Travellers Autobarn: Review & Booking Guide

Considering hiring from Travellers Autobarn in Christchurch? This independent guide looks at what it's really like to hire with one of New Zealand's best-known budget campervan companies — from the different vehicles available to the overall value, self-containment, booking process and what to expect on the road.

Travellers Autobarn has been catering to independent travellers for decades, with a reputation for keeping campervan travel relatively affordable and accessible. Whether you're a backpacker on a budget, a couple planning a South Island road trip or a small group looking for a practical way to travel, we'll help you work out whether Travellers Autobarn is the right fit for your trip.

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Travellers Autobarn Campervans in New Zealand: What You Need to Know Before You Book

Travellers Autobarn offers a broad range of affordable campervans and camping vehicles, from simple station wagons through to fully equipped, self-contained high-top campervans. The range gives travellers more choice over how much space, comfort and onboard equipment they need, while keeping the focus on practical, easy-to-drive vehicles and value for money.

Before you book, it's worth understanding the different vehicle options, what's included in the hire, self-containment, insurance, pricing and how Travellers Autobarn compares with other campervan companies. This guide will help you decide whether Travellers Autobarn is the right choice for your South Island road trip.

Travellers Autobarn's Campervan Fleet

Travellers Autobarn has one of the more varied fleets in the budget campervan market, with options ranging from a basic station wagon / estate vehicle through to larger, fully equipped high-top campervans. All of the campervans are automatic, making them straightforward to drive, while the different layouts give travellers plenty of choice over how much space and equipment they actually need.

For couples, the Chubby is the compact option, sleeping two and providing a double bed, sink, gas cooker and ice box. If you'd prefer more space and the ability to stand inside, the Hitop and Kuga both sleep two to three and have a high-roof layout with a separate single and double bed, kitchen facilities and a toilet. The Kuga is the newer and more modern of the two.

For families or groups, the Hi5 is the largest option, sleeping four to five people across two double beds . There's also a Station Wagon, which is essentially the entry-level choice for travellers happy to use a tent and camping facilities rather than having a built-in campervan fit-out - it's essential a rental car.

The fleet gives Travellers Autobarn a useful point of difference from some of its closest competitors. You can start with a very basic, budget-friendly setup and move up through compact campervans to a high-top, self-contained vehicle with considerably more living space. All Travellers Autobarn campervans are certified self contained, but the toilet facilities are really only suitable in an emergency. Note the Wagon isn't self contained, it's essentialy a car.

The range means there's no single "typical" Travellers Autobarn experience. The Chubby offers a simple and compact way to travel, while the Kuga and Hi5 are much closer to what you'd expect from a conventional campervan, making them better suited to longer trips or travellers who expect to spend more time inside the vehicle.

Chubby

A compact 2-berth campervan based on an automatic Toyota Hiace, measuring 4.8m long and 2.1m high. It features a double bed, kitchenette with sink and portable gas cooker, 25L ice box, USB charging and plenty of storage. With fresh and grey water tanks and dual batteries, it’s a practical option for couples looking for an affordable way to explore the South Island

Chubby Prices & Availability

Kuga

The Kuga is a modern 2–3 berth self-contained high-top campervan, offering a similar layout to the HiTop but with a newer, more comfortable fit-out. It features standing room, separate double and single beds, a kitchen with gas cooker, microwave, fridge and sink, plus solar power, dual batteries and 240V power. Compared with the HiTop, the Kuga has a more modern interior and additional features such as a larger fridge, microwave and solar panel, making it the better choice if comfort and onboard facilities are a priority.

Kuga Prices & Availability

Hi-Top Campervan

A spacious 2–3 berth high-top campervan based on an automatic Toyota, with standing room inside and separate double and single beds. The HiTop features a kitchenette with gas cooker, sink, fridge and microwave, plus USB charging and 240V power. It's a practical step up from the compact Chubby for couples or small groups wanting more space and camping flexibility.

Hi-Top Prices & Availability

Hi5

A 4–5 berth high-top campervan and the largest vehicle in the Travellers Autobarn fleet, designed for families and groups. It has 2.1m of interior height, two large double beds and seating for up to five. The kitchen includes a fridge, microwave, gas cooker and sink, while rooftop solar, dual batteries and 240V power add flexibility. It's a significant step up from the HiTop and Kuga in both size and living space, making it the best choice for families or groups who want room to spread out.

Hi5 Prices & Availability

What makes Travellers Autobarn Campers unique?

