Do I need a special licence to hire a campervan in South Island?

In general, a special licence is not required to hire our campervans in South Island. However, a valid driving licence is required to operate our vehicles. For some non-EU citizens, a IDP is required, in addition to their home country's driver's licence. Other considerations such as a valid vehicle licence to the vehicle type (manual or automatic) will also be required. For more information regarding our licence requirements read this.

Are pets allowed in your campervans?

Yes, our campervans are pet-friendly. Just make sure to purchase the extra cleaning service during your booking. This service includes professional anti-allergic cleaning after your trip. Please note that only one pet is allowed per motorhome, and it must weigh no more than 30kg. Keep in mind, we are not responsible for any legal fees related to travelling with your pet. For marketplace bookings, check the "vehicle rules" section for the pet-friendly icon to confirm if pets are allowed in that specific vehicle.

How many people can sleep in a campervan/motorhome?

The number of people who can sleep in our campervans will depend on the size of the vehicle and the model. In general, our class C motorhome models can sleep up to 4-8 people, whereas our class B motorhomes can sleep up to 2-4. For cars with a rooftop tent, around 2 people can sleep in this vehicles. More details on our models and sleeping capacities can be found here.

Where can I stay overnight in South Island with a campervan hire and is it safe?

If you are travelling in a campervan, motorhome or caravan around South Island, it is important to understand official camping rules of the country you are visiting. As natural areas are generally protected by laws, using an official campsite or designated overnight parking area is highly recommended. This helps protect local communities and ensures you can all enjoy safely. Read more safety tips and protocols here.

Is it safe to hire a campervan in South Island, will I be protected?

We offer three protection plans to cover incidents and damages during your hire period. All Indie Campers motorhomes come with insurance for third-party vehicles and property damage (valid insurance will depend on the country). For marketplace vehicles, insurance options may vary based on the host. Learn more about our protection plans here.

Can I hire a campervan hire near me?

Yes, our search filter allows you to find a campervan near your location using a 60km radius system. This means depending on the location you are searching from, you will be able to find an Indie campervan hire pick-up centre near you.

Do your campervan hire in South Island come with unlimited kilometres?

Yes, a selected number of Indie Campers campervan hire in South Island include unlimited kilometres, allowing you to explore freely and make the most of your road trip! Please note that unlimited kilometres applies exclusively to Indie Campers campervans and is subject to responsible use.

Campervan hire in South Island

Embark on a campervan hire in South Island journey with Indie Campers and discover New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes, from alpine peaks to pristine coastlines. Drive from Christchurch through Arthur's Pass, explore Queenstown's adventure capital energy, or cruise the Milford Sound for fjord beauty and waterfalls. Choose from the Comfort, Active, or Adventure range, all with unlimited kilometres, kitchen gear, and extras like heating kits, outdoor furniture, or bedding for mountain nights. Thousands of travellers rate Indie Campers 4.8 stars across New Zealand for reliability, comfort, and freedom to explore at your own pace.

Campervan Road Trips Across South Island

South Island, also known as Te Waipounamu, is the 12th largest island in the world — as you might expect, this expansive place has plenty to do if you're hiring a campervan, or campervan. Whether you like glacial sightseeing, treks through unspoiled native bushland, or spending downtime at amenities-included ski resorts, this is an amazing place to experience with a campervan.

What to do on South Island

South Island Coastline, Lakes, and Rivers

Although the South Island is packed with national parks perfect for campervan hire, a few stand out, such as the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, a UNESCO-listed site where you can see glacial ecosystems like the Foxx and Franz Josef in person. Further south, take your campervan on a trip to Otago's Mount Aspiring to go walking or tramping in Matukituki Valley or Makarora. There are plenty of tracks of varying lengths to explore.

Other noteworthy sites to visit in your hire campervan include Fiordland. This waterfall-studded area is also a fantastic place to see prehistoric birds like the takahē, massive parrots like the kākā, and plenty of other rare species, so be sure to pack your campervan with all your wildlife photography gear!

New Zealand's extensive conservation land caters to hire campervan adventures of all kinds thanks to its well-connected nature and biodiversity. This is especially true on the South Island, where you'll find most of the national parks as well as six of the country's nine Great Walks.