Camping guides
Best motorhomes hire New Zealand: complete review
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Photo by Mark Mialik on Unsplash
Given the incredible destinations within driving distance from each other, hiring a motorhome is hands down the best way to explore New Zealand! With a motorhome rental, you have the freedom to discover this breathtaking country on your own clock. It’s no surprise that tons of visitors flock here every day for a once-in-a-lifetime road trip.
New Zealand’s camping legislation only permits certified self-contained vehicles to freedom camp, or stay overnight at an unofficial campsite. The great news is that most motorhomes are complete with a shower and toilet, storing both water and waste. This means you are safe to roam the country to your heart’s content, setting up camp almost anywhere to enjoy its magnificent scenery and epic activities. And often for free!
But with so many models and brands to choose from, motorhome hire in New Zealand isn’t always a walk in the park - Particularly when it comes to deciding which specs you need and what features you want for your van life adventure. Luckily, our motorhome review will help you out.
As a holidaymaker, Camplify helps you find an RV that is perfect for you so you can experience the joys of caravanning - without having to own one yourself.
Interested? Learn more about Camplify here.
Auto-Trail Delaware
Photo credit: Camplify AU
Auto-Trail Delaware is perfect for a family getaway. You’ll be writing home about this one, with its modern features and carefully considered finishing touches (Think LED splashback in the kitchen).
This motorhome ticks all the boxes when it comes to luxurious living. Its spacious master bedroom can be sectioned off from the lounge area with an adjustable door that serves the bathroom, as well. And in the kitchen, you’ll enjoy storage space for every appliance needed to cook up a delicious family meal when you’re off the grid.
The control panel allows you to manage everything from battery life and water usage to its lighting system at the touch of a button. The motorhome is also built to withstand the most extreme weather, with 100% water-resistant, steel-strong insulation, double-glazed windows and a two-way gas and electric heating system - Even if you venture to New Zealand’s snowiest peaks in the depths of winter, you’ll enjoy a comfortable 20° inside.
This motorhome drives just as well as it looks, with great road handling ability. While it’s quite large, it remains relatively light so you can carry up to 870kg without burning through fuel. Auto-Trail has even fitted it out with the most powerful Fiat turbo diesel engine. To top it off, you only need a standard car licence!
Specs:
Transmission: Manual or automatic
Berths: 4
Length: 26 ft
Air conditioning: Yes
Key Features:
Large but light vehicle
Modern L-shaped kitchen and an island bed
Ensuite with separate shower and toilet
Plenty of overhead stowages
Grade 3 insulation makes it perfect for a winter camping trip
Touchscreen control panel with GPS and a reversing camera
Best For:
Families looking for a bit of luxury
Grey nomads
Very similar to Delaware, we have an Auto-Trail Mohawk available for hire in Taupo. Check it out. ****
Jayco Conquest
Photo credit: Camplify AU
The Jayco Conquest is an old favourite for its tried and tested reliability, spacious interior and reasonable price. It offers all of the features you need in a motorhome, such as a comfortable lounge area, a kitchen with lots of storage and air conditioning.
While you can rent this for a similar price to that of a van conversion motorhome, its width gives the advantage of extra interior space. Jayco has made the most of its Ducato cab and its swivelling seats, with a table fitted behind the driver's seat and a seat belt-fitted living area beyond. The efficient use of space is topped off with a lift-up bed. The smart functional design has the aesthetics to match, with bright, scandi-like decor - Jayco's take on the Euro look.
Again, only a basic car licence is required so anyone can hire this motorhome, You’ll enjoy easy driving with excellent road handling and little noise. But before you bite the bullet, note that Jayco has fitted out its Fiat Ducato cab-chassis with the relatively low-powered 130 Multijet turbo diesel engine. This standard engine shouldn’t be a problem in most cases, but it’s probably best to skip this one if you have daydreams of zooming down the highway and squeezing in lots of distant stops in a short amount of time.
Specs:
Transmission: Automated manual
Berths: 2
Length: 20 ft
Air conditioning: Yes
Key Features:
Rooftop solar system
Electric awning
Roomy lounge area
Spacious kitchen storage with additional shelving
Generous under-bed and wardrobe space
Touchscreen lighting system
Crimsafe security flyscreen
Best For:
Couples wanting to live the high (van) life
Winnebago Byron
Photo credit: Camplify AU
In the Winnebago Byron, you can explore New Zealand without missing any home comforts. This large motorhome can easily accommodate a group of six for some quality bonding time with family or friends!
Its roomy interior is fitted out with features that will keep everyone happy. The well-equipped kitchen has a full-size fridge and freezer, a large microwave and a stainless steel sink - So no excuses when it comes to whipping up feasts for the whole gang. Its spacious bathroom provides a separate toilet and shower, as well as a sophisticated vanity. During the day, enjoy the open lounge space in the café-style dinette and entertainment area. And when night falls, take your pick from three double bed conversions. The vast amount of storage space means you can put your feet up without the clutter.
