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Explore the top of the South with a Nelson campervan hire
Pick up a campervan hire in Nelson and enjoy the hospitality of a small city with a big personality. Tucked away at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, Nelson is a popular travel hub for the region, wooing visitors with its sunny weather, beautiful scenery and proximity to endless attractions. An intimate and artsy urban centre, complete with funky cafes and boutique shopping, offers a wonderful home base between adventures in the nearby national parks and nature reserves. Book your campervan hire in Nelson well in advance—this place gets busy!
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What you need to know about campervan hire in Nelson, New Zealand
While it is a busy tourist destination with flights regularly arriving from Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and more, it is still a small town, so it is best to plan your Nelson campervan travel arrangements around normal business hours. Confirm your location pick up plan with your rental provider prior to travelling, and keep in contact with the local depot if you experience any delays on the way.
Campervan hire Nelson companies
In Nelson, you can hire a campervan from Discover NZ Motorhome Rentals, Freedom Campers, and Tui Campers. These companies provide a modern range of campervans and motorhomes that are safe, user-friendly, and perfect for exploring the region. Using our search and filter tools, you can easily compare prices and vehicle options to find the ideal campervan.
Picking up your Nelson campervan rental
Starting your campervan journey in Nelson is a breeze with personalised pickup arrangements. While Freedom Campers and Tui Campers do not have depots in the area, they will organise for you to collect your campervan at a pre-agreed location and time. Discover Motorhomes also makes it easy with transfers available from Nelson Airport, allowing you to collect your campervan at a designated point with minimal hassle.
Ensure you have all required documents, including a valid driver’s license for all named drivers, and prepare to settle any remaining fees at pickup. The rental team will familiarize you with your campervan, so you’re ready to explore Nelson’s scenic landscapes and beyond.
Recommended campervan parks for your motorhome hire Nelson tour
Wondering where to stay in your motorhome rentals? Nelson has well-equipped parks that provide not just a place to rest, but also easy access to the city's stunning landscapes and attractions. To make the most of your hire campervan Nelson journey, here are some top picks to consider:
Tahuna Beach Holiday Park - Located just minutes from central Nelson and only a short drive from Nelson Airport, this park offers beachfront access, spacious powered sites, and modern facilities. Featuring the nearby Nelson Fun Park, it's perfect for families looking for entertainment, with go-karts, mini-golf, and a playground. The family-friendly amenities and its proximity to Tahunanui Beach make it an excellent choice for a comfortable and fun-filled stay.
Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park- This is the nearest holiday park to Nelson city centre, just a 10 minute-drive from Nelson Airport. The park offers a variety of accommodations including RV sites, cabins, and motel units, modern amenities like TV room and fully equipped kitchen.
The Barn Backpackers and Campground
Set amidst rolling hills near Motueka, The Barn offers an idyllic, quiet retreat with large, well-maintained sites for motorhomes and campers. Its location provides easy access to outdoor adventures, with Abel Tasman National Park and golden beaches just a short drive away.
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A guide to driving your Nelson campervan hire in the South Island
Nelson is a gateway to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural wonders, and driving a campervan through the region is the best way to explore. Here are some driving tips to help you on your way:
Drive on the left: Remember, in New Zealand, you’ll need to drive on the left side of the road. If you’re unfamiliar with this, practice in a safe area until you're comfortable.
Know your campervan’s size: Since campervans are larger than typical cars, be extra cautious on narrow roads and when parking. In Nelson’s older districts, some streets can be quite tight, so it’s best to park in designated spots or larger spaces.
Avoid peak traffic: While Nelson has a relaxed vibe, it does see traffic congestion during peak times (7:30-9:00 AM, 4:30-6:00 PM). During summer months and public holidays, expect more cars on the road, so plan your drive around these busy times.
Speed limits: The speed limit within Nelson’s city center is 50 km/h, with rural roads typically allowing 100 km/h. Highways and major roads like SH6 may have a limit of 110 km/h. Always follow posted signs, and adjust your speed based on weather and road conditions.
Where to go during your campervan rental Nelson road trip
Motorhome rentals are the best way to go, and Nelson is the perfect starting point for a campervan adventure in New Zealand, favoured with its great location near a number of stunning landscapes and national parks, and great weather. You may wish to hire a one-way campervan rental from the city centre and head east toward Picton or west to Greymouth. Here are just a few highlights to hit on your way:
Abel Tasman National Park
With inland forested mountains giving way to a coastline dotted with golden-sand coves, Abel Tasman is an area of exceptional beauty and offers extensive recreational opportunities, including kayaking and bushwalks. You may also continue your rental campervan adenture to visit Rabbit Island which is only a stone's throw from here.
Marlborough Sounds
The sunken river valleys filled with the waters of the Pacific Ocean offer quite the spectacle. You’ll want to get on the water, and you’ll have plenty of options to do so.
Golden Bay
This pristine, quieter section of the South Island offers several highlights which make it worth the camper hire trip. Wharariki Beach, Te Waikoropupū Springs, and Farewell Spit top the list.
Founders Heritage Park
This unique park blends a historical experience with outdoor relaxation, offering motorhome sites surrounded by heritage buildings. It’s a great spot for history enthusiasts, as the park features restored structures showcasing Nelson's early settler life, along with picnic areas and gardens to enjoy.
Nelson Artisan Trail
Embark on the Nelson Artisan Trail, a self-guided journey connecting local galleries, craft studios, and creative spaces throughout the region. Explore the work of talented artisans, from pottery and paintings to wooden crafts and jewelry, all while soaking in the beautiful Nelson scenery.
Campervan hire Nelson, NZ: Frequently asked questions
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How much does it cost to rent a campervan per day in Nelson?
Looking for cheap campervan hire? In Nelson, you can find affordable campers starting from $94 NZD per day, making it an affordable option for those looking to travel on a budget. Rental prices can vary based on the camper’s model, condition, and the included amenities. To get the best deal, you may want to consider the off-peak season or compare prices across multiple rental companies. Visit Motorhome Republic for more accurate pricing.
How old do you have to be to rent a campervan at Nelson Airport?
To drive Nelson rental campervans, the minimum age should be 21. But, there are a few rental companies that will allow drivers under 21 to hire a campervan in New Zealand. This may require additional documentation and a young driver surcharge. Type your age and desired location pick-up into the search box to see your options.
How do I pick up my campervan from Nelson Airport?
Many campervan rental companies in Nelson offer free transfers from Nelson Airport to their pick up locations or depots. However, please bear in mind that such service is generally only available during regular business hours in the daytime, so make sure to coordinate with the rental company since they are sometimes closed on weekends and holidays.
Where is the nearest petrol station to refuel the campervan at Nelson Airport?
Mobil Tahunanui is the nearest petrol station from Nelson Airport, which is about five minutes away when driving your rental vehicles. The gas stations Z Stoke Service Station and Caltex Bishopdale are also nearby.
Do I need a special driver's licence to drive in New Zealand?
No. You just need a full and valid regular driver's licence to book and drive NZ motorhome rental. If your licence is in a language other than English, you may need to present an International Driver’s Permit or acceptable translation.
How do I return the campervan rented from Nelson Airport?
Ensure you drop off your camper van hire Nelson at the agreed-upon location and time. Make sure that your vehicle is tidy and free of trash, that your fuel tank and LPG tank are full, and that your toilet cassette and wastewater tank have been emptied at a suitable dumping station.
Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in New Zealand? Is freedom camping allowed?
Freedom camping is allowed in the Nelson region but it is limited to self-contained vehicles only, and there are regulations in place regarding length of stay and number of vehicles.
