Wellington Motorhome Rental, New Zealand

RV Rental and Campervan Hire in Wellington NZ

Welcome to the world’s coolest little capital city, Wellington! With an international airport nearby, it is a great starting point for travel around the North or South Island. A Wellington motorhome rental or campervan hire will give you the convenience and flexibility to enjoy your New Zealand holiday.

Having a Wellington campervan rental will allow you to enjoy the outdoors and stay at excellent holiday parks across the country. From the city, many stunning destinations in North Island are only within a few hours of driving.

Our website features different types of motorhomes that can fit any type of traveller and budget – including self-contained motorhomes, luxury RVs, backpacker campervans, and many other options. Compare rates and get the best deals on a cheap campervan.

We have also included some of the top attractions in Wellington including the best road trip destinations and scenic drives from the city.

You will also find resources on campgrounds and caravan parks in and Wellington, from overnight campervan parking to luxurious camping grounds complete with amenities for the whole family.

Wellington’s location at the southern tip of North Island also makes it an ideal staging point to see plenty of the North Island by Wellington motorhome rental, RV rentals or campervan hire; and, just across Cook Strait, the tussock covered plains and snow-capped peaks of the South Island to Queenstown or Christchurch.

Plan your New Zealand road trip now with Pacific Horizon and Tui Sleepervans, our Wellington motorhome deals!

Top Motorhome Rental Companies in Wellington, NZ

If you are not sure which motorhome company in Wellington is the best one for you, check out our list of reliable agencies available in and around the city. Our website features a range of campervans, motorhomes, and family RVs that you can hire for a few days or over a longer period.

Some of the best campervan rental agencies available in Wellington include Pacific Horizon Travel Homes, and Tui Sleeper Vans. Start your search online and find the best motorhome deals in Wellington. Book your next New Zealand campervan holiday with us today!

Pacific Horizon Travel Homes

Located about 34 kilometres from Wellington Airport and about 26 kilometres from the city centre, Pacific Horizon Travel Homes is a privately owned and operated company that offers a range of premium motorhomes and campervans for all types of travellers.

Each unit features an onboard toilet and shower and are fully self-contained, so you can enjoy freedom camping in designated areas around the country. The vehicles are automatic transmission for ease of driving and have forward-facing rear passenger seats, mostly with lap and diagonal seat belts and child tether points to guarantee safety.

All their vehicles are designed and built in New Zealand, with the country’s unique conditions and safety requirements in mind. When you book with Pacific Horizon Travel Homes, you are guaranteed a premium quality vehicle that is no more than 4 years old and are in excellent condition.

Wellington depot: Pacific Horizon, 25 Ulric Street, Plimmerton (about 30 kms north of Wellington)

Pacific Horizon Wellington opening hours:

Daily: 8:30 am to 4 pm
Closed Christmas Day.
Please allow for airport processing and transfer times, as well as vehicle check-in time.

Included with Standard Rate:

Unlimited kms/mileage
Free transfer
Bedding/Linen
Kitchen/Cutlery
24 hour assistance
Tourist info/maps
0-9 years old

Tui Sleeper Vans

A great budget Wellington campervan rental company is Tui Sleeper Vans, ideal for those looking for a cheap RV hire. They pride themselves in having the most comfortable beds in the motorhome business. They have been operating since 1983 and are focused on providing an affordable, flexible, and fun travel around New Zealand.

You can choose between deluxe sleepervans that have the most luxurious features and are best for glamping, or backpacker sleepervans that feature funky designed exteriors and capture the spirit of the adventure-seeking travellers.

If you are looking for low cost but comfortable option for campvervan travel in New Zealand, this is an excellent company to go with!

Wellington Airport Tui Sleepervans depot: Serviced non-depot location

Included with Standard Rate:

Unlimited kms/mileage
Free transfer
Bedding/Linen
Kitchen/Cutlery
24 hour assistance
Tourist Info/Maps
Up to 10 years or older

Note: The Wellington RV rental companies mentioned above include only a small sample of motorhome rental and campervan hire vehicles available. All measurements are a guide only, and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Marvel at The Shire

The North Island of New Zealand is a great place for a vacation and there is far more to it than first meets the eye. You could start your holiday by driving your campervan hire in Wellington to as far north as Lake Taupo and the geothermal attractions of Rotorua; where there are a lot of experiences to be tried. Perhaps take a jet boat or cruise to Huka Falls; where 220,000 litres of water pass through a narrow volcanic ravine every second to fall into a pool 11 metres below.

