New Zealand and the Open Road

Open roads, jaw-dropping landscapes, and unmatched freedom — the ultimate road trip starts here. From $115 USD/night.

RV Hire New Zealand - Check Availability

Why Travel with Wilderness

Ultimate Comfort

Permanent beds, hotel-style bathrooms, and heating for cozy warmth.

Equipped for Adventure

Car-like driving, clever storage, and modern tech everywhere.

Explore Without Limits

No road restrictions mean no limits - the whole country is yours.

Values Over Volume

100% New Zealand family-owned, with 20+ years of exceptional service.

A Force For Good

A proud B Corp, we protect the planet, people and communities we touch.

Fully Flexible

Your deposit is usually fully refundable up to seven days before your hire.

Licenses

Your US driver's license is valid in New Zealand. You don't need an International Driving Permit if your license is in English. Your license must be current and with you at all times while driving.

Read more about driving in New Zealand on a US license via NZTA →

Driving in New Zealand

New Zealand drives on the left, and speed limits are in km/h. Stick to 90km/h (55 mph) on freeways, and 50km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, unless a sign says otherwise. Take your time on winding roads. Wilderness RVs come without road restrictions, so explore freely!

Full driving guide →

Packing Tips

Wilderness RVs come fully equipped with bedding, towels, and kitchen essentials, so you can pack lighter than you might think. Our printable checklist covers exactly what to bring, what's already on board, and what's easy to pick up on arrival.

Download the packing checklist →

Visas

US citizens don't need a traditional visa for visits up to 90 days, but you must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before departure - a quick online process, linked directly to your passport once approved. You'll also need to complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before arrival, covering biosecurity and customs.

Apply for your NZeTA →

Before You Arrive

Confirm what your travel insurance covers, download an offline New Zealand map for rural areas, and review New Zealand's biosecurity rules before you fly. If you're carrying food, plant material, or outdoor gear, declare it all on your NZTD. New Zealand takes this seriously, and declaring everything means no issues at the border.

Airport Transfers

Wilderness offers complimentary transfers between Auckland Airport and our Auckland depot, and between Christchurch Airport and our Christchurch depot. Collect your luggage, head to the pick-up point, and we'll bring you straight to your RV.

More on airport transfers →

Explore the RV models American guests love most

Twin/King for 2 (Slim)

Perfect for traveling duos who prefer the drivability of a smaller motorhome but don't want to sacrifice the big bed.

Double for 2

Our most popular 2 berth RV layout is the favorite for couples who appreciate a comfortable permanent bed.

The Suite

Indulge yourself with comfort and style in this unique 4 berth RV - perfect for a couple or family.

What Our Guests Say

Why do so many travelers fall in love with exploring New Zealand by road?

Take a look at some of our American guests travel stories below to hear about their experience.

South Island with Friends

Marissa and friends road-tripped through NZ's South Island in a motorhome from Wilderness and it was WILD! From snow-capped mountains to crystal blue lakes, winding roads, and side of the road stops.

Jordyn & Ben's Journey

Ten years ago, a couple took the trip of a lifetime exploring New Zealand in a campervan. Ever since, they dreamed of returning, not just to relive those memories, but to share them.

Jay & Nina's Ultimate RV Travel Guide

We go over the best time to travel to the South Island, budgeting tips, where to camp, how much it all costs and everything else you need to know before your trip to New Zealand.

New Zealand stays with you long after you leave. Read what our past travellers have shared.

Read guest reviews

Things to do in New Zealand

New Zealand fits a lot into one drivable country. You have the North Island's geothermal wonders and Māori culture, and the South Island's glaciers, fiords, and postcard alpine scenery. Our open roads are made for exactly this kind of trip, and a Wilderness RV connects it all.

Auckland to Christchurch West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

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Cruise down New Zealand's West Coast exploring Raglan, New Plymouth, Wellington, Karamea and Punakaiki. Drop your motorhome in Christchurch via Maruia and Hanmer hot springs.

South Island Road Trip Campervan Itinerary

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Travel over the Southern Alps towards the west coast and explore Glacier Country before heading to the tourist mecca of Wanaka, Queenstown and Milford Sound. Return to Christchurch via Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo.

Auckland to Cape Reinga 13 Day Itinerary

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This 13-day Auckland loop heads north up the east coast past Goat Island and the Tutukaka Coast to Cape Reinga. You’ll return south via the wild west coast, taking in Ahipara, Waipoua Forest, and Kai Iwi Lakes.

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Wilderness couple ROMANCE

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Tips for Americans Exploring New Zealand by RV Hire

The culture, weather, cost of travel and freedom to camp differ between America and New Zealand. With our comprehensive advice for US travelers, you'll have all the information you need to plan an unforgettable RV journey.

Useful Tools and Guides

Travel Itineraries

Itineraries

From a tour of both islands to focused regional routes, each itinerary is crafted to show you the best of New Zealand at a pace that lets you take it all in.

