New Zealand is one of the friendliest countries in the world for a family campervan trip. Distances are short, holiday parks have playgrounds and kitchens, there is a beach, a lake or a waterfall in almost every direction and the country feels safe and organised. Right now, with the southern summer starting, a lot of families are planning exactly this trip for Christmas, New Year and January.

We live in Rovaniemi and we have not driven a hired motorhome around New Zealand with children, so this is a researched guide, not a trip report. We have read the live figures on the CampervanPlanet New Zealand page (price index of November 2026) and combined them with common, stable local knowledge.

Which vehicle suits a family

CampervanPlanet groups New Zealand vehicles by how many people they sleep, and the differences matter a lot when children are involved:

• Budget Campervan: sleeps 2, from €18 a day in winter.
• Standard Campervan: sleeps up to 3, with a heater and a kitchen.
• Family Motorhome: sleeps between 4 and 6, with a full kitchen and bathroom.
• Premium Motorhome: sleeps up to 6.

If you are two adults and one small child, a standard campervan can work. For two adults and two children, we would go straight to the family motorhome, because a bathroom on board changes night-time life with small children. It also means you can be self-contained, which matters for where you can park, as we explain below.

Check the berth count and the layout, not just the number. A van that technically sleeps four may require the dining table to convert into a bed every night, which gets old after three days with children. Ask how the beds are arranged, how big the children’s bunk is and whether it suits your children’s ages.

Child seats and safety

New Zealand law requires every passenger to wear a seatbelt, front and rear, and children must use an appropriate child seat or booster for their age and size. The driver is responsible for making sure passengers are restrained. Rental companies usually offer child seats and boosters for an extra fee, and some vans have limited seat positions that can take them, so ask before you book. Our advice is to check the number of belted seats with anchor points, not just the sleeping capacity.

Drive on the left. If you are used to driving on the right, take the first day gently, particularly at roundabouts, where you give way to traffic already on the roundabout from your right. Narrow, winding roads are common and driving times on the map are optimistic once you add photo stops and a toilet break for a three-year-old.

What it costs in the school holidays

CampervanPlanet’s price study gives a good picture of the seasons. The typical campervan costs about €71 a day in June, about €199 in March and about €194 in January, and the cheapest offer starts at €18 a day in winter. In their price study the typical price only drops below €100 from May to August, and March is close to January.

For a family, that means the summer school holidays are the expensive part of the year. December to February is the summer peak, so book 3 to 6 months ahead, and the closer you get to Christmas the fewer family motorhomes remain. If you can travel in the shoulder months, March and April are warm in many regions, and prices are not far below January, so look at the exact dates in the search tool rather than assuming.

Add the extras. Child seats, the ferry across Cook Strait if you do both islands, holiday park fees, fuel and groceries all add up. A family trip is rarely cheaper than a hotel trip in peak summer, but you gain flexibility, and kitchen costs are lower than eating out three times a day.

North Island or South Island with children

CampervanPlanet’s own guide says a North Island loop from Auckland takes 10 to 14 days and about 2,000 km, via Rotorua, Tongariro and Napier. A South Island trip from Christchurch to Queenstown covers about 1,500 km in 10 to 14 days and is ideal for a first trip. To see both islands, you cross on the ferry between Wellington and Picton, and for most families we would pick one island and do it slowly.

The North Island has more for younger children: beaches, geothermal parks at Rotorua, Hobbiton near Matamata and short walks. The South Island has the drama, with the lakes, Milford Sound and the glaciers, but longer drives between highlights. If your children are under seven, we would lean North Island. If they are older and enjoy hiking and boats, the South Island loop is the classic. Our South Island campervan itinerary lays out a 14-day version.

Where to sleep: holiday parks and freedom camping

Holiday parks are the family-friendly default. They have powered sites, kitchens, showers and often playgrounds, jumping pillows or pools, and they are easy to book in advance for peak weeks. Department of Conservation campsites are cheaper and prettier, but facilities are simpler. In summer, popular places fill early, so book the first and last nights of any holiday week before you leave home.

Freedom camping is possible in some places, but the rules are strict and local, and in many areas you need a certified self-contained vehicle. Because a family motorhome with a toilet is more likely to qualify, it opens more options, but you must follow the local council signs and use dump stations. Our guide to freedom camping rules in New Zealand explains it in more detail, and you should always check the current rules for the specific area.

How to keep the days easy

Plan short driving days. Two to three hours of driving, then a long stop at a beach or a playground, works better than four hours with a bored child in the back. Keep snacks and a few new small toys or books for the long stretches, and download games or audio for the roads where mobile coverage drops.

Pick up the van at a location that fits your flight. CampervanPlanet lists nine pick-up points: Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington, Blenheim, Picton, Nelson, Dunedin and Greymouth. After a long flight, a night in a hotel and a pick-up the next morning is usually easier than driving straight from the airport. The Christchurch campervan hire page is a good starting point if you are heading for the South Island.

Compare several companies. CampervanPlanet lists 23 rental companies for New Zealand, and the same size of van can vary a lot in price and what is included. Our reader coupon HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY20 takes €20 off at checkout. Read what is included for insurance, excess and kilometres, and use our campervan rental guide for the basics.

A simple family packing list

• A small first-aid kit, sunscreen (the New Zealand sun is strong) and insect repellent for sandflies.
• A night light and a few bedtime books for sleeping in an unfamiliar bed.
• Layers for every season, as the weather can change quickly even in summer.
• Reusable water bottles, snacks and a small cool bag for day trips.
• Printed or downloaded confirmations for holiday parks and ferries.

Frequently asked questions