RV rental Christchurch

Hit the open road with BudgetCampervans in Christchurch. Whether you’re looking to explore stunning landscapes, national parks, or iconic landmarks, our campervans are ready to take you there. Travel at your own pace, stop wherever you like, and enjoy the freedom of having your accommodation with you at all times.

Our fleet is designed to suit every traveller, from solo explorers to families, ensuring a smooth ride as you discover Christchurch’s best routes and attractions. With BudgetCampervans, you’ll have a dependable campervan to guide you to the region’s top spots, from scenic trails to charming towns. Embark on the adventure of a lifetime in Christchurch and make memories that will last forever.

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 Christchurch. Find the perfect campervan for your journey and get ready to explore with BudgetCampervans!

Campervan Rentals from Christchurch: Your Gateway to New Zealand’s South Island

Christchurch serves as the perfect starting point to explore the South Island or set off on a one-way rental and return your camper to any one of the cities and towns listed on our booking engine. 

Book a one-way rental from Christchurch to:

Auckland.

Wellington

Queenstown

Blenheim

Dunedin

Greymouth

Hamilton

Nelson

Picton

Ferry Crossing between the South and North Islands

You can take your campervan on the ferry. Book ahead during peak seasons. Check availability at either online or visit one of the 60 i-Sites in most towns. https://isite.nz/

Plan your route using these suggestions: https://isite.nz/assets/Files/isite-Touring-Map.pdf

As the largest city on the South Island, Christchurch has over 120 campervans and motorhomes to choose from.

There are nearly 30 different companies that have depots in Christchurch.

At Budget Campervans, we simplify the process of finding the ideal campervan for your adventure. We list all of the rental companies in one booking engine so you can list by price, size and age of vehicle . 

You will find all the larger rental companies including:

Britz, Mighty Campers, Apollo, Star RV, Pacific Horizon, Travellers Autobarn, Spaceships, Jucy, Cheapa, Escape, Happy Campers, and also some of the smaller locally run companies including Adventurer, Campervan Village, Discover Campers, Elements, Hippie, Indie Campers, Kiwi Campers, Koru Campers, Lucky Campers, Mad Campers, McRent, Nomad Motorhomes, Road Runner Rentals, Tui Campers and Waka Campers.

These companies offer a wide range of vehicles, from compact sleeper cars to spacious 6-7 berth motorhomes. This guide will help you choose the best campervan for your needs and inspire you to explore the South Island.

Free Transfers from the airport.

Most campervan rental companies offer free transfers from Christchurch airport during business hours.  Most companies are open for collection and return 7 days a week.

The city centre is not far from the airport and there are shuttle services running regularly.

If you are arriving on a long haul flight you are able to collect your campervan on the same day but we recommend you drive to a local campsite and park up to familiarise yourself with the vehicle and the driving regulations.

Types of Campervans Available in Christchurch

We offer a variety of campervans to suit different group sizes, budgets, and preferences. Below is a detailed overview of the options available for rental in Christchurch:

Sleeper Cars

Solo travellers, couples

Compact, affordable, basic sleeping and cooking facilities

Budget-conscious, minimalist trips

2-Berth Low-Tops

Couples, small families

Cozy space, bed, basic kitchen, compact for easy driving

Short trips, romantic getaways

Hi-Tops

Couples, small groups, these campers can sleep up to five people.

Raised roof for extra headroom, more sleeping space, enhanced comfort

Taller travellers, comfort seekers

Small Campervans/Motorhomes:

Small families, groups

Kitchen, bathroom, additional berths, balanced size and amenities

Families, moderate-length trips

6-7 Berth Motorhomes

Large families, groups

Full kitchen, bathroom, multiple sleeping areas, home-like amenities

Long trips, group adventures

How to Choose the Right Campervan from Christchurch

Group Size and Sleeping Capacity: Ensure the campervan has enough beds for everyone. For example, a 2-berth low-top is ideal for two people, while a 6-7 berth motorhome suits larger groups. Check that sleeping arrangements provide adequate comfort and privacy. You can choose from double or single beds including bunk beds. Bed sizes are provided. 

Cooking: If you plan to cook, look for a campervan with a full kitchen. Smaller camping cars only have a one ring gas stove. For longer trips, a bathroom might be a priority.

Driving and Maneuverability: New Zealand’s roads can be narrow, especially in rural areas. If you’re not experienced with larger vehicles, opt for a smaller campervan like a sleeper car or 2-berth low-top for easier handling. Choose between manual and automatic.

