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

For most travelers, a special licence is not necessary to hire a campervan in South Island. A valid driving licence is required, though, to operate any of our vehicles. If you are a non-EU citizen, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required in addition to your home country’s driving licence. Additionally, your licence must match the transmission type of the vehicle (manual or automatic). You can find more details about driving licence requirements here.

Are pets allowed in your campervans?

Yes, our campervans are pet-friendly. Just be sure to add the extra cleaning service when booking. This ensures a professional anti-allergy cleaning is carried out after your trip. Please note that only one pet is allowed per campervan, and it must not exceed 30kg in weight. Also, we are not liable for any legal fees related to traveling with pets. If you’re booking through our marketplace, check the “vehicle rules” section to confirm if the vehicle is pet-friendly.

How many people can sleep in a campervan?

The sleeping capacity of our campervans and motorhomes varies depending on the model and size. Our Class C motorhomes can typically accommodate 4 to 8 people, while our Class B campervans can sleep between 2 to 4 people. Vehicles equipped with a rooftop tent generally have space for around 2 people. For a full breakdown of our models and sleeping capacities, click here.

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

If you're exploring South Island in a campervan rental, it's essential to be aware of the country’s official camping regulations. Many natural areas are legally protected, so using designated overnight parking spots or official campsites is strongly recommended. This not only helps preserve the environment but also ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. For more guidance on safety and responsible camping, click here.

Is it safe to rent a campervan in South Island? What protection do I have?

We provide three different protection plans to cover any incidents or damages that might occur during your campervan rental. All Indie Campers campervans come with third-party vehicle insurance, and property damage coverage (which varies based on the country). For marketplace rentals, insurance options may differ depending on the host. For further details on campervan insurance, visit this page.

Can I rent a campervan near me?

Yes, our search filter makes it easy to rent a campervan close to your location by using a 60km radius system. Depending on where you're searching from, you can quickly find the nearest Indie Campers campervan rental pick-up centre.

Do your RV rentals in South Island come with 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.

Campervan Hire on the South Island | Best Deals

Explore the South Island with us!

Explore the dramatic beauty of New Zealand’s South Island by campervan, starting your trip 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 varied terrain, Indie Campers is your go-to partner for unforgettable road trips across the South Island.

Campervan hire 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 renting a campervan or motorhome. Whether you enjoy glacial sightseeing, walks through unspoilt native bush, or 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 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 rented 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 make sure you pack your campervan with all your wildlife photography gear!

New Zealand's extensive conservation land caters to campervan hire 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.