Star RV

Star RV’s fleet is designed around comfort, space, and a more premium motorhome experience, with a focused range of modern vehicles rather than a large variety of budget options such as that offered by Jucy Rentals. Across New Zealand, the fleet typically includes four core vehicle types, ranging from compact 2-berth vans through to spacious 6-berth motorhomes suitable for families or groups.

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At the smaller end, the 2-berth models are built on van-style conversions, making them easier to drive while still offering key features like a kitchen, bathroom, and comfortable sleeping space. Moving up, the 4-berth and 6-berth motorhomes provide significantly more room, with multiple beds, dedicated dining areas, and full bathroom facilities, ideal for longer trips or travellers who prioritise space and convenience.

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All Star RV vehicles are fully self-contained and designed with a “hotel on wheels” feel, featuring modern interiors, onboard kitchens, and integrated bathrooms with showers and toilets. Many are built on premium bases such as Mercedes-Benz platforms, and the fleet is kept relatively new, helping ensure a higher level of reliability and comfort compared to older campervan options.

Overall, Star RV’s fleet is best suited to travellers who want a more spacious, well-equipped motorhome rather than a basic campervan—making it a strong choice for couples and families planning a comfortable South Island road trip.

One of the biggest differences is the quality and design of the vehicles themselves. Star RV motorhomes are styled with modern interiors, spacious layouts, and fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms, creating a more comfortable living environment on the road. Many vehicles are built on premium platforms like Mercedes-Benz and are designed to feel light, open, and practical for longer journeys.

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Another key point of difference is the overall travel experience. Star RV places a strong emphasis on simplicity and support, with features like 24/7 roadside assistance and unlimited kilometres included as standard, giving travellers more flexibility and peace of mind when exploring remote parts of the South Island.

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The brand also offers a range of added-value perks that aren’t always common with other campervan companies. This includes partnerships such as discounts at TOP 10 Holiday Parks and the ability to earn Velocity Frequent Flyer Points on bookings, adding extra value both during and after your trip.

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Finally, Star RV leans heavily into comfort-led travel, with features like fully self-contained vehicles, pet-friendly options, and a focus on family-friendly layouts. The overall experience is designed to feel seamless—from pickup through to drop-off—making it a strong choice for travellers who want a more relaxed and premium South Island road trip.

Star RV’s Christchurch pick-up and drop-off location is designed to be simple and convenient, especially for travellers arriving by air. The depot is located just a few minutes from the airport, making it an easy starting point for a South Island road trip.

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The Christchurch branch is based at 157 Orchard Road, near Christchurch Airport, and operates daily between 8:30am and 4:00pm. All campervan collections and returns take place during these hours, so it’s important to plan your arrival and departure times accordingly.

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For added convenience, Star RV offers a free airport shuttle service to and from the depot. After landing, travellers are picked up from the designated shuttle area outside the terminal. This makes the transition from flight to campervan quick and hassle-free, without needing to arrange taxis or transfers.

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When it comes to drop-off, the process is just as straightforward. Vehicles are returned to the same Christchurch depot, with staff on hand during opening hours to complete the check-in. If you’re flying out the same day, the shuttle service can also take you back to the airport once your vehicle has been returned.

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Star RV also offers some flexibility for travel routes, with the option to pick up in Christchurch and drop off in another city like Auckland (or vice versa), subject to availability and a one-way fee. This can be a useful option for travellers planning a longer, one-direction South Island or New Zealand itinerary.

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Overall, the Christchurch pick-up and drop-off experience is built around convenience and proximity to the airport, making it easy to get on the road quickly and start exploring the South Island.

Star RV sits firmly in the premium end of the campervan market, so pricing is typically higher than budget brands—but this is reflected in the overall quality of the vehicles and what’s included in the hire.

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Daily rental rates vary significantly depending on the time of year, vehicle type, and how far in advance you book. As a general guide across New Zealand, campervan hire ranges from around $150–$300 per day in low season, increasing to $400+ per day during peak summer months. Premium motorhomes like those offered by Star RV tend to sit toward the upper end of these ranges, particularly for larger 4–6 berth models.

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Where Star RV stands out is in the value included within the base price. Rentals come fully equipped with essentials such as kitchenware, linen, towels, and onboard facilities, along with unlimited kilometres and 24/7 roadside assistance, features that are often charged as extras by lower-cost providers.

