Compare campervans, motorhomes and RVs to hire in Wellington, 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.
Wellington is the lower North Island’s pickup point and the gateway to the South Island — the Cook Strait ferry to Picton leaves from here, so a Wellington-based trip works well either as its own North Island loop or as the first leg before crossing to the South Island.
This page covers a Wellington-based trip specifically. For cost, licence rules and the self-contained rules for freedom camping, see the Campervan Hire New Zealand guide — everything there applies here too.
Wellington 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 Wellington
The Kapiti Coast, starting about 50 km north, is 40 km of beaches running up toward Paraparaumu and Waikanae — an easy first day out of the city.
The Wairarapa, about an hour northeast over the Rimutaka Range, is wine country built around the townships of Martinborough, Greytown and Carterton, with a wilder coastline than the Kapiti side.
The Cook Strait ferry to Picton is the reason many trips start or end in Wellington — Interislander and Bluebridge both sail from the city, about three and a half hours across to the Marlborough Sounds. See the ferry section on the main New Zealand guide for cost and booking detail.
Where to stay overnight around Wellington
- Kapiti Coast — Camp Kāpiti Holiday Park at Paraparaumu and Kāpiti Coast Holiday Park at Waikanae are both about 50–55 km north of the city.
- Closer in — Paekakariki Holiday Park sits on the beachfront, about a 45-minute drive from central Wellington.
- Wairarapa — Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park is about 65 km northeast, inside the wine region.
Best time to visit
November to April, the same window as the rest of the country, per the main New Zealand guide. Wellington is known for wind more than any other New Zealand city — check the forecast before a ferry crossing, since a rough Cook Strait can delay sailings.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a campervan in Wellington?
The same nightly ranges apply as the rest of New Zealand — see the Campervan Hire New Zealand cost breakdown.
Is Wellington a good place to start a South Island trip?
Yes — the Cook Strait ferry to Picton leaves from Wellington, making it the natural crossing point if the South Island is the main destination. Book the van onto a specific sailing in advance, especially over summer.
How windy is Wellington, and does it affect the ferry?
Wellington is genuinely one of the windiest cities in the world. Cook Strait crossings are occasionally delayed or cancelled in rough weather, more often in winter — build a buffer day into the itinerary if the ferry timing is tight.
Can I visit the Wairarapa and Kapiti Coast in one trip?
Yes, though they’re in different directions from Wellington — most people treat them as separate day trips or a short loop rather than driving both in one day.
How many days do I need around Wellington before crossing to the South Island?
Two to three days covers the Kapiti Coast or Wairarapa without rushing. Many travellers spend less and treat Wellington mainly as the ferry crossing point for a longer South Island trip.
Is a campervan the same as a motorhome or RV?
Yes — this site uses the terms interchangeably. A campervan is usually the smaller van-based vehicle, a motorhome the larger coach-built type with a separate cab, and RV (recreational vehicle) is the term used in American brochures. Searching for motorhome hire or RV rental in Wellington will find the same listings as campervan hire.
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