Best Campervan Rental in New Zealand: Ultimate Guide

There are so many campervan rentals in New Zealand, choosing one can feel overwhelming. We’re breaking down all the important things you need to look for to find the best campervan hire for your New Zealand road trip. We’re even sharing exactly which companies we recommend.

Without a doubt, renting a campervan in New Zealand is the best way to travel around this country (or “hire a campervan” as the Kiwis would say).

Ever since we built our own campervan in the U.S., we’ve been itching to get back behind the wheel. So we set our sights on NZ, and it did not disappoint.

There are few countries in the world as well set up to accommodate campervans than New Zealand.

With holiday parks and campgrounds everywhere (as well as countless places to freedom camp!) you’ll have no problem finding a place to sleep. And with landscapes that look like they’re straight out of a movie — oh wait, they are! (Lord of the Rings, duh!) — endless adventures await you.

We have traveled all over the world in campervans. You might say we’re a little completely obsessed with vanlife. And we have lots of expert advice that’ll be essential as you begin planning your trip.

If you’ve been wanting to test out #vanlife, New Zealand is a perfect place to try it out. I even convinced my (60-something) parents to give it a go and they absolutely loved it.

New Zealand campervan rental guide

• Get a quote
• Why trust us?
• Our experience
• Things to consider
• Best campervan rentals
• Budget campervan rentals
• Mid-range campervan rentals
• High-end campervan rentals

Quick English language note: We use the words “rental and “hire” interchangeably in this article.

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Want to save time and energy on planning?

We spent 5 weeks traveling around New Zealand in a campervan, and we’ve been lucky enough to explore a lot of what this country has to offer!

We took our 5-week travels and condensed it down to 30 days (because so many people wanted a 1-month route) that hits the top destinations on both the North and South Islands. 

We’ll send you our complete 1 month itinerary, filled with tips and advice. Just click below to get your 30-day New Zealand road trip itinerary today!

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Know exactly what you’re looking for already?

“Katie and Ben, I already know what I’m looking for and just want to see the best campervan rental companies…” Great! Jump down to that section here.

OR get a quote right now!

Enter your travel dates and pick up/drop off locations and get a selection of vans to choose from:

But hold up! Choosing the best campervan can be tricky. And truthfully the best campervan company for us may not be the best for you.

Why you can trust us about campervan rentals

If you’re new to this blog (welcome!), we want to share a few reasons why you can trust us about all things campervan-related:

• We have personally built 3 campervans from scratch.
• We have traveled all over the US in our own campervans.
• We have rented vans all over the world, in New Zealand, Iceland, Scotland, and Ireland.

Now do you understand why I said we’re obsessed!?

I mention all of this to let you know we have a lot of personal experience on this subject. We truly know what we’re talking about and in this article we’re sharing our expertise with you.

Also, we simply love connecting with others who are interested in RV and campervan adventures, so let’s be friends!

Our personal experience traveling in a campervan in New Zealand

We spent 5 weeks traveling around New Zealand in a campervan and ever since, we’ve been itching to get back!

We feel like a campervan or motorhome really gives you an added level of freedom that you just don’t have when you’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb, and we honestly think it’s the best way to explore the country.

Since we’ve personally explored New Zealand in a campervan ourselves, you can trust that we know what we’re talking about in this article and are sharing tips that will truly help you plan your own trip. 

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Things to consider before renting a campervan in New Zealand

Every traveler has their own expectations, level of comfort and budget they’re able to spend. So let’s start by going over the factors you should consider before you start looking at companies.

Write down your answers to the following criteria: 

1. What is your campervan budget?

We’re going to come right out and say it: Renting a campervan in New Zealand ain’t cheap. Even if you go with the absolute cheapest company out there, you’ll still be paying a considerable chunk of money.

However, traveling in a campervan is a great way to save money during your trip because you can cook your own meals (much cheaper than eating out!) and you can even find campsites for free (cheaper than staying in hotels!).

Related: Money-saving tips for traveling in New Zealand on a budget

So just how much do campervans cost in New Zealand?

Well, it depends on a few things.  

First of all, the time of year can affect the price significantly. If you are traveling in the peak summer season (aka December – March), expect to pay peak rates. And on the opposite hand, if you travel during off-peak season, you might be able to score a nice rate. Shoulder seasons (before and after peak season) will grant you a rate that is neither crazy expensive nor super cheap.

