JUCY Rentals: Review & Booking Guide
Considering hiring from JUCY Rentals in Christchurch or throughout New Zealand? This independent guide explains who JUCY is best suited to, how its campervans compare with other rental companies, what to consider before booking, and how to choose the right vehicle for your South Island adventure.
Popular with couples, friends and budget-conscious travellers, JUCY offers a fleet of compact, easy-to-drive campervans that make exploring New Zealand's South Island simple, affordable and fun.
JUCY Rentals in New Zealand: What You Need to Know Before You Book
JUCY has earned a loyal following by offering some of the most affordable campervan rentals in New Zealand, but it's not the right fit for every traveller. Its compact vans are easy to drive and great value, although they offer less living space than many larger motorhomes.
Before you book, it's worth understanding the different vehicle options, what's included in the hire, self-containment, insurance, and how JUCY compares with other campervan companies. This guide will help you decide whether JUCY is the right choice for your South Island road trip.
JUCY Campervan Fleet
JUCY has built its reputation around making campervan travel affordable, accessible and fun. Unlike many rental companies that focus on large motorhomes, JUCY specialises in compact campervans that are easy to drive, simple to park, and ideal for travellers who want the freedom of a road trip without the size or cost of a larger vehicle.
Another thing that sets JUCY apart is its colourful, easy-going brand personality. From the iconic green and purple campervans to its relaxed approach to travel, JUCY has become a popular choice with younger travellers, couples and first-time campervan hirers looking for a memorable and budget-friendly adventure around New Zealand.
JUCY also offers excellent value for money. Competitive pricing, regular promotional deals and a range of practical campervan options make it one of the more affordable ways to experience the South Island, without sacrificing the essential features needed for a comfortable road trip.
While JUCY doesn't offer the luxury finishes or spacious layouts of premium motorhome brands, that's never been its focus. Instead, it delivers a straightforward, reliable and enjoyable campervan experience that's perfect for travellers who value flexibility, simplicity and great value, making it an excellent choice for exploring New Zealand's South Island on a budget.
Popular JUCY Vans
2 Berth Crib
The JUCY Crib is a compact 2-berth campervan designed for couples who want the freedom of campervan travel without the size or cost of a larger motorhome. It's easy to drive, practical and gives you the essentials for a comfortable road trip. It has sleeping space for two in a double bed and a compact kitchen. The Crib is not self-contained so can't be used for freedom camping.
4 Berth Condo
The JUCY Condo is a 4-berth campervan designed to make travelling with family or friends comfortable without sacrificing the convenience of a compact vehicle. It features two double beds, a practical dining area and a well-equipped kitchen, giving you plenty of flexibility for meals and downtime while you're on the road.
3 Berth Chaser
The JUCY Chaser is a practical 3-berth campervan that combines the freedom of campervan travel with the convenience of having your own bathroom on board. It's fully self-contained and designed to give you everything you need for a comfortable trip.
With sleeping space for three, including a double bed and single bunk, plus an onboard shower and toilet.
What makes JUCY Rentals unique?
Let's start by looking at the campervans available from JUCY Rentals. Rather than offering large motorhomes, JUCY focuses on compact, practical campervans that are easy to drive, economical to run, and well suited to exploring New Zealand's South Island. The fleet is designed with couples, friends and small families in mind, with a range of 2 to 4 berth campervans that combine the essentials for comfortable road trip travel without the size or cost of a full motorhome.
At the smaller end of the range are JUCY's 2-berth campervans, which are ideal for couples looking for an affordable and easy-to-drive option. Larger 3 and 4-berth models provide additional sleeping space and storage, making them a better choice for small families or groups of friends. Despite their compact footprint, most vehicles include a kitchenette, dining area, comfortable beds and clever storage solutions designed to maximise the available space.
