Renting a motorhome to travel across New Zealand is an incredible experience. It’s no surprise that hiring a motorhome in New Zealand is regarded as one of the greatest ways to see the nation, with wide-open roads, sleeping under the stars, exciting activities, and some of the most breathtaking vistas you’ll likely ever see.
However, there is a lot to know about renting a motorhome in New Zealand before heading out on the road. You’ll need to learn a lot before you go, from choosing the perfect motorhome to ensuring you have the right insurance. But don’t worry, this guide has it all.
The Best Time to Take a Motorhome Trip in New Zealand
It’s vital to think about when you’d like to visit New Zealand because each season offers different possibilities and difficulties. If you’re from the northern hemisphere, remember that New Zealand’s seasons are the polar opposite of yours.
Summer. The busiest months for travel in New Zealand are December, January, and February. This is the most steady weather of the year, making it ideal for activities involving the sea, rivers, and lakes. The daylight hours are also the longest, giving you plenty of time to fit in as many activities as possible and choose the ideal spot to park your motorhome. You must visit the North Island of NZ in a motorhome which is a perfect place to visit in this season and also you can take a motorhome adventure.
Winter. You may enjoy low rental prices, access to winter sports, beautiful picture chances, and much more from June through August. If you’re motorhoming in snowy circumstances, keep in mind that you’ll need to install snow chains and factor in the expense of additional gas to heat your motorhome rental.
Spring and Autumn. Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) are ideal travel seasons since rental prices are lower and fewer tourists than in the summer. Spring and fall weather is usually pleasant, but be prepared for rain and the possibility of getting stuck in the mud if you park on unpaved land.
How to Choose a Motorhome Rental Company?
It might be challenging to comprehend your options and pick a rental provider with many companies offering campervan rentals in New Zealand. Below is a list of things to think about to help you find the best rental company for your trip.
Know Your Budget Range. To get started with your research, below are three budget categories of campervan that might suit you. Keep in mind that charges differ based on the season and the provider.
- Luxury Campervan Rentals. This category is distinguished by excellent customer service, free add-ons, and the absence of hidden charges. A premium fleet’s campervans are high-end and luxury, focusing on quiet and comfort. They are also the most costly choice.
- Mid-Range Campervan Rentals. This is the most popular category in New Zealand, with plenty of competition and bargains. A mid-range fleet’s motorhomes can vary greatly, with the more expensive mid-range alternatives often having lesser mileage but the same interior and layout.
- Low Budget Campervan Rentals. This type of motorhome is typically geared towards budget-conscious travelers, such as young couples. The campervans usually given are smaller, modified vans around the size of a conventional vehicle. These have substantially less interior room but the added benefit of being easy to park.
Figure Out Your Budget. Pricing varies significantly between companies; after you’ve decided on a budget category, we recommend looking into organizations that offer that service to compare prices and get a realistic estimate of how much it will cost for your selected dates.
Understand Any Additional Costs and Terms. Most companies impose various limits on drivers, such as their age, license type, distance, and the routes they can travel on. They may also incur additional expenses like tolls and insurance.
Many of these details will be contained in the terms and conditions you should always read. Before you decide, be sure you understand the terms, limits, and any expenses.
Check If They Offer the Additional Extras That You Want. Were you planning to spend money on wifi, bikes, a grill, camping chairs, or infant car seats during your trip? Not all campervan rental businesses will offer these, and those that do may charge you more than you want to spend. Ensure that the company you select has the things you wish for a wonderful trip.
You might find this rental comparison helpful worksheet as you begin your study to keep note of essential variations in rental inclusions for various firms.
Check If They Offer Self-Contained Campervans. Certified self-contained motorhomes and campervans can accommodate everyone on board for at least three nights, including complete cooking and sanitary needs. They can remain undetected at a spot and get you access to even the most remote camping areas. Self-contained campervans are not available from all rental businesses.
Identify What Size You Need. The budget category is frequently linked to a specific size and space. Budget rentals are usually smaller and only accommodate one or two people. If you have a family of three or more, you’ll probably need to go with a mid-range or premium rental company with additional beds.
Ensure there is plenty of availability for the size of motorhome you want to rent; nothing is more frustrating than making a selection to discover there isn’t any.
Check Qualmark Ratings. Tourism New Zealand owns the Qualmark grading system for activities, lodging, service, and transportation. Check the rating of a motorhome provider before booking to guarantee you’re getting the experience you want.
Read Reviews. Reading reviews is a terrific method to learn about real consumer experiences with the firm you’re considering. It’s recommended to look up the company’s Google reviews and other places like Facebook ratings for their page and Google for any other review sites.
It might be challenging to rent a motorhome in New Zealand. It’s a significant investment, so getting it properly is critical. Hope this guidance has made the procedure a bit less stressful for you.
