5 things I thought I'd hate about campervan travel (and what actually happened)
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campervan for hire driving nearby Christchurch

Motorhome and Campervan Hire Christchurch

 

Haere mai, welcome to Christchurch.

Christchurch, the garden city, is the start of your South Island adventure. Whether you are an intrepid explorer, an adrenaline junkie, or prefer a more sedate pace and all the comforts of home, your motorhome is the ideal way to explore our world famous scenery and attractions at your own pace.

Looking for Christchurch campervan rental?

Your Apollo motorhome is your home away from home while you explore the stunning South Island. Unpack once, stop where you like and stay as long as you like. From Christchurch the options are endless. Explore the city with its art and history museums, shopping options and the food scene. Christchurch has continued to rebuild with new dining and entertainment precincts that will rival its larger city competitors. For the best campervan rental Christchurch has to offer, get in touch with Apollo today!

 

Christchurch Airport Transfer Information

We offer a shuttle service to and from the airport between 8am to 4pm.

The shuttle runs every hour: Branch to the airport on the hour and airport to branch at quarter past the hour.

We will also run additional shuttles when the number of guests is more than the shuttle capacity.

The shuttle area is outside gates 1 and 2 in the domestic area.

There is no customer parking available inside the grounds of our branch, but there is a wide range of safe, secure, convenient and affordable parking options situated close by. We recommend using Parkopedia to research options.

Christchurch Branch

  • Address:
    159 Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, 8053
  • Opening Hours:
    Monday – Sunday: 8am – 4:30pm
  • Telephone:
    0800 845 222
  • Distance from City:
    10.7 Kilometres / 6.6 Miles
  • Taxi Fare City:
    NZD $59 Approx
  • Distance from Airport:
    2.7 Kilometres / 1.6 Miles
  • Taxi Fare Airport:
    NZD $25 Approx
  • Closed Days:

    All branches are closed on Christmas Day (25 Dec). 

 

What to do on your Christchurch campervan road trip?

 

With Apollo’s campervan and motorhome hire in Christchurch, you can explore every corner of New Zealand’s spectacular South Island.

Head north, to Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura, where the stunning scenery and friendly locals combine with fresh seafood and the famous Marlborough wineries. Further on you’ll be able to explore the Marlborough Sounds and the golden sands of the Tasman National Park.

To the west coast, the photo opportunities are endless. There's so much on offer including tramping, mountain biking, the glaciers of the wild West Coast and the local beers and whitebait patties. Yum!

And of course the famous southern scenic route, including the Southern Lakes, Aoraki Mt Cook, Queenstown and Milford Sound, where every bend in the road will take your breath away. Literally millions of people come from all over the world to see our back garden, why not you!

Discover Christchurch City

Welcome to Christchurch, the doorway to the South Island. On your journey, you will discover endless natural beauty in this uniquely New Zealand setting, from snow-capped mountain ranges to lake-side vistas. However, now that you’re here, why not check out what the city of Christchurch has to offer first?

After you set off from our branch just outside the airport, cruise on into the CBD and enjoy the cultural delights of New Zealand’s oldest city. From restaurants and heritage architecture, to street art and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra concerts in Hagley Park, feast your senses on all Christchurch has to offer. 

Botanic Gardens

As one of the city’s most popular attractions, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens feature the most extensive collection of local and exotic plantlife throughout New Zealand. With over 1.1 million patrons each year, these epic botanic gardens are a place of ever-evolving natural beauty. There's something new to see with every season. 

Christchurch Gondola

For the best view in town, ride the Christchurch Gondola to the top of the Port Hills. This experience offers a stunning outlook over the city, the Southern Alps, Lyttelton Harbour and the Canterbury Plains. At the summit, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including shopping, the Time Tunnel Ride or a beverage and snack at the Red Rock cafe.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Want to see a Kiwi bird in its natural habitat? How about with no glass between you? At the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, you can get close to many of New Zealand’s native icons, as well as other local and introduced species. Walk around the park at your own pace and let the animals eat out of your hand, then stay for a Maori cultural demonstration or walk through the gift shop.

