Skip to content

Which campervan rental companies are actually cheaper?

Short answer: For 14 nights Sydney to Cairns (10–24 Nov 2026), the cheapest total on the rental companies' own websites was Spaceships at $959 with a $5,000 bond, or $1,559 once the bond is covered down to $0. The dearest 2-berth hi-top we priced, JUCY, was $3,909 on the same basis. In New Zealand, 14 nights Auckland to Christchurch (13–27 Apr 2027) started at NZ$1,331 (JUCY), NZ$2,081 with $0-bond cover. The daily rate is a poor guide: one-way fees, bond cover and bedding change the order.

Live prices for your dates How we compared

Checked on each company's own booking site. Per van, whole trip.

The method

Same trip, every company, two totals

One fixed trip

14 nights, same pick-up and drop-off, same dates, 2 adults, driver aged 26. The cheapest 2-berth van each company had bookable online that day.

Minimum total

Van, every compulsory fee the booking site adds (one-way, admin, airport, gas) and the included basic cover. This is the least you can pay, with the full bond held on your card.

Realistic total

Minimum plus the company's cheapest cover that takes the bond to $0, plus bedding and kitchen gear where they charge for it. What most people actually pay to drive away ready.

Fuel, campsites and ferries are the same whichever company you pick, so they're left out. Australia and New Zealand are kept apart: fleets, cover and seasons differ.

Australia · AUD

Sydney to Cairns, 14 nights: what each company really costs

10–24 Nov 2026, 2 adults, driver aged 26. Most companies bill 15 days for 14 nights. Cheapest realistic total first.

Company · van Van Compulsory fees Minimum total Bond $0-bond cover Bedding · kitchen Realistic total
SpaceshipsAlpha · 2-berth wagon Van · $959 Compulsory fees · none Minimum total · $959 Bond · $5,000 $0-bond cover · $600 Stress-Free, $40/day Bedding · kitchen · included Realistic total · $1,559
Awesome CampersCompact · 2-berth wagon Van · $750 Compulsory fees · One-way $180, Admin $90 Minimum total · $1,020 Bond · $5,000 $0-bond cover · $675 Fast Track Pack, $45/day Bedding · kitchen · included Realistic total · $1,695
MightyLITEHiLITE · 2-berth hi-top Van · $2,060 Compulsory fees · One-way $200 Minimum total · $2,260 Bond · $3,500 $0-bond cover · $630 The High Road, $42/day Bedding · kitchen · included Realistic total · $2,890
MightyHighball · 2-berth hi-top Van · $2,175 Compulsory fees · One-way $200 Minimum total · $2,375 Bond · $3,500 $0-bond cover · $780 The High Road, $52/day Bedding · kitchen · included Realistic total · $3,155
ApolloHitop Camper · 2-berth hi-top Van · $2,440 Compulsory fees · One-way $200 Minimum total · $2,640 Bond · $5,000 $0-bond cover · $855 The High Road, $57/day Bedding · kitchen · included Realistic total · $3,495
BritzHiTop · 2-berth hi-top Van · $2,590 Compulsory fees · One-way $200 Minimum total · $2,790 Bond · $5,000 $0-bond cover · $855 The High Road, $57/day Bedding · kitchen · included Realistic total · $3,645
JUCYCoaster · 2-berth hi-topA Crib Plus was $1,758 minimum but on request only. Van · $2,639 Compulsory fees · One-way (Cairns) $295 Minimum total · $2,934 Bond · $5,000 $0-bond cover · $975 Comprehensive, $65/day Bedding · kitchen · included Realistic total · $3,909
MauiUltima Plus · 2+1-berth motorhome, toilet and shower Van · $4,022 Compulsory fees · One-way $200 Minimum total · $4,222 Bond · $7,500 $0-bond cover · $1,005 The High Road, $67/day Bedding · kitchen · included Realistic total · $5,227
Get this trip priced for your dates

Australia: rental conditions by company

Taken from each company's own website on 28 October 2026. The page each fact came from is listed under it, so you can check it. Terms change; the booking confirmation is what counts.

Spaceships

Best for: drivers aged 18 to 20, and one-way trips on a budget.