While JUCY's smaller car based campervans are not self contained their ones vehicles are, allowing for greater flexibility for freedom camping around the South Island. Their smaller size makes them easier to park, manoeuvre and drive than larger motorhomes
Although the interiors are simpler than those offered by premium rental brands, they provide everything most travellers need for a comfortable and budget-friendly camping experience.
Overall, JUCY's fleet is best suited to travellers who value affordability, convenience and ease of driving over luxury, making it an excellent choice for couples, first-time campervan travellers and anyone planning a memorable South Island road trip on a budget.
Who is JUCY best for?
JUCY is particularly well suited to travellers who want an affordable, practical campervans with the freedom to explore New Zealand without paying for more space and luxury than they need.
JUCY is a good choice for:
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Couples and friends looking for an affordable way to explore New Zealand.
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Budget-conscious travellers who prioritise getting out on the road over having a large or luxurious motorhome.
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First-time campervan travellers who want a relatively straightforward way to experience a New Zealand road trip.
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Younger travellers and backpackers who value flexibility and keeping accommodation and transport costs under control.
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Travellers who want a compact vehicle, particularly those who prefer something that's easier to drive, park and manoeuvre than a large motorhome.
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Travellers planning a South Island road trip who want the flexibility to combine freedom camping with paid campsites, where permitted.
JUCY may not be the best choice if You're looking for a luxury motorhome, lots of interior living space or a premium level of onboard facilities. In those cases, a specialist premium motorhome operator such as Star RV may be worth considering.
JUCY Rentals Hire Prices & Value
JUCY Rentals are a relatively affordable way to explore New Zealand by campervan, but the price you pay can vary considerably depending on your vehicle, travel dates and how far in advance you book. JUCY's own pricing guide shows rates ranging from around $35 per night for a 2-berth Crib in low season. For a couple looking for a simple and relatively inexpensive camping option, the Crib is JUCY's cheapest vehicle. Larger self-contained vehicles such as the Condo and Chaser cost more, but can offer better value for families or groups because the cost is shared between more travellers.
What affects the price of a JUCY campervan?
The biggest factor is when you travel. JUCY's rates can be substantially higher during the busy summer months of December to February, while travelling in the shoulder or low seasons can produce significant savings. Booking early can also help, particularly if you're travelling during the peak summer period.
Your choice of vehicle is another major factor. A small 2-berth camper car will have a lower daily rate than a larger self-contained campervan but it won't offer the same facilities or freedom-camping options.
It's also worth looking beyond the headline rental price. JUCY includes unlimited kilometres, bedding, towels, kitchen equipment and 24/7 roadside assistance.
Is JUCY good value?
For budget-conscious couples and travellers who don't need a large motorhome, JUCY can be good value, particularly if you travel outside the peak season. The ability to combine transport, accommodation and cooking facilities in one vehicle can also make the overall cost of a New Zealand road trip competitive with hiring a car and paying separately for accommodation.
However, don't assume the cheapest JUCY rental is automatically the cheapest campervan option. It's worth comparing the total cost, including insurance or excess reduction, campsite costs, one-way fees and optional extras.
JUCY also currently offers a Price Match Pledge, under which it says it will match a lower comparable price for the same vehicle, dates and locations, subject to its terms.
Can I get a discount on a JUCY Rental?
There are several ways to save and get a discount on JUCY campervan hire in New Zealand. JUCY regularly runs special offers, limited-time deals, promotional discounts and JUCY promo codes, and it's worth checking for a deal before booking rather than simply accepting the first price you see.
JUCY discount and promo codes can provide a discount on the standard hire rate, although the terms, eligible vehicles, travel dates and minimum hire periods can vary between promotions.
It's also worth checking for route-specific deals. For example, JUCY regularly uses special pricing to encourage one-way hires between locations such as Christchurch, Queenstown and Auckland. These offers can sometimes represent a much bigger saving than a standard promo code.
Don't forget if you find a better deal out their from one of JUCY's competitors, you can ask them to price match under their Price Match Pledge.
Before booking, check our JUCY campervan discount codes and 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.
