New Zealand / Christchurch
Rent a Campervan in Christchurch South Island Base Camp
Christchurch is the main gateway for South Island campervan travel. Every major company has a depot here with the widest fleet selection outside Auckland. Most South Island loops start and end in Christchurch. It's also the ferry connection to the North Island via Picton.
Christchurch Rental Pricing
| Platform | Pricing (NZD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jucy | $60-$130/night | Budget staple, airport area depot |
| Britz | $100-$250/night | Quality mid-range, solid fleet |
| Spaceship | $50-$90/night | Cheapest fleet, frequent relocation deals |
| Maui | $190-$300/night | Premium motorhomes |
| Wilderness | $160-$280/night | NZ-only, excellent customer service |
| Apollo | $90-$230/night | Wide range, good mid-tier value |
Best Road Trips From Christchurch
Full South Island Loop
2-3 weeks. The classic: Christchurch → Kaikōura → Blenheim → Abel Tasman → West Coast → Franz Josef → Wanaka → Queenstown → Te Anau → Milford Sound → Dunedin → Oamaru → Mt Cook → Christchurch. 2,500+ km total. This covers every major South Island attraction. Allocate at least 2 weeks — 3 is better. April-May (autumn) has the best combination of weather, colors and fewer crowds.
Kaikōura
2.5 hours north along the coast. 2-3 days. Whale watching year-round ($150 NZD — sperm whales are residents). Seal colony at the peninsula. Crayfish (lobster) straight from the roadside stalls. Kaikōura TOP 10 Holiday Park is well-run. The Kaikōura Ranges rising straight from the ocean create one of NZ's most dramatic landscapes. Road fully restored after the 2016 earthquake.
Arthur's Pass to West Coast
3-5 days. Cross the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass (920m). The TranzAlpine train runs this route too if you want to see it by rail. Drop into Greymouth or Hokitika on the West Coast. Continue south to Franz Josef and Fox glaciers — heli-hike or walk to the terminal face. Okarito Lagoon has NZ's rarest bird (the kōtuku/white heron). DOC campgrounds along the route cost $8-$15 NZD/night.
Mount Cook / Aoraki
3.5 hours southwest. NZ's highest mountain at 3,724m. The Hooker Valley Track (3 hours return) is one of the most spectacular easy walks in the country — three swing bridges, glacier-fed lakes, Mt Cook looming ahead. White Horse Hill campground ($15 NZD) is the only camping inside the park. Lake Pukaki on the approach is absurdly turquoise. Dark sky reserve — the stargazing is world-class.
Banks Peninsula
1 hour from Christchurch. Half-day to 2 days. Akaroa is a French-settled harbor town with dolphin swimming, sea kayaking and volcanic crater hiking. The Summit Road drive has panoramic views of both sides of the peninsula. Le Bons Bay has a quiet DOC campground. Good warm-up trip before heading out on a longer route.
Christchurch-Specific Tips
- → Relocation deals are gold. Companies constantly need vans moved from Christchurch to Auckland (including the ferry). Check transfercar.co.nz. $1-$5/day with a 3-5 day window. You cover the van hire; they cover the ferry. Best deal in NZ campervan travel.
- → Canterbury plains are flat and windy. Driving west from Christchurch through the plains, crosswinds can be strong enough to push a campervan sideways. Grip the wheel and slow down on windy days.
- → Mountain passes can close. Arthur's Pass and the roads around Mt Cook can close in winter for snow and ice. Check NZTA for pass conditions. Carry chains if traveling in winter (some rental companies provide them).
- → Stock up in Christchurch. Last big-city supermarket prices before you head into smaller towns. Pak'nSave is the cheapest NZ supermarket chain. Fill up on groceries here — rural town prices are 20-30% higher.
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