Travellers Autobarn has carved out a distinctive position in New Zealand's campervan hire scene by combining budget-friendly pricing with a broader choice of vehicles than many of its closest competitors. Rather than focusing exclusively on compact campervans, its fleet ranges from a basic Station Wagon through to the larger Hi5, giving travellers the option to choose how much space, comfort and equipment they actually need.

Another point of difference is its strong connection with the independent and backpacker travel market. Travellers Autobarn has been operating in New Zealand for decades and has built its reputation around making campervan travel accessible to younger and budget-conscious travellers. The result is a more relaxed, practical proposition than you'll typically find with premium motorhome operators like Apollo or Star RV.

The fleet also gives Travellers Autobarn a useful middle ground between companies such as Spaceships and more fully equipped campervan operators. You can choose a compact Chubby if keeping costs and vehicle size down is important, or step up to the Hi-Top, Kuga or Hi5 if you'd prefer standing room, more facilities and self-contained camping.

Travellers Autobarn's appeal is choice and value rather than luxury. It gives travellers a range of ways to experience New Zealand by campervan, from a very simple budget setup through to a properly equipped high-top camper.

Who Are Travellers Autobarn Best For?

Travellers Autobarn campers are especially well suited to:

Couples and solo travellers looking for an affordable way to explore New Zealand without hiring a large motorhome.
Younger and budget-conscious travellers who prioritise getting out and exploring over luxury and high-end facilities.
First-time campervan travellers who want an automatic vehicle that's relatively easy to drive and park.
Travellers wanting a choice of comfort levels, from the simple Chubby through to the more spacious and fully equipped Kuga, HiTop and Hi5.
Travellers planning longer road trips, where the combination of unlimited kilometres and relatively competitive rental rates can make Travellers Autobarn good value.

Travellers Autobarn is particularly well suited if you want the freedom and flexibility of a campervan without paying for a premium motorhome. The range means you can choose a simple, compact vehicle if you're happy keeping things basic, or spend more on a high-top camper if standing room, a proper kitchen and greater comfort are important to you.

It's not the right choice if you're looking for a luxury motorhome. Likewise, if you're a couple who simply wants the smallest possible campervan, Spaceships may offer a more compact and stripped-back alternative. At the other end of the scale, Big Little Campers can be worth considering if you prioritise a modern, purpose-built and fully self-contained compact campervan.

For travellers who want a balance of price, vehicle choice and practical campervan facilities, ravellers Autobarn is a solid option.

Travellers Autobarn Hire Prices & Value

Travellers Autobarn sits firmly in the budget-to-mid-range campervan market, with prices varying significantly depending on the vehicle, season, length of hire and availability. The broad fleet means there's a fairly big difference between hiring an entry-level vehicle such as the Chubby and stepping up to a self-contained Kuga, HiTop or Hi5.

As with most campervan companies, summer is generally the most expensive time to travel, while travellers who can visit outside the peak season can often find considerably better rates. Travellers Autobarn also runs seasonal promotions, long-term hire deals and relocation offers, so it's worth looking beyond the standard daily rate when comparing the cost of a trip.

One of the main attractions from a value perspective is the combination of unlimited kilometres and a choice of vehicle sizes. You can avoid paying for a large motorhome if you don't need the space, while the larger Travellers Autobarn vehicles give you more facilities without necessarily moving into the premium end of the market. The ability to choose a one-way hire can also add value, particularly when relocation deals are available.

The total cost is worth looking at carefully, however. Items such as the camping equipment package, insurance and optional extras can add to the advertised rental price, so compare the final cost of the hire rather than simply the headline daily rate.

For travellers who want to keep their campervan budget under control while still having the option to upgrade to a more comfortable, self-contained vehicle, Travellers Autobarn offers a good balance of choice and value. The best value will depend on how much space and equipment you actually need and when you're travelling.

Do Travellers Autobarn Offer Discount Codes & Promotions?

Yes. Travellers Autobarn regularly runs special offers, seasonal promotions and discounted rental deals, so it's worth checking for an offer before booking rather than simply accepting the first price you see.

Discounts can vary depending on the vehicle, travel dates, length of hire and availability. Travellers Autobarn also offers longer-hire discounts and relocation deals from time to time, which can provide significant savings if your itinerary is flexible.

It's worth comparing your travel dates as well. Campervan prices can vary considerably depending on demand, particularly during the busy New Zealand summer, and travelling outside peak periods can sometimes save more than a standard promo code.