Your South Island campervan adventure

Ready to see the Lord of the Rings in real life? After exploring what Christchurch has to offer, it’s time for the main event. With the dazzling scenery in every direction, we lay out what the South Island has to offer, place by place. Read on to discover where our campervan hire can take you.

Lake Tekapo

Regardless of the season, Lake Tekapo is a sight to behold. Fed from a nearby glacier, bask in the reflection of the crystal clear waters, or visit one of the local cafes to gaze across this great blue expanse. When the sun sets, prepare yourself for a dazzling night time display. Known for its stargazing, local tours operate from Wednesday to Sunday, taking you to the perfect spots to witness our vast milky way. 

Aoraki Mount Cook

Standing at 3724 m above sea level, Aoraki Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. On a clear day, it stands magnificently against the sky - a memorable sight for anyone to behold. For day trips to Mt Cook, we highly recommend the Hooker Valley Track. At an easy 3 hour return time, the Hooker Valley Track offers stunning views of Hooker Lake, the Mueller Glacier and, of course, Aoraki Mount Cook. 

Hanmer Springs

Unlike most places, Hanmer Springs is ideal for both thrill seekers and chill seekers. The thermal springs are the perfect place to unwind after a long day’s driving, with temperatures reaching up to 36C in some pools. However, for those who are a little more restless, Hanmer Springs Attractions offers a whole host of high-octane fun. From jet boating to river rafting, to quad bike tours and bungy jumping, they have it all. The best part is, they operate from one location, making it possible to do multiple tours in a single day.

Marlborough Sounds

With over 50 conservation reserves, 1500 km of coastline and many hidden bays and quiet beaches, the Marlborough Sounds are a place to find your own piece of paradise. The perfect setting for an island hopper cruise, float between islands and coves as you drink in some of NZ’s most picturesque coastline. With the best south island wineries located in this region, the Sounds are also the ideal place to please your palate, as well as your soul.

Things to do in Christchurch

Alyssa Tresider
/ Categories: NZ blog

5 things I thought I'd hate about campervan travel (and what actually happened)

Katie Hurst has spent years exploring New Zealand by campervan and knows that first-time campervan road trips come with plenty of questions. In this blog, she reflects on her own early doubts – from driving worries to sleeping in a small space – and shares what actually happened once she hit the road. If you're on the fence about hiring a campervan, her honest take might just give you the nudge you need. 

I’ll admit it – when I booked my first campervan hire, I was curious but cautious. I loved the idea of the open road, waking up beside lakes and beaches, and setting my own pace. But I also had questions. Was I really going to be comfortable living out of a compact mobile space for a week? Would I sleep well? Would I even be able to drive the thing? 

Social media makes van life look effortlessly idyllic – morning coffee with mountain views, perfectly parked vans in remote bays, and people who somehow look fresh after days without a proper bathroom. It’s inspiring, but it also sets the bar high. 

So I went into that first trip with a mix of excitement and hesitation. And what I found was that the things I worried about most weren’t problems at all. Here are five things I thought I’d struggle with – and the unexpected ways they turned out to be highlights. 

 

I thought I'd hate the lack of space and privacy

Expectation: 
Before the trip, I was genuinely unsure how two people (plus all our stuff) were going to live comfortably in a campervan for a week. I imagined it feeling cramped and chaotic – like sharing a tent, but with a fridge and wheels. I worried about bumping into each other constantly, having no personal space, and nowhere to retreat when I needed a moment alone. The idea of always being ‘on’ didn’t sound very relaxing. 

Reality: 
The reality was completely different. I was surprised by how cleverly designed our campervan was – everything had its place, and the layout made it feel much more spacious than I expected. Comfy seats, smart storage, and even the option to set up an awning outside gave us flexibility and room to breathe. We naturally fell into a rhythm: outside during the day, winding down inside in the evenings. New Zealand’s incredible landscapes quickly became our lounge, dining room, and reading nook all in one. 

Having our own bathroom on board made a huge difference too – not just for comfort, but for privacy. Most Apollo vehicles in New Zealand come with a bathroom, which means no dashing across a campsite in the middle of the night or awkwardly queueing in jandals. And for downtime? Curtains or window coverings helped us feel like we had our own little sanctuary, even when parked near others. 