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There are still some additional costs to be aware of, including insurance upgrades, road user charges for diesel vehicles, and optional extras like camping furniture or child seats. However, compared to some budget operators, Star RV’s pricing structure is generally more transparent, with fewer “essential” add-ons required after booking.

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Star RV also offers occasional deals and a price match guarantee, helping ensure competitive pricing within the premium segment.

Overall, while Star RV is not the cheapest option, it offers strong value for travellers who prioritise comfort, inclusions, and a higher-quality motorhome experience making it a good fit for longer trips or those wanting a more seamless South Island road trip.

Standard inclusions with Star RV typically cover:

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• Fully equipped kitchen (cookware, utensils, crockery)

• Bedding, linen, and towels

• Onboard bathroom facilities (shower and toilet)

• Unlimited kilometres

• 24/7 roadside assistance

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Optional extras may include:

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• Outdoor camping furniture (chairs and table)

• Child seats or booster seats

• Wi-Fi devices

• Additional insurance cover and liability reduction options

• Pet-friendly hire (on selected vehicles)

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Always check what’s included at the time of booking, as inclusions and extras can vary depending on the vehicle type and rental package.

All Star RV campervans are fully self-contained, which is an important feature for travelling around the South Island of New Zealand. Self-containment means the vehicle is equipped with its own fresh water supply, wastewater storage, toilet, and rubbish facilities allowing you to camp without relying on external amenities.

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This gives you far more flexibility when planning your trip, particularly if you want to stay at freedom camping sites or more remote locations where facilities are limited. In New Zealand, many council-run freedom camping areas require vehicles to be certified self-contained, so having this included as standard makes things much simpler.

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Star RV vehicles are designed to meet New Zealand’s self-containment requirements, with onboard kitchens, sinks, and bathrooms all integrated into the motorhome. This not only ensures compliance with local regulations but also adds a layer of comfort and convenience, especially on longer journeys or when travelling with family.

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Overall, self-containment is a key part of the Star RV experience, giving you the freedom to explore more of the South Island while remaining independent and well-equipped on the road.

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Driving a Star RV campervan is generally a smooth and comfortable experience, especially compared to more basic or older campervans. The vehicles are designed with ease of driving in mind, with modern engines, automatic transmission, and car-like cabins that help make the transition from driving a standard vehicle much easier.

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That said, it’s still a larger vehicle, and there’s a short adjustment period, particularly for first-time motorhome drivers. Star RV motorhomes are built for stability and comfort on long distances, and many travellers find they quickly get used to the size, even when driving larger 4–6 berth models.

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When driving around the South Island, it’s important to keep in mind that motorhomes handle differently to cars. They are heavier, require more braking distance, and are typically driven at slightly lower speeds (often around 90km/h on open roads).

Star RV is best suited to travellers who want a more comfortable, higher-end campervan experience rather than a basic road trip setup.

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Couples and families tend to get the most value, especially those doing longer trips where space, onboard facilities, and comfort really matter. The larger motorhomes, proper bathrooms, and full kitchens make it feel closer to a small apartment on wheels than a traditional campervan.

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It’s also a strong fit for first-time campervan travellers who want something simple and well-equipped. With most essentials included and a focus on ease of use, it removes a lot of the friction that can come with budget rentals.

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More broadly, it appeals to travellers who prioritise comfort over cost—people who are happy to pay more for a smoother, more premium experience. As the brand itself positions it, it’s aimed at those “who seek a little something more” from their road trip.

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Star RV is generally less suited to budget-conscious travellers. If keeping costs low is your priority, there are cheaper campervan options available—especially smaller, more basic vans that sacrifice space and inclusions.

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It may also not be the best fit for travellers who want a simple, compact vehicle that’s easy to drive and park. Star RV focuses on larger motorhomes, which, while comfortable, require more confidence on narrow South Island roads and in tight campsites.

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Finally, it’s less ideal for short, fast-paced trips where you won’t spend much time in the vehicle. In those cases, you may not fully benefit from the extra space and features you’re paying for.