An hour and a half north of Taupo by RV rental from Wellington is the familiar bucolic landscape of Matamata, otherwise known as Hobbiton to Lord of the Rings fans. The greater Waikato region where Matamata is located stood in for The Shire. From there you could head north to the Coromandel Peninsula, Auckland and the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Hawke’s Bay Wine Tour by Motorhome Rental

If wine is your thing, you will be able to travel from the north of the lake southeast to Napier. Here you can experience Art Deco architecture on a citywide scale; and sample some of the finest blends in the Hawke’s Bay region. Drive your Wellington motorhome rental from one cellar door to the next; to sample the best of New Zealand’s Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc, among others.

From Napier on the east coast drive your Wellington motorhome rental all the way across the country; passing through Palmerston North renowned for its universities and students, to the Tasman Sea on the west coast to visit Levin. This location will allow you the opportunity to relax on Waitarere Beach or perhaps walk along it to see the sailing ship wreck of the Hydrabad which in 1878 was blown ashore. This is also a good place for shopping as it is home to many factory outlets.

Experience Maori Culture

If you have time, you can then drive up the coast to New Plymouth with its 10-kilometer promenade; which provides superb views and excellent restaurants. Alternatively, you can drive your Wellington campervan hire south back towards Wellington, New Zealand and stop at coastal Otaki on the north side of the Otaki River where there are wide beaches ideal for walking. This is an important Maori town; but is better known for its tramping trails through the Tararua Range.

From Otaki, let your campervan rental follow the coastal road south before heading east back to the capital to cap off your road trip with some of the finest local brews and culinary creations this side of the planet.

Top 10 Attractions near Wellington

Now that you have booked your Wellington RV rental, let us take you around some of the best attractions in and around the city. New Zealand’s capital is surrounded by nature and powered by the locals’ creative energy. It is a compact city with an excellent mix of arts, culture, nature, history, and cuisine.

Wellington is also known for its world-class craft beers and strong coffee so do not miss the cafes and bars on your next visit! For the foodies, there is a wide range of dining options for you including casual dining, night markets, and food trucks.

We have listed the top 10 attractions near Wellington to help you plan your next New Zealand motorhome holiday:

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

The Te Papa Museum is a must-visit for the history buffs, art lovers, and science enthusiasts. This New Zealand National Museum is renowned for its interactive and fascinating Maori artefacts and treasures. It is family-friendly and accessible to visitors of different abilities.

Te Papa is open daily from 10am – 6pm, except on Christmas Days. Admission is free except on short-term exhibits and special events. There is an overnight carpark for self-contained motorhomes at Clyde Quay.

Zealandia

One of the most-visited attractions in Wellington, Zealandia Wildife Reserve is an incredible slice of wilderness located just a short drive from the city centre. It is the very first enclosed urban ecosanctuary in the world and provides an insight into the state of Wellington before the arrival of humans.

Get a chance to encounter kiwis and plenty of other native birds in the “wild.” If you have the time, we recommend the night tour to spot creatures that only come out in the dark.

Martinborough

This beautiful wine village is only about an hour’s drive from Wellington. Located in the heart of New Zealand’s wine trail, Martinborough attracts visitors with its colonial charm, excellent restaurants, and world-class wines.

The village has about twenty predominantly family-owned wineries, most within walking or cycling distance from the quaint village square. Some of the country’s best pinot noir are sourced here, so wine-tasting is a must!

Cape Palliser

Take your Wellington campervan rental along Pallister Bay’s dramatically beautiful coastal road. Driving up to Cape Pallister, you will have a chance to watch North Island’s largest seal colony, climb the 250-step lighthouse, and watch the breathtaking sunset. Don’t miss the fishing village of Ngawihi before heading out to the lighthouse!

Kapiti Coast

Discover spectacular landscapes and sandy beaches, and meet the friendly locals of the Kapiti Coast. Located just about 45 minutes drive from Wellington, Kapiti Coast is a great stop if you are looking for good food and wine, or a campground for your campervan hire, without having to go too far from the city. There are plenty of campervan parks in Paraparaumu Beach that offer overnight parking.

If you want to stretch your legs, walk the 10-kilometre Paekakariki Escarpment that runs from Paekakariki to Pukerua Bay. The views are spectacular, so don’t forget your camera!

Rimutaka Forest Park

This protected area near Wellington is well-loved by locals and visitors alike. Remutaka Forest Park is famous for its beautiful bushwalking and cycling trails, covering about 220 square kilometres. The forest park encompasses the Catchpool and the Orongorongo Valleys at the southern edge of the Remutaka Range.

