South Island Motorhome, Caravan & Campervan Hire

Your South Island campervan hire journey begins here

Main Gateways

• Christchurch: South Island's largest city and international hub

• Queenstown: Adventure capital and alpine paradise

Top of the South

• Blenheim & Picton: Ferry gateway and wine country

• Motueka: Gateway to Abel Tasman National Park

Southern Treasures

• Dunedin: Scottish heritage and wildlife encounters

• Invercargill: Gateway to Stewart Island and the Southern Scenic Route

The Camplify Campervan South Island advantage: More than van rental

1. Personal connections: Our local owners share their favorite alpine lakes, hidden hiking trails, and secret camping spots across the South Island.
2. Flexible options: From compact campervans perfect for mountain adventures to spacious motorhomes ready for extended journeys.
3. 24/7 support: Our customer service team is ready to help whenever you need.

Camplify: Your trusted van sharing platform in the South

How to hire a motorhome in the South Island with Camplify

1. Browse and choose: Find your perfect van from our South Island fleet.
2. Book and connect: Send a booking request and chat with your local owner.
3. Hit the road: Meet your owner, get familiar with your van, and start exploring.

South Island themes: Choose your adventure & where to start
Alpine Wonders

• Southern Alps: Snow-capped peaks and mountain passes

  • Best starting point: Christchurch for Arthur's Pass (2.5 hours) or Queenstown for Southern Alps access (immediate)

• Glaciers: Fox and Franz Josef

  • Best starting point: Christchurch (5 hours) or Queenstown (4.5 hours)

• Aoraki/Mount Cook: New Zealand's highest peak

  • Best starting point: Christchurch (4 hours) or Queenstown (3 hours)

Coastal Magic

• Abel Tasman: Golden beaches and turquoise waters

  • Best starting point: Picton (2.5 hours) or hire from Motueka (immediate access)

  • From Christchurch: 5.5 hours to Nelson region

• Kaikoura: Whale watching and seafood

  • Best starting point: Christchurch (2.5 hours) or Picton (2 hours)

• Fiordland: Dramatic sounds and wilderness

  • Best starting point: Queenstown (2 hours to Te Anau) or Invercargill (2 hours to Te Anau)

Adventure Hub

• Queenstown: Bungy jumping and skiing

  • Direct access: Hire directly from Queenstown

  • From Christchurch: 6 hours drive

• Wanaka: Hiking and lake activities

Must-do road trips with caravan hire in South Island, NZ

Alpine Circuit

Coastal Journey

Southern Scenic Route

Complete Circuit

Regional highlights and camping spots
Christchurch & Canterbury

• Must-see: Banks Peninsula, Arthur's Pass, Lake Tekapo

• Camping: Check our Best camping grounds in Canterbury

Queenstown Lakes

• Must-see: Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, Arrowtown

• Camping: Discover 4 best Wanaka camping grounds

Marlborough

• Must-see: Wine region, Marlborough Sounds

• Camping: Explore Marlborough Sounds camping grounds

West Coast

• Must-see: Pancake Rocks, glaciers, wild beaches

• Camping: Visit 7 best West Coast campsites

Freedom camping across the South Island

Essential knowledge

• All vans must be self-contained certified

• Check local council websites for current regulations

• Be prepared for remote locations

• Practice "leave no trace" principles

Practical information

Mountain driving tips with your campervan hire in NZ (South Island)

• Check road conditions daily

• Carry snow chains in winter

• Allow extra time for mountain passes

• Fill up fuel in main towns

seasons

• Summer (December-February): Long days, perfect for hiking

• Autumn (March-May): Stunning colors, crisp mornings

• Winter (June-August): Snow, skiing, and winter activities

• Spring (September-November): Wild flowers, lambing season

Key distances

• To Queenstown: 480 km (6 hours)

• To Dunedin: 360 km (4.5 hours)

• To Picton: 330 km (4.5 hours)

• To Dunedin: 280 km (3.5 hours)

• To Invercargill: 185 km (2.5 hours)

• To Franz Josef: 350 km (4.5 hours)

North Island connections

Weather considerations

• Check MetService before travel

• Carry appropriate clothing

• Have alternative plans for bad weather

• Be prepared for four seasons in one day

Start your South Island adventure