Before booking, check our Travellers Autobarn discount codes & promotions page for the latest codes and offers we've found. We update the page as promotions change, so it's a useful place to check before you book.

View Current Discount Codes

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 Travellers Autobarn Campervans Self-Contained?

Not all Travellers Autobarn vehicles are self-contained, so it's important to check the specific campervan you're booking if freedom camping is part of your plans. The Hitop, Kuga, Chubby and Hi5 are certified self-contained vehicles. The Wagon is not a self-contained campervan - it's a car.

For travellers wanting to freedom camp, choosing one of the certified vehicles gives you considerably more flexibility. However, having a self-contained campervan doesn't mean you can simply park up anywhere overnight. Freedom camping remains subject to local council bylaws and Department of Conservation (DOC) rules, with some areas restricted or prohibited regardless of whether your vehicle is certified.

If freedom camping is a major part of your itinerary, opt for one of the larger campervans TA offers and always check the local rules for each area you plan to visit. Our guide to freedom camping in the South Island explains where you can and can't camp and what the current rules mean for campervan travellers.

What's Included in the Hire?

Travellers Autobarn includes the essentials you'll need to get on the road, although exactly what's included depends on the vehicle and the package you choose. This is worth checking when comparing Travellers Autobarn with other rental companies, as some equipment and extras are charged separately rather than being built into the base hire price.

All campervan rentals include unlimited kilometres, 24/7 roadside assistance and basic insurance cover. The campervans also come equipped with the key facilities required for their particular layout, such as beds, kitchen equipment and cooking facilities. The larger self-contained models add features such as toilets, fridges, microwaves and additional electrical equipment.

Travellers Autobarn offers a living equipment package for items such as bedding and cooking equipment. This is essential for anyone that doesn't want to bring sleeping and kitchen equipment with them. it's important to factor the cost of the package into your overall rental budget if you need it.

The living equipment package covers:

Sleeping bags
Pillows
Sheets
Kitchen cutlery
Kitchen pots & pans
Tea towels
Cleaning equipment
Kettle

And is priced at $75 per hire for a 4 person set or $45 per hire for a 2-3 person set

Insurance is another area worth paying attention to. Basic cover is included, but Travellers Autobarn offers additional insurance options that can reduce the excess and your potential financial liability. The level of cover you choose can make a meaningful difference to the final cost of your hire.

Other extras can include items such as additional camping equipment, child seats and other accessories. The exact inclusions and costs vary by vehicle and booking, so it's worth checking the details of your particular rental before comparing the final price with JUCY, Spaceships or Big Little Campers.

Overall, Travellers Autobarn keeps the base rental relatively straightforward, but don't compare companies solely on the advertised daily rate. Once you add the equipment, insurance and extras you'll actually need, the total trip cost is a much better measure of value.

What's It Like to Drive a Travellers Autobarn Campervan?

One of the advantages of Travellers Autobarn is that their vehicles are much easier to drive than a large motorhome. The New Zealand fleet is automatic, and the range includes everything from car-sized camping vehicles through to larger high-top campervans, so the driving experience varies depending on which model you choose.

The Chubby is the most compact option, making it particularly easy to manoeuvre around Queenstown, Wanaka and other South Island towns. The HiTop and Kuga are larger, but still compact at around 5 metres long, while the Hi5 is slightly bigger and requires a little more care when parking and navigating.

For first-time campervan travellers, the high-top models are straightforward to drive. You'll need to allow for the extra height compared with a normal car, particularly when entering car parks, but you don't have the same challenges associated with driving a large six-berth motorhome.

As with any campervan, it's worth taking a little extra care on New Zealand's rural roads. Expect narrow sections, winding mountain roads, gravel roads and single-lane bridges. Take your time, particularly on unfamiliar roads, and allow extra stopping distance.

Overall, Travellers Autobarn offers an easy driving experience.

Pros & Cons of Hiring With Travellers Autobarn

One of Travellers Autobarn's biggest strengths is the choice it gives you within the budget campervan market. You can opt for a very simple, compact vehicle or step up to a larger campervan, depending on your budget and how much comfort you want. The trade-off is that the rental experience is more functional than premium.