The Winnebago Byron offers a reverse-cycle air conditioning system to keep everybody content, no matter the climate. Combine this with the fantastic fuel efficiency and it’s a great RV for lengthy road trips into the wilderness. You can take it pretty much anywhere, anytime!
While you only require a standard car licence for this motorhome hire, we recommend it for seasoned drivers who are confident in maneuvering longer vehicles.
Specs:
Transmission: Automatic
Berths: 6
Length: 25.3 ft
Air conditioning: Yes
Key Features:
Spacious, open living areas
Separate shower and toilet
Café-style dinette
240V reverse-cycle air conditioning
Reversing camera
LED lighting system
22’’ HD flat screen TV
Truma UltraRapid 14L hot water system
Best For:
Big families
Large friend groups
Toyota Hilux
Photo credit: Camplify AU
Ah, the Toyota HiLux. Renowned for its rugged utility, it has evolved from a humble workhorse to a decked out, multi-purpose motorhome. Staying true to its solid, no-frill roots while offering petrol or diesel engines and 4x2 or 4x4 drive types, this vehicle will get you through any adventure.
Conversions can use single, extra or dual cab bodies with a pickup tray or cab chassis, so you can experience all sorts of sizes, features and layouts. That said, what you gain in hardiness, you lose in space. For instance, the bed usually sits above the front of the vehicle. There’s also less storage than other motorhomes, so you’ll want to pack light for this holiday.
The HiLux is ideal for travellers who want to get down and dirty in the great outdoors without compromising on the comfort of a motorhome. You can go off the beaten track, exploring the wilderness without worrying about any setbacks. And because it’s relatively small, it’s a dream to manoeuvre and park. Of course, only a standard car licence is required!
Specs:
Transmission: Automatic or manual
Berths: 2-4
Length: Varies depending on the conversion
Air conditioning: Yes
Key Features:
4WD to take on all of New Zealand’s wild terrains
Renowned for its reliability
All kinds of conversions available
Best For:
Two mates on a camping adventure
Couples looking for a remote romantic getaway
Mercedes Sprinter
Photo credit: Camplify AU
Okay, so there’ll be debate over whether this large van conversion is a true motorhome. Some might label it a B Class motorhome, and others even a ‘motor camper’. Whatever you want to call it, we think it deserves a shout out!
The Mercedes Sprinter is a van conversion (and Instagram) dream. With high roofs and a long wheelbase, it can be kitted out for a one-of-a-kind experience. Every van is unique - Whether you’re looking for a shower and toilet, a fixed or convertible double bed, a compact kitchenette or even a hammock, you’ll find a Mercedes Sprinter motorhome conversion that fits your needs.
Large van conversions are probably the smallest self-contained motorhome out there, so are easy to drive and don’t eat up too much petrol. But our favourite part? New Zealand is your oyster when it comes to freedom camping. You’ll be able to park up at the best camping spots and hidden gems in the country.
There’s obviously not as much room as a more traditional motorhome. The lack of space is probably best highlighted by the fact that the narrow-body means a short bed, which tends to run across the van. At the end of the day, it’s a matter of personal preference - We love the cosiness of this little motorhome!
Specs:
Transmission: Automatic or manual
Berths: 2
Length: Varies depending on the conversion
Air conditioning: Yes
Key Features:
You can freedom camp all day every day
Its small size means easy parking
So many cool conversions on offer
As smooth to drive as your standard car
Best For:
Lone travellers
Couples on a budget
Jayco Optimum
Photo credit: Camplify AU
The Jayco Optimum is a state-of-the-art motorhome with advanced technology and luxurious features. Like, really luxurious. It offers everything you could possibly want in a motorhome.
Large windows bathe the Euro-style interior in natural light, which is replaced by an LED system at night. The large, fixed island bed (complete with an innerspring pillowtop mattress) sleeps two adults, with storage access on both sides. You can also sleep two more people in a comfortable bed above the cabin. Start your day with a hot shower in the ensuite bathroom, do some laundry in the high-tech washing machine and then chill out on the genuine leather seating in the café-style dinette. And when the sun shines, have a BBQ under the electric awning.
The high floor-line offers great ground clearance for countryside tracks and off-road camping spots. Another plus for freedom camping is the solar panel system, which will recharge your house batteries when you’re far from any power outlets.
The main downside of the Jayco Optimum is its huge size, which can make it challenging to manoeuvre and more expensive to hire. It’s so large that you will need to hold a Class 2 licence before getting behind the wheel.
