RV rental Blenheim
Ready to plan your New Zealand adventure? Simply enter your desired travel dates in the search form at the top of the page to browse available RV rentals in Blenheim. Find the perfect campervan for your journey and get ready to explore with BudgetCampervans!
Campervans: Blenheim South Island, New Zealand.
Explore the world class vineyards of Blenheim and explore the top of the South Island in a campervan or motorhome from Discover NZ Motorhomes who are the only rental company we promote in the north of the South Island. They also have depots in Auckland, Christchurch, Nelson and Picton.
Besides wine, the region is known for salmon farming, green-lipped mussels, and other agricultural activities. Blenheim also serves as a gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, popular for boating, fishing, and tourism.
Picton, the ferry port to the North island is where the nearest Discover NZ Motorhomes depot. There are free transfers from Blenheim airport.
Discover NZ Motorhomes is a small family owned motorhome hire company that offers 2-6 berth campervans and motorhomes. They have good quality, comfortable campervans and motorhomes.
One way hires with Discover NZ Motorhomes are between the following depots:
Nelson
Picton
Blenheim
Greymouth
Dunedin
Helpful Tips Before You Book:
Blenheim has a regional airport with connections to Wellington and Auckland
Travel in shoulder seasons (March–May or September–November) for fewer crowds
Book early for summer travel (December–February), especially larger motorhomes
Freedom camping is restricted in Marlborough – use designated sites or holiday parks
Explore the north of the South Island
The upper South Island is a region. The Marlborough Sounds and the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park and the West Coast. A campervan provides the perfect way to experience it all.
Marlborough Wine Region: Start your journey surrounded by world-famous vineyards. Explore cellar doors and sample Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Some vineyards permit overnight stays (Gibson Bridge Winery, Clairvale Farm). Many have their own restaurants and cafes.
Marlborough Sounds: Your route should include Queen Charlotte Drive for its spectacular views of the Sounds and native bush. Activities include kayaking, hiking the Queen Charlotte Track, and wildlife spotting. Try the Green Lipped Mussels.
Nelson Tasman: Head west to Nelson, for arts and crafts, and the gateway to the stunning Abel Tasman National Park with its turquoise waters and coastal walks. Camp at Totaranui Campground.
Punakaiki & West Coast: Head south to Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki.
Suggested Itineraries
To help you plan your journey, here are some suggested itineraries for a 7 or 14-day campervan hire from Blenheim.
7-Day north of the South Island Explorer
Day 1-2: Blenheim & Marlborough Sounds: Pick up your campervan in Blenheim. Explore local vineyards. Head to Picton and take a cruise or hike in the Marlborough Sounds.
Day 3-4: Nelson & Abel Tasman: Drive to Nelson, enjoy the city's artistic vibe. Spend two days exploring Abel Tasman National Park with a boat cruise, kayaking, or walking parts of the coastal track.
Day 5: Punakaiki & West Coast: Journey down the scenic West Coast to Punakaiki, famous for its Pancake Rocks.
Day 6: Franz Josef/Fox Glacier (Optional): Continue south to the glacier region for an optional scenic flight or walk.
Day 7: Return to Blenheim/Drop-off: Begin your return journey or utilise a one-way rental option to drop off in Christchurch or Queenstown.
14-Day Grand South Island Loop (North Section Focus)
Day 1-3: Blenheim & Marlborough: Explore the wine region and enjoy local produce, and explore the Marlborough Sounds.
Day 4-6: Nelson & Golden Bay: Discover Nelson, then drive to the remote and beautiful Golden Bay, including Farewell Spit and Wharariki Beach.
Day 7-9: Abel Tasman & West Coast: Spend time and walk in the Abel Tasman National Park, then drive down the West Coast, visiting Punakaiki and the Hokitika Gorge. On the way to Glacier country visit the "reflecting lake" on the west coast - Lake Matheson
Day 10-11: Glacier Country: Visit the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and take guided walks or heli-hike.
Day 12-14: Journey East or South: Head over Arthur's Pass to Christchurch, or continue south towards Queenstown, on a one-way rental.
7‑Day Coastal Highlights Itinerary
Day 1: Pick Up in Blenheim
Pick up your campervan from Discover NZ Motorhomes in Blenheim.
Stock up at a local supermarket (e.g., New World, Pajk’nSave, Woolworths or visit Bin Inn, Blenheim).
Optional stop at Marlborough wineries like Cloudy Bay, Hunters, Saint Clair,Wither Hills or Forrest Estate.
Recommended campground: Marlborough Holiday Park – self-contained sites with full facilities, close to town and supermarkets.
Day 2: Blenheim → Kaikōura
Scenic drive south via SH1 (approx. 2 hrs | 130 km).
Activities: whale watching, dolphin swimming, seal colony visit, or Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway.
Campground: Kaikōura Peketa Beach Holiday Park with ocean-front views and campervan-friendly sites.
Day 3: Kaikōura → Hanmer Springs
Travel inland on State Highway 70 (Inland Kaikōura Road).
Enjoy the thermal pools at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa.
Campground: Forest Park Holiday Park – spacious campervan sites and proximity to the pools.
Day 4: Hanmer Springs → Nelson
Route via Lewis Pass and Murchison (approx. 4 hrs | 270 km).
Visits: Maruia Falls, Buller Gorge swingbridge, and Nelson arts & gallery scene.