Pros

Wide range of vehicles – from the basic Station Wagon and compact Chubby through to the larger HiTop, Kuga and Hi5.
Good choice for budget-conscious travellers – you can avoid paying for a large motorhome if you don't need the space or facilities.
Automatic vehicles – makes the fleet easy to drive, particularly for first-time campervan travellers.
Self-contained options – the HiTop, Kuga and Hi5 provide greater freedom for travellers who want to use permitted freedom camping locations.
Unlimited kilometres – useful for South Island trips where you can cover a lot of miles.
One-way travel options – Christchurch-to-Auckland and other relocation specials can make it easier to create a one-way itinerary.
Suitable for different group sizes – the fleet caters for solo travellers and couples through to families and groups of up to five.

Cons

Base prices don't tell the whole story – camping equipment, insurance and optional extras can increase the final cost.
More basic than premium – the focus is on practicality and value rather than luxury finishes or extensive onboard facilities.
Compact models have limited living space – particularly the Chubby, which is better suited to travellers who expect to spend most of their time exploring rather than inside the van.
Vehicle age and specifications can vary – Travellers Autobarn operates a rental fleet with some models being older and higher mileage.

Overall, Travellers Autobarn is a good fit if you want to balance price, vehicle choice and practicality. If your priority is a very modern, compact campervan, Big Little Campers may appeal more, while Spaceships is worth considering if you want something smaller and simpler. JUCY remains a strong alternative if you want a similarly budget-focused operator with a broad range of campervans.

Where Do I Pick Up and Drop Off Travellers Autobarn Campervans in Christchurch?

Travellers Autobarn's Christchurch depot is located at 238 Roydvale Avenue in Burnside, around a 5–10 minute drive from Christchurch Airport. The depot is close to State Highway 1, making it a convenient starting point whether you're heading towards Arthur's Pass and the West Coast, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Queenstown, or north towards Kaikōura.

The depot is not located at Christchurch Airport, and Travellers Autobarn doesn't currently operate an airport shuttle. Instead, you'll need to make your own way from the terminal to the depot by Uber, taxi or public transport. Travellers Autobarn specifically recommends using Uber or a taxi, with the short distance making the transfer relatively straightforward.

During the main travel season, the Christchurch branch is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm, with the branch closed on Sundays and public holidays. Between June and August, Saturday opening is suspended, so if you're travelling during winter it's worth checking the opening hours when planning your collection.

Returning your campervan is equally straightforward, with vehicles returned to the Christchurch depot at the agreed time. Travellers Autobarn also has a depot in Auckland, so one-way Christchurch–Auckland hires are possible (and visa versa). This can be particularly useful if you're planning to travel the length of New Zealand rather than returning to Christchurch, and the company regularly offers discounted relocation deals on this route.

How Does Travellers Autobarn Compare With Other Campervan Companies?

Travellers Autobarn sits in the same broad budget and independent-travel market as JUCY and Spaceships, but its fleet gives travellers a slightly different proposition. With everything from a basic Station Wagon through to the 5-berth Hi5, there's more variation in size and comfort than you'll find with some of the smaller campervan specialists.

Travellers Autobarn vs JUCY

JUCY is probably the closest direct competitor to Travellers Autobarn. Both are well established in the budget campervan market and offer vehicles aimed at couples, younger travellers, families and groups. JUCY currently has an especially broad range, from its compact 2-berth Crib through to larger self-contained options such as the 6-berth Big Kahuna.

The difference is partly in the character of the two fleets. Travellers Autobarn has a strong focus on practical, no-frills campervans, with the Chubby, HiTop and Kuga offering a relatively straightforward progression from compact to more spacious high-top vehicles. JUCY offers a similar range but has more variety at the larger end, particularly if you're looking for a family or group vehicle with more extensive facilities.

For a couple, the choice between a Travellers Autobarn Chubby/Kuga and a JUCY Crib/Chaser will often come down to price, availability and which layout you prefer. If you're travelling with four or more people, JUCY has the edge in overall fleet choice, while Travellers Autobarn's Hi5 remains a practical and comparatively straightforward option.

Travellers Autobarn vs Spaceships

Spaceships is the more compact and stripped-back alternative. Its vehicles are aimed squarely at travellers who want something small, easy to drive and relatively inexpensive, whereas Travellers Autobarn gives you the option of stepping up to a high-top campervan with standing room, a toilet and considerably more living space.

That makes Spaceships particularly attractive for couples who plan to spend most of their days outside the vehicle and simply want somewhere to sleep, cook and store their gear. Travellers Autobarn is the more versatile choice if you're not sure how much space you'll want, you can choose the compact Chubby or move up to the HiTop or Kuga.

In simple terms, Spaceships is about keeping the campervan small and uncomplicated; Travellers Autobarn gives you more choice over where you sit on the spectrum between budget camping and comfortable campervan travel.

