Spaceships Rentals: Review & Booking Guide
Considering hiring from Spaceships Rentals in Christchurch? This independent guide explains who Spaceships 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 road trip.
Popular with couples, solo travellers and budget-conscious adventurers, Spaceships offers modern, easy-to-drive campervans that combine affordability with the flexibility to explore New Zealand at your own pace.
Spaceships Rentals in New Zealand: What You Need to Know Before You Book
Spaceships Rentals has built a strong reputation for offering affordable, compact campervans that are particularly popular with couples, solo travellers and budget-conscious adventurers. Its vehicles are designed to be easy to drive and economical to run, making them a practical option for exploring New Zealand without the size or cost of a larger motorhome.
Before you book, it's worth understanding the different Spaceships vehicle options, what's included in the hire, self-containment and freedom camping, insurance, pricing and how the vehicles compare with other campervan companies. This guide will help you decide whether Spaceships Rentals is the right choice for your South Island road trip.
Spaceships Rentals Campervan Fleet
Spaceships Rentals takes a different approach to traditional motorhome hire, focusing on compact campervans that are easy to drive, economical and designed for travellers who would rather spend their time exploring than sitting inside a large vehicle.
The fleet is centred around smaller, practical campervans, with different layouts and specifications depending on the model. They are generally best suited to couples and solo travellers, with some models offering additional sleeping capacity.
Typical Spaceships features include:
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Compact campervan designs that are easier to drive and park than larger motorhomes
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2-berth and larger options, depending on the vehicle available for your dates
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Sleeping accommodation and basic living facilities
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Kitchen facilities for preparing simple meals
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Storage for luggage and camping equipment
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Automatic transmission on the New Zealand fleet
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Self-contained options, where the specific vehicle is certified for self-containment
The main appeal of the Spaceships fleet is its simplicity. You get a genuine campervan experience without stepping up to the size, complexity and running costs of a full-size motorhome. For a couple planning to spend most of the day out exploring, that's often a very attractive trade-off.
If you're travelling for a longer period or carrying lots of luggage, bikes or outdoor equipment, however, the compact size is something to consider carefully. Living and storage space is more limited than you'll find in larger campervans and motorhomes.
Popular Spaceship Vans
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Beta Campervan
the original and most budget-friendly campervan in the fleet, making it a good option for travellers looking for an affordable way to explore New Zealand. It sleeps two and comes with an integrated fridge, cooking equipment, sleeping gear and a rear awning, so you have the essentials for a simple road trip. The Beta is not certified self-contained, so it can't be used for freedom camping
Dream Sleeper Mini
2-berth campervan designed for couples wanting extra comfort without the size of a motorhome. It features a 1.4m-wide double bed, fixed rear kitchen, sink, running water and 41L fridge/freezer. Automatic transmission and swivelling front seats make it easy to drive, while cooking and sleeping gear are included. It is not certified self-contained, so freedom camping restrictions apply.
Beta 2 S Self Contained
A compact 2-berth campervan designed for couples who want the flexibility of certified self-contained camping. It sleeps two in a 1.4m-wide double bed and includes a fridge, cooking gear, sleeping equipment, toilet, water tanks and solar power. It's Green Warrant certification means it can be used at campsites restricted to certified self-contained vehicles.
What Makes Spaceships Rentals Unique?
Spaceships Rentals sits somewhere between a traditional car rental and a full-size motorhome hire company. Its focus is on keeping things compact, simple and affordable, giving travellers the freedom of a campervan without having to drive a large vehicle.
That makes Spaceships particularly appealing if your priority is exploring New Zealand rather than spending lots of time inside your campervan. The smaller vehicles are easier to handle on winding South Island roads, simpler to park in towns and generally more economical to run than larger motorhomes.
A few things that set Spaceships Rentals apart include:
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Compact campervans – easier to drive and manoeuvre than larger motorhomes
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Budget-friendly touring – designed to provide the essentials without paying for unnecessary luxury
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Simple, practical layouts – everything is geared towards sleeping, cooking and getting back out on the road
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Good fuel economy – smaller vehicles can help keep fuel costs down over a long South Island road trip
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Campervan flexibility – a good option for travellers who want to combine freedom and independence with the convenience of having their own vehicle and sleeping space
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A strong fit for couples and younger travellers – particularly those who value adventure and affordability over space and luxury
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The trade-off is that Spaceships' compact approach means less interior space than you'll find in a larger motorhome. If you're looking for a spacious living area, separate beds, a bathroom or a more luxurious camping experience, another operator may be a better fit.
Who is Spaceships Rentals best for?
