You may have heard New Zealand called by its Māori name of Aotearoa, but it also goes by a nickname of sorts — The Land of the Long White Cloud. It’s perhaps fitting then to consider travelling this land of the long white cloud on a long term road trip.
An extended motorhome hire in New Zealand is one way to make this possible. It lets you disconnect from the everyday rush and reconnect with nature and your travelling companions. Far from just a holiday, it's an opportunity to experience a different rhythm, whether you’re vacationing or working remotely on the open road.
In this blog, we explore why you should consider an extended motorhome adventure in New Zealand, the benefits of long term RV travel and how to stay connected as a nomad worker. We also discuss the challenges of extended RV travel, how to choose the right long term motorhome hire and practical tips for a successful long hire.
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Why take a long term motorhome road trip in NZ?
New Zealand is a breathtakingly stunning land designed for road trips, so an extended journey lets you delve far deeper into the country's psyche, especially compared to a two week dash. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the New Zealand lifestyle — not just observe it.
Planning to travel the whole country in two weeks isn’t feasible anyway. New Zealand is the sixth-largest island country in the world — making it larger than the UK, smaller than Japan and about the same size as California.
Mountainous terrain and winding roads ensure driving often takes longer than you expect.
Your flight will likely be long unless you're arriving from Australia. Long haul flights are generally expensive and exhausting, so you’ll want time to get over your jet lag to enjoy the country for more than two weeks.
You can easily explore the North and South Islands without feeling time pressure, and discover everything at a slower pace. This approach can be ideal for fully appreciating NZ's diverse landscapes and experiences — whether you're seeking adventure, remote work, relaxation or a little of each.
Find out how to take your time travelling New Zealand by motorhome.
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Consider the possibilities
Rather than trying to do Wānaka and Queenstown in two days, you could spend weeks at each majestic lakeside location — particularly as a digital nomad. With so many delectable eateries and adventure activities in both towns, your mental and physical health will thank you for it. |
The benefits of extended RV travel in New Zealand
If you’re seeking a more flexible travel experience that gets deeper into the heart of New Zealand and its people, a long term motorhome hire may be the answer. This kind of travel has many benefits.
Opportunities to get to know places better
Extended travel in a long term motorhome rental doesn’t just have to be about seeing all the main tourist attractions. With more time, it can be about exploring the lesser-known layers of New Zealand by:
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Venturing off the beaten path to discover hidden gems that many travellers miss — like The Craypot at Jackson Bay or Café 35 in Tokomaru Bay
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Hiking not-so-famous national park trails — such as Kamahi Loop Track in Egmont National Park or Avalanche Peak Route in Arthur’s Pass National Park
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Discovering the charm of smaller towns away from the main highways — including Glenorchy in Otago and Tolaga Bay on the East Cape
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Dedicating time to exploring specific regions in depth — like the vineyards of the Hawke’s Bay, the birdlife in Golden Bay and the forests of Northland.
A longer trip gives you the time to follow your interests, whether seeking out the best surfing spots, exploring geological wonders or visiting every regional museum.
Picture yourself spending a leisurely week in Nelson, exploring local artisan studios and enjoying the vibrant arts scene at your own pace.
This unhurried approach enables a greater chance of genuine connection — with the environment, the people you meet and your travelling companions.
See our best campervan spots to park up in New Zealand.
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Structure versus spontaneity One of the joys of a long term motorhome hire in NZ is the freedom it offers, but how much of your trip should you plan? The best approach is often a balance between structure and spontaneity. Consider researching the 16 regions of New Zealand to get a general idea of which ones you most want to visit by motorhome — and for how long. Find out when events, festivals, shows and date-specific activities are scheduled. Look at where you plan to be during New Zealand’s summer holidays and book campgrounds in advance for this busy time. Leave plenty of unscheduled time for spontaneous detours, longer stays in your favourite spots and occasional rest days. This balance gives you a little direction with the freedom to explore — a central concept to any long term motorhome experience. |
Unmatched flexibility and freedom
One of the most appealing aspects of long term motorhome travel is the incomparable freedom and flexibility that comes with it.
You’re not tied down to check-in times, specific routes dictated by public transport or the need to rush a rental car back to a particular location. Your itinerary’s entirely up to you, with the versatility to:
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Wake up to a new landscape every morning
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Stay longer in places you enjoy the most
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Adapt to the weather or your mood — without rearranging multiple bookings.
