Campervan and RV Rental in South Island

Embark on an RV rental 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 kilometers, kitchen gear, and extras like heating kits, outdoor furniture, or bedding for mountain nights. Thousands of travelers rate Indie Campers 4.8 stars across New Zealand for reliability, comfort, and freedom to explore at your own pace.

RV 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 renting a campervan, RV, or RV. 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 and 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 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 rental RV 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 rental RV 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.

Frequently Asked Questions in South Island

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 RVs?

Yes, our RVs 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 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 an RV/motorhome?

The number of people who can sleep in our RVs 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 an RV rental and is it safe?

If you are travelling in an RV, 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 RV in South Island, will I be protected?

We offer three protection plans to cover incidents and damages during your rental 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 an RV rental near me?

Yes, our search filter allows you to find an RV 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 center near you.

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.