Spaceships Rentals is best suited to travellers who see their campervan as a base for exploring rather than a destination in itself. The compact vehicles are particularly well suited to couples and solo travellers who want an affordable, easy-to-drive way to experience the South Island.
Spaceships is likely to be a good fit if you are travelling as a couple or solo and don't need a large living area, but less suitable if you're looking for lots of interior living space, a separate bathroom and shower, luxury furnishings or plenty of room for a large amount of luggage and equipment. Families or groups may also find a larger motorhome more comfortable, particularly on longer trips.
For the right traveller, however, the compact size is part of the appeal. If you're planning to spend your days out exploring the South Island and mainly need somewhere comfortable to sleep, cook and recharge, Spaceships can offer a very practical balance of freedom, simplicity and price.
Spaceships Rentals Campervan Hire Prices & Value
Spaceships Rentals is aimed at travellers who want to keep the cost of their New Zealand road trip under control. Its compact campervans generally sit towards the more affordable end of the rental market with the non self contained Beta Campervan as low as $30 per day with seasonal offers and promotional codes.
As with most campervan hire, the price you see will depend heavily on when you travel, how long you hire for, vehicle availability and the particular model you choose. Summer and other high-demand periods can be considerably more expensive, while travelling outside peak periods can often deliver much better value.
Does Spaceship Rentals offer discounts & Promotions?
Yes. Spaceships Rentals regularly uses special offers, promotional pricing and seasonal deals, so it's worth checking for a current offer before booking rather than simply accepting the first price you see.
Spaceships discount codes and promotions can have their own terms, including specific travel dates, vehicle types, minimum hire periods or booking conditions. The headline discount isn't always available on every rental, so check the details before assuming an offer will apply to your booking. Make sure you visit our Spaceships Rentals discount codes and promotions page for the latest offers we've found. We update the page as deals change, making it a useful place to check before you book.
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 Spaceships Rentals Campervans Self-Contained?
Spaceships Rentals operates a mixed fleet of certified self-contained and non-self-contained campervans, so it's important to check the specific vehicle you're booking if freedom camping is a priority.
The Spaceships Beta 2S is the only model that is Self-Contained is certified under New Zealand's current Green Warrant requirements. It has the facilities required for certification, including a fixed toilet, freshwater and wastewater tanks, a sink and water supply.
Other Spaceships models, including the standard Beta and Dream Sleeper Mini, are non-self-contained. That doesn't mean you can't camp in them. There are still many DOC, council and commercial campsites where non-self-contained vehicles are permitted, provided you use sites with the required facilities.
If you specifically want the freedom to stay at campsites that require a certified self-contained vehicle, make sure you opt for a Beta 2S when booking, or check out self contained options from alternative hire companies such as JUCY and Star RV.
The Beta 2 S is the only model in the Spaceships fleet that has an on-board toilet and is certified self contained.
What's Included in the Hire?
One of the great things about Spaceships Rentals is that the hire price includes more of the basics than you might expect from a budget-focused campervan. You don't need to hire a separate bedding or kitchen package just to make the campervan usable.
Every Spaceships campervan comes with sleeping gear, including a mattress, sheets, duvet and pillows, as well as a cooking kit with gas cookers, gas canisters, pots, pans, a kettle, utensils, plates, cups and cutlery. Unlimited kilometres are also included, along with 24-hour roadside assistance.
There are some things you'll need to budget for separately. Items such as towels, camping chairs and tables, extra gas canisters, sunshades and outdoor equipment are available as optional extras. Spaceships also offers seasonal accessory packs, including options designed for summer or winter travel.
Insurance is another area worth checking carefully. Basic insurance is included with the hire, but Spaceships offers upgraded cover if you want to reduce your potential financial exposure and lower the insurance excess.
Overall, the inclusions are fairly well aligned with the Spaceships approach: you get the essentials needed to sleep, cook and travel, while the extras are largely optional. That keeps the initial rental price relatively simple, although you'll want to add up any extras you'll actually need before comparing the total cost with other campervan companies.
What's It Like to Drive a Spaceships Rental?
Driving a Spaceships campervan is essentially the same as driving a car. The New Zealand fleet is based around compact Toyota Estima MPVs, with automatic transmission, power steering and a relatively small footprint. Spaceships says the vehicles are designed to be easy to drive, and that's one of their biggest advantages on a South Island road trip.
At around 4.6 metres long and 1.8 metres high, a Spaceship is considerably smaller than a typical motorhome. That makes parking, manoeuvring and navigating towns noticeably less intimidating, particularly if you're not used to driving a large vehicle or are driving on the left-hand side of the road for the first time.
