Star RV: Review & Booking Guide
Considering hiring from Star RV in Christchurch or throughout New Zealand? This independent guide explains who Star RV is best suited to, how their premium motorhomes compare with other rental companies, what to consider before booking, and how to choose the right vehicle for your South Island adventure.
Ideal for couples and families seeking extra comfort, Star RV offers a modern fleet of spacious, self-contained motorhomes designed for a premium touring experience.
Star RV in New Zealand: What You Need to Know Before You Book
While Star RV is known for its premium motorhomes and modern fleet, it's worth understanding exactly what sets their vans and the hire experience apart before you book. In this guide, we'll introduce the different Star RV models of motorhome, explain what's included in your rental, cover pricing, Christchurch pick-up information, driving tips, and help you decide whether Star RV is the right motorhome hire company for your New Zealand road trip. By the end, you'll have everything you need to know to choose the best Star RV campervan with confidence!
Star RV''s Camervan & Motorhome Fleet
Firstly, let's start with the various types of rental campervans and motorhomes offered by 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.
At the smaller end, the 2-berth Polaris 2 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.
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.
Popular Star RV Motorhomes
Polaris 6
A spacious, premium 6-berth motorhome designed for families and groups, with plenty of room to relax, sleep and explore New Zealand in comfort.
Sleeps up to 6 with three comfortable double beds
Fully self-contained with shower and toilet
Spacious, flexible interior for dining, relaxing and sleeping
Well-equipped kitchen with 130L fridge and gas cooker
Easy to drive with GPS, cruise control and smooth handling
Extendable awning for extra outdoor living space
Best for families and larger groups looking for a comfortable, fully self-contained motorhome with plenty of space for unforgettable New Zealand adventures.
Polaris 2
Star RV's premium 2-berth motorhome, designed for couples who want a spacious, easy-to-drive camper with all the comforts of home.
Sleeps 2 with a comfortable double bed
Fully self-contained with shower and toilet
Well-equipped kitchen with fridge, microwave cooker
Easy to drive with cruise control
Swivel front seats create a spacious living area
Pet friendly
Best for couples looking for a comfortable, self-contained motorhome that's easy to drive and ideal for extended New Zealand adventures.
Polaris 4
A premium 4-berth motorhome with a clever space-saving design, offering the comfort and flexibility families, couples or small groups need to explore New Zealand.
Sleeps up to 4 with an innovative lift-bed system
Fully self-contained with shower and toilet
Spacious living area with flexible day and night layout
Well-equipped kitchen with 130L fridge and gas cooker
Easy to drive with GPS, cruise control and power steering
Extendable awning for comfortable outdoor living
Best for families, couples or small groups wanting a spacious, premium motorhome with modern comforts for longer New Zealand road trips.
What makes Star RV unique?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Who is Star RV Best For?
Star RV is best suited to travellers who want a more comfortable, higher-end campervan experience rather than a basic road trip setup.
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.
It’s also a strong fit for first-time campervan travellers who want something well-equipped. With most essentials included and a focus on ease of use, Star RV removes a lot of the friction that can come with budget rentals.
More broadly, it appeals to travellers who prioritise comfort over cost, people who are happy to pay a bit 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.
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 such as JUCY Rentals.
It may also not be the best fit for travellers who want a small, 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.
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.
Star RV's Campervan Hire Prices & Value
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.
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 NZD per day in low season, increasing to $400+ NZD 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.
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.
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.
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.
Does Star RV Offer Discount Codes and Promotions?
Yes they do. Star RV almost always have valid discount codes and promotions, which is great for hirers considering Star RV sit's at the premium end of the market. Their discounts include various seasonal offers and discounts, and relocation deals. It's always worth checking out current Star RV promo codes before booking. Thankfully, we've made it easy for you to view current Star RV discounts and offers in one place - check out our Star RV discount codes & offers page here.
A few tips for getting the best Star RV price:
If you're looking to get the best possible price on a Star RV motorhome:
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Check for current Star RV specials or promotional offers
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Compare your travel dates – rates can vary significantly depending on the season and availability
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Look at different pick-up and drop-off locations if your itinerary is flexible
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Consider travelling outside the peak summer period, when motorhome hire rates are generally lower
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Book early for popular travel periods, particularly if you want a specific Star RV model
Star RV offers and pricing can change depending on the season, vehicle availability and the dates of your hire. Promotional rates may also have specific conditions, minimum hire periods or limited availability, so always check the terms of the particular offer before booking.