A few tips for getting the best JUCY price
If you're trying to keep the cost of your campervan hire down:
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Look for current JUCY promo codes
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Check one-way specials, particularly if you're travelling between Christchurch, Queenstown and Auckland
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Compare your dates – JUCY's pricing varies significantly by season and availability
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Consider travelling outside the peak summer period
JUCY's deals are generally limited-time offers with specific terms and availability, so a discount available today may not be available when you book later. Always check the conditions attached to the particular offer.
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 JUCY Campervans self contained?
Most JUCY campervans in New Zealand are certified self-contained, giving you more flexibility when it comes to choosing where you can stay overnight.
Which JUCY campervans are self-contained?
JUCY's Condo and Chaser are certified self-contained vehicles. JUCY's current range also includes other self-contained models, while the smaller 2-berth JUCY Crib is not self-contained and is intended for travellers using campsites and holiday parks with toilet and other facilities.
The JUCY Condo, one of JUCY's most popular campervans, is a good example. It has a fixed toilet, 55-litre fresh-water tank, 60-litre waste-water tank and sink with a sealed drainage system, allowing it to meet the requirements for certified self-containment.
What's included in JUCY Campervan hire?
Wondering what you actually get when you hire a JUCY campervan? JUCY campervans come with most of the essentials you need for a New Zealand road trip already included in the hire price, so you don’t need to bring your own camping equipment or kitchen kit. It does differ slighly by vehicle but let's take the JUCY's most popular van option the Condo as an example.
What's included:
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Bedding and linen – pillows, sheets and duvet
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Bath towels and a tea towel
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Kitchen equipment and utensils, including cutlery and dinnerware
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Cleaning equipment
What's not included - these items are not included as standard but are available for a fee (per hire)
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Camping table – $25
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Baby seat – $40
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Booster seat – $40
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Snow chains – $50
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Kids activity pack – $5
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LPG gas bottle – $40
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Extra linen set – $40
What's It Like To Drive a JUCY Campervan?
One of the advantages of JUCY's vehicles is that they're relatively easy to drive, particularly compared with larger motorhomes. Their vans are based on familiar passenger vehicles and don't require the same level of confidence you might need when driving a large motorhome for the first time.
The Crib, for example, is car sized and very managable on New Zealand's often narrow and winding roads. It's also easier to manoeuvre in towns, parking areas and campsites than a larger campervan.
That said, the bigger models like the Chaser and Condo bigger than a normal car, so it's worth taking a little extra care when you're getting used to the vehicle. Allow more space when turning, braking and parking, and take your time on narrow roads and tight campsite entrances.
For most travellers, driving a JUCY campervan shouldn't be particularly challenging. If you're comfortable driving a car, you'll generally find JUCY's vehicles straightforward to handle - no specialist driving experience required.
If you're planning to explore the South Island, remember that some of the best scenery is reached via roads that can be narrow, steep or winding, JUCY's smaller campervans are well suited to take on these types of roads. Remeber though, to take your time, especially on unfamiliar roads, and don't feel pressured to match the pace of local traffic.
Overall, JUCY's smaller campervans offer a good balance between having enough space to live and sleep comfortably while remaining relatively easy to drive. This makes them particularly appealing if you're new to campervan travel or simply don't want to spend your holiday handling a large motorhome.
Pros & Cons of Hiring WIth JUCY
As with any campervan rental company, there are some trade-offs to consider before booking.
Pros
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Affordable options – JUCY's smaller campervans can be a relatively inexpensive way to combine transport and accommodation.
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Easy to drive – The smaller models are much easier to manoeuvre than a large motorhome, making them a good choice for first-time campervan travellers.
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Good choice for couples – The Crib and other smaller models are well suited to two people who don't need a lot of living space.
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Established rental company – JUCY has been operating in New Zealand for many years and has a large rental fleet and multiple depots.
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Multiple vehicle options – You can choose from compact campervans through to larger models depending on your group size and requirements.