The compact dimensions are also useful on a South Island itinerary. You can comfortably tackle normal highways, winding country roads and many unsealed roads without feeling like you're piloting a large motorhome. Spaceships does have a small number of prohibited roads, including Skippers Canyon Road near Queenstown and Ball Hut Road near Mount Cook (which are restrictions most hire companies have), but otherwise its vehicles can be driven on New Zealand's roads, including gravel roads.
Pros & Cons of Hiring With Spaceships Rentals
Spaceships Rentals has a fairly distinctive offering compared with many New Zealand campervan companies. The compact, car-like vehicles can offer excellent value and are particularly easy to travel in, but the trade-off is considerably less living space and fewer onboard facilities than a conventional motorhome.
Pros
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Easy to drive – Spaceships are based on compact vehicles and feel much closer to driving a normal car than a large motorhome.
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Good value for couples and solo travellers – you're not paying for the extra size and facilities of a larger motorhome if you don't need them.
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Plenty included in the rental – unlimited kilometres, sleeping and cooking gear, additional drivers and 24/7 roadside assistance are included. Spaceships also currently charges no additional fee for one-way rentals.
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Certified self-contained option available – the Beta 2S Self-Contained meets New Zealand's current Green Warrant requirements, giving you more camping options than the non-self-contained models.
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Fuel efficient compared with a large motorhome – the smaller vehicle can help keep fuel costs down, particularly if you're covering a lot of kilometres.
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Flexible booking conditions – Spaceships currently allows free booking changes before pick-up and free cancellation up to 22 days before collection when booking under its standard direct terms.
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Drivers from 18 years old are accepted without a young-driver fee, which makes Spaceships particularly accessible to younger travellers.
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24 hour collection - collect your campervan at any time of the day
Cons
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Limited living space – this is the biggest compromise. The compact design is great on the road but much less spacious when you're camping, particularly during bad weather.
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You can't stand up inside – the Beta 2S Self-Contained, for example, has an interior height of around 1.2 metres.
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Basic facilities compared with a motorhome – don't expect the bathroom, shower, large kitchen or separate living and sleeping areas available in bigger motorhomes.
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Not every Spaceships campervan is certified self-contained – if freedom camping is part of your plans, you'll need to make sure you're booking the certified Beta 2S Self-Contained campervan rather than one of the non-self-contained options.
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Storage is more limited – worth considering if you're travelling with large suitcases, bikes or lots of outdoor equipment.
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Basic insurance carries significant liability – the included Basic Insurance currently has a $5,000 bond and vehicle write-off liability of up to $18,000, so it's important to understand the insurance options rather than focusing solely on the rental price.
For couples or solo travellers who are looking for affordability, easy driving and getting out to explore, the advantages of Spaceships can easily outweigh the lack of space. If you want to spend more time relaxing inside your campervan, or prefer a proper bathroom and more home-like facilities, a larger campervan fromt the likes of JUCY Rentals may be a better more suitable option.
Where Do I Pick Up and Drop Off Spaceships Rentals in Christchurch?
Spaceships Rentals' Christchurch depot is at 160 Orchard Road, Harewood, just 2.2km from Christchurch Airport. The depot around a 20–30 minute walk from the terminal or roughly 10 minutes by uber. Unlike some campervan companies, Spaceships doesn't operate an airport branch or shuttle service. Instead, you'll need to make your own way from the airport to the depot. Taxi and Uber are available, while the depot is also close enough to walk if you're travelling light.
One of the big advantages of the Christchurch depot is Spaceships' 24-hour pick-up and drop-off service. You aren't restricted to the depot's normal office hours, which can be particularly useful if your flight arrives late in the evening or very early in the morning. After-hours collection is self-service and unmanned, so you'll need to complete the online check-in process and follow the instructions Spaceships sends you before arrival.
During normal business hours, the depot operates with staff available to help with the collection process. The Christchurch office hours are 9am–5pm, 7 days, during winter the branch is unmanned on Sundays - the 24/7 self-service collection and return facility operates year-round.
Returning your Spaceships campervan is similarly straightforward. You return the vehicle to the Christchurch depot at your booked time, following the self-service return instructions if you're dropping off outside business hours. The vehicle should be returned in the required condition, and if you're using a self-contained Spaceship, you'll need to empty and clean the toilet and grey water as instructed.
How Does Spaceships Rentals Compare With Other Campervan Companies?
Spaceships Rentals occupies a slightly different part of the market from many other campervan companies. Its compact Toyota Estima-based vehicles are designed to be simple, economical and easy to drive, rather than providing the living space and onboard facilities of a larger motorhome. The biggest question is therefore less about which company is "better" and more about how much space and comfort you actually need.
Spaceships Rentals vs JUCY
Spaceships and JUCY are probably the closest comparison if you're looking for an affordable, relatively compact campervan. Both cater well to travellers who want an easy-to-drive vehicle rather than a large motorhome, but JUCY gives you more choice if you want to step up in size and facilities.