The most popular entrance to the park is the Catchpool Valley, which is about 30 kilometres from Wellington. There is a spacious DOC campsite here if you want to park overnight.

Tongariro National Park

One of the most popular attractions in North Island is the Tongariro National Park. Home to three volcanoes namely Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu, this national park is famous for its emerald green lakes and spectacular volcanic landscapes.

For those who are short on time, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a great day hike option. If you are a serious hiker, the multiday Northern Circuit is a must. The drive to National Park takes about 4 hours from Wellington.

Hawkes Bay

A popular stop along New Zealand’s Classic wine trail, Hawkes Bay is one of the country’s leading producers of wine. The region features more than 30 cellar doors and several artisan producers, making it a favourite destination amongst wine lovers.

The Hawkes Bay region is also dubbed as the art deco capital of New Zealand. If you are travelling in February, don’t miss the annual Art Deco festival!

With your Wellington campervan rental, the journey to this wine region takes about 4 hours from the city.

Taranaki

About 4 hours northwest of Wellington, the coastal region of Taranaki is a surfer’s paradise. There are 2 premium motorhome holiday parks in Taranaki that have excellent amenities, so stay for a couple of days and enjoy the city’s rugged coastline, marvel at the beautiful Mt Taranaki, and visit several beautiful gardens that come alive in spring.

Don’t miss the New Plymouth coastal walkway, the award-winning galleries and museums, and the Cape Egmont lighthouse.

Whanganui

One of the first cities founded in New Zealand, Wanganui means “big day” or “big harbour,” because of the great Whanganui River that flows through it. Located about 2 hours northwest of Wellington, this city features heritage buildings, museums, and established gardens.

One of the most popular attractions in Wanganui is the “Bridge to Nowhere”, a bizarre concrete bridge located deep in the heart of the Whanganui National Park native forest.

Best Campgrounds and Caravan Parks near Wellington

There are great campgrounds and campervan parks around Wellington that are easily accessible from main driving routes. These locations are ideal for families, groups, and those who are looking for budget-friendly camping options.

Many of these Wellington camping and holiday parks feature excellent amenities with playgrounds, swimming pools, kitchen areas, shower facilities, and powered sites. There are also RV parks within and near Wellington central, if you don’t want to stay far from the city.

Wellington Campervan Park

Capital Gateway Motor Inn, 1 Newlands Rd, Newlands 6037, Wellington, NZ

If you are looking for a motorhome RV park that is close to the Ferry terminal, this is a good option. Wellington Campervan Park is just off State Highway 1 and is quite easy to locate.

The park features 27 powered sites, shower and toilet facilities, a dump station, kitchen, free wifi, as well as laundry and lounge areas.

Cuba Street Motorhome Park

25 Garrett Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Want to stay close to the city? Cuba Street Motorhome Park is a sheltered, self-operated park and is only a few minutes’ walk from Wellington’s busy streets! The park is located around Cuba Street, the city’s cultural hub, and is surrounded by lively bars and restaurants.

This is the only park in the city that offers powered parking for up to nine motorhomes. It does not have amenities blocks but there are public toilets in the area. Only self-contained motorhomes are permitted to camp in the park.

Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park

95 Hutt Park Road, Seaview, Lower Hutt, New Zealand

If you want a peaceful location but do not want to stay too far from the city, the Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park is a good option for your motorhome rental. Located about 15 kilometres from the city centre, this family-owned park features spacious grounds for families, couples, and all types of travellers.

The park offers powered sites, a playground, a games room, a communal kitchen, a BBQ area, a private spa, and toilet and shower blocks.

Paekakariki Holiday Park

180 Wellington Road Off, State Highway 1, Paekakariki 5034

Located in the peaceful and friendly coastal town of Paekakariki, this holiday park is a great option for budget travellers. The park features communal kitchens, dining areas, toilet and shower facilities, laundry areas, electric and gas barbecues, wifi (extra cost), and a dump station.

For those travelling with families, Paekakariki Holiday Park also has a playground, trampolines, and bike tracks.

Freedom Camping in Wellington

If you do not want to stay at holiday parks, self-contained campervans are allowed on two designated public freedom camping areas around Wellington:

Te Kopahou Reserve entrance car park, Te Kopahou Reserve
Southern end of the Marina car park, Evans Bay

The following restrictions apply if for freedom campers:

You can only camp at a maximum of four nights in per calendar month. You will be fined if you stay longer.
Only park at designated areas. Tents are not allowed.
Always respect the environment and other visitors.
To learn more about freedom camping in New Zealand, please visit FreedomCamping.org.