Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime south island adventure across New Zealand’s stunning landscapes with Travellers Autobarn. With our top-of-the-line campervans, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, from the rolling hills of the Waikato to the charming cafe-lined streets of Christchurch.

Why book a campervan rental with us?

Access to free campsites

For more than 25 years, Travellers Autobarn has been recognised as one of New Zealand’s top companies for budget-friendly and backpacker-friendly campervan rentals. Our extensive knowledge and expertise in the local area enable us to provide you with access to free campsites around the country, and the only requirement is having a campervan equipped with a “Porta Potti”. A porta potti costs just $50/rental with Travellers Autobarn and allows travellers to access both free and highly reduced campsites.

Unlimited kilometres with each rental

Travellers Autobarn offers campervan rentals with unlimited daily kilometres, allowing you to explore New Zealand at your own pace without having to worry about extra expenses. Whether you’re embarking on a brief tour or a grand month-long road trip, we have everything you need to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

15% discount at any of the Stay Kiwi Holiday Parks

Travellers Autobarn offers an unbeatable opportunity to save on campervan rental and holiday park stays – a 15% discount for booked rentals, plus 15% off Bluebridge Ferry. New Zealand-based Stay Kiwi Holiday Parks offer convenience, comfort and beautiful locations across the country, many with complimentary WIFI. Booking your campervan rental with Travellers Autobarn gives you access to these special offer savings that let you make the most of your travel experiences.

24/7 roadside assistance

We recognise that unforeseen problems may arise during your drive, which is why all our vehicles at Travellers Autobarn include 24/7 roadside assistance by default. If any issues occur while you’re on the road with one of our vehicles, you can have peace of mind knowing that assistance is readily available with just a single phone call. With this assurance, you can resume your holiday adventure without any worries.

Auckland to Christchurch One-way Itinerary

Stop #1: Hamilton

Boasting an array of attractions, activities, and sights to explore, the city of Hamilton is a must-see for any visitor travelling through the North Island. From the grandeur of the award-winning Hamilton Gardens to scenic hikes during a leisurely day trip from Auckland – only just over an hour away by car – there is no shortage of things to see and do in Hamilton.

Stop #2: Rotorua

With its bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, Rotorua is an amazing collage of nature’s best creations. It showcases our fascinating Māori culture, which can be experienced through many interactive activities. With Pōhutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa, it is easy to feel the power of nature while admiring the splendour of this geothermal wonder at Rotorua.

Stop #3: Taupo

From hikes on the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing to fishing and boating excursions along the stunning Lake Taupo and its many tributaries, nature lovers have far more than enough to explore. The nearby Huka Falls also make a breathtaking addition to your day. After all that exploring, you can relax at one of Taupo’s local markets and sample some delicious regional cuisine.

Stop #4: Napier

Make sure to appreciate the unique architecture of Napier, which distinguishes it from other cities. The city is renowned for having one of the world’s most complete collections of Art Deco buildings. Take a moment to reflect on the city’s literal and figurative transformation after the devastating earthquake that shook Hawke’s Bay for over three minutes in 1931.

Stop #5: Wellington

Make sure to visit Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, on your way from Napier to Auckland. Here, take an iconic ride in the Wellington Cable Car and enjoy beautiful city views while enjoying delicious ice cream. There are several museums and galleries in the area worth visiting, too; Te Papa – New Zealand’s national museum – is a definite must-visit for not just its interactive and immersive displays but also for insights into the stories of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Stop #6: Kaikoura

Kaikōura is a popular destination on the Auckland to Christchurch one-way route, boasting stunning panoramas and exciting wildlife encounters. Just a two-hour drive north of Christchurch, visitors to Kaikōura can marvel at the beauty of the Seaward Kaikōura Range or take part in a number of activities such as coastal walks or mountain biking; and for those wanting to truly savour the local cuisine, you could sample some succulent crayfish as ‘Kai’ means food and ‘Kōura’ means crayfish in the Māori language.

