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Discover expert advice, destination guides, campsite reviews, road trip itineraries, and practical travel tips for exploring New Zealand's South Island by campervan. From planning your route and choosing the right campervan to finding incredible places to stay and things to do, our articles are designed to help you enjoy a smoother, more memorable road trip.
On the Road
Campervan Travel Blog



Avoiding Speeding Fines in New Zealand
You're on your long-awaited holiday, enjoying the sights and everything New Zealand has to offer. The last thing you want is to discover that you have picked up a speeding infringement along the way, adding an unnecessary cost to your trip. New Zealand takes speeding seriously, and there are several ways speeding can be detected on our roads. These include: Spot-speed safety cameras: Cameras that measure your speed at a particular point on the road. Mobile safety cameras: cam
5 min read


Spaceships Cosmo VW Review: A New Generation of Campervan
Spaceships Rentals has added something very different to its fleet. The new Spaceships Cosmo VW is a move away from the compact, car-based campervans the company has become known for, bringing a more spacious and premium campervan experience to the Spaceships range. Based on a Volkswagen Transporter, the Cosmo combines the familiar ease of a relatively compact campervan with many of the features you'd normally associate with a larger motorhome. There's a pop-top sleeping area
22 min read


The Waka Campa Outrider: A New 3-Berth Campervan for South Island Adventures
Waka Campa has added a completely new type of campervan to its fleet, and the Outrider is a pretty significant step up in size and capability. Built on a brand-new 2026 LDV Deliver 9, the Outrider is a 3-berth, certified self-contained campervan designed for travellers who want more room, more onboard facilities and more freedom to get away from the crowds. There’s a fixed double bed at the back, a proper indoor wet room, an 80-litre fresh-water tank, roof-mounted solar, a la
6 min read


JUCY Turns 25: Celebrate With 25% Off a South Island Campervan Adventure
JUCY Campervans, one of largest and well established campervan hire companies in New Zealand is celebrating 25 years on the road, an epic milestone! To mark the occasion, they're giving travellers 25% off campervan hire. If you've been thinking about exploring the South Island, this could be the perfect excuse to finally hit the road.
3 min read


SOEL Outdoors & Automotive: It's Who We Trust to Maintain Our Vans
Keeping a campervan road-ready takes more than servicing the engine. We take a closer look at SOEL Outdoors & Automotive in Rolleston, the team we trust to service and repair our own campervans. Discover the specialist mechanical, habitation, electrical and maintenance services they provide for campervan and motorhome owners.
5 min read


11 Ways to Save Money on your Campervan Holiday in New Zealand
This article is all about helping you travel smarter and cheaper, in a way that doesn't ruin the experience, but helps you get more out of every dollar you spend. Think fewer overpriced campsites, less money wasted on fuel, and more of the good stuff such as lakeside park-ups, free walks, and those classic South Island “how is this even real?” moments.
8 min read


One Way Hire Costs: Christchurch to Queenstown
What does a one-way campervan trip cost? If you’re planning a South Island road trip, chances are you’ve looked at one-way campervan hire, picking up in Christchurch and ending your trip and dropping off in Queenstown (or the other way around}. We see this question come up a lot, and it’s easy to understand why. One-way hires are popular because they let you see more of the South Island without backtracking. You keep the trip moving forward, avoid repeating long drives. If y
3 min read


Why Methven is the Perfect First Night Stop After Picking Up Your Campervan in Christchurch
For many travellers, Christchurch is where the South Island adventure begins. After landing, collecting your rental campervan, completing the handover, and stocking up on groceries, it's often mid to late afternoon before you're ready to hit the road. While it can be tempting to spend your first night in Christchurch, we think there's a much better option. Just over an hour's drive west of the city, Methven is the ideal place to ease into your New Zealand campervan holiday. T
9 min read


Hiring a Campervan Privately vs Through Camplify: Pros and Cons
Campervan travel has become one of the most popular ways to explore New Zealand, especially across the South Island where freedom, flexibility and scenery go hand in hand. As demand grows, so do the ways you can hire a campervan. Most travellers end up choosing between two campervan hire options , hiring from one of the large corporate campervan hire companies, or hiring privately. When hiring privately you've got two options; directly from an owner, or booking through a peer
6 min read


