Christchurch

Pre Check In

You can speed up the campervan pick up process by logging on to our online Pre Check In and entering your details before you arrive. As soon as you have arranged your flights into Christchurch or your airport accommodation enter your pick up details so we can arrange your free transfer to our base. You can add optional extras and driver licence details on our Pre Check In page as well.

Arriving

One of the friendly Wilderness team will be there to pick you up soon after you’ve cleared Customs and Immigration on your arrival at Christchurch International Airport.  We provide complimentary transfers from the airport to our Wilderness base. If you plan to stop overnight at an airport hotel, we will collect you at a convenient time and bring you to our base for the full Wilderness welcome. 

When you arrive at the Wilderness base, you’ll notice right away that it’s different from other campervan rental depots.  There are no line ups or queues, no big desks for the team to hide behind, and no-one to break the bad news about all the extra charges that hadn’t been explained prior to pick up. That’s because there are none.

One of the team will spend around an hour showing you how everything works in your campervan or motorhome. Your personalised tour will give you all the confidence you need to start your road trip.

Recommended Accommodation

We provide a free transfer from the following accommodation to our base at the start of your hire and from our base to the accommodation at the end of your hire:

Airport Delta Motel and Airport Christchurch Motel 
The newest motels near Christchurch Airport and the only 4-star plus accommodation options. Free courtesy pick up from airport.

Airport Gateway Motor Lodge
Four-star accommodation with apartment style units set amongst 2 hectares of gardens. Restaurant and bar onsite. Free courtesy pick up from airport.

Airport Lodge Motel
Budget to mid-range studio and motel apartments. Free courtesy pick up from airport. 

Airport Palms Motel
Enjoy the warm welcome at this new motel (opened in late 2011) only 3 minutes drive from the airport. Free courtesy pick up from airport.  

Copthorne Commodore Christchurch Airport
Conveniently located next to the airport with all the usual hotel facilities.

Highway Inn
Budget hotel just 4 minutes from Christchurch airport.

North South Holiday Park
A full scale camp site as well as motel and backpacker accommodation located in park like grounds with tennis court and swimming pool.

Peppers Clearwater Resort
Christchurch's 4.5-star golf resort set in 186 hectares of gentle hills and trout-filled lakes. Facilities include PGA 18 hole golf course, driving range, 5km running track, tennis, 24 hour reception, restaurant. Short taxi ride from airport.

Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport
Located two minutes by hotel courtesy coach from the international and domestic terminals and a 10 minute drive from central Christchurch.

Top 10 Things to Do in Christchurch

Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island of New Zealand and some of our most unique breathtaking landscapes. If you are unsure about staying in the city after the Christchurch earthquake, you can fly in, collect your motorhome hire, and head off to explore the South Island without witnessing any evidence of the earthquake.  

However, we encourage you to stop over for a day or two.  The best way to help the city rebuild is to bring in tourist income. You can be sure that the people of Christchurch still have a warm welcome for visitors in spite of what they have been through over the past couple of years. Here are our team’s top 10 things to do in Christchurch:

• Visit the International Antarctic Centre. Don’t miss the world’s most informative and exciting insight into the frozen continent. View the penguin encounter, take a ride in an Antarctic explorers’ vehicle, and experience “being there” through the amazing 4D audiovisual presentation. 
• Take a stroll through the beautiful Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens on the banks of the meandering River Avon. Christchurch is known as New Zealand’s garden city. A walk through this area will take you to the true heart of the city. 
• Visit Canterbury Museum. This free museum was a special place before the earthquake but it is even more so since. Amidst the destruction in the cultural and historical precinct around it, this repository of local treasures was left virtually unscathed.
• Visit Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Learn what makes New Zealand’s flora and fauna special before you embark on your own New Zealand tour. View our unique native birds and creatures as well as introduced species. Willlowbank is one of the best places to see the rare kiwi bird. Stay for dinner and a Maori concert in the evening.
• Visit Orana Wildlife Park. Wander through New Zealand’s only open range zoo. wwwThis sanctuary for endangered animals is set in park like grounds on Macleans Island. Take a picnic and enjoy a great day out.
• Take a drive to the Sign of the Kiwi.  Capture panoramic views over the city, the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps and the coastline north to Kaikoura. Take a walk on one of the many well marked trails or enjoy a Devonshire Tea in the historic tearooms.
• Catch a salmon. Sharvin Lodge is New Zealand’s only private salmon fishing lake. This little sanctuary is teeming with healthy and lively Mt Cook salmon. Gear and instruction available if needed.
• Try hot air ballooning. Experience the city and surrounding Canterbury Plains in a balloon. Take off at sunrise and get ready to be amazed.
• Take a day hike or mountain bike ride. Visit the Travis Wetlands, Spencer Park and the Groynes recreation areas as well as Victoria Park, Kennedy's Bush Reserve and the Halswell Quarry. You can hire a bike from City Cycle Hire who also offer guided tours. 
• Take a day trip to the French settlement of Akaroa. This beautiful little village on Banks Peninsula is full of charm. You can take the harbour cruise (swim with dolphins) or just wander around the boutiques and cafes.  If you’re feeling adventurous, visit the Pohatu Penguins by 4WD vehicle or sea kayak.

After a disaster, it is human nature to want to help in some way. You can help the people of Christchurch recover from the earthquake by visiting the city, by having a coffee in the cafes or lunch in the local restaurants. In the future, when it is rebuilt, Christchurch will be a beautiful city that will definitely be on everyone’s travel wish list - we would love you to be part of that future by supporting Christchurch now.