Campgrounds
Rental Companies
Scenic Routes
Islands to Explore
Iconic Destinations
Must-visit locations on your New Zealand RV adventure
Lake Tekapo
Turquoise glacial lake with the famous Church of the Good Shepherd. Part of the Dark Sky Reserve.
Milford Sound
Dramatic fjord with towering peaks, waterfalls, and wildlife. Often called the 'eighth wonder of the world'.
Queenstown
Adventure capital of NZ. Stunning Lake Wakatipu views, bungy jumping, jet boating, and world-class dining.
RV Rental Companies
Top campervan and motorhome rental providers in New Zealand
Britz Campervans
NZ's largest fleetJUCY Rentals
Budget-friendlyApollo Motorhome Holidays
International brandWilderness Motorhomes
NZ-owned, newest fleet
South Island Classic
ModerateChristchurch → Lake Tekapo → Mt Cook → Queenstown → Wanaka → Franz Josef
South Island Scenic Route
EasyChristchurch → Kaikoura → Nelson → Abel Tasman → Punakaiki → Hokitika
North Island Explorer
EasyAuckland → Hobbiton → Rotorua → Taupo → Tongariro → Napier
Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park
Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park
Wanaka Kiwi Holiday Park
Glentanner Holiday Park
Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park
Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park
Cromwell TOP 10 Holiday Park
Nelson TOP 10 Holiday Park
RV Driving Tips for New Zealand
Essential information for a safe and enjoyable motorhome journey
Drive on the Left
New Zealand drives on the left side of the road. Take extra care at intersections and roundabouts.
Speed Limits
Open road: 100 km/h. Urban areas: 50 km/h. Many scenic roads have lower limits due to winding terrain.
Freedom Camping
Only allowed in designated areas with a certified self-contained vehicle. Fines up to NZD 200 for non-compliance.
Dump Stations
Free dump stations are available throughout NZ. Use the CamperMate app to find the nearest one.
Fuel Stops
Fill up in towns as rural areas can have long stretches without petrol stations, especially on the West Coast.
Weather
NZ weather changes rapidly. Pack for all seasons even in summer. The South Island can be cold year-round at altitude.
Freedom Camping Rules
Freedom camping in New Zealand is allowed but strictly regulated. Here are the key rules you must follow:
✅ You Can
- Camp in designated freedom camping areas
- Stay overnight if your vehicle is certified self-contained
- Use DOC (Department of Conservation) campsites
- Camp on public conservation land unless restricted
❌ You Cannot
- Camp in non-self-contained vehicles outside holiday parks
- Leave any waste or rubbish at camping spots
- Camp within 200m of a road in some areas
- Ignore local council bylaws (fines up to NZD 200)
Pro Tip: Download the CamperMate or WikiCamps NZ app to find legal freedom camping spots, dump stations, and public toilets along your route.