How old do you need to be to rent campervan in NZ?

21st March 2022•Camplify Team

From snow-capped mountains and sandy white beaches to plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities, New Zealand has so much to offer travellers of all ages. And the best way to experience it all is by hiring a campervan - you’ll enjoy the freedom to choose and change your schedule as you please, covering as much ground as possible at your own pace. But how old do you have to be to rent a campervan in New Zealand?

If you’re on the younger side and want the adventure of a lifetime, here are all the age-related rules and considerations you need to know about hiring a campervan!

How old do I need to be to rent a campervan in New Zealand?

You will need to be anywhere from 18-25 years old to rent a campervan in New Zealand. This minimum age limit varies depending on the rental company, so you’ll need to do your research if you’re on the younger side.

You will also need to hold a valid unrestricted driver’s licence from your country, or an International Licence. Again, some companies will require you to have held your unrestricted licence for at least 12 months to 2 years before renting, while others won’t specify a time frame.

Driving a campervan is very different to driving a car. That’s why here at Camplify, we have set the minimum age at 25, with the prerequisite that you have also held your full licence for at least two years.

Considerations if hiring a campervan when under 25

1. What size van can you hire?

You might need to hire a smaller van.

While there are companies out there that are willing to rent out campervans to those under the age of 25 (Camplify included!), there might be restrictions on what type of van you can hire.

Some places may only let you hire campervans of a certain size or vehicle class for safety reasons, so it helps to shop around to see what’s on offer and confirm how many people you can bring on this adventure.

2. Are you covered by insurance?

While car insurance isn’t compulsory in New Zealand, looking at insurance policies when renting out a vehicle is a must at any age. If you’re under 25 (and even more so if you’re under 21!), then it’s even more important to read the fineprint because you might be liable for a larger excess than an older driver in the case of an accident.

At Camplify, all rentals are covered by comprehensive hire insurance at no additional cost so you can enjoy peace of mind on the road. Note that under 25s are subject to a greater excess. Learn more here.

3. Is there a rental surcharge?

While many companies might allow you to rent a campervan under the age of 25 (sometimes even from 21 upwards), it may come with a surcharge.

Some companies might require you to pay a bond before you set off on your trip, which you’ll get back if the campervan is returned in the same condition it left in.

Others may simply charge you more when it comes to hiring out the vehicle. In other words, you’ll be paying a higher price because of your younger age. That’s why it always pays to read through the terms and conditions before you book!

4. Will the campervan be automatic or manual?

The majority of campervans are automatic, but you'll also find manual ones out there. At Camplify, you can filter the search based on manual and automatic to find the drive you’re more comfortable with. It’s better not to step out of your comfort zone when you’re driving a much bigger vehicle than you’re used to! Better safe than sorry.

5. Have you driven a large vehicle before?

Have you ever driven a large vehicle before? The reason many companies won’t allow those under 25 to drive a campervan is because it can be a bit of an adjustment. At a young age, you’re still new to driving and the roads, and don’t necessarily have enough experience up your sleeve to tackle potential problems that might arise along the way.

While you don’t need a special campervan driving license, it’s a good idea to see if you can borrow a friend’s campervan before you hire one - or at least a large family car, just to give yourself a bit of practice in a bigger, unfamiliar vehicle. How comfortable do you feel?

Here are some tips to remember on your road trip:

Go slow: if traffic is building up and you’re feeling overwhelmed, simply pull over and let other drivers pass.
Avoid wet weather: travelling in a campervan gives you the freedom to change your plans and avoid wet roads.
Take breaks: take plenty of breaks along the way, especially when you’re feeling tired, to ensure everyone’s safety.
Drive during the day: don’t take on the extra dangers that come with driving at night if you’re new to driving a campervan and can afford to keep your travels to the daytime.

6. How do New Zealand road rules differ?

If you’re coming from overseas, the final thing you need to consider is whether road rules in New Zealand differ to those in your home country.

Do your research and make note of any key differences. Have these handy at all times throughout your adventure. It can also help to stick them somewhere visible as a constant reminder. For example, if you’re changing sides of the road you drive on.

If in doubt, pull over and do a quick Google!

It's important to follow New Zealand's road rule as you travel.

Is there a maximum age limit for renting a campervan?

We’ve taken a look at the younger end of the spectrum when it comes to renting a campervan in New Zealand, but what about the grey nomads? With more and more of the older generation taking off on the road for extended trips, it’s never too late to enjoy what New Zealand has to offer! And getting around in a campervan makes everything so much easier.

So is there a maximum age limit for hiring a campervan? Most companies won’t have an upper age limit. If you’re fit to hold a driver’s licence in your home country, you’re considered fit to drive a campervan.

However, this is something that has been changing over the past few years, so it’s important to check if the rental company imposes a surcharge or increased excess if you’re over a certain age.

Hire a campervan for your New Zealand road trip

No matter your age, travelling around New Zealand is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Whether sorting out campervan hire on the South Island or campervan hire on the North Island, you'll need to do your research first if you’re under the age of 25 because how old you need to be to rent a campervan will vary from place to place.

Here at Camplify, we have age limits in place to both protect you as the campervan driver, while also catering to van owners and ensuring their vehicles are in the best hands possible!

Why Camplify?

We are proud to be New Zealand’s fastest-growing private caravan, campervan and motorhome sharing community. When you hire a van through our platform, it comes with lots of advantages:

Comprehensive hire insurance
Nationwide AA roadside assistance
24/7 customer support
All members are verified

By hiring with Camplify, you are also helping local families who share their van on our platform and supporting many local companies across New Zealand in addition to ours. So we are very grateful to you.