The cheapest motorhome rental isn't always the best value for a New Zealand adventure. What looks like a budget-friendly option can end up costing you more than just money — it can cost you the quality, comfort and freedom that make a self-drive holiday truly unforgettable.
A motorhome holiday isn’t only about the places you visit — it’s about how you experience them. It’s the freedom to explore at your own pace, the comfort of feeling at home wherever the road takes you and the memories that remain long after the journey ends.
In this blog, we highlight exactly how paying a higher price for a premium motorhome delivers greater overall value. With transparent pricing and inclusions rather than hidden fees, superior quality vehicles, highly personalised service and total support from pre-booking to after drop off, a good holiday can become a truly memorable one.
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Understanding the true value of a motorhome hire
When planning a New Zealand motorhome holiday, it's easy to focus on the upfront daily rental cost. However, when you look behind the initial price, you’ll begin to find value — or a lack of value — in the RV you’re considering.
True value comes from peace of mind, comfort, reliability and enriched experiences that contribute to the overall enjoyment of your vacation.
It's about knowing you have a dependable, well-equipped and comfortable base from which to explore New Zealand's stunning landscapes without issues or unexpected hassles.
What drives the cost of a premium rental?
Premium motorhome rentals usually come with a higher price tag — and for good reason. This cost reflects superior vehicle quality, modern amenities, enhanced safety features and a higher level of customer service and support.
Opting for a premium experience typically covers meticulous maintenance, comprehensive insurance and the continuous upgrade of the operator’s RV fleet to ensure you're always travelling in modern models. These factors dramatically reduce the likelihood of breakdowns, discomfort or logistical issues that can disrupt your holiday.
Find out who the leading motorhome and campervan rental operators are in New Zealand.
The premium difference — what you’re paying for
When you choose a premium motorhome rental in NZ, you’re not just booking a vehicle — you’re elevating your journey with a superior level of comfort, reliability and support.
Here's a closer look at what sets a premium motorhome apart from a standard one.
German-engineered quality for total comfort
Not all motorhomes are created equal. The difference lies in the details — and it starts with build quality.
As a premium provider, Wilderness offers premium quality German-designed and built motorhomes that are ideal for New Zealand roads. You can expect a smoother, safer drive and a more enjoyable experience behind the wheel.
Warm and comfortable
These motorhomes were designed to be owned and lived in — rather than hired out. You won’t be sleeping inside a cold, bare metal interior.
You'll immediately feel the difference after stepping inside, thanks to the:
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Cosy seating
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Spacious living areas
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Efficient heating
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Dependable insulation.
Thoughtfully created interiors provide the comfort and space you need to unwind and keep you comfortable no matter the season.
Find out how to stay warm inside your motorhome during winter.
The latest technology
Premium means innovative technology like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SmartTV and optional onboard WiFi — making it easy to stay connected wherever the journey takes you.
Little things can often go a long way. For instance, your chosen model may have:
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Touch-button drop down beds — super easy to set up, rather than tiresome bed conversions that require moving cushions and tables
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Ambient lighting — that creates a relaxing mood in the evenings
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Sleek cabinetry — to give that feeling of a premium product.
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What to expect from a premium motorhome rental in New Zealand A premium motorhome rental is all about superior comfort, quality and support throughout your holiday. You can expect:
From quality bedding to personalised onboarding and support, every detail is designed to help you explore New Zealand comfortably — and in total tranquillity. Read more in our guide to hiring a luxury campervan in New Zealand. |
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This was our second time travelling with Wilderness Motorhomes in Christchurch. Denise was fantastic. She patiently explained how to use the campervan and was very friendly and easygoing. The campervan was almost brand new and immaculate. My wife called it the ‘Hilton on wheels.’ We spent ten days exploring Franz Josef, Lake Wanaka and Lake Pukaki. Not once did we feel cold in the campervan, even when the temperature dropped below zero degrees. A lovely Argentine guy dropped us off at the airport hotel — topping off the end of the holiday. Philip Thomas ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Total support from start to finish
Beyond the exceptional quality of premium motorhomes, true peace on the road comes from knowing you're fully supported. Premium providers understand that a seamless and enjoyable experience hinges on comprehensive assistance from beginning to end.
