Ready to explore the South Island?

Quirky Campers connects you with privately-owned, custom-converted campervans for hire across the South Island, including from Christchurch, Queenstown, Nelson and Dunedin. Every hire includes comprehensive insurance, 24/7 AA roadside assistance, unlimited mileage and a personal handover from the owner. No depot or drab fleet-standard vans, just beautifully handcrafted campers, each with its own character, ready to take you from the Marlborough Sounds to the fiords of the deep south.

✓ Real vans, real character

No depot and no anonymous fleet vehicle. Choose a one-of-a-kind campervan designed and cared for by its owner.

✓ Convenient pick-ups and drop-offs

Collect directly from your Quirky campervan owner’s home on the South Island at a time that is convenient for both parties.

✓ Freedom to explore without limits

Head north, south, east or west without kilometre limits. Ask about one-way hire if your planned trip finishes elsewhere.

Happy campers hiring on the South Island

Independent Google reviews from people who have travelled with Quirky Campers NZ.

    
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My second time renting with Quirky did not disappoint! These vans are truly instagram-worthy and each detail is thoughtfully curated and purposeful. Especially great for first timers or van-life "curious" - the experts have designed these vans and thought of everything! Vallery was a gallery of curated art, very unique, eclectic and beautiful. Had everything I needed for my first time "freedom camping"! Simon was awesome to rent from and always responsive if I were to need help! Already looking forward to my next trip with a quirky van.
  
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   Amelia Bauer 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vallery is such a fun van to take on the road. Small enough to park in town but spacious enough to feel like a mini home away from home. She is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable holiday. Host Simon was also really helpful in explaining the relevant details and providing tips for the trip.
  
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   Kaf M 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the best week away in Mary Rose! Matt was really helpful and accommodating, helping me to make my trip work quite last-minute, and he gave me lots of really helpful recommendations. Mary Rose is a beautiful and very-thoughtfully set up van with everything I could have needed. She was very comfortable to stay in and straightforward to handle. I would definitely recommend her, and Quirky Campers, for a trip away!
  
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   Alice Gadsby 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an absolutely fantastic experience renting a campervan through Quirky Campers for our 10-day South Island adventure in New Zealand (March 9–18). From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations.

Our van—a Toyota Hiace named Moana—was in impeccable condition: spotlessly clean, thoughtfully designed, and clearly very well cared for despite having some miles on it. It was also incredibly easy to drive, which made a big difference since it felt just as manageable as a regular car. The bed was especially comfortable and more than spacious enough for the two of us, making for great nights of sleep after long days exploring.

One of the standout features was the clever storage design. The pullout shelves beneath the bed were perfect for stowing our backpacks and hiking poles, keeping everything organized and easily accessible without cluttering the living space.

Pickup and drop-off couldn’t have been smoother. It was just a quick 20-minute Uber from the airport to the owners’ home, where Ronnie and Rebecca welcomed us warmly. They took the time to walk us through every feature of the van and even shared their personal contact information in case we needed help on the road. When we returned the van, they were genuinely excited to hear about our journey and even invited us in for coffee—an offer we would have loved to accept if not for a flight to catch.

Customer service was excellent throughout. Even before arriving in New Zealand, the team at Quirky Campers was quick to respond to our questions and made sure we had everything we needed.

We explored an incredible route through the South Island—Christchurch, Franz Josef Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, and Lake Tekapo—and having such a reliable, comfortable campervan made the entire experience that much better.

We had zero issues during the trip and would rent Moana from Ronnie and Rebecca again in a heartbeat. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a painless, memorable campervan adventure in New Zealand!
  
