New Zealand Campervan Relocation: The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Saving Thousands
After four amazing campervan trips across New Zealand, you’d think my family would have seen it all. But when my young daughter recently claimed she couldn’t remember any of them and demanded a new adventure, I knew what I had to do.
Drawing on all my experience, I started planning another trip for this November—which we’ve found is one of the best times to visit New Zealand for great weather with fewer crowds. To make this fifth trip a reality without breaking the bank, my research led me right back to my favorite travel hack: The Ultimate Guide to Relocation Car Rentals in New Zealand: 5 Ways to Travel Cheaply Across the Country.
Is it really possible to rent a family-sized campervan for just $1 a day, or is it a scam? This guide shares everything I’ve learned from my research and past trips. We’ll compare the real costs, explore the honest pros and cons, and help you decide if this is the secret to your own dream Kiwi adventure.
What Exactly Is a New Zealand Campervan Relocation?
In our ultimate guide to relocation car rentals in New Zealand, we covered several ways to travel cheaply, but let’s focus specifically on campervans. This is where the most jaw-dropping savings happen.
Think of it like this: you get to be a delivery driver for a rental company, but your “delivery” is a multi-day road trip in a fantastic campervan.
Rental companies often have too many vehicles in one city and not enough in another. For example, many tourists fly into Christchurch and drive south to Queenstown, leaving a pile-up of campervans there. Instead of paying a professional driver to move the vehicle back, they offer it to travelers for an incredibly low price—sometimes just $1 per day.
Your job is simple: pick up the campervan in one city and drop it off in another by a specific date. In return, you get an almost-free rental for your adventure.
The Jaw-Dropping Price Difference: A Real-World Example
To see the real savings for international visitors, let’s compare a standard rental with a New Zealand campervan relocation deal, showing costs in both New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and US Dollars (USD).
Scenario:
- Vehicle: 6-berth campervan (perfect for families)
- Route: Christchurch to Queenstown
- Duration: 3 nights / 4 days
- Time of Year: November (shoulder season)
The Cost of a Standard 6-Berth Campervan Rental
Booking a large campervan for a one-way trip normally costs a premium. You’re paying for the vehicle, insurance, and the convenience of a flexible schedule.
Based on quotes from major rental sites, you can expect to pay anywhere from NZD $392 to $700 per day (approx. USD $240 to $430).
- 3-Night Rental Total: NZD $1,200 – $2,100+ (approx. USD $735 – $1,285)
- One-Way Fee: Often around NZD $189 (approx. USD $115)
- Estimated Total Cost: NZD $1,400 – $2,300 (approx. USD $850 – $1,400) before fuel.
This is a significant chunk of any family’s travel budget.
The Unbelievable Cost of a Relocation Deal
Now, let’s look at the same trip as a relocation deal on sites like Transfercar or Imoova. These platforms list vehicles that companies need moved urgently.
For the exact same 6-berth campervan on the same route, the price is drastically different.
- Daily Rate: Typically NZD $0 – $5 per day (approx. USD $0 – $3).
- 3-Night Rental Total: NZD $1 – $20 for the entire trip (approx. USD $0.60 – $12).
- One-Way Fee: Almost always waived ($0).
- Estimated Total Cost: NZD $1 – $20 (approx. USD $1 – $12) before fuel.
Some deals even throw in a free tank of fuel or cover your ferry ticket if you’re crossing between islands!
The Bottom Line: How Much Can You Really Save?
The math is simple and staggering. By choosing a New Zealand campervan relocation, you could save between NZD $1,300 and $2,200 (approx. USD $800 to $1,350) on just a three-night trip. That’s money that can be spent on world-class experiences like a Milford Sound cruise or a helicopter tour over a glacier.
| Scenario Comparison | Standard Rental (Est. USD) | Relocation Deal (Est. USD) | Your Total Savings (USD) |
| 3-Night, 6-Berth Rental | $735 – $1,285 | $1 – $12 | ~$730 – $1,270 |
| One-Way Fee | $115 | $0 | $115 |
| Grand Total (Pre-Fuel) | $850 – $1,400 | ~$12 – $40 (incl. extras) | ~$800 – $1,350+ |
Is a Relocation Deal Right for You? The Honest Pros and Cons
While the savings are amazing, this travel style isn’t for everyone. It requires a trade-off between cost and flexibility. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide.
The Pros: Why You’ll Love a Relocation Deal
- Massive Cost Savings: This is the number one reason. The rental is practically free, leaving you with a much larger budget for activities, food, and fun.
- Drive a Premium Vehicle: Companies often need to relocate their newer, high-end campervans. You could end up driving a luxurious 6-berth motorhome for the price of a coffee.
