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Canterbury Region

Canterbury Region Motorhome, Caravan & Campervan Hire

Kyle Mulinder
From the vibrant streets of Christchurch to the majestic Southern Alps, Camplify brings you the best motorhome rental in Canterbury. Our local owners offer their carefully maintained vans through New Zealand's leading van-sharing platform, giving you the perfect base to explore everything from coastal gems to alpine wonders.

Your perfect starting point for South Island exploration

Connect with local owners offering well-equipped motorhomes, caravans and campervan hire across Canterbury's key locations:

  • Christchurch: The South Island's largest city and main gateway

  • Timaru: Coastal charm with penguin colonies

  • Ashburton: Mid-Canterbury's hub for high country adventures

  • Kaikōura: World-renowned whale watching destination

Why Canterbury is your ideal motorhome destination

The region's diverse landscapes create endless possibilities:

  • Stunning coastline: From Kaikōura to Banks Peninsula

  • Alpine wonderland: Access to Mount Cook and Arthur's Pass

  • Thermal springs: Natural hot pools in Hanmer Springs

  • Rich history: Both Māori and European heritage

  • Wildlife encounters: Whales, dolphins, and seals

Our Canterbury-based owners provide flexible pick-up options and local knowledge to enhance your journey.

The Camplify Canterbury advantage: Local knowledge meets quality vans

When you choose Camplify in Canterbury, you're getting more than just a vehicle:

  1. Local expertise: Our local owners share hidden gems from the best ski fields to secret hot springs
  2. Diverse fleet: From compact campervans for couples to luxury motorhomes for families
  3. 24/7 support: Our NZ team offers year-round assistance and seasonal travel tips

Looking for a van?

Here's some of our Canterbury Region favourites. If you can't find something below go to view all vans and find the perfect caravan or motorhome for your holiday.

Can't find what you're looking for?

View all vans

A trusted platform for your caravan rental in Canterbury 

Your journey through Canterbury deserves reliable wheels and expert support. Our combination of global reach and local Canterbury knowledge has earned us a stellar Trustpilot score of 4.3/5. Our local NZ team understands Canterbury's unique seasonal needs and road conditions.

Caravan hire in Canterbury: Your easy guide

Getting started with Camplify is straightforward:

  1. Explore options: Browse our Canterbury-based fleet, starting for example in Christchurch
  2. Connect: Message local owners directly
  3. Begin your journey: Get a personal handover and local tips
Visit our How It Works page for more details.

Must-visit Canterbury destinations
Coastal highlights

  • Kaikōura: Whale watching and crayfish

  • Akaroa: French charm on Banks Peninsula

  • Gore Bay: Surfing and dramatic cliffs

  • Caroline Bay: Timaru's popular beach

Mountain and inland treasures

  • Arthur's Pass: Alpine village and hiking trails

  • Lake Tekapo: Turquoise waters and stargazing

  • Mount Hutt: Premium skiing

  • Hanmer Springs: Thermal pools and forest walks

Road trip ideas in Canterbury
Circular routes

Check out our Christchurch to Christchurch road trip guide for a perfect circuit of Canterbury's highlights.

Scenic drives

Experience the charm of Canterbury's inland route with our guide to Route 72, known as the Inland Scenic Route.

Seasonal adventures

Discover winter's magic with our 5-day winter road trip through Canterbury guide.

Extended explorations

For comprehensive regional exploration, follow our Canterbury road trip guide hitting all the major highlights.

Best camping spots in Canterbury

Explore our complete guide to 7 best camping grounds in Canterbury and check out our detailed guide to Holiday Parks And Campgrounds Near Christchurch.

Christchurch area

  1. Spencer Beach Holiday Park:

    • Beachfront location

    • Family-friendly facilities

  2. Amber Park:

    • Close to city center

    • Modern amenities

Alpine region

  1. Glentanner Park Centre:

    • Mount Cook views

    • Year-round facilities

  2. Arthur's Pass Camping Ground:

    • Alpine setting

    • Access to hiking trails

Freedom Camping in Canterbury

Canterbury offers extensive freedom camping opportunities. Before your trip, read our guide to freedom camping when hiring from a local owner.

Essential freedom camping information:

  • Certification required: Ensure your van meets self-containment standards

  • District rules: Different areas have varying regulations

  • Seasonal changes: Some spots close during peak season

Popular freedom camping locations:

Check the Christchurch City Council freedom camping map for approved sites, including:

  • Waimakariri River Regional Park: Riverside spots

  • New Brighton Beach: Coastal parking areas

  • Little River: Banks Peninsula gateway

  • Lake Pearson: High country camping

Getting around Canterbury
Distances from major centers

From Queenstown:

  • To Christchurch: 480 km (6 hours)

  • To Timaru: 400 km (5 hours)

  • To Kaikōura: 580 km (7.5 hours)

From Wellington (via ferry):

  • To Christchurch: 440 km (5.5 hours from Picton)

  • To Kaikōura: 240 km (3 hours from Picton)

  • To Timaru: 540 km (7 hours from Picton)

Best seasons to visit

  • Summer (December-February): Beach activities and hiking

  • Autumn (March-May): Fall colors and mild temperatures

  • Winter (June-August): Skiing and hot springs

  • Spring (September-November): Lambing season and wildflowers

Other great destinations

Camplify has the perfect holiday for you

Find a van
Canterbury Region Motorhome, Caravan & Campervan Hire :: Camplify