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

In general, a special licence is not required to rent our RVs in South Island. However, a valid driving license is required to operate our vehicles. For some non-EU citizens, a IDP is required, in addition to their home country's drivers 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 you can bring your pet along in our campervans. Just make sure to purchase the extra cleaning service after during your booking. This service includes professional anti-allergic cleaning after your trip. Please note that only one pet is allowed per campervan, and it must weigh no more than 30kg. Keep in mind, we are not responsible for any legal fees related to traveling 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?

The number of people who can sleep in our campervans/motorhomes 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 and campervans 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 rental and is it safe?

If you are travelling in a motorhome, campervan 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 rent a campervan in South Island, will I be protected?

We offer three protection plans to cover incidents and damages during your rental period. All Indie Campers campervans 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 rent a campervan 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 rental pick-up centre near you.

Do your campervan rentals in South Island include unlimited mileage?

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

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Explore the South Island With Us!

Explore the dramatic beauty of New Zealand’s South Island by campervan, starting your journey in Christchurch or Queenstown. Drive through alpine passes, along turquoise lakes, and past soaring peaks as you discover iconic destinations like Aoraki Mount Cook, Fiordland National Park and the rugged West Coast. Whether you’re chasing adventure or taking the scenic route, Indie Campers offers a wide range of vehicles equipped for comfort and freedom. All rentals include unlimited kilometres, flexible one-way options, 24/7 online assistance, and thoughtful extras like bedding kits, kitchen gear or off-grid equipment. With thousands of five-star reviews and a fleet built for New Zealand’s diverse terrain, Indie Campers is your trusted partner for unforgettable road trips across the South Island.

RV rental on the 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. Whether you like glacial sightseeing, walks through unspoilt native bushland, or spending downtime at ski resorts with facilities, it's an amazing place to explore in a campervan.

What to do on the South Island

South Island Coastline, Lakes and Rivers

Although the South Island is packed with national parks perfect for RV rental, 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 up close. Further south, take your campervan on a trip to Otago's Mount Aspiring to go walking or trekking in the Matukituki Valley or Makarora. There are plenty of trails of varying lengths to explore.

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

New Zealand's extensive conservation land caters to hire Campervan adventures of all kinds thanks to its well-connected natural areas 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.