Spaceships has the simpler proposition. Its Beta and Dream Sleeper Mini are compact, automatic campervans, while its Beta 2S Self-Contained adds a certified self-contained option. The trade-off is limited interior space and no standing room.
JUCY has a broader range, from the smaller 2-berth Crib through to the 3-berth Chaser and 4-berth Condo, as well as larger vehicles. Its self-contained models can include features such as onboard toilets and showers, proper kitchen facilities and more living space.
Choose Spaceships if keeping things compact and affordable is your priority. JUCY is probably the better choice if you want more living space or a wider choice of vehicle layouts without moving all the way up to a large motorhome.
Spaceships Rentals vs Big Little Campers
The comparison with Big Little Campers is interesting because both appeal to travellers looking for a smaller, more personal alternative to a traditional motorhome. The difference is that Big Little Campers puts much more emphasis on properly equipped, certified self-contained campervans.
Every Big Little Campers vehicle is certified self-contained, with models such as The Little One, The Big One and The Biggest One designed around different levels of space and capacity. Their vans also provide features such as fixed toilets, proper kitchen facilities and, depending on the model, standing-height interiors.
Spaceships is more stripped-back. Its non-self-contained models are smaller and generally cheaper, while the Beta 2S provides a certified self-contained option without moving into the size of a conventional motorhome. That makes Spaceships attractive if you don't need to spend much time inside the van and are happy using campsites with facilities.
Big Little Campers is likely to be the better fit if self-containment, interior comfort and off-grid camping are central to your trip. Spaceships makes more sense if you want the smallest, simplest and potentially most economical option.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to how you want to use the vehicle. If you're planning active days exploring the South Island and mainly need somewhere to sleep, cook and store your gear, Spaceships is hard to ignore. If you expect to spend more time inside the campervan, want a proper toilet and more living space, JUCY or Big Little Campers may be worth the extra cost.
Spaceships Rentals Booking Tips
If you're considering a Spaceships campervan for your South Island trip, a little planning can make a noticeable difference to both the price and the experience. Book early if you're travelling during the busy summer months, particularly if you have your heart set on a particular vehicle.
It's worth checking our Spaceships Rentals discount codes and promotions page before you book as Spaceships often has discounts and special offers, particularly if you're travelling outside of the peak summer months or if you're prepared to relocate a vehicle on a one way hire.
Also, pay particular attention to whether you actually need a self-contained vehicle. If freedom camping is important to you, make sure you select one of Spaceships' certified self-contained models rather than simply choosing the cheapest vehicle available. If you're happy using campsites with facilities, a non-self-contained Spaceship may offer better value.
Don't overlook the flexibility of the booking terms either. Spaceships currently allows booking changes before pick-up without a change fee, subject to availability, and direct bookings can be cancelled for a full refund up to 22 days before pick-up.
Finally, compare the total cost rather than just the headline daily rate. Spaceships includes unlimited kilometres, cooking and sleeping equipment and additional drivers, while one-way travel between depots currently carries no extra fee. Those inclusions can make a significant difference when comparing the final cost against another campervan company.
Our main tip? Decide what you actually need from your campervan first, then use a Spaceships promo code to find the best-value vehicle for your dates.
Spaceships Rentals - Our Verdict
Spaceships Rentals is a great choice if your priority is exploring the South Island without spending more than you need to on your campervan and focusing your budget towards experiences not campervan hire costs. The compact vehicles are easy to drive, relatively economical and much less intimidating than a large motorhome, while the included cooking and sleeping equipment keeps the basic hire package straightforward.
The biggest question is whether you can live with the lack of space. Spaceships are genuinely compact, with around 1.2m of interior height, so they're not designed for travellers who want to spend long periods relaxing inside their vehicle. For a couple planning active days out hiking, cycling, sightseeing and exploring, however, that can be a very reasonable trade-off.
The availability of a certified self-contained Beta 2S also makes Spaceships more versatile than it once was. If freedom camping is important to you, you can choose the certified option; if you're happy using campsites with facilities, the non-self-contained models can provide a cheaper and simpler way to travel.
We'd particularly recommend Spaceships for couples and solo travellers who value affordability, easy driving and the freedom to explore over interior comfort and motorhome-style facilities. If you want a proper bathroom, standing room, more storage or a spacious living area, we'd look at companies such as JUCY or Big Little Campers instead.
Overall, Spaceships does what it sets out to do very well: provide a simple, compact and relatively affordable way to experience a New Zealand road trip. Just make sure you choose the right vehicle for the way you actually plan to travel.
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