Did you find a perfect, secluded spot by a lake? Stay an extra night. Is the weather better on the other coast? Change direction. Did some locals tell you about a nearby event? Drive there.
It can be thrilling to spontaneously extend your stay in the Marlborough Sounds after discovering a hidden cove near your freedom camping site.
This authentic type of travel experience and level of spontaneity are simply impossible on a two week holiday with pre-booked accommodation and transport. With a long term RV rental, you can spontaneously decide to stay all four permitted nights at that magical freedom camping spot by the beach.
Check out our essential guide to freedom camping in New Zealand.
Convenience and comfort
Thoughtfully designed motorhomes can be ideal for extended travel because they integrate features that prioritise comfort and convenience — including relaxing living areas, well-appointed kitchens and ample storage space.
You won’t feel like you’re living out of a suitcase through constant packing and unpacking. All your belongings are easily accessible and organised in the intelligent storage spaces within your motorhome hire.
Think of the ease of having your hiking boots and rain jacket readily accessible before an invigorating trail, without the need to rummage through your bags.
Having bathroom facilities onboard adds a significant layer of convenience and privacy — especially on long term road trips. After a day of exploring, returning to your familiar, comfortable and warm space feels like coming home.
Read our guide on luxury campervan hires in New Zealand.
A better daily rate
Renting a motorhome in New Zealand for a long time costs more overall than a short rental. However, the daily cost of a rental lasting several months is usually cheaper than renting for a week or two. Some operators also offer long stay RV rental discounts to make longer trips more accessible and budget-friendly.
Think about the cumulative cost of nightly accommodation in hotels, motels or even holiday homes over several weeks or months. With a motorhome, your comfortable space travels with you every night — as accommodation and transport in one.
Then, there’s the fully equipped kitchen. You’ll be able to prepare most of your meals, significantly reducing the cost of eating out. Imagine the delicious brunches you can prepare with local ingredients while enjoying breathtaking sea views, all within your mobile sanctuary.
Find out how much it costs to rent a motorhome in New Zealand.
Long term RV rental cost comparison
When making a long term motorhome rental decision, a comparison chart can help you find the operator with the lowest overall price. It considers daily base rates, long hire discounts, fees, insurance and add-ons to determine the most cost-effective solution for your needs.
Download our comprehensive motorhome rental operator comparison worksheet.
How to stay connected as a nomad worker
Working holidays in recreational vehicles are becoming more prominent — if you have a job that mainly requires a laptop and a WiFi connection.
Staying connected is crucial. A long term motorhome hire can provide a stable and comfortable base, with a reliable WiFi connection, while you move around the country and see some sights.
New Zealand generally has a good mobile network infrastructure, particularly in and around towns and cities — though coverage can be limited in remote or mountainous areas.
Many holiday parks offer WiFi access, but the speed and reliability vary. Although a convenient option when you’re staying in a commercial camping ground, it’s usually more suited to holidaymakers needing travel information rather than workers requiring reliability and speed.
Another approach is to get a local SIM card from a New Zealand mobile provider like Skinny, Spark or 2degrees when you arrive in the country. These providers offer prepaid data plans that can be topped up as you need. You’ll have internet access via your mobile phone — which can usually be used as a personal hotspot for other devices, such as your laptop.
Portable WiFi devices can be rented or purchased if you require a more consistent connection or higher-bandwidth internet for remote work. A few RV operators offer highly convenient and reliable onboard Wifi routers as an optional extra — so you can seamlessly blend work and wander.
While staying connected requires a little planning, it’s achievable if you’re considering a working holiday motorhome rental as a digital nomad in New Zealand.
Find out if onboard WiFi or mobile data is best for your motorhome trip.
