmatched freedom, convenience, and value, making it the ultimate choice for exploring this incredible country. Let’s dive into the pro’s and con’s of hiring a campervan vs car rental for your New Zealand adventure.

5 advantages of motorhome hire in NZ

Here are 5 advantages of choosing a motorhome over a car:

• Ultimate flexibility

A campervan lets you go wherever the road takes you. There’s no need to worry about check-in times for accommodation, or packing. Want to detour to a secluded beach or stay longer at a scenic spot? No problem — your campervan adapts to your plans, not the other way around.  Plus when nature calls, the self-contained motorhome has you covered.

• All-in-one convenience

Your campervan is your transport and accommodation in one, eliminating the hassle of booking hotels or hostels – though you may still want to book ahead for holiday parks. With features like a bed, kitchen, loo and sometimes even a shower, your campervan has everything you need for a comfortable trip; convenient for young children too.

• Cost-effective for groups

Traveling with friends or family? Splitting the cost of a campervan makes it significantly more affordable than renting multiple hotel/motel rooms or hostel beds. Plus, having a kitchen on board helps save money on dining out and lets you eat your preferred dietary or food choices.

• Immersive experience

Wake up to New Zealand’s stunning landscapes right outside your window. From alpine views to coastal sunrises, a campervan lets you connect with nature in a way that staying in a hotel or hostel simply can’t match.

• Freedom camping opportunities

New Zealand is home to many free or low-cost camping spots in breathtaking locations. With a self-contained campervan, you can take full advantage of these, reducing accommodation costs while enjoying unparalleled views.

Advantages of car rental in New Zealand

The four advantages of car rental vs campervan rental are:

1. Cars are easier to park in urban centres.
   Backpacker campervans like RoadRunner Rentals’ Highway Runner, Queenie and Clubby fit into standard car parks. But luxury campervans like the Explorer 4-6 berth and Nomad don’t usually fit into parking buildings. You need to either park a few blocks away, or book the bike rack and bring your bikes.
2. Cars are easier to drive than bigger campervans.
   Some people prefer the smaller and more nimble driving experience of a car as opposed to van rental or larger campervans.
3. No need to find disposal areas to empty “blackwater”
   Staying hygienic involves emptying the blackwater to keep the van clean and odour-free.
4. If you’re staying with friends for part of the trip, you’ll be invited to stay inside rather than being expected to stay in the motorhome on the street.

Challenges of renting a Car

While renting a car may seem like a straightforward option, it comes with limitations that can hinder your travel experience:

1. Separate accommodation costs: renting a car means you’ll need to budget for hotels, motels, or hostels, which can quickly add up, especially in popular tourist areas.
2. Fixed itineraries: staying in paid accommodation often requires advance bookings, reducing spontaneity.
3. Limited immersion: You miss the unique experience of waking up amidst New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Packing hassles: Constantly unpacking and repacking as you move between accommodation options can become tiresome.

Comparison: Motorhome rental vs. car hire

Feature	Car Rental	Campervan Rental
Cost	Lower rental costs but higher accommodation expenses	All-in-one solution, reducing lodging costs
Flexibility	Limited by accommodation plans	Go anywhere, anytime but need to dispose of blackwater
Convenience	Requires separate lodging, easy parking	Transport and accommodation combined but larger vans are harder to park in urban centres.
Experience	Traditional travel experience	Immersive and nature-focused
Packing	Constantly unpack and repack	Everything stays in one place

Why a campervan may be the better choice

If you value freedom, flexibility, and an immersive travel experience, a campervan is the clear winner. It allows you to explore New Zealand’s beauty on your terms, offering convenience and cost savings that a car simply can’t match. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, a campervan ensures your journey is as memorable as the destination.

New Zealand’s charm lies in its natural beauty and the adventure of discovering it. A campervan from Road Runner Rentals gives you the ultimate freedom to experience the country in a way that suits your style and budget. Forget the limitations of a car rental—choose a campervan and unlock the full potential of your Kiwi adventure. Ready to hit the road? Check out our range of affordable and reliable campervans and start planning your unforgettable journey today!

New Zealand is a backpacker’s dream, with its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and endless opportunities for adventure. When it comes to debating ways to explore New Zealand, motorhome rental vs staying in hostels (and using public transport) are options. Both have their unique pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your travel style, budget, and priorities. Let’s dive into the details to help you decide.