Here is an idea to get you started:

• Peak Season (Dec to Feb): $120 – $420 NZD per day ($82 – $288 USD)
• Low Season (June to Aug): $30 – $120 NZD per day ($20 – $82 USD)
• Shoulder Seasons (any other time of year): Expect to pay somewhere in the middle

Additional Costs: One important thing to remember is you’ll also likely be paying for campsites. Yes, there are free sites out there, but they do not have any facilities *erm showers!*. So unless you plan on going au naturel during your entire trip (more power to you!), your daily rate will go up a bit when you factor in campsite costs (more on that later!).

How much do you expect to spend per day? Now multiply that by how many days you plan to travel in New Zealand.

2. What are your expectations when it comes to comfort?

Another very important thing to consider is what level of comfort you are expecting.  

“I can make do with just about any campervan.”

If you are an avid camper and are used to tents and all the discomforts that come with sleeping on the ground, any campervan you choose will feel damn near luxurious. And if you’re used to sleeping in hostels, you’ll love the privacy that comes with your own space. Even if you choose the smallest, cheapest, oldest campervan, you will still have a good time.  

“I will be more comfortable with a nicer campervan.”

However, if you are used to roomy hotel rooms and are a bit nervous about this whole “campervan thing”, you might want to choose one of the more plush options to make this new experience a bit more comfortable. 

You know yourself and you’re the only one that can really decide what comfort level you are going to be comfortable with.

Here are some helpful things to consider:

Do you want to be able to stand up in your campervan?  

Many of the budget campervans are not designed to be able to stand up inside. So think about what this means and whether or not it is a deal-breaker for you.

Both the campervan we built ourselves and the one we rented in New Zealand were not possible to stand up inside. We did just fine in both cases, but both agree it would be much more comfortable to be able to stand.

Good to know: Campervans that don’t allow you to fully stand up, typically have the kitchen in the rear so you can cook outside without hunching over. But other tasks, like making the bed and getting dressed, can be a bit tricky when you can’t stand upright. A plus to this type of vehicle is they are more streamlined, use less gas, and are easier to drive if you’re not used to big vehicles. 

Psst! So many readers have asked campervan cooking that we decided to make it possible for you to take our favorite camping meals on the road with you! Our Campervan Cookbook is filled with healthy and delicious recipes you can easily make on the go in your campervan kitchen. 

Do you mind converting your bed every night and morning?

In most smaller campervans, the bed converts into a couch during the day. It can be tedious every night transforming your sitting space into your bed, especially at night in the dark with bugs trying to attack you. We speak from experience!

Some of the large campervans have a designed bed that you won’t have to convert twice a day. But this likely, nay, definitely, means a higher price tag.

Psst! Wondering where you’ll be sleeping? We’ve got you covered with a round up of the best campsites in New Zealand from our own experience, plus advice from fellow travel bloggers.

3. How many people will you be traveling with?

The number of people you’ll be sharing the vehicle with can make a big difference in determining the vehicle you choose.

• If you’re traveling solo, there is really only one company (Mad Campers) with single-berth vehicles designed for only one person. Bonus: Jump down to the Mad Campers section, enter your email and we’ll give you 5% off. (You could also rent a 2-berth vehicle and enjoy a little extra space all by yourself.)
• If there will be two passengers, you will have the biggest selection of vehicles to choose from, as this is the most common layout.
• 3-berths are a bit more uncommon, and are typically laid out as a double bed below with a small “loft-style” bed above.
• If you have 4 passengers or more, you might have to consider whether you want everyone in one vehicle or should you split up 2 in one and 2 in the other. Of course you will want everyone to have their own seat, but then that means you’ll need a bigger vehicle.

If you are campervanning with kids, you’ll want to make sure they have their own seat and bed, so a 4-berth might be the way to go.

Another important thing to consider is this: How close are you to the person/people you are traveling with?

If it is a new friend or acquaintance, you may want a bit more room, as living in a campervan is… umm, how shall we put this… very close quarters. If it is a close friend or partner, you may do just fine with less space.

Psst! Make sure you ask these questions to your campervan travel partner before you book your van rental.