Pros

• Modern, premium motorhomes with spacious layouts

• Fully self-contained vehicles (bathroom, kitchen, toilet included)

• Comfortable for longer South Island road trips

• Unlimited kilometres and 24/7 roadside assistance included

• Easier, more “hotel-like” travel experience on the road

• Well suited to couples and families wanting extra space and comfort

Cons

• Higher daily rental cost compared to budget campervan brands

• Larger vehicles can take time to get used to driving

• Less ideal for travellers wanting a compact, city-friendly van

• Additional costs can apply for insurance upgrades and extras

• May be more than needed for short or simple trips where you’re rarely in the vehicle

Positive feedback tends to focus on:

• Modern, well-designed motorhomes when they are in good condition

• Comfortable layouts and spacious interiors (especially for newer vehicles)

• Friendly staff interactions in some depots

• Good overall road trip experience when everything runs smoothly​

Star RV sits in the premium motorhome segment, which puts it in direct competition with brands like Apollo, Britz, Maui, JUCY, and Mighty. While all operate across New Zealand, they target quite different travel styles and budgets.

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Star RV vs JUCY

JUCY is one of the most recognisable budget-friendly campervan brands, known for compact vans, younger travellers, and lower daily rates. Star RV, by contrast, focuses on larger, newer, more comfortable motorhomes with full bathrooms and more space. In short, JUCY is about affordability and simplicity, while Star RV is about comfort and space for longer trips.

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Star RV vs Britz & Maui

Britz and Maui (part of the same wider rental group) also operate in the mid-to-premium space, with Maui positioned as the more luxury option. Maui is often described as offering “hotel-like” motorhomes with high-end finishes, while Britz sits slightly more mid-range. Star RV is broadly similar to Maui in positioning, focusing on modern, fully equipped motorhomes, but with a more simplified, streamlined product range.

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Star RV vs Apollo

Apollo is one of the larger global campervan operators with a wide range of vehicles from budget to luxury, including compact vans and 6-berth motorhomes. Star RV is more focused: instead of covering every budget level, it concentrates on a smaller fleet of premium, newer motorhomes, which appeals to travellers wanting a more consistent, higher-comfort experience.

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Star RV vs Mighty / Cheapa Campa

Mighty and Cheapa Campa (budget brands under the Apollo group) are designed for value-focused travel, often using older vehicles and offering lower daily rates. Star RV sits at the opposite end of the spectrum, prioritising newer vehicles, more space, and a more comfortable onboard experience, rather than keeping costs as low as possible.

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Summary

In simple terms:

JUCY / Mighty / Cheapa Campa = budget, compact, value-focused travel
Britz / Apollo = mid-range, broad fleet, mix of budgets
Maui / Star RV = premium motorhomes, comfort-focused road trips

Star RV is best seen as a premium alternative to the mainstream campervan brands, designed for travellers who want more space, newer vehicles, and a more comfortable South Island experience rather than the cheapest way to travel.

Star RV sits firmly in the premium campervan category, and that really defines the experience. When things go well, it delivers what many travellers are looking for on a South Island road trip: modern motorhomes, plenty of space, and a more comfortable “hotel on wheels” feel compared to budget van rentals.

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It’s best suited to travellers who value comfort, convenience, and space over price, especially couples and families planning longer journeys. The fully self-contained vehicles, onboard bathrooms, and well-equipped interiors make it a strong option for exploring New Zealand without relying heavily on external facilities.

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Overall, our view is that Star RV is a good fit for comfort-focused travellers who are flexible and understand the premium pricing.

• Book early for peak season (Dec–Feb) – availability tightens quickly and prices rise closer to travel dates

• Compare vehicle sizes carefully – choosing the right berth (2, 4, or 6) makes a big difference to comfort and cost

• Check inclusions before you book – some extras (like insurance upgrades or camping gear) can change the total price significantly

• Consider one-way fees – if you’re picking up in Christchurch and dropping off elsewhere, factor this into your budget

• Decide on insurance cover in advance – excess reduction options vary and are often cheaper when selected at booking

• Allow flexibility with your itinerary – especially in peak season, but balance this with securing key overnight stops early

• Double-check driver requirements – ensure licence rules and age requirements are met before booking to avoid issues at pick-up

• Plan pick-up and drop-off times carefully – depot hours are limited, so align with your flight schedule to avoid delays

• Add extras at booking rather than on pick-up – items like chairs, Wi-Fi, or child seats are subject to availability

• Premium campervan and motorhome rental brand in New Zealand

• Focus on modern, spacious, fully self-contained vehicles

• Fleet typically ranges from 2-berth to 6-berth motorhomes

• Popular with couples, families, and comfort-focused travellers

• Christchurch depot located near the airport with free shuttle service

• Unlimited kilometres and 24/7 roadside assistance included

• Vehicles include onboard kitchen, bathroom, shower, and toilet

• Higher price point compared to budget campervan brands

• Best suited to longer South Island road trips