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   Sean Taylor 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When I was searching the many camper-van hire options, I kept coming back to Quirky Campers and I am so glad I did! My friend and I hired 'Vallery' - a camper van with artistic flair! The two bed camper (one large queen-size bed and smaller single bed) was equipped with everything we needed including cooking pots and utensils, super comfortable pillows and doonas, deck chairs for lazing on, towels, fully functional camp kitchen, 'proper' coffee with stove top percolator, USB ports, power-points for laptop charging, and creatively decked out with artwork in every corner, draw and cupboard! And not to forget the lighting! - stars on the ceiling, dimmable lights ... yep, Vallery has it all! AND is super easy to drive, handles the roads well - not too big for tackling windy NZ roads. The booking process was quick and easy and Simon was great to deal with. If we were unsure about how anything worked, he was there to help. I'm already planning my next trip and will definitely book through Quirky Campers again - can't recommend them highly enough!
  
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   Willow Conway 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We spent 6 nights in Juniper and had a fantastic time exploring the north island. She’s well equipped with everything you could need, and very comfortable to spend time in. Pick up and drop-off was super easy with Kim and everything we needed to know was shown to us. Would highly recommend a trip in Juniper!
  
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   Matt Guest 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such an easy and smooth process - thank you so much! The campervans are clearly well maintained and looked after - a lot of thought has gone into them. Really responsive to all my queries, I could not fault anything!
  
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   Thompson-Hall Family 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience - smooth pick up and drop off, great van, and prompt support for all of my questions throughout! We rented Mary Rose for a one way trip from Queenstown to Christchurch and would highly recommend!
  
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   Sonja Peterson 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sunny is incredible. Fully reliable for a month in the South Island, exceptionally well thought through and equipped, spacious (plenty of room for myself and my 6’3 partner! He could stand up fully with no issues- hooray!), and a very comfortable bed.

Sunny’s owner gave us a full run through so that we started the trip fully confident. She was only a text or phone call away if we ever needed assistance or further information, and she is just an incredible host!

Because quirky campers aren’t a mainstream brand like Maui or Jucy, you get a better van. Better equipment, it’s more thought through, more loved, and truly unique. Quirky campers have also been amazing to contact throughout the rental process, providing all the answers no matter how many questions we asked! Super friendly and super helpful staff, especially James who gave quick and informative responses to all emails!

Could not recommend this van more, truly made our trip the amazing experience it was.
  
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   Hannah G

Snow on the slopes of Aoraki Mt Cook, rising above the Southern Alps — Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak

WHY START ON THE SOUTH ISLAND?

Mountains, lakes and glaciers. New Zealand at its most dramatic.

Few places pack so much into so little. In a single day you can leave a vineyard, cross an alpine pass, and reach a rainforest with glaciers coming down almost to sea level. The Southern Alps run the length of the island, creating stunning alpine environments from north to south. The fiords in the south west are among the most spectacular landscapes anywhere on the planet, and there is the endless beauty in between.

You really can’t take a wrong turn on the South Island.

Christchurch is the island’s largest city and main international gateway. The rebuilt central city, alongside Akaroa and Lyttelton are worth a day or two in their own right, and from here you are within easy reach of Kaikōura, the Mackenzie Basin and Arthur’s Pass.

Hit the road you’re close to some of the most rewarding driving in the country.

Head north and you reach Kaikōura, where the mountains meet the sea and whales feed in a deep trench just offshore, then on to the vineyards of Marlborough and the sheltered waterways of the Sounds.

At the top of the island, Nelson is one of the sunniest spots in New Zealand and the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, with its golden beaches and clear water. Golden Bay and Kahurangi sit just over the hill, offering multiple Great Walks and more.

Down the spine of the island, Queenstown is the adventure capital, set on Lake Wakatipu beneath The Remarkables mountain range. From here it is a short run to Wānaka, Fiordland and Milford Sound, or over the Haast Pass to the wild West Coast and the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers.

In the deep south, Dunedin brings Scottish heritage, Victorian architecture and remarkable wildlife on the Otago Peninsula, with albatross, sea lions and penguins all within half an hour of the city. The Catlins coast runs west from here, and it is one of the island’s great undiscovered stretches.

Arriving by ferry from Picton? You are perfectly placed for Marlborough and the top of the south. Have a look at our North Island campervans if you are planning to travel both islands.