According to TripAdvisor’s Best Hostels in New Zealand for 2025 (January), their recommended top listings prices range from $90 per night at Rotorua Central Backpackers to $205 per night at Queenstown’s Nomads, with mid-range options like Haka Lodge in Auckland for $128 and Christchurch’s The Jailhouse for $118.50.

By contrast, Road Runner Rentals January 2025 rates offer two-berth self-contained campervans - the Clubby at $175 and the Queenie at $195 per night (rates may be different by season and length of hire). While campervan rentals may seem comparable to or slightly higher than hostel costs, the added expenses of fuel and occasional campground fees need to be factored in. However, the perks of campervan travel often outweigh the costs.

Why choose campervan hire in New Zealand?

Renting a campervan offers unparalleled freedom and convenience. Companies offering motorhome rental in NZ often provide a variety of options tailored to different budgets and travel needs.

With ultimate flexibility, you can detour to hidden beaches or linger at scenic lookouts. A campervan doubles as both transport and accommodation, offering convenience and the immersive experience of waking up to New Zealand's iconic landscapes. Equipped with kitchens, these campervans also help save on dining expenses, making them a cost-effective choice for groups or travellers seeking freedom and adventure. Plus, the two models mentioned are easy to drive and navigate for inner-city parking.

Why choose Hostels?

Hostels offer a budget-friendly option for backpackers, particularly solo travellers, with dorm beds often being the most affordable choice. They provide a vibrant social atmosphere, making them ideal for meeting like-minded adventurers and sharing travel experiences. Conveniently located in cities and towns, hostels allow easy exploration of the cities without the need for a vehicle and parking costs.

Many also feature comfortable facilities, including communal kitchens, lounges, laundry services, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a cozy and connected stay. Additionally, relying on public transportation to reach major destinations eliminates the hassle of navigating New Zealand’s roads, making hostels a practical choice for travellers seeking simplicity and community.

However, hostels do come with some drawbacks. Shared dorms and bathrooms can be challenging for those who value personal space, and the lack of privacy may not suit everyone. Staying in hostels often ties you to fixed itineraries, as you rely on public transport schedules or organized tours. Hostel quality can vary widely, and not all may meet your expectations for cleanliness or comfort. Furthermore, without a vehicle, accessing remote or off-the-beaten-path destinations becomes difficult. Lastly, extra costs can add up, including transportation between locations and dining out if the hostel lacks a kitchen, making budgeting a bit trickier for extended trips.

Which Option Is Right for You?

The decision between a campervan and hostels ultimately comes down to your travel priorities:

Choose a campervan if: You crave freedom, plan to explore remote areas, and are traveling with a group or partner.

Choose Hostels If: You prefer a social atmosphere, are on a tight budget, and plan to stay in cities or take guided tours.

For many backpackers, a mix of both can offer the best of both worlds. Start with a campervan to explore New Zealand’s scenic countryside, then switch to hostel for your departure city.

New Zealand offers endless adventures; both campervans and hostels provide unique ways to experience it. Whether you’re enjoying the open road or connecting with travellers in a hostel, your trip is sure to be unforgettable.

Looking for the a campervan for your journey? Check out Road Runner Rentals for affordable and reliable options with pick ups or drop offs in Auckland or Christchurch to kickstart your New Zealand adventure.

Planning a self-drive campervan holiday in New Zealand begins with an exciting question: where should you start your journey—Auckland or Christchurch? Each location offers unique advantages depending on whether you’ve visited before, how long you’ll be in New Zealand, and what you want to see while you are here.

Have you visited New Zealand before?

• First-time visitors: Starting in Auckland is an excellent introduction to New Zealand.

• Returning Visitors: You may want to focus on areas you haven’t explored yet. Starting in Christchurch can be an ideal gateway to dive deeper into the South Island.

How long are you in New Zealand?

One of the first things to consider is the duration of your trip. To get a good taste of New Zealand, many travellers find a week on the North Island and two weeks on the South Island ideal.