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Regular JUCY deals and promotions – JUCY frequently runs special offers, which can make its campervans particularly good value when you can match your dates to a promotion.
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Good availability – With a large fleet, JUCY can be worth checking if other smaller rental companies have limited availability, especially over the peak summer months.
Cons
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Their smaller campervans have limited space – The compact models are practical, but living space can feel cramped, particularly if you're travelling for several weeks or spending a lot of time inside the vehicle.
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Not every JUCY vehicle is self-contained – If freedom camping is important to you, make sure the specific vehicle you book meets the current self-containment requirements.
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Older vehicles may show some wear – JUCY operates a large rental fleet that has high use, and the condition of individual vehicles can vary depending on age and use.
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Extra costs can add up – Insurance or excess reduction, optional equipment and other extras can make the final price higher than the advertised base rate. So always check the cost of extras before booking.
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Peak-season prices can be high – JUCY's affordable image doesn't necessarily mean low prices in December and January, when demand for campervans in New Zealand is at its highest.
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Less living space than a motorhome – If comfort and interior space are priorities, a larger campervan or motorhome may be a better choice, particularly for larger groups.
Overall, JUCY's biggest strength is its combination of affordability, simplicity and relatively easy-to-drive vehicles. It's particularly worth considering for couples and budget-conscious travellers, but it's important to choose the right model and compare the total hire cost rather than just the advertised daily rate.
Where do I pick up and drop off JUCY Campervans in Christchurch?
JUCY's Christchurch branch is located at 157 Orchard Road, just a short drive from Christchurch Airport and around 20 minutes from the city centre. The location makes it a convenient starting point for a South Island campervan road trip, whether you're arriving by air or already spending some time in Christchurch before picking up your vehicle. The branch is open daily from 9am to 4pm. Click here for details branch information.
If you're flying into Christchurch Airport, JUCY provides a free shuttle between the airport and its Orchard Road branch. The shuttle operates on demand during branch hours (last pick up is at 3.30pm and JUCY advise to arrive at the depot by 3pm latest), you'll need to collect your luggage and contact JUCY by phoning them on 0800 399 736 or +64 9 374 4360 in order to arrange the transfer rather than booking a fixed shuttle time in advance. At Christchurch Airport, the pickup point is at Zone C outside the terminal, with the JUCY shuttle operating from both domestic and international arrivals.
Once you arrive at the branch, you'll complete the check-in process and receive a walkthrough of your campervan before setting off. JUCY recommends arriving at least an hour before closing time for vehicle collection, meaning you should aim to arrive by around 3pm. After-hours campervan and motorhome pickups are generally not available, so consider what time flight arrives, if it arrives later in the day you may need to stay a night and collect in the morning.
Returning your JUCY campervan is equally straightforward. Vehicles should be returned to the same Christchurch branch at 157 Orchard Road during opening hours, with JUCY recommending that you allow at least 45 minutes between dropping off the vehicle and your required airport arrival time. After completing the return process, you can use the complimentary JUCY shuttle to get back to Christchurch Airport. There are currently no after-hours drop-offs for campervans or motorhomes.
Christchurch is also a useful base for one-way JUCY trips. Depending on availability, you can pick up in Christchurch and return your campervan at another JUCY branch, making it possible to build a one-way itinerary rather than returning to your starting point. Additional relocation fees may apply, so it's worth checking the exact cost when comparing your options.
For most travellers, Christchurch is an easy and convenient place to start a JUCY road trip. From the depot, you're well positioned to head towards destinations such as Arthur's Pass, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Kaikōura, the West Coast or Queenstown, depending on the South Island campervan route you've planned.
How does JUCY Campervans compare to other hire companies?
JUCY is one of New Zealand's best-known campervan hire companies, but it's far from the only option. Depending on your budget, group size and how much comfort you want, other companies may fit your requirements better. Let's compare JUCY against some of the other campervan hire options.