Purple and pink lupins flowering along the shore of Lake Tekapo — Lake Tekapo, with early summer lupins

DISTINCTIVE SOUTH ISLAND ROADIES

South Island Road Trips

Choose your adventure by trip length or preferred starting point in Christchurch, Queenstown, Nelson or Dunedin; each one includes the option of freedom camping and is best enjoyed relaxed and unhurried.

5 to 8 days

A waterfall tumbling down a sheer cliff face into Milford Sound — Waterfalls, Milford Sound

Southern Lakes Loop

Leave from Wanaka → Cardrona → Queenstown → Te Anau → Milford Sound → Glenorchy → back to Queenstown.

Spectacular and ideal for a shorter trip. Alpine lakes, the Crown Range (New Zealand’s highest sealed road), and the drive into Milford Sound, which is one of the great road journeys anywhere.

Allow a full day for Milford and book your cruise ahead. Give Wānaka a couple of nights if you want to walk Roys Peak or Rob Roy Glacier, and leave time for beautiful Glenorchy at the head of the lake.

12 to 14 days

A paraglider drifting above Queenstown with Lake Wakatipu below — Paraglider, over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu

Alps, Fiords & Southern Scenic

Leave from Christchurch → Lake Tekapo and Aoraki / Mt Cook → Wānaka → Queenstown → Te Anau and Milford (2 to 3 nights) → the Catlins → Dunedin → Oamaru → back to Christchurch.

This covers the headline acts and a few of the quieter ones. Turquoise glacial lakes in the Mackenzie, the highest mountain in the country, Fiordland, then the wild southern coast where if feels like sea lions outnumber people. The Mackenzie is an International Dark Sky Reserve, so give yourself a night there. The Catlins are worth a day or two and are often less busy.

21 days plus

The golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park

Full South Island Loop

Christchurch → Kaikōura → Marlborough and the Sounds → Nelson and Abel Tasman → the West Coast via Buller Gorge → Franz Josef and Fox → Haast Pass → Wānaka → Queenstown → Fiordland → Southland → the Catlins → Dunedin → Oamaru → Christchurch.

Adjust according to you starting point in Christchurch, Queenstown, Nelson or Dunedin.

Three weeks is a good amount of time for the full circuit without rushing, and four weeks is better. You get glaciers, rainforest, fiords, alpine passes, wine country, dark skies and some of the best wildlife watching in the country.

Good to know before you go

One-way hire options starting on the South Island

Because every Quirky van is privately owned, one-way hires need to cover the cost of getting the van home. We also need to check in with our owners to make sure they can accommodate collecting the vehicle.

For our vans on the South Island, indicative one-way fees are as follows:

Christchurch to Auckland around $1,800 NZD
Queenstown to Christchurch around $700 NZD
Queenstown to Auckland around $2,000 NZD
Christchurch to Nelson or Picton around $600 NZD
Queenstown to Nelson around $850 NZD
Dunedin based vans, please talk to us about one-way pricing

For longer trips, some travellers prefer a South Island loop, then a flight north to pick up a second van for a North Island loop. It’s often no more expensive than the one-way fee, and you get two different campervans out of the trip.

Please talk to us first if you are interested in a one-way option.

Freedom camping on the South Island

While Quirky’s campers are certified for freedom camping, be warned: NZ’s freedom camping rules can be complex. They vary by region and rangers do enforce them. Fines run to several hundred dollars, so please be kind to your pocket and read up before you park up ;).

Two South Island districts in particular have tightened their rules in recent years. Queenstown Lakes now limits freedom camping to a small number of designated carparks across the whole district, and Mackenzie District, which covers Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, enforces strictly.

During NZ’s peak summer months, it can be difficult to find available freedom camping-approved sites in many of the South Island’s popular spots. Do plan ahead for the destinations you have in mind. We also recommend using the Rankers or CamperMate apps, which are great for planning ahead. Additional details will be available on each area’s local authority website.

