New Zealand Campervan Relocation: Honest Pro & Con Review (2026)
Are you looking for a New Zealand Campervan Relocation deal but worry about hidden traps? Many people dream of a South Island road trip, but the $400-a-night price tag is too high for most families. As an immigrant who has lived in New Zealand for 10 years, I am always looking for “local” ways to save money without sacrificing comfort.
Recently, I tested the relocation system twice in one month. I drove from Christchurch to Queenstown with THL (Maui/Britz) and then back with Star RV (Jucy/Apollo). Traveling across the Southern Alps for the price of a coffee sounds too good to be true, but it is possible if you know the rules.
In this guide, I will share the real, unfiltered truth about how to travel New Zealand for almost free, the differences between the big rental brands, and how to protect your wallet at the rental desk.
What is a New Zealand Campervan Relocation?
A relocation is a “one-way” rental. In New Zealand, tourism usually flows in one direction. For example, many people rent a van in Auckland and drive to Christchurch. This leaves too many vans in the South Island and not enough in the North Island.
To fix this, rental companies need to move their vehicles back. Instead of paying a professional driver or a transport truck, they list these vans on websites like Transfercar. They let travelers drive them for a very low price—sometimes just $1.00 per day.
Before you book your first one, you should check out New Zealand Campervan Rental Tips: The Pricing Trap You Must Know so you don’t get surprised by the standard industry costs.
1. Booking Your Relocation: Why You Need to Be Fast
I used the platform Transfercar to find my deals. It is a great service, but you must understand how it works. You do not simply “buy” a rental. You send a “Request.” The company then looks at your profile and decides if they want to give you the van.
My Experience with Timing
- THL (Maui/Britz): I found a deal for a 6-berth Maui van one month before my trip. We got three days for $1. Because we are a family and wanted to see the sights, I paid $100 for one extra day. This gave us a 4-day, 3-night trip.
- Star RV (Jucy/Apollo): I found this deal only three weeks before leaving. We got two free days. Unlike THL, they did not allow me to add extra days. We had to drive from Queenstown to Christchurch in less than 48 hours.
The Herinian’s Tip: In New Zealand, plans change fast. An email from a website like Transfercar is just the first step. You are not officially booked until the actual rental company (like Maui or Jucy) sends you their own confirmation number. If you don’t hear back within 24 hours, the deal is likely gone. For more on this process, see The Ultimate Guide to Relocation Car Rentals in New Zealand.
2. Getting the Confirmation: Phone vs. Email
The two companies I used had very different ways of confirming the booking. This is important if you are worried about security.
Star RV (The Modern Way)
Star RV was very easy. After I requested the van on Transfercar, I received an automated email within a few hours. I did not have to pay anything upfront, and all the details were in a PDF. It was very smooth.
THL (The Old-School Way)
THL handles things differently. About 12 hours after my request, I received a phone call from an Auckland number (09). A staff member asked for my credit card number and the security code over the phone. As someone who is careful with my data, I felt a bit nervous. However, this is their standard way to take a $50 deposit to lock in the relocation. After the call, I received the official confirmation.
3. The Pick-up: Don’t Expect a Quick Start
If you think you can land at the airport and be on the road in 10 minutes, you will be disappointed. Relocation customers are treated the same as full-paying customers, which means you have to wait in the same line.
THL Christchurch
The Christchurch branch is huge. Even though I arrived exactly at my appointment time, I had to wait. Between the paperwork, the safety video, and the vehicle “walk-around,” it took exactly 60 minutes before I could drive out of the gate.
Star RV Queenstown
The Queenstown branch is much smaller. They only had two staff members working. I knew they were busy, so I went to a cafe a quick caffeine refill. When I came back an hour later, I still had to wait another 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: If you are on a tight relocation schedule, arrive at the branch at least 30 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.