Detailed preparation before you arrive
One quality of a premium motorhome experience, like through Wilderness, is the thorough preparation provided before you even begin your travels. This ensures you’ll feel confident and ready to make the most of your adventure from day one.
Long before you pick up your Wilderness motorhome and begin road tripping across New Zealand, we’ll provide you with all the information and online tools you need to prepare well.
Our comprehensive pre-arrival support includes:
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A personalised booking page — showing your reservation details with the ability to manage your booking and research our online resources on driving, camping, packing, cooking and travelling
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Informative emails — with timely tips, reminders and important information about what to do before, during and after your motorhome road trip
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Comprehensive onboarding videos — to get familiar with your motorhome by being walked through key aspects, from how to operate appliances to setting up camp.
A warm welcome
The beginning of your motorhome holiday sets the tone for your entire adventure. Premium operators will often go that extra mile to offer a smooth and welcoming start — because they understand that your first impressions are lasting ones.
For example, Wilderness offers complimentary pick up from Auckland or Christchurch airports — or your airport hotel.
When you reach our motorhome base, you won’t have to wait in line or stand in the corner of a reception area twiddling your thumbs, hoping a staff member will notice you.
We’ll offer you a cup of coffee or tea — as we take the time you need to run through the paperwork and suggest some local travel tips.
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We had a fantastic time in our motorhome — right from the warm welcome on arrival at the office to being shown all over the motorhome. We felt welcomed. The motorhome served us well and performed better than expected across the week we had it. It was very comfortable and warm and, to our surprise, economical to run. We were sad to hand it back, but have agreed to do it all again. Philip Thomas ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Family-first approach
Premium rental RV operators often aim to create a personalised experience that can be deeply rooted in a family-first philosophy. This approach usually translates into a welcoming atmosphere for every guest and a genuine commitment towards caring about their holiday.
Wilderness is a family-owned Kiwi business anchored in New Zealand culture — with strong values based on the family's history of business ownership.
We take pride in creating a travel experience that feels personal, welcoming and thoughtfully considered. From your first enquiry to your final drop off, you'll be treated as a valued guest.
Find out about the Wilderness difference.
Detailed vehicle orientation
When renting a premium recreational vehicle, you should expect a thorough introduction to what you’ll be driving and living in. This is important because your motorhome will be your best friend on the road and while camping — for the duration of your NZ holiday.
Wilderness provides a detailed motorhome induction with care and pride. While other standard campervan and motorhome hire operators may process you through their system in 15 minutes or less, we guide you through our induction in at least 45 minutes. This gives you time to:
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Ask questions — about refuelling, gas bottles, plugging into mains power, the house battery and using the inverter
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Better understand how everything in the motorhome works — especially heating, ventilating, dumping waste, cooking and driving.
Our comprehensive orientation covers everything you need to know.
Going over all the details
Upon arrival at our base, after your complimentary airport transfer, we'll offer you a hot drink and cover all the essential pre-departure details, including:
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The paperwork — checking your driver's licence, confirming booking details and ensuring correct contact information
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Insurance options — thoroughly explaining your insurance coverage, available upgrades and the VIP package
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Trip planning and advice — reviewing your itinerary, offering valuable travel tips, advising on freedom camping and providing a map
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Optional upgrades and payments — settling any outstanding payments and discussing popular extras like WiFi or bike rack usage
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Understanding your responsibilities — clarifying the drop off process and what needs to be prepared before returning the motorhome.
Walking around the exterior
Next, we'll step outside for a hands-on introduction to your motorhome's exterior features, by guiding you through:
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Essential fluid management — locating diesel, AdBlue, fresh and grey water tanks, gas bottles and the toilet cassette
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Mains power connections — learning how to safely plug and unplug from campground mains power
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Key features — accessing the garage, locating the reversing camera and understanding window latches, vents and skylights
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Security — properly locking all exterior compartments, including the garage, gas locker and toilet cassette.