Top tip: 
If you’re travelling with someone, build in little pockets of solo time – like taking a walk while the other cooks dinner, or listening to music with headphones while parked up for the night. It’s amazing how even 20 minutes of ‘me time’ makes the shared space feel easier. 

 

I thought driving a big vehicle would be stressful

Expectation: 
Before the trip, I was more nervous about the driving than I wanted to admit. I hadn’t driven anything bigger than a hatchback, so the idea of handling a campervan – especially on narrow rural roads or in busy towns – felt pretty intimidating. I worried about scraping it on something, holding up traffic, or just feeling completely out of my depth behind the wheel. And then there was the thought of long stretches of highway driving and how tiring that might be. 

Reality: 
Turns out, campervans are much easier to drive than I expected. After a quick practice run around the block, I felt surprisingly confident. Most Apollo rentals include a full walkthrough before you hit the road, with tips on how to manage the size, use the mirrors, and reverse safely (mine even had a reverse camera – lifesaver). 

Outside of major cities, New Zealand roads are generally quiet – especially midweek or outside peak season – and we found the slower pace actually made the whole trip feel more relaxed. There were heaps of places to pull over, take breaks, and snap photos, which broke up the driving nicely. 

Auto-transmission also helped keep things simple, and before long, I wasn’t even thinking about the size of the vehicle anymore. The road trip became less about the logistics and more about the journey (that one use of the word – promise!). 

READ MORE: Is it hard to drive a campervan in NZ? 

 

I was dreading finding overnight parking

Expectation: 
Before the trip, I pictured myself aimlessly driving around at dusk, tired and hangry, desperately trying to find a legal and safe spot to park. I’d heard all the cautionary tales – fines for parking in the wrong place, being moved on in the middle of the night, or ending up squished in a carpark next to a noisy highway. I assumed overnight parking would be one of the most stressful parts of the whole campervan experience. 

Reality: 
It turned out to be one of the easiest. Between Apollo’s helpful guides and using the thl Roadtrip app, I had plenty of options at my fingertips – from well-equipped holiday parks to peaceful DOC campgrounds, and even some free campsites with million-dollar views. 

In peak season, I’d book a night or two in advance, especially in popular areas, but outside the busy periods, we were able to stay flexible and plan as we went. It actually became something I looked forward to each afternoon – checking the app, choosing a spot that suited our mood (beach? forest? lakefront?), and knowing we had everything we needed with us. 

 

I expected to sleep poorly and miss the comforts of home 

Expectation: 
I’ll be honest – I didn’t have high hopes for sleep. I pictured a thin, fold-out mattress, strange campsite noises, light pouring in at sunrise, and a general sense of discomfort. I expected to miss my bed, my couch, even my kitchen. Basically, all the familiar little things that make home feel like home. 

Reality: 
I was genuinely surprised by how comfortable the bed was. Many motorhomes – including ours – come with proper mattresses and blackout blinds, which made a big difference. I slept better than I expected, often lulled to sleep by the sounds of a nearby river or waves in the distance. 

It helped that we brought a few creature comforts – a soft blanket from home, cosy PJs, and my favourite pillow. Those small touches turned the camper into something that felt more personal and relaxing. Evenings were slower and simpler – a book, a chat, maybe some stargazing – and without all the usual distractions, I actually found I slept more deeply than I had in weeks. 

Top tip: 
Pack like you’re going on a comfy weekend away – not a survival mission. A couple of familiar items from home can go a long way in making your camper feel like your own little retreat on wheels. Bonus: nothing beats making your morning coffee with a lake view. 

 

I thought I’d struggle with keeping the temperature comfortable

Expectation: 
This was a big one for me. I was sure I’d be freezing at night or overheating during the day – maybe both in the same 24 hours. I imagined a stuffy little space that held onto heat in summer and turned icy as soon as the sun disappeared. I’d heard stories of condensation dripping from the ceiling and waking up with cold feet and a foggy camper. 

Reality: 
What I didn’t realise was how well-equipped modern campervans actually are. Ours had a built-in diesel heater that kept things toasty, even during a frosty morning in the mountains. And on warmer days, we opened the windows for airflow and used the insect screens to keep things fresh without letting the bugs in. Some campervans also come with a shade awning, which makes a huge difference on sunny afternoons. 