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Having recently been a working nomad based in an apartment in a large city in Spain, I wasn’t expecting the level of noise and distractions I experienced daily. Cars honking, dogs barking, and people chatting (shouting) on the street and in the hallways challenged my ability to stay focused. In hindsight, working from a motorhome in a quiet, secluded camping ground with reliable WiFi may have been the better option. Craig McClelland — Wilderness’ Lead Content Creator |
The challenges of long term campervan travel
While the benefits of going on an extended RV hire are significant, there are also potential challenges to be aware of, such as:
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Managing limited space — stay disciplined and organised inside your motorhome with a routine for setting up your workplace tools for work time, and packing them away for personal time
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The regular responsibilities of motorhome life — particularly managing water, rubbish and waste like emptying the toilet cassette
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Driving and manoeuvring a large vehicle — navigating narrow roads and city centres can be challenging in a larger RV, so consider what size motorhome will best suit your driving ability
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Finding available campsites — you’ll need to book early at commercial campgrounds and arrive early at freedom camping spots during busy periods like the NZ summer holidays between December and February
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Parking — it’s important to know where you can and can’t park your recreational vehicle by utilising local council and regional resources, or camping apps like CamperMate
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Adjusting to a mobile lifestyle — the change of routine to working on the road and constantly switching locations can be a challenge.
Choosing a well-maintained vehicle and understanding the support available from your rental provider can minimise potential difficulties, letting you focus on the adventures ahead.
Look over our ultimate guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand which highlights some of these challenges.
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Get the best out of seasonal weather If you’re a retiree or have a flexible work schedule, a seasonal motorhome rental in New Zealand allows you to travel in your preferred weather. Imagine escaping the Northern Hemisphere winter for a long, sun-drenched summer exploring New Zealand in your extended motorhome hire. For instance, a winter long term RV rental in New Zealand can be a fantastic way to experience the dramatic landscapes of the colder months — often with fewer crowds. You may even want to enjoy the last of early spring skiing near Queenstown before migrating to Northland for some late spring swimming. |
How to choose your ideal long term motorhome rental
Selecting a motorhome rental that meets your primary needs is the key to enjoying a comfortable long term road trip — whether for leisure, work or both. Choose one that will feel like home, as you’ll be living and potentially working inside it for many weeks or months.
A few essential factors to consider when deciding which motorhome is ideal for your extended stay are:
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Layout — how can you and your travel companions best utilise the space for working, relaxing, entertaining, planning adventures and comfortably moving around the RV
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Sleeping — how vital are ready-to-use, permanently made-up beds versus convertible beds that require some setting up, or drop down beds which create space during the day
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Storage — check there’s sufficient cupboard space, overhead lockers, wardrobes and underbed compartments for all the items you intend to carry, plus enough garage space for larger things like your outdoor gear
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Bathroom facilities — decide whether a separate toilet and shower will work best for you, or a combined bathroom space is all you’ll need
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Kitchen equipment — the fridge size, number of gas hobs and preparation space are all important considerations if you intend to travel long term and frequently cook in the motorhome.
Read our complete guide to finding the right NZ motorhome rental.
Tips for a successful long term motorhome hire
While the prospect of an extended RV adventure is thrilling, a successful journey can sometimes come down to a little well-considered advice. Some tips for a rewarding NZ motorhome road trip include:
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Being flexible — long journeys and adaptability are closely linked, so ensure you’re able to change plans due to the weather, local recommendations or positive experiences
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Booking some items in advance — especially Cook Strait ferry tickets, popular hikes and holiday parks and Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites in summer
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Camping responsibly — by finding out where it’s legal to freedom camp, respecting local council regulations and leaving no trace
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Packing efficiently — help make your motorhome rental an enjoyable living space by thinking carefully about what to bring, like versatile clothing for layering
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Utilising travel and camping resources — such as apps like RankersNZ to find info on campsites, dump stations, supermarkets and local activities
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Managing supplies — organise your grocery and fuel stops well, particularly if you intend to be parked up remotely for some time
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Planning laundry days — which may coincide with a night or two at a holiday park that has laundry facilities
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Making use of rest stops — of which there are many on the side of New Zealand roads
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Connecting socially — both online and in camping grounds with other campervan travellers, to share tips, stories and experiences
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Embracing the weather — NZ is famously changeable with the possibility of sun, rain and wind all on the same day, so your motorhome hire will be a haven when you need a dry, warm space.
Travelling in one direction rather than looping back to your start point can also be a smarter long term travel plan. Find out about one way campervan rentals in New Zealand and enquire about a long term discount for your extended road trip.
A long term motorhome hire in NZ is more than just a holiday — it’s an opportunity to explore and connect on a deeper level with the land and local people. From cost savings and unparalleled freedom to on-road comfort and space, an extended RV trip lets you discover the country at your own pace, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re beginning to plan a long term NZ adventure, check out our ultimate New Zealand road trip itinerary.