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 Star RV Campervans Self-Contained?
Yes. 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.
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.
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.
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.
What's Included in a Star RV Hire and What's Not
Standard inclusions with Star RV typically cover:
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Fully equipped kitchen (cookware, utensils, crockery)
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Bedding, linen, and towels
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Onboard bathroom facilities (shower and toilet)
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Unlimited kilometres
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24/7 roadside assistance
Optional extras may include:
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Outdoor camping furniture (chairs and table)
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Child seats or booster seats
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Wi-Fi devices
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Additional insurance cover and liability reduction options
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Pet-friendly hire (on selected vehicles)
Always check what’s included at the time of booking, as inclusions and extras can vary depending on the vehicle type and rental package.
What's It Like To Drive a Star RV Campervan?
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.
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.
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).
Pros & Cons of Hiring with Star RV
Star RV is a good option if comfort, space and having a well-equipped motorhome are higher priorities than finding the cheapest possible rental. Its larger motorhomes are designed for longer trips and can provide considerably more living space and onboard facilities than a compact campervan. However, Star RV is not necessarily the right choice for every traveller, and there are some important things to consider before booking.
Pros
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Spacious motorhomes – Star RV's larger vehicles provide considerably more living and storage space than compact campervans, making them well suited to longer trips.
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Comfortable for couples and families – Larger models offer proper living areas, kitchens and bathroom facilities, making life on the road easier for multiple travellers.
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Well-equipped vehicles – Features such as larger fridges, heating, cooking facilities and onboard bathrooms can make a big difference when you're travelling for several weeks and travelling over winter.
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Good for longer trips – The additional space and facilities make Star RV particularly appealing if you're planning an extended New Zealand road trip.
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Self-contained options – Star RV's motorhomes are designed for travellers who want the flexibility of staying at a wider range of campsites and freedom-camping locations where permitted.
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One-way rentals – Star RV offers one-way hire between its New Zealand locations (including Queenstown and Christchurch), giving you more flexibility when planning a North or South Island itinerary.
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Some very positive customer experiences – Reviews include customers praising the comfort, equipment, ease of driving and booking process, particularly with newer Polaris models.
Cons
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More expensive than a compact campervan – You're paying for considerably more space and equipment, so Star RV is unlikely to be the cheapest option for a couple travelling on a budget.
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Large vehicles take some getting used to – A full-size motorhome requires more care when parking, manoeuvring and driving on narrow or winding New Zealand roads.
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Less manoeuvrable than a small campervan – Larger motorhomes can be less convenient in towns, car parks and smaller campsites.
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Potentially more vehicle than you need – If you're travelling as a couple and spend most of your time outdoors, paying for a large motorhome may not represent the best value.
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Extra costs can add up – As with other motorhome rentals, insurance or excess reduction, fuel, campsite fees and optional extras can make the total cost higher than the headline rental price.
Where Do I Pick-Up & Drop-Off Star RV Campers in Christchurch
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How does Star RV compare to other hire companies?
Star RV sits in the premium motorhome segment, which puts it in direct competition with brands like Apollo, Britz and Maui. While all operate across New Zealand, they target quite different travel styles and budgets.
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.
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.
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 booking tips
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Book early for peak season (Dec–Feb) – availability tightens quickly and prices rise closer to travel dates
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Check for valid Star RV discounts and promo codes before booking
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Compare vehicle sizes carefully – choosing the right berth (2, 4, or 6) makes a big difference to comfort and cost
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Check inclusions before you book – some extras (like insurance upgrades or camping gear) can change the total price significantly
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Consider one-way fees – if you’re picking up in Christchurch and dropping off elsewhere, factor this into your budget
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Decide on insurance cover in advance – excess reduction options vary and are often cheaper when selected at booking
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Allow flexibility with your itinerary – especially in peak season, but balance this with securing key overnight stops early
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Double-check driver requirements – ensure licence rules and age requirements are met before booking to avoid issues at pick-up
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Plan pick-up and drop-off times carefully – depot hours are limited, so align with your flight schedule to avoid delays
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Add extras at booking rather than on pick-up – items like chairs, Wi-Fi, or child seats are subject to availability
Star RV - Our Verdict
Star RV sits firmly in the premium campervan category, and that really defines the experience. 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.
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.
Overall, our view is that Star RV is a good fit for comfort-focused travellers who are flexible and understand the premium pricing.
Ready to start planning? Check Star RV's current availability and don't forget to check for a Star RV discount code before you book