Walking through the interior
Once inside, we'll meticulously show you how to use every aspect of your motorhome's living space, so you’ll feel at home. This includes looking at:
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Habitation and climate control — navigating the main control panel, operating the heating system and understanding fridge and cooking appliances
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Comfort and convenience — operating the SmartTV and WiFi, locating kitchen equipment and using the toilet and shower
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Power and lighting — understanding 240V plug locations, the inverter and interior lighting
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Living spaces — learning how to switch beds from twin to king configurations and adjust the dining table
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Cab orientation — going over the dashboard unit, controls, reversing camera and seat adjustments.
Highlighting support and safety
We’re dedicated to giving you a stress-free journey beyond pick up, so we’ll also point out some support and safety items, including:
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Fuel and fluids — confirming the fuel and AdBlue tanks are full
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Damage checks — photographing any pre-existing damage if you don’t choose the VIP limited liability option
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Extras — confirming extra items like tables, chairs and a barbecue are in place
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Common errors — highlighting common use errors, such as filling up with petrol instead of diesel
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Reminders — showing you where our user manual is stored and reminding you about our 24/7 helpline for any queries or assistance needed on the road
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The second life shelf — pointing out our shelf of mainly food items left behind from previous guests, that you can help yourself to.
By the time you hit the road, you’ll feel well-prepared and ready for the holiday of a lifetime.
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Our Adventure Support team does a quality assurance check of each motorhome before you arrive for pick up. It’s a very thorough check for cleanliness and to ensure everything is working as it should. They look at the bed setup, water tank, fridge, gas hobs, cutlery, towels, latches, fuel and Adblue, user manual, TV and WiFi — and extra items in the garage like the table and chairs. Aqilah Saudi — Wilderness’ Content Creator |
A well-prepared recreational vehicle
One key expectation when choosing a premium motorhome is that your vehicle will be delivered in immaculate condition — ready for your adventures. This level of readiness is a feature of a high-quality rental experience.
Before your Wilderness motorhome is handed over, it undergoes a comprehensive inspection and professional detailing at our base. This means our team of experienced, hard-working mechanics will thoroughly examine it — noting any problems that need attention and repairs that require fixing.
Once these issues are addressed, our meticulous detailing team will attend to your motorhome. They comprehensively clean every part of your RV, inside and out, and dress it with fresh bedding and supplies so it looks and feels like new.
Hotel-style bedding
Neatly-made beds that feel like they belong in a hotel are essential items in any premium motorhome — and Wilderness models are no different. You can also expect fresh linen, bedding and towels.
Warm and comfortable
When the weather cools down, expect a premium motorhome to have:
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Central heating — with air ducts to help keep you and the interior cosy and warm
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Full insulation — through the roof, floor and walls
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Double-glazed windows and vents.
Two full bottles of LPG are onboard so you can heat the motorhome, cook and enjoy hot showers while freedom camping.
Kitchen equipment
High-spec kitchen appliances will help make cooking easy in your premium Wilderness motorhome.
You’ll find a gas cooktop with two or three burners — and there may even be an oven. A sink with a cover for extra bench space is also included.
Opposite this, you can expect a three-way fridge-freezer to keep all your food and drink cold. This type can run on mains power, LPG (gas) and the house battery.
In addition to these appliances, you’ll have access to:
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A kettle and a coffee plunger
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Crockery, cutlery and utensils — including plates, bowls, cups, knives, forks and spoons
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Cooking utensils — such as pots, pans, a frying pan, a spatula and serving spoons
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Drinking glasses — like coffee and tea mugs, and wine glasses
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A chopping board, colander, can opener and bottle opener
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Teatowels, dishcloths, dishwashing liquid and a cleaning brush.
All these items are stowed away in a well-thought out way for easy access and use — and to minimise rattling while you’re driving.
Find out more about choosing a Wilderness motorhome.
Support you can count on
While premium motorhomes are designed for reliability, even the best-planned road trips can encounter unexpected situations. If these arise, having accessible and efficient support is a vital part of the premium experience.
Help is only a phone call away with Wilderness’ 24/7 guest support and roadside assistance. Whether it’s a flat tyre or an engine issue, our support team is there for you, day or night.
An efficient and welcoming return
Although your amazing road trip has to end, the premium experience doesn’t. Just as it began with careful preparation and a warm welcome, it should conclude just as smoothly and comfortably.
