Embarking on the Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip: Car or Campervan?
Dreaming of hitting the open road in New Zealand, the enchanting land of Aotearoa? The idea of a road trip through this diverse and breathtaking country is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. Picture yourself cruising along winding roads with sapphire-blue lakes, majestic glaciers, rolling hills, and towering forests as your backdrop. Every turn reveals a new wonder, and each destination offers a fresh adventure.
However, turning this dream into reality requires careful planning, especially when it comes to choosing the right mode of transportation. While there are backpacker buses and commuter coaches available, their schedules can be restrictive and tiresome. New Zealand lacks a comprehensive train network, so to truly explore this remarkable country, having your own set of wheels is essential. For most people, this means only one thing: the ultimate road trip.
But here’s the big question: should you rent a car or a campervan for your New Zealand road trip? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. After spending six months living and traveling in New Zealand, I often found myself advising fellow travelers to hire a car instead of a campervan. Let me explain why.
The Cost Factor
When it comes to the cost of your road trip, renting a car often proves to be more budget-friendly than hiring a campervan. While it’s true that campervans offer the convenience of combined transportation and accommodation, they come with a hefty price tag. The surge in the popularity of campervan rentals, coupled with limited availability, often results in prices that far exceed those of car rentals.
Consider the additional expenses associated with campervans: higher fuel costs, more expensive ferry crossings, and one-way fees. These factors can quickly add up, making a car rental a more economical choice. In fact, even when you factor in the cost of budget accommodation like hostels, renting a car can still be cheaper than opting for a campervan due to simple supply and demand dynamics.
During our New Zealand road trips, we chose to rent our cars through Hitch, as they offered the best value at the time. However, it’s always a good idea to compare prices and options on platforms like Discover New Zealand Car Hire to find the most suitable vehicle for your journey. Keep in mind that during the peak season, all costs tend to rise, so it’s crucial to plan ahead. If you’re considering a winter trip and aren’t accustomed to driving large vehicles, I’d strongly recommend sticking with a car. However, if you’re confident in your campervan driving skills, the off-season may offer more affordable options.
Accessing Hidden Gems
New Zealand is a land of hidden treasures, with many of its most beautiful spots tucked away on less-traveled roads. While campervans may seem like the ideal choice for exploring these remote areas, the reality is that some of New Zealand’s roads are far from campervan-friendly.
Many of the roads leading to lesser-known destinations are better suited for tractors or 4WD vehicles rather than bulky campervans. For example, one of my favorite places in New Zealand, Castlepoint, offers a stunning sunset view and charming Bach (a modest New Zealand holiday home) accommodations. The road to Castlepoint was challenging enough in a compact car, and navigating it in a large campervan would have been a stressful experience.
Exploring narrow lanes and hard-to-reach places becomes significantly easier with a car. For those planning to include destinations like Whangamomona and the Forgotten Highway in their itinerary, a car is undoubtedly the better option.
Accommodation and Social Connections
One of the joys of road-tripping is the opportunity to meet fellow travelers and forge new friendships. However, when camping with a car in a tent (which I highly recommend for the occasional beachside campsite), I found it challenging to connect with others. Campgrounds, especially in remote areas, often attract people who prefer solitude or early bedtimes to prepare for sunrise hikes.
While renting accommodation in New Zealand does increase your overall trip cost, there are plenty of backpacker hostels that offer affordable options by New Zealand standards. Many travelers spend up to a month on their road trips, and during that time, you may find yourself craving social interaction and camaraderie.
Staying in hostels provides a more conducive environment for making friends and meeting locals, whether in an inner-city bar or a communal hostel space. In contrast, campervan sites located far from urban centers can make it harder to participate in the local nightlife and social scene. I found that hostel life in New Zealand was more enjoyable and mature compared to my experiences in Australia, making it easier to connect with fellow travelers.
Navigating New Zealand’s Challenging Roads
Driving in New Zealand isn’t always a walk in the park. The country’s roads can be unpredictable, with narrow lanes, sheer drops, and routes that sometimes merge into single-file, should-be-one-way streets with little warning. I’ve witnessed my fair share of campervans getting stuck or into tricky situations, often because the drivers weren’t accustomed to handling large vehicles on these challenging roads.