Stop #7: Christchurch

Christchurch is one of the world’s most vibrant, unique destinations, combining innovative regeneration and urbanisation with a variety of cultural heritage. Providing an ever-evolving landscape, visitors to this uniquely New Zealand setting can expect to discover street art and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, an eclectic hospitality scene, lush pockets of green spaces, and a bumpy pump bike park. Whether it is part of your Auckland-Christchurch one-way itinerary or a standalone visit, exploring Christchurch will uncover something new and exciting at each step.

Top attractions to see whilst in Christchurch

Canterbury Museum

For a unique and educational experience, indulge in what Christchurch has to offer with a visit to the Canterbury Museum. It is a journey of exploration, framed in a winding path that opens up beautiful urban art decorating every space – from the walls and ceilings to gallery spaces, corridors, offices and storerooms. With regularly rotating exhibitions and pieces from across the ages, this is one experience in Christchurch that you won’t want to miss.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens boast a collection of exotic and native plants from around the world, presenting visitors with an ever-changing display of beauty. With over 1.1 million visitors each year, these epic botanic gardens are amongst the most beloved attractions in Christchurch. Featuring local flora and fauna, as well as plants from other places of the world, this amazing space is nothing short of a wonder to behold.

Hagley Park

Hagley Park is a cornerstone of Christchurch and has stood in the heart of the city since 1850. It is the largest park in the centre of the city, occupying acres of lush green space divided into North and South Hagley Park by Riccarton Avenue. With its mature woodlands, open spaces and recreational activities, Hagley Park serves as an oasis for locals and visitors alike.

Christchurch Gondola

Located in the Port Hills of Christchurch, a trip to the Christchurch Gondola is an exciting and activities-packed experience. The 12-minute ride up to the summit station offers breathtaking views of Lyttelton Harbour, the Southern Alps, Canterbury Plains, Pegasus Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Once you reach the summit station, you can explore on foot amongst the walks or take a journey on the Christchurch Discovery Ride for added insight into this remarkable area.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Experience nature like never before at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve! This reserve is home to New Zealand’s Big 5 Wildlife – the kiwi, kaka, tuatara, kea, and takahe. Travellers can take a guided kiwi tour and witness these incredible creatures up close. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to encounter other animals, including lemurs and capybaras, and even feed the wild eels. You can also make friends with the unique livestock breeds of New Zealand. To top it off, you can listen to the kiwi as it forages near your feet. This is an unforgettable experience that you wouldn’t want to miss!

FAQs

Going head north from Christchurch to Auckland is possible as we have Christchurch campervan rental services available. If you plan to travel from Christchurch to Auckland, you can rent a Christchurch campervan and explore all the attractions and holiday parks located in between.

If you are not a native English speaker from countries such as Australia, UK, or USA, it is mandatory by law in New Zealand to have an international driving license. We recommend arranging this before arriving in New Zealand. Alternatively, you can also avail of translation services for your driving license in NZ before picking up your campervan.

The pricing of one-way campervan rentals depends on the time and demand and thus may vary. To obtain an accurate quote for your desired dates, we recommend using our booking engine.

The driving distance from Auckland to Christchurch is approximately 1,364 kilometres and takes about 19 hours and 29 minutes via Great South Road.

You can rent a campervan for as long as you need. We recommend booking your campervan rental in advance to ensure availability and get the best deals.

Our Auckland branch details

Opening hours

Monday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Friday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday & Public Holidays – Closed

Special hours

CLOSED BETWEEN JUNE & AUGUST

Our Auckland branch will be closed Saturdays between 1st of June – 31st of August.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Address

C/13 Aintree Avenue
Mangere, Auckland 2022
New Zealand

Learn more about campervan hire in Auckland.

Our Christchurch branch details

Opening hours

Monday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Friday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday & Public Holidays – Closed

Special hours

CLOSED BETWEEN JUNE & AUGUST

Our Christchurch branch will be closed Saturdays between 1st of June – 31st of August.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Address

238 Roydvale Avenue
Burnside, Christchurch 8053
New Zealand

Learn more about campervan hire in Christchurch.

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