Kiwi Campers

Kiwi Campers has been hiring out campervans across New Zealand since 2005, growing from a five-vehicle starter fleet into an operation of over 150 vehicles based out of Auckland and Christchurch. They occupy a clear niche in the NZ campervan market: older vehicles, honest pricing, and a no-frills approach that suits budget-conscious travellers who want to get on the road without paying premium rates for the newest models.

The fleet spans 2-berth vans up to 7-berth motorhomes, covering virtually every group size. Compact options like the Kiwi Dart 2 Berth (built on a VW T5) and the Kiwi Euro 2 ST (VW Crafter) suit couples well, while the Kiwi 2/3 ST on an LDV V80 is a solid choice for two adults travelling with a child. At the larger end, the Kiwi 6 Berth Mercedes-Benz and Kiwi 7 Berth Mitsubishi Canter carry full families with room for three double beds, shower, toilet, and a kitchen equipped with a 4-burner stove, microwave, and 135L fridge. Most vehicles in the fleet carry self-contained certification, which matters enormously when freedom camping across New Zealand.

Two newer additions worth flagging are the Kiwi Hi 4 (2014-16 Toyota Hiace, automatic) and the Kiwi Cruise 4 Berth and Kiwi Ranger 4 Berth (both on 2016 Fiat Ducato), which represent a newer generation of motorhome on an otherwise mature fleet. The Ranger in particular is a strong choice for groups of four who want flexibility: its twin rear beds convert to a king-size configuration, and the 167L fridge/freezer is larger than most competitors at this price point. For a high-spec alternative, compare the Apollo NZ fleet, which offers newer vehicles at a higher price.

Kiwi Campers operates depot-to-airport transfers from both locations, which is a meaningful convenience. The Christchurch depot at 6 Export Ave, Harewood, is 10 minutes from CHC Airport. The Auckland depot at Unit 8, 197 Montgomerie Road, Airport Oaks, is minutes from AKL. One-way rentals are available between the two cities, though not all vehicle types qualify — confirm availability at booking. If you are flying into Auckland and want to explore the North Island first, read our guide on why the North Island is world-class for campervan trips.

Insurance is structured in four tiers: Bronze (standard NZ$4,000 excess on 4/6-berths, NZ$2,000 on 2-berths), Silver (NZ$1,500 / NZ$750 at NZ$10-20/day), Gold (NZ$250 / NZ$125 at NZ$17.50-35/day), and Platinum (zero excess at NZ$27.50-55/day, with windscreen and tyre cover). Platinum also includes GPS, solar shower, and picnic table and chairs as extras. The excess tiers are in line with industry norms — JUCY and Mad Campers run comparable structures. No cash deposits are required; a credit card imprint suffices at collection.

The honest assessment: Kiwi Campers is not the right choice if you want something new. Many vehicles are 2007-2013 era, and the fleet age shows in interior wear on older units. But if you are comfortable with that trade-off, the price advantage is real, the fleet is comprehensive, and the airport transfer and no-extra-driver-fee inclusions are genuinely useful. For a longer perspective on costs, see our guide on the cheapest ways to travel New Zealand. For the Britz NZ alternative at the mid-market, expect newer vehicles and correspondingly higher rates.

If self-containment certification is critical to your itinerary, verify before booking — the Original 3 (1999-2004 Toyota Hiace) is not currently certified self-contained, while every other active model in the fleet is. For road trip preparation essentials, our must-carry campervan essentials guide is worth a read before you head out.