If you’re confident in your ability to drive a larger campervan, you’ll likely be fine. However, for many travelers, the stress of navigating unfamiliar and potentially hazardous roads can detract from the enjoyment of the journey. Personally, I preferred focusing on the stunning views and relaxed vibes rather than worrying about driving a cumbersome vehicle. If you have concerns but still want the campervan experience, consider renting a smaller vehicle, such as a converted van, to make the driving experience more manageable.
The Reality of Freedom Camping
The romantic notion of parking anywhere and setting up camp under the stars doesn’t always align with the reality of freedom camping in New Zealand. While freedom camping is allowed in some areas, there are strict regulations in place, especially in urban centers. It’s essential to research where freedom camping is permitted and understand that not all areas are open to this practice.
Moreover, only self-contained campervans—those equipped with a toilet—are legally allowed to wild camp. If your campervan lacks its own toilet, you’ll need to stay in campsites or holiday parks that offer facilities. While campsites with minimal amenities are cheaper, holiday parks can be costly, diminishing the financial advantage of freedom camping. In some cases, the cost difference between staying in a hostel and camping in a tent with a car is minimal.
Embracing City Life and Nightlife
New Zealand’s vibrant cities, such as Queenstown, Wellington, and Auckland, offer exciting nightlife and cultural experiences. However, finding convenient inner-city parking spots for campervans can be a challenge. This limitation may cause you to miss out on evening events and nightlife, especially in cities where the traveler scene is lively.
Renting a car and parking in the city allows you to fully enjoy the urban experience without the hassle of expensive taxis, driving restrictions, or booking campsites far in advance. It also means you can unwind and relax in the evening without worrying about returning to a distant campsite.
Car-Pooling for Cost Savings and Companionship
One of the advantages of traveling by car is the ease of car-pooling. If you have extra seats, it’s simple to find fellow travelers heading in the same direction who are willing to share fuel costs and bring some lively conversation to the journey. Many Facebook groups and backpacker forums connect travelers looking for a ride, making it easy to find companions for your road trip.
Staying in hostels also increases the likelihood of meeting people who want to join your adventure, often before you’ve even checked online. Sharing the journey with others can enhance the experience, reduce costs, and create lasting memories.
Weather Considerations
New Zealand’s climate can be unpredictable, and it’s essential to plan accordingly. Some travelers mistakenly assume that because New Zealand is close to Australia, it must have a warm climate. In reality, New Zealand can be quite cold, especially in winter. If you’re visiting during the off-season to take advantage of lower prices, you might prefer the comfort of a heated hotel room or hostel over the chilly confines of a campervan.
While some adventurous souls may brave the cold by layering up, I personally found the warmth of a heated room or a cozy pub fireplace with a glass of Hawke’s Bay red wine far more appealing. Even my apartment in Wellington could be chilly in winter, so I can only imagine how cold and windy a campsite might be. Renting a car, parking up, and staying warm was a more comfortable and enjoyable option for me.
Respecting the Local Culture and Environment
New Zealanders, or Kiwis, are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. However, the increasing number of campervans on New Zealand’s roads, particularly during the summer, has led to some frustrations among locals. Getting stuck behind a slow-moving convoy of campervans can be irritating, especially when drivers aren’t accustomed to handling large vehicles.
Freedom campers have earned a mixed reputation in recent years, and in some cases, the criticism is justified. If you choose to travel by campervan and engage in freedom camping, it’s crucial to follow all local laws and regulations. Be respectful of the environment by taking all your trash with you and leaving each campsite as pristine as you found it. It’s important not to jeopardize the warm hospitality of the Kiwis by causing unnecessary inconvenience or environmental damage.
Final Thoughts: Car or Campervan?
Ultimately, the decision between renting a car or a campervan for your New Zealand road trip comes down to personal preference and priorities. If you value flexibility, social connections, and ease of navigation, a car may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to the idea of a self-contained adventure and are confident in your driving skills, a campervan could provide the freedom and convenience you seek.
Whichever option you choose, one thing is certain: a road trip through New Zealand is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re driving a car or cruising in a campervan, the stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and warm-hearted people of Aotearoa will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. So grab your mates, pick your vehicle, and embark on an epic journey through one of the world’s most beautiful and diverse countries
