Big Little Campers: Review & Booking Guide
Considering hiring from Big Little Campers in Christchurch? This independent guide explains who Big Little Campers is best suited to, how their compact campervans compare with other rental companies, what to consider before booking, and how to choose the right vehicle for your South Island adventure.
With a modern fleet designed for couples, solo travellers and small families, Big Little Campers focuses on simple, well-equipped campervans backed by friendly local service and great value.
Big Little Campers in New Zealand: What You Need to Know Before You Book
Big Little Campers specialises in compact campervans that combine the convenience of a standard van with the essential comforts needed for touring New Zealand. Their fleet is designed to be easy to drive, economical to run and well suited to everything from city streets to winding alpine roads.
Before you book, it's worth understanding the different vehicle options, what's included in the hire, self-containment, insurance, and how Big Little Campers compares with other campervan companies. This guide will help you decide whether Big Little Campers is the right choice for your South Island road trip.
Big Little Camper's Campervan Fleet
Big Little Campers specialises in compact campervans that combine the convenience of a standard van with the essential comforts needed for touring New Zealand. Their fleet is designed to be easy to drive, economical to run and well suited to everything from city streets to winding alpine roads.
Most vehicles are configured for two travellers, making them an excellent choice for couples or friends exploring the South Island. Each campervan is fitted with sleeping accommodation, a kitchenette, dining area and practical storage for luggage and travel gear. Many vehicles are certified self-contained, allowing guests to stay at a wide range of campsites and designated freedom camping locations throughout New Zealand.
Big Little Campers keeps its fleet deliberately simple, with just three campervan models: The Little One, The Big One and The Biggest One. Each is designed and built in New Zealand, with the three options offering a clear progression in size, space and comfort. All three are automatic and self-contained, making them suitable for exploring New Zealand and, subject to local rules, freedom camping.
The Little One
A compact, self-contained campervan for two, based on an automatic Nissan NV350. At just 4.7m long, it’s easy to drive and manoeuvre, with a double bed, pull-out kitchen, gas stove, sink, 30L fridge and clever storage. With a fixed toilet, fresh and grey water tanks, 12V auxiliary battery and 240V campground hook-up, it’s a practical and affordable option for exploring New Zealand.
The Biggest One
A premium Fiat Ducato, offering a spacious and comfortable setup for two. With a full bathroom, hot shower, well-equipped kitchen, large fridge-freezer, double bed and plenty of interior space, it has many of the comforts of home. Solar power, lithium batteries, a diesel heater and 240V hook-up make it particularly well suited to longer trips and freedom camping around New Zealand.
The Big One
The Big One is a versatile Toyota Hiace campervan with space for up to three people. Its clever layout includes a comfortable double bed, additional roof bed, indoor kitchen and plenty of storage, while the fixed toilet and self-contained setup make it well suited to camping around New Zealand. With solar power and 240V hook-up, it offers a good balance of comfort, practicality and freedom on the road.
What makes Big Little Campers unique?
Big Little Campers has carved out a niche by focusing on compact, easy-to-drive campervans that are ideal for travellers who want the freedom of a road trip without the size and complexity of a large motorhome. Their vehicles are designed to be practical and comfortable while remaining simple to drive, making them a popular choice for first-time campervan travellers as well as experienced road trippers.
Another standout feature is their Christchurch location, providing a convenient starting point for exploring New Zealand's South Island. Many travellers choose to begin their journey here thanks to easy access to destinations such as Arthur's Pass, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook, the West Coast and Queenstown.
Big Little Campers also focuses on providing a straightforward rental experience. Their fleet is intentionally compact rather than offering a wide range of vehicle classes, making it easier for customers to choose a campervan that suits their needs without feeling overwhelmed by options.
For travellers who value affordability, fuel efficiency and the flexibility to access places that can be difficult for larger motorhomes, Big Little Campers offers an attractive alternative. Their campervans strike a balance between comfort and practicality, making them well suited to couples and small groups planning to explore New Zealand at their own pace.
Who Are Big Little Campers Best For?
Big Little Campers vehicles are especially well suited to:
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Couples looking for a compact campervan that's comfortable for both short breaks and extended road trips.
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First-time campervan travellers who want an automatic vehicle that's easy to drive and park on New Zealand's roads.