Campsite Review: The WIllows NZMCA Campervan Park
The Willows NZMCA Campervan Park is one of those places that often flies under the radar, but highly rated by those who know about it. In this review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about staying at The Willows NZMCA Campervan Park
8 min read


Why campervan travel is still a great option during a fuel crisis
Fuel prices might be rising, but that doesn’t mean putting your travel plans on hold. Campervan travel remains one of the most flexible and rewarding ways to explore New Zealand, giving you control over your route, budget, and pace. In a world where travel feels increasingly unpredictable, this guide explains why hitting the road in a campervan still makes perfect sense.
8 min read


What Rising Fuel Prices Mean for Campervan Travel in New Zealand
Campervan travel continues to offer strong value because it combines transport, accommodation, and often meals into a single travel experience. Even if fuel prices increase, this bundled travel style often remains more cost-effective than traditional holidays that require separate flights, rental cars, hotels, and restaurants.
The key to keeping costs under control is planning smart. Choosing efficient loop routes, limiting daily driving distances, staying multiple nights
7 min read


TranzAlpline Train – where can I park a motorhome
The TranzAlpine Train offers one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, traversing the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand's South Island. As you embark on this unforgettable adventure, whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, ensuring a smooth experience begins with meticulous planning. For motorhome owners seeking to explore the beauty of New Zealand while incorporating the TranzAlpine Train into their itinerary, understanding where to park you
4 min read


Our Favourite South Island Family Friendly Campgrounds
There is something pretty special about doing the South Island by campervan with kids. The scenery changes fast, the days feel full without needing a strict plan, and even the simple stuff like making breakfast outside or walking down to the beach after dinner turns into a proper family moment. But if you have travelled with children before, you will already know that where you stay matters a lot more than it does on an adults only trip. A campground can be the best part of t
9 min read


Is This The Ultimate South Island Campervan Itinerary?
"Trip of a Lifetime" 38 Day South Island Itinerary Getting the keys to a campervan is like holding a backstage pass to the best landscapes in the world. We recently helped a family map out their "trip of a lifetime" in Enzo our beloved luxury motorhome, and the result was a 38-day odyssey that hits every high note the South Island has to offer. From the rugged, salt-sprayed cliffs of the West Coast to the hidden waterfalls of the Catlins and the alpine majesty of Aoraki/Moun
9 min read


How Much Does a Campervan Cost to Rent in New Zealand?
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand? Well, you're not alone! Exploring this stunning country in a campervan has become all the rage among travellers. Not only does it offer the freedom to go wherever your heart desires, but it also means you have your cozy accommodation on wheels. But before you hit the road, there's one burning question on your mind: "How much is it going to cost me?" Don't worry; we've got you cov
11 min read


Driving a campervan in New Zealand is different to the rest of the world
Driving in New Zealand is an experience unlike any other—a journey that transcends mere transportation and becomes a voyage of discovery through some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes. It's a land where every curve of the road reveals a new vista, where towering mountains give way to pristine lakes, and rugged coastlines stretch as far as the eye can see. Yet, beyond the stunning scenery lies a deeper tapestry of culture, history, and tradition, woven into the very
11 min read


NZ South Island ski field overnight campervan parking guide
A complete guide to overnight campervan parking at every South Island ski field This guide covers where you can and can't park your motorhome overnight at each of the South Island's 19 different ski field, plus we also share our top tips and advice for making the most of your road trip this winter. When it comes to experiencing the breath-taking beauty of New Zealand's South Island and enjoying thrilling winter sports, there's nothing quite like a ski trip. And what better wa
25 min read


The ultimate guide to campervan power hook-ups in NZ
Embarking on a campervan adventure through the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand is an experience like no other. The freedom to explore the country's natural wonders at your own pace is both exhilarating and liberating. However, to make the most of your journey, it's essential to understand the intricacies of campervan power hook-ups. While you revel in the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand, ensuring a reliable and efficient power supply for your campervan becomes crucia
6 min read


Travelling by motorhome in winter in New Zealand’s South Island
Traveling by motorhome in the South Island of New Zealand during winter offers a unique and enchanting experience. The region transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and picturesque landscapes that seem straight out of a postcard. While the weather may be colder and the days shorter, winter in the South Island also brings a sense of tranquillity, uncrowded attractions, and a chance to engage in thrilling winter activities. In this articl
14 min read
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