• North Island (1 week): With a shorter timeframe, you can explore Auckland’s nearby highlights, the area has plenty of gems, including the Bay of Islands, rich in history and scenic beauty. Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity and Māori cultural experiences, while the Coromandel Peninsula offers golden beaches and relaxing coastal vibes. Outdoor enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a renowned hiking trail with breathtaking volcanic scenery. These locations provide a rich mix of cultural and natural attractions, perfect for travellers with limited time.

• South Island (2 weeks): For those dedicating more time, the South Island’s diverse landscapes offer endless adventure. Starting in Christchurch offers an ideal path to iconic South Island sights. A classic “figure 8” route takes you north to Picton, perfect for wine tasting in Marlborough, before looping down the wild West Coast, through the serene Arthur’s Pass, and onto the adventure capital of Queenstown. Many travellers then return to Christchurch via the east coast and heading to Kaikoura to experience its famous whale-watching tours and seafood.

• The North-to-South Combo Tour: A popular option for travellers who want to see it all is a North-to-South route. Starting in Auckland, spend a week exploring the North Island, then return your campervan, hop on a quick flight to Christchurch and pick up another campervan to begin your South Island journey. Or you and your motorhome can cross the Cook Strait by ferry from Wellington to Picton and seamlessly continue your self-drive tour. This approach offers the best of both islands without backtracking, making it ideal for those with two to three weeks to spare.

Whether you’re here for a short visit or a month-long adventure, New Zealand offers endless opportunities to customise your journey. From starting points to iconic stops, a self-drive holiday allows you the flexibility to design an itinerary that fits your interests, pace, and schedule.

For comprehensive resources and suggested itineraries, consider exploring AA Traveller’s guides, which provide valuable insights into must-see destinations and travel tips.

With the added benefits of unlimited kilometres, free airport pick-ups and drop-offs, and 24/7 roadside assistance, Road Runner Rentals makes it easy and worry-free to explore with their self-contained motorhome options. Embrace the adventure, make spontaneous stops, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

When exploring city centres, finding a park for a campervan can be difficult. But next time you pick up your campervan rental Christchurch vehicle, book to stay at the upcoming campervan park in Christchurch’s CBD. With a prime location just a few blocks from the centre, it will give motorhome renters and owners the freedom to explore the CBD on foot, without parking stress.

Located at 241 and 243 Gloucester Street near Latimer Square, the planned site will offer 25 powered parking spaces, along with bathroom and laundry facilities, ensuring a comfortable and well-located stopover for people in Christchurch. For Road Runner Rentals’ customers, this development presents an excellent opportunity to stay within walking distance of Christchurch’s top attractions and amenities without the need to park on the city’s outskirts.

Travellers will find it an ideal base for exploring popular spots such as the Botanical Gardens, The Terrace (trendy local night life spot, with cosmopolitan restaurants and bars overlooking the Avon River), Riverside Market (super spot for lunch), The Arts Centre, Chch Art Gallery, and an array of unique shopping venues including the iconic department store, Ballantynes and New Regent St, a quirky Art Deco lane of boutique shops. It is also two blocks from the city’s new stadium, still under construction.

The planned campervan park is also very handy to the Margaret Mahy Playground, Theatre Royal (stunning historic theatre which also hosts musicals) and The Piano, a modern venue that hosts a range of local and visiting musicians.

The developer aims to address the current lack of central city accommodation specifically for self-contained vehicles, creating a convenient and eco-friendly stopover that encourages tourists to stay in Christchurch rather than bypass it.

“With this new campervan park right in the city centre, you can say goodbye to the hassle of commuting from the suburbs, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the unique city life Christchurch has to offer,” says Randall Diggs, owner of Road Runner Rentals. “It’s a fantastic way for travellers to truly experience Christchurch’s vibrant attractions and culture without worrying about where to park or how far out you’ll be staying.”

With planned space for vehicle manoeuvring, acoustic fencing, and nearby public transport options (bus interchange), Road Runner Rentals’ customers will soon be able enjoy a peaceful and secure experience in Christchurch’s vibrant core. This planned facility will combine convenience, comfort, and a perfect launching pad for your New Zealand journey.

In line with New Zealand's commitment to environmental sustainability, Road Runner Rentals new Green Warrant Certification ensures most of their campervans meet self-containment standards, including a fixed toilet. There are several campervan options to find the best motorhome hire for your NZ adventure.

For more information on activities and attractions in Christchurch, visit the official Christchurch tourism site.