4. The Real Comparison: THL vs. Star RV
This is where the money matters. Not all New Zealand Campervan Relocation deals are created equal. You must read the “Terms and Conditions” carefully.
| Feature | THL (Maui/Britz) | Star RV (Jucy/Apollo) |
| Daily Hire Fee | Usually $1.00 | Usually $1.00 |
| Distance Limit | Often capped (e.g., 750km) | Unlimited |
| Fuel Support | No fuel help | Up to $150 Refunded |
| Road User Charge (RUC) | You pay (Approx $0.09/km) | Included/Free |
| Extra Days | Often allowed for a fee | Rarely allowed |
| Return Time | Strict 12:00 PM | Flexible (up to 3:30 PM) |
The Hidden Diesel Tax (RUC)
In New Zealand, diesel vehicles pay a “Road User Charge.” Many people forget this. On my THL trip, I had to pay $43 at the end of the trip just for the kilometers I drove. Star RV, however, included this for free. This makes a big difference in your “actual” cost.
5. The Insurance Excess: Protecting Your Bond
When you pick up the van, the staff will talk to you about insurance “Excess.” This is the amount you pay if you have an accident.
For relocations, the standard excess is usually very high—between $3,000 and $7,500. This amount is “held” on your credit card. If you don’t want that much money blocked, you can pay a small daily fee to lower it.
- THL Experience: I paid $12 per day. This lowered my risk from $1,000 to $500. It was a fair price for peace of mind.
- Star RV Experience: This was frustrating. The official terms said I could pay $25 a day for “Premium Cover.” But at the desk, the staff member told me it was $70 a day. He didn’t explain why. I paid it because my family was waiting in the rain, but I felt it was a “pricing trap.” (I did get this refunded later after complaining).
6. Statistics for the 2026 Traveler
To help you understand the value of a New Zealand Campervan Relocation, let’s look at some current data:
- Massive Savings: In 2026, the average cost of a 4-berth campervan rental in peak season is $485 NZD per day. A relocation saves a family over $1,500 on a 4-day trip.
- Fuel Costs: Petrol prices in New Zealand are currently around $2.85 per litre. For a trip from Christchurch to Queenstown (approx. 480km), you will spend about $130–$160 on fuel.
- Tourism Trends: Recent 2025/2026 data shows that 68% of campervan travelers now use apps like CamperMate to find campsites, and 12% of total rentals are now one-way relocations.
For more official information on road rules, you can visit the Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) website.
7. Final Expenses: What I Actually Paid
Many bloggers say these trips are “free.” As a practical dad, I want to show you the real numbers.
THL Trip (4 Days)
- Rental Fee: $103 (includes one extra paid day)
- Insurance Upgrade: $48
- Road User Charge (RUC): $43
- Fuel: $147.86
- Total Cost: $341.86 NZD
Star RV Trip (2 Days)
- Rental Fee: $1.00
- Insurance: $140 (Initially overcharged, but mostly refunded)
- Extra Driver Fee: $4.00
- Fuel: $122.95 (Fully refunded by the company)
- Total Cost: $5.00 NZD (After my refund for the insurance error)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a New Zealand Campervan Relocation really just $1?
The daily rate is often $1. However, most companies require you to pay for your own insurance and road taxes (RUC). Star RV is the most generous because they often refund your fuel costs up to $150.
What happens if I return the van late?
Do not be late! THL is very strict. If you return the van after 12:00 PM on your last day, they can charge you a $500 penalty fee. Always plan to arrive at the rental branch at least 2 hours before the deadline.
Can I do a relocation with young children?
Yes, I do it with my two kids. But be careful—relocations have very tight schedules. You might have to drive 5 hours a day to finish on time. This can be very boring and tiring for children. I recommend paying for an extra day if the company allows it.
Is it hard to drive a big campervan?
New Zealand roads are narrow and windy. If you usually drive a small car, a 7-meter-long campervan will feel like a bus. Take it slow, especially in the wind.
Conclusion: My Final Advice
If you want a “perfect” holiday where you can stop whenever you want, a New Zealand Campervan Relocation might be too stressful. But if you want a smart, budget-friendly way to see the South Island, it is the best deal in the country.
My final tip? Always check your final invoice before you leave the rental office. I had to fight to get my $50 deposit back from THL and my insurance refund from Star RV. They are not trying to scam you, but their systems are busy and mistakes happen.
For a full guide on how to plan your trip, read New Zealand Campervan Relocation: The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Saving Thousands.