Fuel Type and Efficiency: Diesel campervans are often more fuel-efficient for long distances, but you may need to pay a Road User Charge at the end of your rental. Petrol vehicles might be more cost-effective for shorter trips. Check the fuel type when comparing options on Budget Campervans.

Road User Charge in New Zealand:

In New Zealand, Road User Charges (RUC) are distance-based fees applied to vehicles that do not pay fuel excise duty at the pump—primarily diesel-powered vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs), and heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM). These charges are designed to ensure that all road users contribute fairly to the maintenance and development of the country's road infrastructure. They are calculated on your rental completion and are based on the number of kilometres travelled.

What is Self Containment Certification?

As of 2025, New Zealand has implemented updated self-containment regulations for vehicles used in freedom camping, aiming to minimise environmental impacts and promote responsible camping.

Key Requirements for Self-Containment Certification

To be certified as self-contained under the new regulations, a vehicle must:

• Fixed Toilet: Install a permanently fixed toilet within the vehicle. Portable or removable toilets no longer meet the certification criteria.
  

• Wastewater Storage: Have a greywater tank of adequate capacity to store wastewater for at least three days.
  

• Fresh Water Supply: Include a fresh water tank sufficient for the same duration.
  

• Waste Disposal: Provide facilities for the hygienic storage and disposal of solid waste.
  

• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to maintain air quality inside the vehicle.
  

• Certification Display: Display a valid green self-containment warrant card in the front windscreen.

If you want to freedom camp your campervan must have the Self-Containment Certificate displayed on your windscreen.

We highlight vehicles that comply during the booking process.

How much does it cost to rent a campervan from Christchurch?

Rental Rates vary based on vehicle type, season, and rental duration. Booking early, especially for peak seasons (December-February), can secure better deals. Travelling out of season or reversing your hire direction (e.g., Christchurch to Auckland) may also offer discounts. Check our Special Offers.

New Zealand’s summers (December-February) are warm and ideal for camping, but winters (June-August) can be cold in the South Island and wet in the North Island.

Popular Routes from Christchurch

Christchurch is a gateway to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular destinations. Here are a few suggestions:

Southern Scenic Route: This journey takes you from Christchurch to Queenstown, Te Anau, and Invercargill, passing through Fiordland National Park, home to Milford Sound., 

West Coast: Head west through Arthur’s Pass, then on to the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers where you can walk up to the glaciers or take a scenic flight.

Alpine Coach Route: Drive through the Southern Alps, through mountains, meadows, and lakes. 

Pacific Coast Highway: Follow the east coast to destinations like Kaikoura, known for whale watching, and Oamaru, famous for its historic architecture and penguin colonies.

Plan your route with the Trip Planner and Distance Calculator to estimate travel times and distances. For more inspiration, Visit https://www.newzealand.com/ to plan your route.

Why Book with Budget Campervans?

You can see instantly what your rental will cost. Adjust dates or change vehicle type to get a better deal. Contact us for extra help.

There are no hidden costs.  You can see how much you will pay and when you need to pay it.  The insurance options are clearly highlighted and you are given the option to add in or take out items to tailor the quote to you.

Tips for a Successful Campervan Adventure

Book Early: Secure the best rates and availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Check Age Requirements: Drivers must be at least 21 for smaller campervans and over 25 for larger motorhomes. There are some campers from Christchurch that are available to rent for 18 year olds. These include the smaller van conversions and camping cars.

Understand Fees: Diesel vehicles incur a Road User Charge, paid per kilometer at the end of your rental. Petrol vehicles are exempt.

Plan for Toll Roads: While the South Island has no toll roads, be aware of North Island tolls if planning a one-way trip. 

Toll Roads in New Zealand: 

There are only three toll roads at time of writing:

• The Northern Gateway Toll Road north of Auckland between Silverdale and Pūhoi, part of State Highway 1 (SH1)

• The Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road State Highway 2 (SH2) runs between the Domain Road interchange, near Pāpāmoa, and the Paengaroa roundabout (SH2 and SH33 to Whakatāne and Rotorua).

• The Takitimu Drive Toll Road.5km road that bypasses the Tauranga city centre and takes traffic from State Highway 29 (SH29) to State Highway 2 (SH2)

There are alternative free roads to avoid these tolls.