Campervan Hire Christchurch

We know you’re itching to get out on the road, but before you hit the highway, make sure you take the time to familiarise yourself with your chosen campervan. We provide full vehicle orientation when you collect the keys, but it’s good to make sure you ask as many questions as possible and feel 100% confident with the sink, fridge, water pump, heater, stove, and toilet before you start driving.

Likewise, do some research on the dump stations and fresh water points in Christchurch and the surrounding areas, and make sure you feel able to operate them correctly before you set out. For your safety and convenience, if you do get into issues, our campervans include 24/7 roadside assistance, but nothing beats being able to troubleshoot simple issues on the go so that you can carry on with your adventure.

You should also take a little time ahead of your road trip to understand Christchurch’s roads and weather conditions. While the city streets are modern and well-maintained, the drive into the Port Hills or Banks Peninsula can introduce winding, narrow passes with tight bends and sharp drop-offs, so be prepared to encounter these. Also, visibility can be diminished by sea fog in the Peninsula or sudden rainstorms that sweep in from the coast.

Keeping your campervan under 80 km/h on twisty roads and descents and pulling over to let inbound traffic pass is a very good idea, as it is courteous and maintains road safety. Also, as fuel stations can be spaced farther apart outside urban Christchurch, it’s best to fill up before you head into remote areas like Akaroa or Arthur’s Pass.

It’s tempting to pull up at a picturesque spot you’ve discovered along the road and set up camp, but Christchurch City Council has some very strict freedom camping rules in place that you’ll need to follow. First, only certified self-contained vehicles are allowed to freedom camp, and even those are only allowed in designated areas. You’re also only usually allowed to freedom camp in one spot for a maximum of 4 nights within any 30-day period, and some areas may have time-of-year restrictions in place.

The best way to make sure you’re freedom camping legally is to familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations before your trip. And, to make things even easier, we’ve put together a collection of freedom camping spots in Christchurch.

Having a satellite navigation system is key for anyone travelling to an unfamiliar area. With GPS, you can rest assured that you will never get lost. The navigational tools are comprehensive and easy to use, with detailed instructions, real-time traffic data, and even backup paths.

Don’t fret if you don’t have a GPS system; most contemporary smartphones come with a mapping app already installed. Google Maps, for example, is complimentary on both iOS and Android devices. Simply enter your starting point and destination into the app before beginning your road trip in your campervan.

There’s a little more to choosing a campervan than simply going for the vehicle you like the look of the most. You need to make sure it’s got enough space for all your travel buddies, your luggage, and if you’re planning to freedom camp, that it aligns with Christchurch’s strict regulations.

At Travellers Autobarn, we have a range of campervans to choose from, including compact Chubby Campers for solo adventurers or couples, mid-size Kuga campervans with a more spacious living area, and larger Hi-5 vans for small groups or family getaways. Even better, our fleet consists of campervans that comply with New Zealand’s self-containment standards, so you can freedom camp without breaking any vehicle laws.

Not sure where to head once you’ve arrived in Christchurch? Don’t forget that you have a whole host of useful information available online, including our guides to freedom camping in Christchurch and some awesome South Island road trip itineraries that start from Christchurch.

You can also visit Christchurch City Council’s official website, which has maps highlighting permitted freedom camping zones and up-to-date information on rules, while apps like CamperMate make it easy to find dump stations and water refill locations as you’re headed along the road. And, of course, there’s the invaluable resource of local knowledge to use, so don’t be afraid to ask locals questions or for recommendations.

Christchurch see huge changes in altitude and temperature, and starting a day in sunny Christchurch and ending in Arthur’s Pass or Kaikoura means packing layers, beanies, gloves, sunscreen, and rain protection. Obviously, such diverse packing means you’ll need a relatively large suitcase, but you can reduce the amount of space it’ll take up by going for a soft-sided duffel and using packing cubes to keep everything organised.

It’s not just clothing you need to consider when packing, though. Much of the time, especially if you’re freedom camping, you’ll be preparing your own meals from your campervan. So, bring or rent kitchen gear, bin liners, insect repellent, biodegradable cleaning wipes, and lighting. And for those chillier nights, don’t forget to pack bedding and blankets.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Spanning over 20 hectares, Christchurch Botanic Gardens is home to centuries-old trees, peaceful walks, and themed areas like the rose garden and tropical conservatory. The Avon River also gently winds through the grounds, and you can even hop aboard a traditional punt for a guided ride. This is one of the most popular attractions in Christchurch and certainly one that nobody visiting this part of New Zealand will want to skip, especially if you’re a nature lover.

Riverside Market
This modern indoor market is packed with artisan vendors, local produce stalls, gourmet treats, and multicultural eateries, all under one roof. Riverside Market is the perfect place for foodies to explore, as well as an ideal stop to stock up on supplies or grab a quick bite before heading out on the open road. And, as if there wasn’t enough to explore here, it’s surrounded by the cool boutique shops and bars of the lively Oxford Terrace “Strip”, making it one of the very best areas in Christchurch to enjoy a night out or daytime wander.

Christchurch Gondola
For some of the best views across the city, the Southern Alps, and Lyttelton Harbour, head straight to the Christchurch Gondola. Located about 15 minutes from the city centre, the cable car ascends the Port Hills to a summit station with a gift shop, cafe, walking trails, and a time tunnel ride that tells the geological story of the region. This is both a fun experience and a great way of getting your bearings, as well as giving you a whole new opportunity to appreciate just how vast the Canterbury landscape is.

Quake City
Christchurch’s recent history has been profoundly shaped by the 2010-2011 earthquakes, and Quake City is a museum that tells this story. Located a 10-minute walk from Riverside Market, this interactive exhibition features personal accounts, artefacts from the aftermath, and multimedia exhibits that explain the science behind the quakes and the ongoing rebuild of the city.

Turanga (Christchurch Central Library)
You might think a trip to a library doesn’t sound overly exciting, but Turanga is not your average library! This is a five-storey architectural wonder in Cathedral Square that mixes high-tech innovation with community spaces and striking design. Inside, you’ll find everything from a virtual reality lab and 3D printers to a fantastic children’s area, exhibition spaces, study pods, and a cafe with insane river views. This is an excellent option for exploring when it’s rainy, as well as being a nice place to recharge your devices before hitting the road again.