Spaceships Rentals New Zealand

Spaceships Rentals New Zealand Review

There's a particular type of traveller Spaceships Rentals New Zealand was built for: someone who wants the freedom of a campervan without the commitment of driving a full-sized motorhome through Wellington's one-way streets or squeezing a 7-metre coach-built into a Department of Conservation campsite. Their answer — a Toyota Estima with cooking gear, a proper bed, and an awning — has been winning converts since they launched, and the 2025 Best Transport award at the Adventure Tourism Awards (Australia and New Zealand category) suggests the formula still works.

Spaceships NZ operates two depots: Auckland (5 Aintree Avenue, Māngere — 4km from the airport) and Christchurch (160 Orchard Road, Harewood — 2.2km from the airport). That's a deliberate two-island setup that works particularly well for travellers doing a linear North-to-South (or reverse) itinerary. Pick up in Auckland, drive to Wellington, ferry to Picton, continue south to Queenstown, drop off in Christchurch. No one-way fee, no penalty for the classic New Zealand road trip route.

The Fleet: Compact by Design

All three active models share the same Toyota Estima platform — automatic transmission, 2.4L petrol engine, 4.6m long, 1.8m tall. That last number matters: at 1.8m, Spaceships campervans fit in standard car park buildings, under most campsite boom gates, and on the interisland ferry without height surcharges. They're slower than a car on the open road but dramatically easier to manage than anything bigger. Compared to the high-top motorhomes offered by Apollo or Maui, there's a real trade-off on interior standing room — but a corresponding gain in driveability and parking flexibility.

The Beta 2-Berth is the entry model. Its distinguishing feature is the rear bench seat — it can seat four passengers, which makes it the budget choice for small groups splitting the hire cost while two people sleep inside. The bed runs 1.4m wide by 1.9m long (extendable to 2.37m for a small fee), and the kitchen is a two-burner gas setup with a 10L water tank and integrated fridge. No onboard toilet, but the rear awning adds useful covered outdoor space.

The Beta 2S Self-Contained is the most practical model for serious freedom camping. It carries the Green Warrant certification under New Zealand's self-containment rules, which means you can legally pull up at Department of Conservation freedom camping sites — the same DOC network that's off-limits to non-certified vehicles. The 25L water tank (versus 10L in the Beta), fixed toilet with swivelling seat, grey water tank, and roof solar panel give it meaningful off-grid range. The trade-off is seating capacity: no rear bench, so it's strictly a two-person vehicle. The Bluetooth stereo and ISOFIX child seat compatibility are practical extras that the base Beta lacks. If freedom camping is a significant part of your itinerary — and in New Zealand it absolutely should be — this model is worth the step up.

The Dream Sleeper Mini is the premium option. The defining difference is a permanently set-up rear kitchen: stainless-steel sink with running cold water, 41L fridge/freezer (notably larger than the other models), and two gas cookers. The bed extends to 2.2m — the longest in the Spaceships NZ range — and the 4x USB ports and Bluetooth stereo make it the most tech-equipped option. Like all compact Spaceships models, the interior height is 1.2m (no standing upright), but the swivel front seats create a decent dining configuration. Fuel consumption edges slightly better than the other models at 8–9L/100km.

What's Included Across All Models

The standard inclusions are genuinely comprehensive: unlimited kilometres, cooking gear (gas burners, pans, plates, cutlery), sleeping gear (duvet, linen, pillows), integrated fridge, rear awning, smart battery system, and 24/7 NZRA roadside assistance. There is no young driver surcharge — 18+ with a valid licence qualifies at standard rates, which distinguishes Spaceships from larger fleet operators like Britz or Mighty who typically add surcharges for drivers under 25. Airport shuttle transfers are available from both depots with advance booking.

Who Should Book Spaceships NZ

Spaceships NZ is well-suited to first-time campervan travellers, solo travellers or couples, and anyone doing a point-to-point New Zealand itinerary who doesn't want to drive something the size of a bus. The compact size is a genuine advantage on New Zealand roads — particularly on the South Island where single-lane bridges, mountain passes, and narrow coastal highways make anything over 6m genuinely stressful. The self-contained Beta 2S is the standout option for anyone planning to freedom camp, and the Dream Sleeper Mini is worth considering for couples doing a longer trip who want the comfort of a properly equipped kitchen without managing a larger vehicle.

If you need 4-berth sleeping capacity for a family, Spaceships NZ is not the right fit — look at JUCY or Freedom Campers for compact options, or Apollo and Maui for full motorhome configurations. But for the specific segment Spaceships serves — two people, compact vehicle, unlimited kilometres, no hidden fees — they remain one of the most coherent propositions in the New Zealand market.