Campground: Tahuna Beach Kiwi Holiday Park – convenient beachfront location near central Nelson.
Day 5: Day Trip to Abel Tasman National Park
Drive to Kaiteriteri or Marahau (60–100 km return).
Choices: water taxi, kayaking, or hiking on the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
Option to stay near the park at Marahau Beach Campground, which offers full facilities.
Day 6: Nelson → Picton
Follow scenic Queen Charlotte Drive (~1.5–2 hrs | 110 km).
Stop at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve.
In Picton, explore the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum or take a Sounds cruise.
Day 7: Picton → Blenheim
Leisurely morning in Picton, then short drive to Blenheim (30 min | 30 km).
En route, discover Rarangi Beach or walk the scenic Wairau Lagoons.
Return your campervan to Discover NZ Motorhomes in Blenheim.
Why This Itinerary Works
Keeps daily driving manageable (1–4 hrs/day).
Offers a balance of coastal scenery, hot springs, wildlife experiences, and national parks.
Includes comfortable, well-equipped holiday parks tailored for campervans.
14-Day Itinerary: Top of the South Explorer
Route: Blenheim → Nelson Lakes → Abel Tasman → Golden Bay → Westport → Punakaiki → Hanmer Springs → Kaikōura → Picton → Blenheim
Total Distance: Approx. 1,300–1,500 km
Best For: Nature lovers, relaxed pace travellers, and first-time campervan users
Vehicle Tip: Any Discover NZ Motorhome – 2 to 6-berth vehicles available for couples, families, or groups
Day 1: Pick Up in Blenheim
Collect your campervan from Discover NZ Motorhomes depot.
Shop for groceries and enjoy a short walk or winery visit nearby.
Campground: Blenheim Bridge Holiday Park – close to town centre and well-equipped.
Day 2: Blenheim → St Arnaud / Nelson Lakes (Approx. 120 km, 2 hrs)
Drive inland via Wairau Valley to Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes National Park.
Enjoy short hikes, birdwatching, or kayaking.
Campground: Kerr Bay DOC Campsite – lakeside site for self-contained campers.
Day 3: St Arnaud → Kaiteriteri / Abel Tasman (Approx. 180 km, 3 hrs)
Scenic journey northwest to Kaiteriteri, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.
Stop in Motueka for supplies.
Campground: Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Campground – large beachfront site.
Day 4: Explore Abel Tasman National Park
Take a water taxi or kayak trip along the coast.
Popular walk: Anchorage to Bark Bay (or shorter loop).
Return to Kaiteriteri or stay in Marahau.
Alternative: Marahau Beach Campground
Day 5: Kaiteriteri → Takaka / Golden Bay (Approx. 100 km, 2 hrs)
Drive over Takaka Hill, stopping at Ngarua Caves or Hawkes Lookout.
Visit Te Waikoropupū Springs, one of the clearest freshwater springs in the world.
Campground: Golden Bay Holiday Park – beachfront, quiet and ideal for campervans.
Day 6: Golden Bay (Wharariki Beach & Farewell Spit)
Day trip to Wharariki Beach – incredible rock formations and seal pups in summer.
Walk part of Farewell Spit (guided tours available for full access).
Stay a second night at Golden Bay Holiday Park or Collingwood Holiday Park
Day 7: Golden Bay → Westport (Approx. 290 km, 4.5–5 hrs)
Drive south via Motueka, Murchison, and the Buller Gorge.
Stop at Buller Swingbridge and Cape Foulwind Walkway near Westport.
Campground: Westport Kiwi Holiday Park
Day 8: Westport → Punakaiki (Approx. 60 km, 1 hr)
Short coastal drive to Punakaiki to see the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Walk the Pororari River Track or Truman Track for native forest and sea views.
Campground: Punakaiki Beach Camp
Day 9: Punakaiki → Hanmer Springs (Approx. 280 km, 4.5 hrs)
Inland drive via Greymouth and Lewis Pass to alpine Hanmer Springs.
Reward yourself with a soak in the thermal pools.
Campground: Forest Park Holiday Park
Day 10: Rest Day in Hanmer Springs
Optional activities: mountain biking, hiking, jet boating, or a massage at the spa.
Stay another night at Forest Park Holiday Park
Day 11: Hanmer Springs → Kaikōura (Approx. 130 km, 2 hrs)
Scenic drive east through rolling hills and farmland.
Book a whale watching cruise, visit Fyffe House, or enjoy fresh crayfish.
Campground: Kaikōura Peketa Beach Holiday Park
Day 12: Kaikōura → Picton (Approx. 160 km, 2.5 hrs)
Head north along the Pacific coast.
Visit Ohau Point Seal Colony, then continue to Picton.
Explore the marina or walk part of the Snout Track.
Campground: Picton Campervan Park or Picton Holiday Park
Day 13: Day Trip – Queen Charlotte Drive or Cruise Marlborough Sounds
Drive part of Queen Charlotte Drive with lookouts over the Sounds.
Or take a mail boat cruise through the Marlborough Sounds.
Stay second night in Picton
Day 14: Picton → Blenheim (Approx. 30 km, 30 mins)
Return your vehicle to Discover NZ Motorhomes in Blenheim.
Optional final stops: Wairau Lagoons Walk, Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, or a winery lunch before your onward travel.