- One-Way Travel is Free: You avoid hefty one-way drop-off fees that standard rentals charge.
The Cons: The Hidden Catches You Must Know
- Extreme Inflexibility: You cannot choose your dates. You must travel within the strict window the company sets (e.g., “pick up on Nov 10th, drop off by Nov 13th”).
- Limited Time: Most relocations give you just enough time to drive from Point A to Point B with a few quick stops. You won’t have time for long detours.
- Last-Minute Availability: Deals often appear just a week or two in advance, making it difficult for those who need to plan flights and holidays months ahead.
- You Pay for Fuel: Fuel is almost never included and can be a significant cost, especially in a large motorhome.
- Basic Insurance: The included insurance is usually the most basic option with a high excess (deductible). Upgrading can add to the cost.
How to Find and Book a New Zealand Campervan Relocation
Ready to hunt for a deal? It’s a straightforward process, but success requires speed and a bit of luck.
Top Relocation Websites to Check
Your first stop should be the dedicated relocation websites. These aggregate deals from multiple campervan companies across New Zealand.
- Transfercar: The largest and most popular relocation site in New Zealand.
- Imoova: Another excellent platform with a user-friendly interface and great deals.
- DriveNow: Compares deals and sometimes lists relocations alongside standard rentals.
You can also check the “Specials” or “Relocations” pages on the websites of major rental companies like Britz, Maui, and Mighty Campers.
A Step-by-Step Booking Guide
- Check Daily: Popular routes are snapped up within hours of being posted. If you have a trip in mind, check the sites every morning.
- Be Flexible: The more flexible you are with your dates and direction of travel, the higher your chances of finding a deal.
- Read the Fine Print: Carefully check the allowed travel time, mileage limits, and what’s included (insurance, bedding, etc.).
- Book Immediately: If you find a deal that fits your schedule, don’t wait. Book it on the spot.
- Plan Your Route: Once booked, map out your drive. Factor in driving times to ensure you can reach your destination without rushing.
Who Should AVOID Campervan Relocations?
A New Zealand campervan relocation is a fantastic opportunity, but it’s not for every traveler. You should probably stick to a standard rental if:
- You are on a strict schedule with fixed international flights.
- You want a slow, leisurely road trip with many detours.
- You are planning your trip far in advance and need the peace of mind of a confirmed booking.
- You are a nervous driver and don’t want the pressure of a deadline.
The Rise of Road Trips in New Zealand
Campervan travel is at the heart of the Kiwi experience.
- According to a 2023 report from Tourism New Zealand, 58% of active international travelers are considering a motorhome or campervan holiday, citing “freedom and flexibility” as the top reason.
- Furthermore, recent data shows that self-drive holidays remain one of the most popular ways to see the country. This high demand keeps rental prices strong, making relocation deals an even more valuable way to save money.
Before you set off, it’s also a good idea to get familiar with New Zealand’s freedom camping rules. The Department of Conservation (DOC) website provides essential, up-to-date information on where you can and cannot camp for free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are New Zealand campervan relocation deals hard to get?
Yes, they can be. The best deals on popular routes (like Christchurch to Queenstown) are highly competitive and get booked very quickly. Success depends on daily checking, flexibility, and a bit of luck.
2. What are the typical hidden costs?
The main cost is fuel. You will also need to pay for any optional insurance upgrades to reduce your excess, plus extras like a GPS or child seats. Some budget deals might not include bedding or kitchen equipment, so always check the inclusions list.
3. Can families with children do a relocation trip?
Absolutely! Many relocation deals are for large 4-berth or 6-berth campervans, which are perfect for families like mine. Just make sure the vehicle has the proper anchor points for child seats if you need them and confirm this with the rental company.
4. What happens if I am late for the drop-off?
Don’t be late! Rental companies are extremely strict about the drop-off deadline because another customer is often waiting for that vehicle. Late returns will result in hefty penalty fees, which can quickly erase all your savings.
The Verdict: Is a Campervan Relocation Worth It?
So, is the incredible saving of a New Zealand campervan relocation worth the gamble?
For the flexible, spontaneous, and budget-savvy traveler, the answer is a resounding yes. It is an unbeatable way to experience a Kiwi road trip without breaking the bank. You get the thrill of the open road in a modern vehicle for a fraction of the normal cost.
However, for the meticulous planner who values certainty and a relaxed schedule above all else, the standard rental is the wiser choice.
If you have some wiggle room in your travel plans, start checking the relocation sites today. You might just score the travel deal of a lifetime and create memories your kids will definitely remember.