4. What size vehicle are you comfortable driving?

If you have a big budget to work with and you are hoping for a pretty high level of comfort, you might be drawn to the bigger motorhomes. They do look pretty damn luxurious! But before pulling the trigger, consider what it will be like to drive a large vehicle like that.

The roads in New Zealand (particularly on the South Island) can be quite narrow and winding. For the most part we felt pretty comfortable driving our van, but there were a handful of times we were incredibly happy we weren’t driving one of those gigantic motorhomes.

If you’re used to driving on the left-hand side of the road or have experience with large vehicles, you might be just fine operating one of the bigger models.

But if you’re a more cautious driver and driving on the opposite side of the road makes you nervous, then maybe a smaller vehicle will make an easier transition.

On that note, make sure you have good travel insurance for rental cars just in case you do get your lefts and rights mixed up and have an accident.

We never go without travel insurance and we have a whole article on what insurance we use and recommend. Campervan insurance is usually not covered on a standard travel insurance policy, or credit card insurance, so we recommend to do a bit of digging to determine whether you need extra coverage.

Budget Note: Remember that larger vehicles are going to require a significantly higher gas budget.

5. How far in advance do I need to make reservations?

If you are planning to travel during New Zealand’s high tourist season (December – March), make your reservation as far in advance as possible.

Personal Note: My parents were planning a trip from mid-February through mid-March and by the time they started looking in early January, many of the good companies had already been fully booked, or the prices were insane! They were still able to find something, but just barely. So if that gives you any indication, you’ll want to start looking at least 2 months in advance (if not more).

If you are traveling in shoulder or low season, you’ll have a better chance of finding something more last minute. But you might not have much of a choice when it comes to your options.

So if you’re particular about what you’re looking for and have a tight budget, we’d still recommend reserving your vehicle as far ahead as you’re able.

6. What will my campervan come with?

This depends greatly on which company you rent from. However, nearly all campervans should come with the following:

• Bed & Bedding
• Sink with running water (and a tank you can fill with fresh water)
• Stove & Propane
• Cookware and utensils
• Cooler and/or refrigerator (Fun fact: Kiwis call coolers “chilly bins”!)

Depending on the campervan rental company, these amenities can be very basic or quite luxurious. Also, most companies have the option to add extras, which are typically charged separately. This can include:

• Camp chairs or table
• Rain tarp (pictured above)
• Solar Shower
• GPS system
• Roof Rack (depending on the company, this might come free with your rental)

Our experience: During our trip, we got several add-ons and felt like some of them were very necessary, while others just added clutter.

• Rain tarp: Once we figured out how to use it (it’s super simple, but looks intimidating!), the rain tarp was night for being able to cook when it was windy or rainy and we weren’t staying at a holiday park. (It’s bulky, so you’ll need to store it in the roof rack container.)
• Solar shower: We had the solar shower add-on, but never even brought it out of the box. We’d say this is totally unnecessary.
• Table and camp chairs: The chairs were great to have, as we liked sitting outside at the campsites when the weather was nice. However, you can also buy these for cheap at The Warehouse (similar to Walmart). So if your rental company doesn’t include them, that is one option. The table was nice for chopping veggies, however it took up a lot of space in the van.

What about the rest?

We’ve put together the ultimate campervan packing guide for New Zealand to make sure you bring everything you need to get the most out of your trip. Just enter your email below and it’ll appear in your inbox immediately!

7. Do I need a self-contained campervan?

First, let’s go over what makes a vehicle “self-contained”.

While traveling around New Zealand, you’ll see vehicles with a “self-contained” sticker on their rear window (NZS 5465).

This means that the vehicle has equipment onboard to remove any waste created by freedom camping. Simply put, the campervan has some sort of toilet and a grey water tank (a holding container for dirty water that goes down the sink).

There are certain campsites that only allow “self-contained” vehicles. And the only way you can legally do “freedom camping” is with a self-contained campervan.

Now, is it really necessary?

Like most other answers, it depends on you.

Freedom camping is, like the name implies, FREE! So if you’re on a tight budget and would like to try freedom camping at least a few times on your trip, then YES, you definitely need a self-contained vehicle.