Specs:
Transmission: Automatic
Length: 25-29ft depending on the model
Berths: 4
Air-conditioning: Yes
Key Features (Latest Model):
360° camera system
Carefree electric awning
Titan levelling jacks
Onan 3-6kws generator
Satellite TV system
Slide-out BBQ
Wifi with GPS tracker and extender
Large fridge
An instant hot water system
Washing machine
Best For:
Family holidays in the countryside
Freedom campers on a double-date getaway
Toyota Coaster
Photo credit: Camplify AU
The Toyota Coaster is another excellent motorhome conversion, with a range of different styles and layouts on hire. It does a great job at combining a charming retro feel with dependable functionality.
While these motorhomes are fairly narrow, the length means you can enjoy lots of storage space. And even someone who is six foot tall can stand up without having to crank their neck, so you won’t feel cramped inside! And if you’re renting the latest model, expect a reversing camera and GPS with voice recognition.
The Coaster is famed for its fool-proof reliability, which is why you’ll find lots of old beauties still up for hire. You’ll also enjoy great performance from the 4L diesel engine, along with good road handling. Overall, its independent front suspension and long rear leaf springs make for a smooth and easy ride.
However, it’s length makes it a feat to park so it’s a good idea to avoid busy cities in this motorhome. Instead, opt for a road trip in the open countryside.
Specs:
Transmission: Automatic or manual
Berths: 2
Length: 21 ft
Air conditioning: Yes
Key Features:
Drives very well despite its size
Unique conversions
Heaps of storage
Best For:
Couples on an extended road trip
Avida Birdsville
Photo credit: Camplify AU__
With its sturdy Fiat Ducato chassis and spacious layout, the Avida Birdsville offers powerful performance and comfortable living without breaking the bank. And although it’s a large vehicle that fits the whole family, you can drive it with a standard car licence.
For a fun touch in the kitchen, you can fold down a piece of the bench across the entryway and enjoy your very own ‘bar’. There is also ample storage beneath both dinettes, which you can access through an offside slide-out. But the real hero is its bathroom. Spread across the entire width of the motorhome, you’ll enjoy a large offside shower, a vanity with a porcelain sink and a central cassette toilet. The motorhome houses a 124L fresh water storage tank and a 124L grey water tank, so you can go off the grid for at least a week with no worries.
Boasting a Gross Vehicle Mass of 4400kg (!), you can basically load it up with as much gas, water, food, gear and family members as you like - But if you’ve packed it to the brim, expect it to be a tad slower when ascending steep mountains roads.
Specs:
Transmission: Automatic or manual
Berths: 4
Length: 24 ft
Air conditioning: Yes
Key Features:
Offside slide-out
Dometic reverse-cycle air-conditioner
USB points throughout
Electric control panel
Premium bathroom
22’’ flat-screen TV
Washing machine
Ample overhead storage
Roll-out awning
Reversing camera
Best For:
Families on long-haul adventures
Adria Coral
Photo credit: Camplify AU
This may be a sweeping generalisation, but it seems like creating the ideal motorhome just comes naturally to Europeans. And the Adria Coral is no exception – A beautiful, functional motorhome with excellent adaptability.
You’ll have no problem reaching top speeds when you rev its powerful engine. That said, you might not experience the smoothest transmission when you change gears (expect a bit of a lag as the box transitions from one of the six gears to another).
The interior decor is a distinct blend of classic timber fittings and modern touches. The adjustable lounge area can be set up however you like, with an easy transition from day to night - The dinette collapses into a comfortable double bed, while the lounge can be set up into another one. In case that’s not enough, there’s also a third double bed above the cabin! Its L-shaped kitchen boasts a stainless steel cooktop and sink with a minimalist bench for maximum space. And the bathroom is larger inside than it initially appears, with a separate shower and toilet, as well as a vanity cabinet for your toiletries.
While the flexible layout might not appeal to campers who want fixed bedding, others will love making it their own. And it’s many berths are fantastic for a fun family adventure around New Zealand!
Specs:
Transmission: Automatic
Berths: 6
Length: 24 ft
Air conditioning: Yes
Key Features:
Slide-out storage
Entrance door with mosquito net and central locking
USB power points
LED lighting system
19” HD LED TV
900W microwave
14L electric hot water system
Separate shower and toilet
150L fresh water tank
80L grey water tank
Best For:
Large families who don’t mind a bit of bedtime set up
Small families who love some extra space
Ready to start planning your New Zealand adventure?
Have a look at the range of motorhomes available for hire to find the perfect one for your trip.
So what is Camplify?
We are a caravan hire and RV sharing community, helping connect thousands of holidaymakers with RV owners.
What does that mean?
Essentially, we provide a unique sharing service where owners of caravans, camper trailers, motorhomes, and campervans list their RV for hire while not in use. As an owner, this enables you to earn over $10,000 each year instead of having your RV just sitting around while you’re not using it.
As a holidaymaker, Camplify helps you find an RV that is perfect for you so you can experience the joys of caravanning - without having to own one yourself.
Interested? Learn more about Camplify here.