Campervan Holidays

Campervan Holidays in New Zealand

Like the idea of getting back to basics, but not so keen on roughing it completely? Hiring a campervan or motorhome for your next holiday in New Zealand may just be the perfect solution.

• Campervan and Motorhome Rental
• Campsites and Holiday Parks

Motorhome and campervan holidays are becoming hugely popular in New Zealand. Not just because they're a cost-economical way to see the country in your own time, but because for many travelers they offer that back-to-basics feeling of camping while still being able to enjoy some of life's luxuries.

Many European and Australian travelers love the gypsy lifestyle. The feeling of being out on the road, free to travel on a whim to wherever takes their fancy without the worry of soggy tents and sleeping bags. For this reason, campervans provide the ideal modern travel transport for the savvy tourist to travel the country in comfort and with the ability to explore at their leisure.

Why travel by campervan?
Obviously hiring a campervan or motorhome during your holiday will provide you with the double whammy of accommodation as well as vehicle facilities, cutting out the fuss of finding a decent place to sleep each night.

A private campervan also lets you and your travel companions enjoy your freedom, giving you the option of deciding where to go and being able to change your mind at your convenience.

Whatever your requirements, there'll be something that should suit your budget, whether you're taking a romantic trip with your sweetheart or an adventure-filled trip with the family. There is also a great network of caravan parks and camping areas throughout New Zealand to make it even easier to enjoy your motorhome or campervan holiday.

Before you set out:
When hiring a campervan always make sure your vehicle is well equipped and without any defects or damage, and be sure to check your vehicle's mirror, head lights, horn, break, spare wheel, and other equipment. Ensure you have enough food and water storage, and confirm what kind of fuel you'll need to use when you top up at the pump.

Make sure you have the right insurance, and be certain your insurance covers you if you plan on sharing the driving with your travel companions. If you want to collect your campervan in Auckland and drop it off in Christchurch check it out with the company you're hiring from. Some rental companies will require a relocation or one-way rental fee, so always ask.

Planning your New Zealand campervan holiday
Now that it's time to take to the road and follow wherever the wind takes you, enjoy trekking from one unique attraction to the next in a journey customised to the adventurer within.

It will pay to arrange a reservation in advance so you can simply pick your campervan up when you arrive. After a short orientation and a trip to the supermarket where you can learn how to park and stock up on supplies, you'll be on your way to explore the country.

If you enter New Zealand through Auckland in the North Island or Christchurch in the South Island, you'll find a huge range of vehicles waiting for you with conveniently located depots close to the airports.

Some campervan hire companies even offer the option of picking up your campervan in Auckland and leaving it in Christchurch. This is great if you want to travel both islands and catch the ferry from Wellington to Picton, taking your vehicle and accommodation with you.

Do a little research before you head off and grab a travel guide to give you some ideas on where you might like to visit. Mostly importantly, keep your options open, and chat with the locals and tourism operators you meet during your adventures, who will always be happy to give you ideas on where to travel to next.

Just make sure you always keep a map handy if you're not sure where you're going, follow the roads, and ideally a charged cell phone in case you really get stuck.

Why would you explore New Zealand any other way?
Travelling in a campervan allows you to have your kind of holiday. There's no need for set itineraries or timetables, and you can travel at your own pace while experiencing the land, culture and people without blowing your budget.

To find out more about travelling through New Zealand via caravan click here.

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Travel images from Flickr: Flicker, New Zealand Lake and Dolphin.