If, however, you don’t think you’ll want to poo in your vehicle, then it might not be necessary. There are plenty of free (and cheap) sites that are perfectly fine for vehicles that are not self-contained.

Our pick: For us, it was important to have a self-contained vehicle not only to keep our camping options open, but to also dispose of any grey water at proper dumpsites and not harming the environment. We had a portable toilet, but to be honest we never used it. There are literally toilets everywhere in NZ.

8. What about campervan insurance?

While most travel insurance policies will cover you for renting a car, however campervans are not included in that coverage. Credit card insurances typically do not cover you while driving a campervan either.

Just like rental cars companies, all campervan companies should offer some form of insurance on your vehicle. We would recommend taking the insurance because accidents do happen and you wouldn’t want that extra collision expense to ruin your holiday.

In addition, it is always a good idea to have travel insurance, for instances of theft, baggage loss, delayed flights, or medical emergencies. We never travel without and we share our favorites providers we use in our article all about travel insurance.

Psst! Once you’ve chosen your rental, we’ve gotchu covered with everything you need to know about planning a campervan trip in New Zealand!

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Best campervan rentals in New Zealand

Now that you know exactly what you are looking for in a campervan, here are the best rental companies and compare their offerings. 

Budget

These will be your best affordable options with basic yet functional designs.

Mid-Range

These companies offer a bit more room and features than the super budget options, yet they are still affordable.

High-end

If you are looking for more creature comforts during your NZ road trip, these companies will be the best bet. Their vehicles are damn near luxurious, but they come with a price tag that more closely resembles a hotel than a bed on wheels.

Budget Campervans

If you’re traveling New Zealand on a tight budget, you’ll be happy to know you have some great options!

Personal note: Beware that not all budget campervans are created equal. We traveled with a friend who rented the cheapest campervan she could find. You get what you pay for, and she had many problems with it along the way: No orientation of the vehicle when she first arrived, missing items that were supposed to be included (like sheets, cooking utensils, etc.), and pieces of the van repeatedly fell off.

We can’t recommend all budget options, but Mad Campers and Escape Campervans are two companies we can!

Mad Campers

After lots (and LOTS!) of research, this is the company we personally chose. We liked their fun business model, their function-forward design, and the affordable price tag. We also noticed that they had excellent reviews from past customers, so this was the final push to book with them.

Disclosure: Mad Campers gave us a partial sponsor on our campervan rental, but all our opinions and feedback are 100% honest.

Who is this rental for: Easy going, budget-minded travelers with a sense of adventure to get off the typical tourist trail. 

Recently, Mad Campers gave their whole fleet an upgrade with built-in cookers, better storage, better fridges, new curtains and complimentary roof storage!

Type of vehicles: 1-Berth (Mad 1) and 2-Berth (Mad 2) campervans

Benefits:

• 2-berth van that drives very well
• Self-contained
• Decent gas mileage
• Comfy bed
• Very functional and details have been really thought through. It had everything we needed for our month-long trip.
• Outdoor kitchen with built-in cookers
• Small Kiwi-owned company
• We have a 5% off for you (below)!

Cons:

• Limited storage space makes the (free) roof rack an essential place to store extra bulk. But it can be a bit frustrating to keep accessing things inside the roof rack.
• Can’t stand up inside.
• One-Way transfer fee of $150 NZD.

Cost per day: Varies depending on campervan style:

• 2-Berth: Peak Season $160 NZD per day, Low Season $50 NZD per day.
• 1-Berth: Peak Season $100 NZD per day.

Bonus offer for YOU!

Wanna know more? 

We have an entire article reviewing our experience with Mad Campers New Zealand. In our review we share our 100% honest opinions about the campervan rental experience.

We also share a video tour of the inside of our campervan and break down each of the campervan models available through Mad Campers so you can choose which model works best for your needs.

Mad Campers Review: New Zealand’s Best Budget Campervan Rental?

Psst! Don’t miss the section about the Mad Campers Challenge, which is another way to save money and actually get a 5% refund on your rental if you complete it!

Escape Campervans

• Price range: budget-friendly
• Recommended for: couples or 2-3 close friends, budget travelers
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland and Christchurch
• Check availability here

Escape Campervans is an international company that rents basic campervans to backpackers and budget travelers around the world. Their fleet stands out due to the colorful art painted on their exteriors, each of which is totally unique.