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International visitors seeking a hassle-free rental experience, complete with local travel advice and personalised recommendations from a team that has explored New Zealand extensively.
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Freedom campers wanting a certified self-contained campervan that can access designated freedom camping areas throughout the country.
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Road trippers planning longer itineraries, thanks to unlimited kilometres and discounts for extended rentals.
Big Little Campers is likely to be a particularly good fit if your priority is spending your days exploring rather than relaxing inside your campervan. Their compact vehicles are ideal for travelling scenic roads, visiting small towns and fitting into standard parking spaces, while still providing everything needed for comfortable camping.
Travellers who need sleeping space for larger families, want a luxury motorhome with premium amenities, or prefer a spacious vehicle with separate living areas may find that a larger four- to six-berth motorhome from another rental company such as Maui or Britz is a better match. However, for most couples and independent travellers, Big Little Campers offers an excellent balance of comfort, drivability and value.
Big Little Campers Hire Prices & Value
Big Little Campers positions itself in the middle of the New Zealand campervan hire market. Rather than competing at the very cheap end of the market (occupied by the likes of Spaceship Rentals), the company focuses on delivering good value through a combination of well-equipped, self-contained campervans, transparent pricing and a straightforward rental experience.
Rental rates vary depending on the season, with peak summer prices typically higher than winter. As a guide, daily rates generally range from around NZ$200–$400 per day during busier travel periods, while winter specials can be available from around NZ$80 per day. Discounts are also offered for longer rentals of 14, 21 and 28+ days, making extended South Island road trips more affordable.
One of the biggest value advantages is that every campervan is certified self-contained, giving travellers access to designated freedom camping areas throughout New Zealand. This can significantly reduce accommodation costs compared with staying exclusively in holiday parks. Big Little Campers also includes a range of essentials in the rental price, such as unlimited kilometres, basic insurance, kitchen equipment and 24/7 roadside assistance, helping minimise additional costs once you're on the road.
For travellers looking for an affordable, well-equipped campervan without paying premium luxury prices, Big Little Campers offers strong overall value—particularly for couples planning longer road trips or travelling outside the peak summer season.
Do Big Little Campers Offer Discount Codes & Promotions?
Quite often, yes. Big Little Campers regularly offers special deals and promotional pricing, so it's worth checking for an offer before booking rather than simply accepting the first price you see.
Discounts can vary depending on the vehicle, travel dates, length of hire and availability. Big Little Campers also sometimes offers seasonal specials and other promotions that can reduce the standard hire rate.
It's also worth comparing your travel dates if you have some flexibility. Campervan hire prices can vary significantly depending on demand, particularly during the busy New Zealand summer period. Before booking, check our Big Little Campers discount codes & promotions page for the latest codes and offers we've found. We update the page as promotions change, so it's a useful place to check before you pay.
Self-containment & Freedom Camping
What Does Certified Self-Contained Mean?
If you're planning to travel around New Zealand in a campervan, you'll often see the term "certified self-contained" when comparing vehicles. But what does it actually mean?
A certified self-contained vehicle has been assessed and certified as having the facilities needed to manage its own waste and water while you're travelling. This includes a toilet and systems for managing wastewater and rubbish, so you don't need to rely on public facilities every time you stop. For campervan travellers, self-containment is particularly important because some freedom-camping locations in New Zealand require vehicles to be certified self-contained.
Under the current certification system in New Zealand, campervans must have a fixed toilet, rather than a portable toilet. Certified vehicles display a green warrant/card showing that the vehicle meets the requirements of the new certification system.
This means that simply having a portable toilet in a campervan does not necessarily make the vehicle certified self-contained.
Does certified self-contained mean you can freedom camp anywhere?
No. This is an important distinction. A certified self-contained campervan gives you access to some freedom-camping opportunities, but it doesn't mean you can park and camp anywhere you choose. Local councils, conservation areas and individual sites can have their own restrictions, including designated freedom-camping areas, prohibited areas and limits on where vehicles can stay. Always check the rules for the specific location you're planning to visit.
Freedom Camping restrictions are generally signposted but also check local council websites.
Are Big Little Campers Campervans Self Contained?