JUCY vs Spaceships Rentals
Spaceships is generally a better option for budget-conscious couples or travellers who want something small and easy to drive. Its classic campervans are compact vehicles that drive more like a car than a traditional motorhome, and cooking and sleeping equipment is included. Spaceships also offers unlimited kilometres and doesn't charge extra for additional drivers or one-way hires.
The trade-off is that many Spaceships models are not self-contained, meaning you'll need to use campsites with toilet and other facilities. Spaceships does now offer certified self-contained models, including its Beta 2S range. JUCY has a wider range of larger vehicles. Its Condo, Chaser and Big Kahuna are certified self-contained, with onboard toilets, while the fleet also includes smaller, lower-cost options such as the two-berth Crib.
Choose Spaceships if: price, fuel economy and easy driving are your priorities.
Choose JUCY if: you want more living space, an onboard toilet or a greater choice of self-contained vehicles.
JUCY vs Star RV
Star RV is positioned at the premium end of the New Zealand motorhome market, so this is less of a direct comparison with JUCY's smaller campervans.
Star RV is aimed at travellers who want a more luxurious motorhome experience, with larger vehicles, more space and higher levels of onboard comfort. That makes it particularly appealing for couples or families who are planning a longer trip and don't mind paying more for a motorhome that feels more like a home on wheels.
JUCY, by comparison, is more focused on value and flexibility. The JUCY range covers compact campervans through to six-berth motorhomes, meaning you can choose a vehicle based on your budget rather than automatically stepping up to a premium motorhome. For many travellers, the decision comes down to whether you want to spend more on the vehicle itself for additional comfort, or put that money towards experiences, accommodation and activities during your New Zealand trip.
Choose Star RV if: comfort, space and a more premium motorhome experience are high priorities.
Choose JUCY if: you want a more affordable and versatile campervan option.
JUCY vs Big Little Campers
Big Little Campers takes a very different approach to campervan design. It is a New Zealand company that designs and builds its own compact campervans, with models including the Little One, Big One and Biggest One. The focus is on clever use of space and modern, purpose-built interiors rather than the traditional rental-motorhome layout.
This makes Big Little Campers particularly interesting for couples who want something compact but a little more modern and refined.
JUCY has the advantage when it comes to range and established rental infrastructure. You can choose from multiple vehicle sizes, including the four-berth Condo and six-berth Big Kahuna, and JUCY has major pickup locations including Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. Big Little Campers is more of a boutique alternative, while JUCY is a larger, more established rental operator.
Choose Big Little Campers if: you're a couple looking for a compact, modern campervan with a clever interior.
Choose JUCY if: you're travelling with a family or group, want more choice of vehicle size, or value the convenience of a larger rental network.
How does JUCY Rentals compare to other hire companies?
JUCY Rentals – Our Verdict
JUCY has built its reputation around affordable, easy-to-drive campervans, and after looking at the different vehicles, inclusions, self-containment and how JUCY compares with other rental companies, it’s easy to see why it remains a popular choice for exploring New Zealand.
It won't be the right choice for everyone. If you're looking for a luxury motorhome with lots of living space, a premium rental company such as Star RV may be a better fit. Similarly, couples looking for the smallest and most economical campervan might prefer Spaceships.
But if you're looking for a good-value campervan that's practical, easy to drive and well suited to a South Island road trip, JUCY is certainly worth considering. Its range of compact campervans gives you the freedom of travelling with your accommodation and kitchen on board, while the self-contained options such as the Condo and Chaser give you considerably more flexibility when it comes to where you can stay.
The other big advantage is price. JUCY regularly offers discounts, promotional deals and promo codes, so it's worth checking what's available before you book.
Ultimately, choosing the right campervan comes down to how much space you need, whether you want self-containment, your budget and the type of trip you're planning. For couples, friends and small families who prioritise value and adventure over luxury, JUCY can be a very good way to see the South Island.
Ready to start planning? Check JUCY's current availability and don't forget to check for a JUCY discount code before you book.