Motorhome Selector Tool

Our RVs

Every Wilderness RV features permanent beds, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom - everything you need for days or weeks on the road.

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Travel on the Ferry

Travel with a motorhome on New Zealand’s ferry. Learn about the cost, how to book, scheduling, amenities, tips and boarding with a campervan.

Cancel Your Booking

Questions? We're here

Our team has helped thousands of international travellers plan their New Zealand road trip. We're happy to help you compare, plan, and book with confidence.

Insurance Options

Insurance options

Choose the right liability reduction option and focus on remarkable moments — not what-ifs. Our popular Full Cover package has no excess and includes many free extras.

Extras & Accessories

Extras & Accessories

Enhance your motorhome adventure with extras like onboard WiFi, a child seat, ferry tickets and a BBQ — for a more enjoyable road trip.

Deals

Special Offers

Unlock savings on your motorhome adventure with our limited-time deals, promotions, relocation specials and exclusive offers.

T&Cs

Terms & Conditions

Understand your rental and purchase agreements clearly. Our transparent policies cover all aspects from bookings to payments to cancellations.

FAQs

We offer liability reduction options to lower your out-of-pocket expenses in case of an accident or vehicle damage:

Standard Cover: Included in the daily rate. Leaves you with a maximum liability/excess of NZ$7,500. (USD$4,247)
Extra Cover: Costs NZ$64 (USD$37) per day and reduces your maximum liability to NZ$500. (USD$283)
Full Cover: Costs NZ$84 (USD$48) per day and reduces your excess to NZ$0, should your motorhome be damaged (subject to our Terms & Conditions). It also includes Road User Charge Recovery and toll road fees, a free LPG refill, and add ons like an outdoor table with chairs, BBQ, snow chains and child restraints.

No, the security bond is not entirely waived, but it is significantly reduced. When you select Standard Cover, a security bond of NZ$7,500 (USD$4,245) is pre-authorised on your credit card at pickup. The bond for Extra and Full Cover is NZ$1,000 (USD$566).

Learn more about our insurance options here.

We don't charge one-way fee between our Auckland and Christchurch depots, so the base relocation fee between these cities is $0.

Yes. You do not need to book your Cook Strait ferry ticket immediately upon confirming your motorhome. You can add a ferry transfer to your reservation later through your My Booking portal or by contacting the Wilderness Reservations Team, subject to ferry availability (advance booking is strongly recommended).

Yes, our drop-down beds feature safety netting on the sides rather than rigid rails to help prevent children from rolling out.

You can request to extend your hire while you’re on the road. Extensions are subject to vehicle availability and need to be approved by our Operations Team.

Any additional days will be charged at the current daily rate on the day your extension is approved.

For more information, you can read our full terms and conditions here.

We operate two main bases in New Zealand:

Both depots are conveniently located near the respective international airports, with complimentary airport transfers included.

No, you cannot freedom camp anywhere in New Zealand - but you can do so at designated locations. All Wilderness motorhomes are certified self-contained.

Read our Essential Guide to Freedom Camping in New Zealand.

Our standard daily rental rate includes comprehensive insurance (with an excess), airport or hotel transfers, complete living equipment, and standard booking fees.

Also included:

One way fees
All drivers
Flexible booking policy
One-on-one support day and night (24/7)
Cosy linen, heating & insulation
Luxury kitchen equipment
SmartTV
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Personalised motorhome intro with coffee/tea on arrival

Yes, you generally have to pay New Zealand's Road User Charges (RUC) if your hired RV runs on diesel. When you hire with Wilderness and have Full Cover insurance, RUCs are included.

Learn more from our Guide to Road User Charges for Motorhome Rentals in NZ.

Child seats are available to rent so you don't have to bring your own. These are included with your Wilderness motorhome hire (if you choose ouf Full Cover insurance option).

We recommend booking an RV 4 to 6 months in advance for New Zealand’s peak travel season (December to February), and 6 to 12 months ahead if you plan to travel right over the high-demand Christmas and New Year holidays.

We provide free courtesy shuttle transfers between Auckland or Christchurch airports and our local bases at the start and end of your rental.

Arrival Pickup Process

Wait until you have cleared customs and retrieved all your bags from the terminal.
Call to let us know you have arrived.
We will dispatch our courtesy shuttle to pick you up from the designated pick up spot and drive you to our base.

Hotel Transfers

We also collect guests from select airport hotels.
You must arrange this in advance or confirm the hotel is on our approved Auckland and Christchurch list.

Return Transfers

We also offer free return transfers back to the airport or a nearby airport hotel when you drop off your motorhome at the end of your trip.

No, We don't offer an after-hours drop-off service.

Drop-off Details

Latest drop-off time: 2:30 PM daily.
Operating hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Late fees: Returning a vehicle after 2:30 PM but before 4:30 PM incurs a NZ$200 late fee. Returning it after 4:30 PM incurs the NZ$200 fee plus your full daily rental rate.

Yes, you can upgrade your insurance (liability reduction option) after confirming your booking, up until the time you pick up your motorhome.