Find a wide selection of campervans and motorhomes for hire in South Island and the surrounding area. Discover unique vehicles offered by private owners: from compact campervans for 2 people, perfect for couples, to spacious 6-berth motorhomes, ideal for families. Flexibility, competitive prices and insurance included.
New Zealand's South Island stretches over 150,000 square kilometres, making it the country's larger landmass and home to Aoraki / Mount Cook, which rises 3,724 metres above sea level as the tallest peak in Australasia. From the wildlife-rich waters of Kaikoura, where sperm whales surface year-round, to the mirror-still reflections of Milford Sound deep in Fiordland National Park, the island rewards travellers who take their time. Christchurch to Queenstown covers roughly 480 km by road, while the drive from Greymouth to Franz Josef is a scenic 175 km along the West Coast. The Southern Alps run like a spine down the centre, creating a dramatic divide between lush rainforest to the west and golden tussock plains to the east. Coastal highways, mountain passes such as Arthur's Pass, and lakeside roads around Wanaka and Te Anau make the South Island ideal territory for a campervan or motorhome journey. Freedom camping is permitted in certified self-contained vehicles at designated spots, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace. Through Yescapa's peer-to-peer platform, you can hire a campervan directly from local owners across the South Island, choosing from a wide range of vehicles to suit your group size and travel style. Whether you are drawn to the turquoise lakes of Mackenzie Country or the penguin colonies near Dunedin, the South Island delivers an unforgettable road trip experience.
The South Island's peak season runs from December to February, when long daylight hours and warm temperatures make it ideal for campervan touring. January brings events like the Marlborough Wine and Food Festival, a celebration of the region's world-famous sauvignon blanc. Autumn, from March to May, offers golden landscapes around Arrowtown and quieter campsites across the island. Winter opens up ski season at Cardrona and The Remarkables near Queenstown. With Yescapa, peer-to-peer pricing means you can often find more competitive hire rates outside peak months, and booking a motorhome in spring (September to November) lets you enjoy wildflower-covered meadows with fewer crowds on the road.
To help you plan your trip, we have selected six unmissable road trips, suitable for all travelers.
This 250 km route links Kaikoura's whale-watching waters with the Marlborough wine region over 3–6 days. Stop in Blenheim for cellar-door tastings, then wind through the coastal hills. Campervan-friendly sites dot the route with powered pitches and sea views.
A compact 280 km loop perfect for 3–6 days, circling Lake Wanaka and the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown. Cross the Crown Range Road for panoramic alpine views. Motorhome parking is available at well-maintained lakeside campsites along the way.
Covering 350 km over 5–8 days, this South Island route crosses Arthur's Pass between Christchurch and Greymouth. Walk to the Devil's Punchbowl waterfall and explore the beech forests. The road suits campervans and motorhomes, with freedom camping spots near the pass.
Drive 450 km along the South Island's West Coast over 5–8 days, from Westport to Haast. Visit the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki and walk to Franz Josef Glacier. Campsites with full hook-ups are spaced regularly, ideal for campervan and motorhome travellers.
This 600 km South Island loop takes 7–11 days, starting in Queenstown and reaching Milford Sound via Te Anau. Cruise beneath towering fiord walls and spot dolphins. The Milford Road is well-maintained, though larger motorhomes should check current conditions before setting off.
At 750 km over 10–15 days, this tour connects Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown, and Dunedin in one grand South Island circuit. Take in turquoise glacial lakes and the Otago Peninsula's wildlife. A campervan gives you the freedom to linger wherever the scenery calls.
Discover step by step how we work. We accompany you at every stage of the rental process, both owners and travellers.
Discover
Find for a leisure vehicle near you or a destination idea according to your planned route, then specify the pick-up and return dates. The perfect vehicle for your road trip holiday is waiting for you!
Connecting people
Make one or more booking requests for leisure vehicles that have caught your eye and wait for the owners' responses. Once your request has been accepted, all you have to do is confirm your booking.
Pick-up
On the pick-up date, collect the vehicle and listen to the valuable advice of the owner for handling it; you are ready hit the road with family, as a couple or with friends.
Return
Once again, with the owner complete the vehicle condition check and sign the Rental Agreement as well as exchange your travel stories. All you have to do is imagine your next road trip!
The South Island offers a superb network of holiday parks and campsites spread from the whale-watching coast of Kaikoura to the fiord country around Te Anau. Most parks provide powered sites, dump stations, kitchen facilities, and hot showers suitable for both campervans and motorhomes. Many are set beside lakes or within walking distance of national park trails, so you can step straight from your vehicle into the landscape.
The South Island has no toll roads, so you can travel freely without worrying about extra charges. The general open-road speed limit is 100 km/h, though motorhomes over 3,500 kg should keep to posted limits and take extra care on winding mountain passes like Arthur's Pass and the Haast Pass. State Highway 1 runs along the east coast, while State Highway 6 traces the dramatic West Coast. Many routes are single-carriageway, so use passing bays where provided. Rest areas with dump stations for self-contained vehicles are well signposted throughout the island, making longer journeys comfortable and convenient.
Simon and his girlfriend Arantx were fantastic. Both were very friendly and helpful from start to finish. The van was in excellent condition and stocked with all the essential we needed for the trip! Highly recommend
Ottima strumento per trovare camper e facilmente prenotabile. Servizio ottimo
Des del primer momento el trato con Jordi fue de diez, hemos estado en contacto con el por si tenia alguna duda y ha ido todo genial. Al hacer el check out la furgoneta estava igual tal cual le entregamos asi que todo muy correcto! Te esperamos para la proxima Jordi! Gracias por confiar en nosotros🙌🏽😄
Tout s’est bien passé.
Fabio was a really great guest and left the camper van in perfect condition. He enjoyed His adventure exploring Ireland and we were delighted he hired one of our campervans.
We had an excellent experience renting our campervan from Laura. Everything was exactly as described, the van was well equipped and reliable, and we had no issues at all throughout our trip. It was a fantastic way to explore Southern France, giving us the freedom to visit beautiful towns, beaches and countryside at our own pace. Laura was great to deal with from start to finish and made the whole process simple and stress free. Highly recommended! 😊 Oisín & Ellen (Ireland)