We also picked a season that worked for us – spring – which meant mild days and crisp, clear nights. Layering clothes, parking in the right spot, and taking advantage of campsite amenities (hello hot showers and shared kitchens) made it all feel easy and comfortable. 

Top tip: 
If you’re worried about temperature, check whether your camper comes with heating and good ventilation before you book. A few smart adjustments – and knowing when to throw on an extra layer – made the whole experience much more enjoyable and helped us settle into the natural rhythm of life on the road. 

 

The final verdict

Looking back, most of the things I was worried about never really happened – or if they did, they were far less of a big deal than I’d imagined. The space felt comfortable, driving wasn’t stressful, and I slept better than I do at home some nights. What I thought would be challenges ended up being part of what made the trip so memorable. 

Hiring a campervan turned out to be one of the best travel decisions I’ve made. It gave me a new sense of confidence, connected me with nature in a way that no hotel ever could, and created the kind of memories that stick with you long after the trip ends – early morning swims, quiet evenings under the stars, and the joy of changing plans on a whim. 

If you’re on the fence about giving campervan travel a go, I say do it. Whether it’s a weekend escape or a full-blown New Zealand road trip, the flexibility is part of the magic. The route might change, the weather might surprise you, but the journey? Always worth it. 

 

Ready to give it a go?

If you’ve been wondering whether campervan travel is really for you, hopefully this has shown that it’s not just doable – it’s one of the most rewarding ways to see New Zealand. Whether you're planning a short escape or a longer road trip, it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, stay closer to nature, and make the journey just as memorable as the destination. Book your Apollo campervan online today and start planning your own roadie – you might be surprised by how quickly the open road wins you over. 

 

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Where to stay in Christchurch

 

The Canterbury region is ideal for motorhome and campervan journeys with excellent holiday parks located close to all the popular tourist attractions and towns. These areas are well equipped for road trippers, as they have everything from kitchen and bathroom facilities to powered sites specifically for campervan rentals. Some holiday parks also offer various recreational facilities like barbeque areas, swimming pools, biking and walking trails, and small stores for basic goods.

For inspiration, check out these fantastic holiday parks which cater to motorhomes and campervans:

Tasman Holiday Park, Christchurch - Only 15 minutes from the Christchurch CBD, the Tasman Holiday Park is the perfect place to begin your holiday on New Zealand’s South Island. 

Leithfield Beach Holiday Park - North of Christchurch, stop here on your way to the Marlborough Sounds and enjoy beach-side accommodation for a fraction of the price. 

The Lake Tekapo Holiday Park - Stay at the top of Lake Tekapo while remaining within walking distance of the town centre, the lake’s edge and local hot springs.

For the more adventurous Christchurch campervan travellers, you can also free camp in certain places throughout the South Island. Freedom camping is a great way to explore New Zealand on a budget, but it comes with strict rules and regulations. You must have a certified self-contained vehicle with your own toilet, shower and waste disposal facilities on board. If you’re planning to free camp in your motorhome rental, Christchurch City Council has rules and regulations about where you can stay.

Why choose Apollo for campervan and motorhome hire in Christchurch?

 

Apollo is New Zealand’s leading provider of premium quality motorhome and campervan rentals. Designed and built by expert RV manufacturers, our entire fleet is custom-made for New Zealand’s unique climate and terrain. Whether you are looking for your next adventure or want to enjoy a relaxing scenic drive, the best way to explore Christchurch is with an Apollo campervan.

We offer a wide range of campervan and motorhomes to suit any budget and group size. Each vehicle is kitted out with quality appliances and furnishings so you can have all the comforts of home on your road trip. For great Christchurch campervan deals, contact our friendly team at Apollo and start planning your dream holiday.

New Zealand camping site

Nearest Campsite

North South Holiday Park

530 Sawyers Arms Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8051

+64 3359 5993

Filling up Apollo campervan in New Zealand

Nearest Fuel Station

Z - Sawyers Arms - Service Station

Sawyers Arms Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8053

+64 3359 8448

Family cooking in Apollo motorhome

Nearest Supermarket

Countdown

530/546A Memorial Avenue, Harewood, Christchurch, 8053

(03) 357 0450

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