Compare campervans, motorhomes and RVs to hire in New Plymouth, listed by private owners and local hire businesses. See prices, photos and reviews for campervan hire in New Zealand, then book online with insurance included.
New Plymouth is the Taranaki region’s coastal base, built around the almost perfectly symmetrical cone of Mount Taranaki — a genuinely different landscape from the rest of the North Island, with black-sand surf beaches on one side and alpine tracks on the other. This page covers New Plymouth in detail; for the wider New Zealand route, see the Campervan Hire New Zealand guide.
New Plymouth Campervan, Motorhome and RV Hire
Owners list a mix of compact 2-berth campervans, mid-size camper vans and larger motorhomes with their own toilet and shower, and you book whichever vehicle suits your trip through our partner Outdoorsy.
What’s around New Plymouth
Mount Taranaki has over 200km of walking and hiking tracks and a ski field in winter; North Egmont is the main base for day walks.
The Coastal Walkway is a shared path running along New Plymouth’s black-sand coastline.
Pukekura Park, in the city centre, is known for its Festival of Lights each summer.
Fitzroy and Oakura are well-regarded surf breaks close to the city.
Best road trips from New Plymouth
Surf Highway 45
About 105km, a full day or 2–3 day loop around the Taranaki coastline through Oakura, Opunake and Hawera, with the mountain in view for most of the drive.
The Forgotten World Highway
About 155km to Taumarunui, a full day. A remote, winding inland route through the Tangarakau Gorge — one of the least-travelled state highways in the North Island.
Whanganui
About 1.5 hours south, 1–2 days. A historic river city with a working paddle steamer and an art-deco streetscape, a gentler stop after Taranaki’s coast and mountain.
Where to stay overnight around New Plymouth
- New Plymouth TOP 10 Holiday Park — heated pool, private spa, close to the city.
- Ōakura Beach Holiday Park — ocean views, about 15 minutes from the city.
Best time to visit
Settled weather isn’t guaranteed any time of year on this coast — December to March gives the best odds. Mount Taranaki’s alpine tracks are a summer-only proposition; snow closes the upper routes in winter.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a campervan in New Plymouth?
The same nightly ranges apply as the rest of New Zealand — see the cost breakdown on the main New Zealand page.
Can I drive up Mount Taranaki?
The road (Egmont Road) goes to the North Egmont visitor centre and car park — the summit itself is walked, not driven.
Is the mountain often in cloud?
Yes, Taranaki has a reputation for changeable weather — check forecasts before committing to a summit attempt.
Is New Plymouth a surf destination?
Yes, Fitzroy and Oakura are well-regarded breaks close to the city.
How many days should I allow for Taranaki?
Two to three days covers the Coastal Walkway, a mountain day walk and the surf beaches without rushing.
Is the Forgotten World Highway suitable for a campervan?
Yes, it’s a sealed public road, though narrow and winding in places — allow more time than the distance suggests, and fuel up before setting out as services are sparse.
Is a campervan the same as a motorhome or RV?
Yes — “campervan”, “motorhome” and “RV” describe the same type of vehicle on this site. Different countries and hire companies favour different terms, but they’re searchable interchangeably here.
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