Our freedom camping guide covers the current rules, the fines and how to find free sites.

QUICK ANSWERS FOR SOUTH ISLAND HIRERS

South Island campervan hire FAQs

Where do I collect my campervan?

At the campervan owner’s home. South Island collection points vary by vehicle. The listing shows the location before booking, and the exact address is confirmed before your trip.

Can I collect a campervan directly from an Airport?

Possibly, but it would be subject to owner approval and possibly an additional fee. Quirky Campers has no airport depot as each campervan is privately owned. An Uber, taxi or public transport connection is normally the simplest and cheapest option to get to your owner to collect the van. Most of our vans are based close to the airports or bus stations.

What is included with campervan hire?

Every booking includes comprehensive insurance, 24/7 AA roadside assistance and unlimited kilometres. Each camper also comes with all the cookware you need, plus bedding and towels at no additional cost.

Can I stay off grid in a Quirky campervan?

Yes, unless expressly stated, Quirky Campers NZ vans are set up for off-grid travel. Many of our South Island vans include solar panels, leisure batteries, and inverters that keep your lights, fridge, water pump and phones running without needing a powered campsite. The exact off-grid duration depends on the specific van’s setup (battery capacity, solar size, fridge load, and the time of year), and is detailed on each individual van profile.

Can I drive a campervan on the South Island in winter?

Yes, and winter is a lovely time to travel if you are prepared. Alpine passes including Arthur’s Pass, the Lindis, the Crown Range and the road to Milford can require snow chains or close temporarily in bad weather. Check NZTA’s Journey Planner before you set off, ask your owner about chains at handover, and allow more time between stops.

What happens if my flight is delayed or I’m late for my pick-up?

We understand international travel doesn’t always go to plan. If your flight is delayed, please contact your van owner directly as soon as possible (their phone number will be on your booking confirmation). Quirky NZ owners are generally flexible and will do their best to accommodate a later collection, including evening pick-ups where reasonable. If a same-day handover isn’t possible, we’ll work with you and the owner to arrange collection the following morning. Get in touch if you’d like to discuss specific arrangements.

Plan with confidence

Useful reading before you collect your campervan on the South Island.

A campervan on an open road winding through New Zealand mountains

Choose your South Island soul mate of a camper

Every one of our South Island campervans comes decked out with its own unique personality. So check availability, find your perfect match and book your ideal travel companion today!

South Island campervans

See all campervans

Campers for hire on the South Island, New Zealand

Ready to explore the South Island?

✓ Real vans, real character

✓ Convenient pick-ups and drop-offs

✓ Freedom to explore without limits

Happy campers hiring on the South Island

Mountains, lakes and glaciers. New Zealand at its most dramatic.

South Island Road Trips

Southern Lakes Loop

Alps, Fiords & Southern Scenic

Full South Island Loop

Good to know before you go

One-way hire options starting on the South Island

Freedom camping on the South Island

South Island campervan hire FAQs

Plan with confidence

Driving a campervan in New Zealand: what it’s really like

Is it safe to hire a campervan in New Zealand? How Quirky Campers NZ protects you on the road

Campervan insurance with Quirky Campers NZ: explained

Choose your South Island soul mate of a camper

Ready to explore the South Island?

✓ Real vans, real character

✓ Convenient pick-ups and drop-offs

✓ Freedom to explore without limits

Happy campers hiring on the South Island

Mountains, lakes and glaciers. New Zealand at its most dramatic.

South Island Road Trips

Southern Lakes Loop

Alps, Fiords & Southern Scenic

Full South Island Loop

Good to know before you go

One-way hire options starting on the South Island

Freedom camping on the South Island

South Island campervan hire FAQs

Plan with confidence

Driving a campervan in New Zealand: what it’s really like

Is it safe to hire a campervan in New Zealand? How Quirky Campers NZ protects you on the road

Campervan insurance with Quirky Campers NZ: explained

Choose your South Island soul mate of a camper

Never miss out on your next Kiwi adventure