The drop off process with a premium operator should focus on convenience and gathering feedback — to continually enhance the overall offering.
On your return to the Wilderness base, we’ll:
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Offer you coffee or tea
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Check how your road trip went — and discuss any issues or motorhome damage
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Hand you a tablet survey to complete — about your overall experience.
A staff member will check over your motorhome and let you know if there are any costs, like road user charges (RUC). In the meantime, you can leave any unopened food items with us for future guests to use.
We’ll let you know how many kilometres you drove on your New Zealand adventure. Then, we’ll take you back to the airport, or your airport hotel — so you can finish your holiday just as relaxed as when you began.
Read our blog for more information on what you need to do before returning your motorhome — and what happens after drop off.
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If you’re wondering which premium motorhome features are worth paying for, my advice is to look for the little things that will genuinely shape your day-to-day experience. They might be enjoying a great night’s sleep in a comfortable bed, relaxing in a spacious, immaculate interior or driving a modern, high-end RV that feels comfortable and effortless on the road. Claire Smith — Motorhome writer & editor |
Inclusions rather than hidden fees
A commitment to transparency and value, ensuring that what you see is what you get, distinguishes a premium motorhome rental from an average one. With some motorhome rental operators, what looks like a good deal upfront can cost far more after extras and fees are added.
Wilderness is completely transparent about pricing. When you hire a Wilderness motorhome, there are plenty of inclusions, such as:
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One-way fees
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Cleaning charges
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Additional driver costs
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Windscreen and tyre protection
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Extended roadside assistance — and the inner peace that comes with it
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Essentials — like toilet paper, toilet chemicals, dishwashing liquid, dishcloths and tea towels.
See our blog on premium motorhome rental inclusions, fees and add-ons for more details about what will be included in your hire. Then, download our campervan rental inclusions worksheet to make your own comparisons.
Refundable deposit
The mark of a premium motorhome rental provider is the flexibility and confidence offered by its booking terms — particularly with deposits.
Reputable operators aim to give you ample time and clear conditions if you need to cancel. This reflects the trust they have in their products and their service.
For example, with Wilderness, your deposit is almost always fully refundable until seven days before pick up, giving you the flexibility to book confidently. The exception is for rental periods commencing at the busiest time of year, between 21 December and 8 February — where you need to cancel 21 days or more before pick up.
Get a better understanding of motorhome rental terms and conditions.
Explore beyond the beaten track
New Zealand’s most unforgettable locations are usually off the main highways. They can be down an unassuming country road, near a remote beach or secluded in a national park. To reach them, you’ll need more than a sense of adventure — you’ll need an RV you can rely on.
Unlike some standard rental companies, premium operators like Wilderness want you to experience the real New Zealand, not just the highlights everyone else sees.
That’s why our insurance covers travel on any public road in New Zealand — allowing you to go further with confidence. However, some circumstances aren’t covered under insurance, like getting your motorhome stuck in the mud and needing it towed.
Find out how you can hire a New Zealand campervan without road restrictions.
A zero liability insurance option with extras
Accidents are rare — but knowing you’re completely protected if something goes wrong gives the reassurance you need when on vacation.
Like other rental operators in New Zealand, premium providers often offer a VIP liability reduction option. However, with Wilderness, this insurance package comes with a bunch of inclusions, such as:
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A SIM card
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An LPG bottle refill
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Road user charges
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Toll road fees
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A child seat
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Outdoor table and chairs
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A barbecue
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Snow chains.
Choosing VIP insurance is about more than just coverage. Being unworried lets you stay focused on what really matters — so you can just enjoy your road trip adventure.
Take a look at our VIP liability reduction option.
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Experience the ultimate premium motorhome with The Suite If you’re a traveller who wants the absolute best, The Suite is our most spacious four berth model. From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the differences, like:
It’s also packed with features that make life on the road seamless, like a large fridge-freezer, extra storage and a powerful heating system for year-round comfort. The Suite delivers if you're looking for a motorhome that feels more like a high-end apartment. |
Eco-friendly and sustainable travel
Adventuring across New Zealand by motorhome isn’t only about seeing more — it’s about experiencing a deeper connection to the land. That connection comes with a responsibility to protect the places you travel through by upholding the Tiaki Promise.