Travellers Autobarn vs Big Little Campers

Big Little Campers is a different proposition again. Its smaller, purpose-built fleet focuses heavily on modern, compact and self-contained campervans, with all three of its vehicles designed around providing a comfortable campervan experience rather than competing primarily on the lowest possible price.

Travellers Autobarn offers considerably more choice at the budget end, including non-self-contained options and older, simpler vehicles. Big Little Campers is likely to appeal more if you want a modern, purpose-built campervan and self-containment is a priority from the outset. Travellers Autobarn makes more sense if you're prepared to trade some refinement for a wider range of prices, layouts and vehicle sizes.

Ultimately, there isn't one clear winner. Spaceships is compelling for travellers who want compact and simple; Travellers Autobarn offers a particularly good balance of choice, affordability and practicality; JUCY has one of the broadest ranges for different group sizes; and Big Little Campers is worth considering if you want a more modern, purpose-built compact campervan.

For a South Island road trip, we'd recommend comparing the actual vehicles available for your dates rather than choosing a company based on brand alone. The difference between a Chubby and a Hi5, for example, is much greater than the difference between the Travellers Autobarn and JUCY vehicles.

Travellers Autobarn Booking Tips

A few simple checks before booking can help you get better value from Travellers Autobarn and avoid choosing a vehicle that isn't right for your trip.

Book early for peak season. December to February is the busiest time for New Zealand campervan travel, so booking ahead is particularly important if you want a specific vehicle or are travelling on fixed dates.
Choose your vehicle based on how you'll travel. The Chubby can be a good option for couples happy with a compact setup, while the HiTop and Kuga offer more space and standing room. If you're travelling as a family or group, the Hi5 provides considerably more room.
Check for available discount codes and promotions before booking. Travellers Autobarn regularly runs seasonal offers, relocation deals and other promotions. Our Travellers Autobarn discount codes & promotions page is a good place to check for current offers before you book.
Consider a one-way hire. If you're planning to travel between Christchurch and Auckland, check Travellers Autobarn's current relocation deals. These can make a one-way trip considerably cheaper when your dates match the offer.
Compare the total cost, not just the daily rate. Allow for insurance, camping equipment and any other extras you'll need. The cheapest advertised vehicle isn't necessarily the cheapest once everything is added.
Think about luggage and equipment. Compact campervans can have surprisingly limited storage, particularly if you're travelling with large suitcases, bikes or lots of outdoor gear. Make sure the vehicle you've chosen can accommodate everything you plan to bring.

Most importantly, choose the campervan around your travel style rather than simply choosing the cheapest available model. For a couple spending most of their days hiking, cycling and sightseeing, a Chubby may be perfectly adequate. If you're travelling for several weeks or expect to spend more time inside the campervan, the extra cost of a Kuga or HiTop may be money well spent.

Travellers Autobarn – Our Verdict

Travellers Autobarn is a strong option for travellers who want to keep their campervan costs under control without being restricted to one type of vehicle. Its range covers everything from a basic Station Wagon through to the spacious Hi5.

The biggest attraction is flexibility. If you're happy with a simple setup and expect to spend most of your time exploring, the Chubby keeps things compact and relatively affordable. If you want standing room, a toilet, more kitchen facilities and greater comfort, the self-contained HiTop and Kuga are significant steps up. For families or groups, the Hi5 provides considerably more living and sleeping space.

There are some compromises. Travellers Autobarn is fundamentally a value-focused rental company rather than a premium motorhome operator, and the fleet includes a mixture of older and newer vehicles.

Compared with its main competitors, we'd see Travellers Autobarn as sitting between the very compact simplicity of Spaceships and the more polished compact-campervan proposition of Big Little Campers, while competing particularly closely with JUCY on price, vehicle choice and target audience. The right choice will ultimately depend on how much space and comfort you need and what you can find for your dates.

For budget-conscious couples, independent travellers and small groups who want plenty of choice without moving into expensive motorhome territory, Travellers Autobarn is well worth considering. The combination of unlimited kilometres, 24/7 roadside assistance and a range of self-contained vehicles can make it a particularly good-value option for a longer South Island road trip.

Our advice is to compare the actual vehicle and total hire cost for your dates rather than choosing purely on brand or headline price. A Chubby may be fantastic value for two active travellers, while paying more for a Kuga or HiTop could be money well spent if you're travelling for several weeks or expect to spend more time inside the campervan.