Find a wide selection of campervans and motorhomes for hire in Christchurch and the surrounding area. Discover unique vehicles offered by private owners — from compact campervans for 2, perfect for couples, to spacious 6-berth motorhomes, ideal for families. Flexible booking, competitive prices and insurance included.
Christchurch sits where the Canterbury Plains meet the Pacific Ocean, making it New Zealand's gateway to the South Island. The city's Transitional Cathedral, designed by Shigeru Ban from cardboard tubes and shipping containers, opened in 2013 as a symbol of post-earthquake reinvention. Stroll through the Botanic Gardens, which cover 21 hectares beside the River Avon, or explore the Canterbury Museum for its impressive Antarctic and Māori collections. The International Antarctic Centre brings the frozen continent to life with storm simulations and penguin encounters, while the Christchurch Gondola carries you 500 metres above sea level for sweeping views across the city, harbour, and Southern Alps. Lyttelton, the port town nestled in a volcanic crater, is just 12 km south-east and well worth a visit for its weekend farmers' market. Arthur's Pass, 150 km to the north-west, opens up alpine scenery and tramping trails that reward every level of walker. The flat, grid-style streets of central Christchurch are easy to navigate in a larger vehicle, and the surrounding Canterbury region offers wide, well-maintained roads ideal for motorhome travel. With Yescapa, you hire directly from local owners, so you can collect your campervan in Christchurch and set off at your own pace — no depot queues, just friendly handovers and insider tips from people who know the area best.
Christchurch enjoys a dry, temperate climate that suits campervan travel year-round. Summer, from December to February, is the busiest period — book your Yescapa hire early to secure the best choice of vehicles. The Christchurch Arts Festival runs in August and September, filling the city with live performances and exhibitions. November's New Zealand Cup and Show Week brings horse racing and carnival atmosphere. Autumn, from March to May, offers golden colours across the Canterbury Plains and quieter campsite availability. Peer-to-peer pricing through Yescapa often means better value outside peak months, so a shoulder-season trip around Christchurch can be both affordable and rewarding.
Christchurch is the perfect base for exploring the region by motorhome or campervan. Here are our 6 must-see getaways
Head 85 km south-east from Christchurch over the scenic Summit Road to the French-colonial harbour town of Akaroa. Stop at Hilltop Lookout for panoramic views of Banks Peninsula, then explore the Akaroa Lighthouse and swim with Hector's dolphins. Campervan parking is available along the waterfront and at local holiday parks.
Drive 90 km north from Christchurch through the Waipara wine region to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs. Soak in the thermal pools, walk the Conical Hill Track, and sample pinot noir at Pegasus Bay Winery on the way. Several holiday parks in Hanmer offer powered sites suitable for motorhomes of all sizes.
Follow State Highway 1 for 160 km north-east from Christchurch along the Pacific coast to Kaikōura. Watch sperm whales from a boat tour, visit the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, and stop at Ohau Stream to see fur seal pups. Freedom camping spots are clearly signposted, and the Kaikōura TOP 10 has full campervan hook-ups.
Travel 190 km south-west from Christchurch across the Mackenzie Basin to Lake Tekapo, famous for its turquoise glacial water. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, stargaze at the Dark Sky Reserve on Mount John, and walk the lakeside track. Holiday parks near the lake offer powered sites with mountain views.
Cover 330 km south-west from Christchurch through the Mackenzie Country and Lindis Pass to reach Queenstown. Break the journey at Twizel for salmon fishing and Lake Pukaki viewpoints. Cromwell's heritage precinct is a great lunch stop. Queenstown's Lakeview Holiday Park welcomes campervans and motorhomes with full facilities.
Head 350 km west from Christchurch over Arthur's Pass, through Ōtira Gorge and along the Taramakau River to the West Coast glaciers. Pause at Castle Hill's limestone boulders and the Hokitika Gorge. Franz Josef and Fox villages both have holiday parks with dump stations and powered sites for larger vehicles.
Discover step by step how we work. We accompany you at every stage of the rental process, both owners and travellers.
Discover
Find for a leisure vehicle near you or a destination idea according to your planned route, then specify the pick-up and return dates. The perfect vehicle for your road trip holiday is waiting for you!
Connecting people
Make one or more booking requests for leisure vehicles that have caught your eye and wait for the owners' responses. Once your request has been accepted, all you have to do is confirm your booking.
Pick-up
On the pick-up date, collect the vehicle and listen to the valuable advice of the owner for handling it; you are ready hit the road with family, as a couple or with friends.
Return
Once again, with the owner complete the vehicle condition check and sign the Rental Agreement as well as exchange your travel stories. All you have to do is imagine your next road trip!
Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury region offer a good range of holiday parks and camping grounds for both campervans and motorhomes. In the city itself you will find parks with powered sites, dump stations, kitchen facilities, and hot showers. Further afield on Banks Peninsula, coastal camping grounds provide a quieter setting with basic amenities. Most Christchurch parks are well set up for self-contained vehicles and offer Wi-Fi, laundry, and children's play areas.
Christchurch city centre has several car parks that can accommodate larger vehicles, though height and length restrictions vary. Overnight parking in public car parks is generally not permitted unless signposted. If you are travelling in a self-contained campervan or motorhome, designated freedom camping areas around Canterbury allow overnight stays — check the CamperMate app or council signage for current rules. Always confirm maximum vehicle heights before entering covered car parks.
The best experience ever!! Amazing van and amazing people who run it
Alfonso Y su pareja ha sido un placer tratar con ellos, son encantadores, muy educados, cuidaron nuestra autocaravana como si fuera suya y la devolvieron a tiempo, en perfectas condiciones y muy, muy limpia, la devolvieron igual que la recibieron. Los recomendamos encarecidamente, esperamos volver a verlos en el futuro. Muchas gracias. Gary y Michelle
Lovely experience and fantastic van. Clean and worked very well. Leonardo and Eleanora were very friendly and helpful. One small feedback is the fridge did not work very well but otherwise its a great van.
Muy buena experiencia. Ana nos ha tratado muy bien.
Proprietários espetaculares e super atenciosos. Autocaravana estava impecável, super confortável, excelente condução. Painéis solares dão autonomia total. Tudo impecável.
We had an amazing trip! Rafaela and Carina were so kind, and we couldn’t recommend their van enough 🤩🙏🏼 The van had everything we needed for a proper “van life” experience, and you can also stay at campsites whenever you want!