Escape’s no-frills conversions are nonetheless equipped with everything you need, so travelers can experience vanlife without breaking the bank.

Who is this rental for: Backpackers looking to travel as cheaply as possible, best for couples or close friends. This could be a good second choice if Mad Campers are unavailable for your dates.

Types of vehicles: 

• 2-berth (sleeps 2, seats 2)
• 2-berth self-contained (sleeps 2, seats 2)
• 3-berth (sleeps 3, seats 3)

Pros:

• Unique, colorful artwork painted on each campervan
• Reliable international company
• One of the cheapest campervan rentals on the market; they will also price match comparable vans
• Self-contained options available
• Easy to drive and park
• Both automatic and manual transmission available

Cons:

• No high-roof options
• Limited storage space
• No children under age 6
• We think even the 3-berth van would be uncomfortable for 3 people
• Depending on your personality, the loud design on the exterior of the vehicle may be a drawback

Cost per day: Varies depending on model and season

• Peak season costs: $185-249 NZD ($113-152 USD)
• Low season costs: $55-65 NZD ($34-40 USD)

Mid-Range Campervans

If your budget is a bit more flexible, you’ll have more campervan options to choose from.

Jucy

• Price range: budget to mid-range
• Recommended for: all types of travelers
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown
• Check availability here

Jucy was established in Auckland in 2001 and has since expanded across New Zealand and Australia. They have 4 models to choose from in NZ, ranging from 2-berth to 4-berth.

With nearly 3,000 vehicles in their fleet, more than 2 decades of experience under their belt, and numerous awards to their name, Jucy has campervan rentals down to a science.

Who is this rental for: Travelers with a mid-range budget who want to rent with confidence from a well-respected company.

Types of vehicles: 

• JUCY Crib (sleeps 2, seats 2)
• JUCY Condo (sleeps 4, seats 5)
• JUCY Chaser (sleeps 3, seats 3 – no car seats allowed)
• JUCY Cruiser (sleeps 4, seats 4)

Pros:

• Well-established, award-winning company
• Range of sizes and prices to choose from
• Self-contained options available
• Some styles have an indoor kitchen
• High-roof options available
• All campervans have automatic transmission

Cons:

• Larger models can be challenging to drive if you’re not used to it (especially on mountain roads and in high winds)
• Larger models also have lower gas mileage
• Depending on your personality, the bold-colored exterior of the vehicle may be a drawback

Cost per day: Varies depending on model and season

• Peak season costs: $469-1,662 NZD ($286-1,015 USD)
• Low season costs: $38-150 NZD ($23-92 USD)

Travellers Autobarn

Who is this rental for: Travelers with a little higher budget, but don’t want to drive around the big rigs. These campervans are also one of the better options for 3 people traveling together, as there is a loft bed and extra seats in some models.

Type of vehicles: 2-Berth Station Wagon, 3-Berth Hitop & Kuga Campervans, 4-Berth Hi5 Campervan.

Benefits:

• Smaller vehicle with lots of space and you can stand up in the back.
• The kitchens are inside and include a fridge (sometimes a freezer), microwave, and a 2-burner stove.
• Can stand up inside the van.

Cons:

• Only portable toilet (no indoor toilet)
• Getting to be on the more expensive side

Cost per day: Varies depending on campervan style:

• 2-Berth Station Wagon: Peak Season $89 NZD per day, Low Season $21 NZD per day.
• 3-Berth: Peak Season $236 NZD per day, Low Season $41 NZD per day.
• 4-Berth: Peak Season $274 NZD per day, Low Season $55 NZD per day.

High-End Campervans

And if you’ve got money to spare, you can travel New Zealand in luxurious style! The companies listed below created true homes on wheels, and you might even forget you’re “camping”!

Britz

Who is this rental for: 30+ travelers looking for a no-nonsense campervan because you might be exploring with loved ones and kids. You want the comforts of home in your camper but still seeking new adventures.

Type of vehicles: 2-Berth, 3-Berth, 4-Berth and 6-Berth campervans and motorhomes. Wide variety of amenities and add-ons in each type of vehicle.

