Campervan vs Rental Car for NZ Family Road Trips — The Real Comparison

One of the main advantages of a campervan is the flexibility to stop and camp wherever you like, without being tied to a specific accommodation booking. However, this freedom comes at a cost, with campervans often having limited kitchen and bathroom facilities. In contrast, rental cars offer the freedom to explore without the burden of a large vehicle, but require more planning and booking of accommodation in advance.

New Zealand's scenic routes can be long and winding, with drive times often taking longer than expected. For example, the drive from Auckland to Rotorua takes around 3 hours, while the drive from Rotorua to Wellington takes around 5.5 hours. Be sure to factor in rest stops and sightseeing time when planning your itinerary.

Let's say you're planning a 10-day road trip from Auckland to Rotorua, Taupo, and Wellington, with a family of four. A campervan rental from a company like Jucy or Britz would cost around $1,200, plus $200 in fuel. In contrast, a rental car from a company like Europcar or Hertz would cost around $400, plus $1,000 in accommodation costs. Add in food and activities, and the total cost of the trip would be around $2,500 for the campervan option, or $2,800 for the rental car option.