All Big Little Campers vehicles are certified self-contained, meaning they're equipped with a fixed toilet, fresh water and grey water tanks that meet New Zealand's current self-containment standards. This allows you to stay at designated freedom camping locations throughout the country, giving you greater flexibility and the opportunity to reduce accommodation costs during your trip.
This is an important advantage when hiring a campervan in New Zealand. Since 7 June 2026, only vehicles with the new Green Warrant self-containment certification can legally use areas reserved for self-contained vehicles. Older "blue sticker" certifications are no longer valid for freedom camping. Big Little Campers fleet meets the Green Sticker requirements, so you can travel with confidence knowing your campervan complies with the latest legislation.
While having a self-contained campervan opens up many more overnight parking options, it's worth remembering that freedom camping is still regulated by local councils and the Department of Conservation (DOC). Some locations prohibit overnight camping altogether, while others restrict it to designated areas. Always check local signage and bylaws before staying overnight to ensure you're camping legally.
What's Included in the Hire?
Big Little Campers includes most of the essentials you'll need for a New Zealand road trip, so you can arrive, collect your campervan and get on the road with minimal preparation. Every rental comes with unlimited kilometres, certified self-contained accommodation, basic insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, quality bedding, bath towels and a fully equipped kitchen featuring ceramic crockery, cooking utensils, cookware, a camp kettle, espresso maker and camping stove. Drinking water, camping gas and USB charging points are also included, along with practical extras such as maps and on-road trip planning advice.
While the core camping equipment is included, there are a number of optional extras available if they suit your trip. These include:
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Premium insurance to reduce your excess/bond to $0.
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Bike racks for travellers bringing bicycles.
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Roof racks and roof boxes for additional storage.
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Snow chains for winter travel.
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Child seats for families travelling with young children.
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Optional bedding upgrades, including luxury pillows, extra blankets and winter-weight duvets.
For most travellers, the only significant additional cost to consider is the optional insurance upgrade. Every booking includes basic insurance, but this requires a security bond. Travellers wanting greater peace of mind can choose the premium insurance option, which reduces the bond to zero for an additional daily fee.
What's It Like to Drive a Big Little Camper Campervan?
Their campervans are designed to feel much less intimidating to drive than a traditional motorhome. The company focuses on compact, automatic vans that are built for New Zealand's roads, making them a great option for first-time campervan travellers as well as experienced road trippers.
The Little One is based on a 2018 Nissan NV350, measuring just 4.7 metres long. Its compact footprint makes it easy to park, navigate city streets and tackle winding South Island roads while still providing everything needed for comfortable camping.
The Big One is built on a Toyota Hiace, one of New Zealand's most popular and trusted commercial vans. Although it offers full standing room inside, it remains relatively compact at 4.9 metres long, making it noticeably easier to manoeuvre than larger six to seven-metre motorhomes. The Hiace is well regarded for its reliability, comfortable driving position and smooth handling, making it well suited to long-distance touring.
All Big Little Campers vehicles feature automatic transmissions, reducing driver fatigue and making them particularly easy to drive for visitors unfamiliar with New Zealand roads or left-hand-side driving. The company also designs and builds its own campervan interiors, with a strong emphasis on maximising space without compromising drivability.
Pros & cons of hiring with Big Little Campers
Pros
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Compact campervans that are easy to drive and park, even for first-time campervan travellers.
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All vehicles are automatic, making them simple to drive on New Zealand roads.
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Every campervan is certified self-contained, providing access to designated freedom camping areas.
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Unlimited kilometres are included with every rental.
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Well-equipped campervans with bedding, towels, kitchen equipment and camping essentials included.
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Convenient Christchurch depot just minutes from Christchurch Airport.
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One-way rentals between Christchurch and Auckland are available.
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Big Little Camper Discounts codes are often available.
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Smaller vehicles are more fuel-efficient than large motorhomes.
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Friendly, personalised service from a locally owned New Zealand company.
Cons
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Fleet is primarily designed for couples, so there are limited options for larger families or groups.
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No airport shuttle service—you'll need to arrange a short taxi or rideshare to the depot.
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Smaller living space than a traditional motorhome, particularly on longer trips or during poor weather.
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Limited range of vehicle types compared with some larger rental companies.
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Premium insurance is an optional extra if you want to reduce your excess to zero.