Benefits:

• Quality campervans and motorhomes that can fit the whole family.
• Newer vehicles, 2016 and 2017 models.
• Indoor kitchens and bathroom (toilet/shower) in campervan.
• Lots of storage.
• One of the best campervans/motorhomes in New Zealand.

Cons:

• Large vehicles and can be difficult to drive.
• Low gas mileage (but it is diesel, so a bit cheaper)
• High cost per day.

Cost per day: Varies depending on campervan style:

• 2-Berth Action Pod: Peak Season $158 NZD per day. Low Season $95 NZD per day.
• 2-Berth Venturer: Peak Season $420 NZD per day, Low Season $70 NZD per day.
• 4-Berth Discovery: Peak Season $410 NZD per day, Low Season $80 NZD per day.

Maui Campervan

• Price range: luxury
• Recommended for: couples or families with a bigger budget, or friends who are splitting the cost
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown
• Check availability here

Maui is a member of a global family of RV brands called THL, which also includes such recognizable names as Road Bear (USA), Canadream (Canada), and Bunk Campers (UK). They’ve been operating in New Zealand for more than 35 years, so you can trust that they really know what they’re doing.

Maui’s builds are bigger and bougier than any other on this list, definitely leaning more towards motorhomes than campervans. But if you have the cash and can handle a larger rig, this could be a great option!

Who is this rental for: Couples, families, or groups of friends who want to experience vanlife without sacrificing comfort.

Types of vehicles: 

• Ultima (sleeps 2, seats 2)
• Ultima Plus (sleeps 2 adults and 1 child, seats 3)
• Cascade (sleeps 4, seats 4)
• Beach (sleeps 4, seats 4)
• River (sleeps 6, seats 6)

Pros:

• Variety of layouts to choose from
• You can stand up in any of their vehicles
• All models have indoor bathrooms (toilet & shower) and kitchens (multiple burners & microwaves)
• The maximum age for their vehicles is 2.5 years
• Loads of storage space and hot water from taps. Talk about luxury!

Cons:

• No compact options
• Motorhomes are more challenging to drive, parking is harder to find, and you might run into size restrictions
• Low gas mileage (but it is diesel, so a bit cheaper)
• High cost per day

Cost per day: Varies depending on model and season

• Peak season costs: $782-848 NZD ($477-518 USD)
• Low season costs: $191-241 NZD ($117-147 USD)
  • Note: These daily rates are based on the vehicles with a maximum age of 2.5 years. Maui also offers a fleet of “Elite” motorhomes less than 1 year old for a higher daily rate.

Still not sure on which New Zealand campervan company to choose?

Are you having trouble deciding on a campervan rental for New Zealand? Check out Motorhome Republic to compare different campervan companies in order to find the right vehicle for you and your dates.

Don’t miss out on this epic New Zealand road trip itinerary!

If you like doing travel research, all the power to you! Feel free to use our itinerary outlines as a starting point as well as our city guides for ideas of things to do (we’ve got a bunch of them!).

But if you want to save some hours of your life, we’ve already put in more than enough for you and us combined. Trust us.

And we’re happy to share everything we learned — from digging through reviews, Youtube and all sorts of Internet rabbit holes, as well as actually traveling in New Zealand by campervan for 5 weeks!

We’ve curated what we think is the perfect New Zealand road trip, and we want you to be able to copy our route! 

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Are you planning a trip to New Zealand?

We have TONS of resources on travel in New Zealand and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Campervan Trip in New Zealand
• The Best New Zealand Campsites: Ultimate Guide + Free Map!
• New Zealand Travel Tips + Know Before You Go
• Perfect 1-month Road Trip Itinerary for New Zealand

Love the idea of campervan trips around the world? 

Us too (hence why we keep booking campervan trips!).

Here are some more ideas for you to bookmark for future travels:

• Scotland Campervan Rental Guide
• Iceland Campervan Rental Guide 
• Ireland Campervan Rental Guide
• UK Campervan Guide
• Italy Campervan Rental Guide
• France Campervan Rental Guide
• USA Campervan Rental Guide
• Canada Campervan Rental Guide

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We want to hear from you!

Which campervan sounds best to you? Still have questions or trouble deciding? Leave a comment below and we’ll try our best to answer! It’s likely others will have similar questions to yours.