Wilderness is heavily invested in several community initiatives to help make the environment and people’s livelihoods better. A few of these important projects are:
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Predator Free Hauraki Coromandel Community Trust (PFHCCT) — taking steps towards a predator-free Coromandel Peninsula full of native wildlife and birdsong
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Mana Manu Trust — bringing back native birdlife to the Whangapoua conservation area on the Coromandel Peninsula
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Monte Cecilia Housing Trust — addressing immediate housing needs and related issues faced by at-risk families
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Trees That Count — protecting and enhancing our unique biodiversity, vulnerable species and the health of our waterways.
In addition, we’re heavily invested in environmentally-friendly initiatives that reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable country. A few of these efforts are:
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Extended tyre lifecycles — purchasing tyres that are designed for less wear, so they last longer and reduce tyre waste
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Reusable coffee cups — supplying each motorhome with two refillable coffee mugs to help reduce takeaway coffee cups going to landfill
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The second life shelf — in our Auckland and Christchurch bases, where you can leave unused food and other items for another traveller.
Unlike many other rental operators, we also provide sustainable dishwashing liquid and containers. By using an eco-friendly provider and refilling our dishwashing liquid containers in each motorhome before the next rental, we’re reducing waste.
You can also make a real difference by purchasing trees when hiring your motorhome.
Resources, tools, guides and inspiration
A premium motorhome experience should begin with excitement rather than being overwhelmed. You’ll want an operator that understands there’s a lot to consider. Where should you go? How long should you stay? What should you bring? Which motorhome is right for you?
Premium providers, such as Wilderness, try to make your planning more manageable by creating a range of helpful tools and resources to guide you through each step. Our tools include the:
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Comparison motorhomes chart — to view all Wilderness motorhome specs side-by-side, together with our comprehensive guide to choosing the right motorhome
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Packing checklist — in conjunction with our blog about packing for your motorhome road trip
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Motorhome travel itineraries and destination guides — to help you plan the perfect road trip to the places you really want to see in New Zealand
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Camping guide — that explores the types of camping experiences you can have while motorhoming in NZ
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Recipes for the road ebook — containing 23 NZ favourites to go with our top 20 best food experiences in NZ and this epic NZ foodie tour
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Driving a motorhome for the first time in New Zealand guide — to help you feel confident before you even leave the base
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Best national parks to visit by motorhome blog — for inspiration about where to hike and explore when you’re touring around New Zealand.
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Planning a personalised trip We've made it easier than ever to plan your adventure through Wilderness. Our curated itineraries and travel blogs are full of inspiration, local insights and off-the-beaten-path gems — helping you shape a road trip that reflects your pace and interests. Whether you’re after coastal drives, alpine views or hidden hot springs, we’ll help you find an ideal route. |
Tips for saving on a premium NZ motorhome rental
Booking a premium motorhome rental in New Zealand doesn’t necessarily require a big budget. Planning and flexibility will help you enjoy a high-quality experience at a great price.
Make the most of your travel budget by following these tips.
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Book early — rental availability is often limited during peak times, so booking well in advance gives you access to more of the fleet and may secure you a better daily rate.
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Travel during off-peak seasons — autumn, spring and even winter have stunning scenery, fewer crowds and often significantly lower prices, so that you can enjoy the same high-end experience for less.
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Look out for special offers, such as seasonal deals or promotions, that may include discounts or added-value extras.
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Be flexible with your dates — try adjusting your trip dates by a few days to get a lower daily hire rate, especially if you can avoid school or public holidays when prices may rise.
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Watch for relocation deals — rental providers occasionally need to relocate vehicles between Auckland and Christchurch and may offer heavily discounted rental rates.
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Check different pick up points — if you plan to travel one way, it may be cheaper to pick up in Christchurch and drop off in Auckland than vice versa.
Choosing a motorhome isn’t just a logistical decision — it’s the foundation of your New Zealand experience. You’ll want comfort, confidence and the freedom to explore NZ easily.
From smartly designed motorhomes and upfront pricing to personalised support and local expertise, every detail is crafted to elevate your journey.
See our guide to choosing a premium Wilderness motorhome.