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No onboard shower, so you'll rely on campground or public shower facilities during your trip.
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Compact storage means you'll need to pack efficiently, especially if travelling with bulky luggage or outdoor equipment.
Where Do I Pick Up and Drop Off Big Little Camper Rentals in Christchurch?
If you're hiring from Christchurch, you'll collect and return your campervan at the Big Little Campers depot located at Airpark Canterbury, 17/25 Logistics Drive, Harewood, Christchurch. The depot is just a few minutes from Christchurch Airport, making it a convenient starting and finishing point for a South Island road trip.
Big Little Campers does not operate an airport shuttle service. Instead, they recommend taking a short Uber or local rideshare from the airport to the depot.
One-way rentals between Christchurch and Auckland are available, allowing travellers to start their journey in one city and finish in the other. If you're returning your campervan to Christchurch, simply drop it back at the Harewood depot before making the short trip to the airport for your onward flight.
As they operate depots in both Auckland and Christchurch it's always worth asking if a relocation deal is available if you're intending on a one way hire between the North and South (or visa versa)
How Does Big Little Campers Compare With Other Campervan Companies?
Compared to:
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JUCY / Waka – Big Little Campers offers a more boutique, personalised rental experience with newer campervans and custom-built interiors, while JUCY and Waka have larger fleets and more nationwide depots.
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Britz / Apollo – Big Little Campers focuses on compact, easy-to-drive campervans for couples and small groups, whereas Britz and Apollo offer a much broader range of larger motorhomes and family-sized vehicles.
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Maui / Wilderness – Big Little Campers delivers excellent value and simplicity for travellers who don't need a premium motorhome. Maui and Wilderness are better suited to travellers wanting more space, luxury finishes and high-end onboard amenities.
Big Little Campers is an excellent choice for couples and independent travellers looking for a modern, compact campervan with personalised service.
Compare Big Little Campers side by side with other Christchurch campervan hire companies.
Big Little Campers Booking Tips
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Compare the three vehicles carefully: The Little One, The Big One and The Biggest One offer quite different levels of space, facilities and comfort. Don't simply choose based on the daily rate — consider what you'll actually want from the van during your trip.
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Check for Big Little Campers promo codes and discounts: Before booking, check here for current Big Little Campers discount codes, special offers or promotional deals available. These can often reduce the cost of your hire significantly
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Book early for peak season: Summer is the busiest time to travel around New Zealand, and Big Little Campers has a relatively small fleet. Popular vehicles can therefore sell out, particularly between December and February.
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Think about the size of your vehicle: The Little One is particularly easy to drive and park, while The Biggest One offers considerably more interior space and facilities. If you're planning to spend a lot of time in the van, the extra space may be worth the additional cost.
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Check what's included: Look carefully at the standard hire inclusions and any optional extras before booking so you understand the total cost of your trip.
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Consider the season: If you're travelling outside summer or expect to spend time in colder or wetter conditions, think about how much indoor space and cooking facilities you'll want.
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Check your pickup and drop-off arrangements: Mmake sure you understand the depot location, opening hours and arrangements for getting to and from the airport before finalising your booking.
Big Little Campers - our verdict
Big Little Campers is one of the standout choices for couples and solo travellers looking to explore New Zealand in a compact, modern campervan. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, the company has focused on doing one thing exceptionally well: providing thoughtfully designed campervans that are comfortable to live in and easy to drive.
What impresses us most is the balance between practicality and comfort. The vehicles are small enough to make driving New Zealand's narrow roads and finding parking relatively stress-free, yet they're equipped with the essentials needed for extended road trips. Add in certified self-containment, unlimited kilometres and a strong reputation for friendly, personalised service, and it's easy to see why Big Little Campers consistently receives outstanding customer reviews.
It's not the right choice for everyone. If you're travelling with a large family, want a spacious motorhome with a separate shower and toilet, or are looking for luxury accommodation on wheels, you'll likely be better served by a larger motorhome rental company.
However, if you're a couple, solo traveller or two friends planning a South Island adventure, Big Little Campers is one of the companies we'd confidently recommend. It offers an excellent combination of quality, value and ease of use, making it a great fit for travellers who want to spend less time worrying about the vehicle and more time enjoying New Zealand.