Minimum driver age
18. Spaceships says the price is the same at every age.Source: spaceshipsrentals.com.au/about/terms-conditions
Licence
Full or probationary licence held for 6 months or more.Source: spaceshipsrentals.com.au/about/terms-conditions
Kilometres
Unlimited.Source: spaceshipsrentals.com.au/about/terms-conditions
Bedding and kitchen
Bedding, linen, cooker and kitchen gear included, plus 2 gas canisters.Source: spaceshipsrentals.com.au/about/terms-conditions
One-way trips
$0 Sydney to Cairns in our check. The terms allow $150–$500 on some routes, and a $200 remote fee at Adelaide, Airlie Beach, Hobart and Perth.Source: spaceshipsrentals.com.au/about/terms-conditions
Cancellation
Free 22+ days out; 7–21 days 20%; 1–6 days 50%; within 24 hours 100%.Source: spaceshipsrentals.com.au/about/terms-conditions
Roadside assistance
24-hour roadside. Remote areas need the optional recovery cover.Source: spaceshipsrentals.com.au/about/terms-conditions
Depots
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Airlie Beach, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth.Source: spaceshipsrentals.com.au/about/terms-conditions
Where you can't take it
Sealed roads only; no beach driving or water crossings.Source: spaceshipsrentals.com.au/about/terms-conditions

Awesome Campers

Best for: the lowest total for drivers 21+ who will stay at powered sites.

Minimum driver age
21. Drivers 21–24 get a different bond tier; no surcharge stated.Source: awesomecampers.com.au/faq
Licence
No International Driving Permit needed; recommended if your licence isn't in English.Source: awesomecampers.com.au/faq
Kilometres
Unlimited.Source: awesomecampers.com.au
Bedding and kitchen
Bedding, towels, pots, pans and cutlery included.Source: awesomecampers.com.au/faq
One-way trips
$180 Sydney to Cairns in our check, plus a $90 admin fee on every hire.Source: awesomecampers.com.au booking engine, 28 Oct 2026
Cancellation
Free up to 14 business days before pick-up, except 14 Dec–10 Jan; after that, 100%.Source: awesomecampers.com.au/faq
Roadside assistance
RACQ roadside; the FAQ gives 9am–7pm daily. You pay for call-outs caused by driver error.Source: awesomecampers.com.au/faq
Depots
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns. Contactless pick-up.Source: awesomecampers.com.au/faq
Where you can't take it
No gravel or unsealed roads, beaches or fire trails ($7,000 liability if breached).Source: awesomecampers.com.au/faq

JUCY

Best for: the widest choice of budget van sizes, including rooftop-tent vans for 4.

Minimum driver age
21 in our live price check.Source: JUCY booking engine (bookings.jucy.com), 28 Oct 2026
Licence
Home licence in English, or an International Driving Permit.Source: jucy.com/nz/en/motorhomes (group policy)
Kilometres
Unlimited.Source: jucy.com campervan pages
Bedding and kitchen
Linen kit and kitchen gear come with the van; linen exchange is $40.Source: JUCY booking engine extras, 28 Oct 2026
One-way trips
$295 into Cairns in our check; $195 between metro depots.Source: JUCY booking engine, 28 Oct 2026
Cancellation
Optional $200 flexible booking cover. Standard terms not checked for Australia.Source: JUCY booking engine extras, 28 Oct 2026
Roadside assistance
24/7 breakdown assistance at every cover level.Source: jucy.com/nz/en/about-us/useful-stuff/excess-reduction (group policy)
Depots
Sydney, Melbourne Airport, Brisbane, Cairns, Adelaide Airport, Perth Airport.Source: rentals.api.jucy.cloud/sites, 28 Oct 2026
Where you can't take it
No unsealed roads.Source: JUCY terms and conditions

Britz, Maui, Mighty, MightyLITE, Apollo

All five belong to thl and share depots and most terms.

Best for: a newer hi-top or a motorhome with a toilet and shower. MightyLITE and Mighty are the cheapest way into a hi-top.

Minimum driver age
Mighty and MightyLITE 18; Apollo, Britz and Maui 21.Source: mightycampers.com/faqs, apollocamper.com/faqs
Licence
Full licence; not in English needs an accredited translation or an International Driving Permit.Source: apollocamper.com/faqs
Kilometres
Unlimited on 2WD vans.Source: mightycampers.com/faqs/vehicle-rental
Bedding and kitchen
Bedding and kitchen gear included. The paid RV Essentials Kit ($155) is camp chairs and table, not bedding.Source: booking.mightycampers.com / booking.britz.com booking engine, 28 Oct 2026
One-way trips
$200 Sydney to Cairns in our check.Source: booking.mightycampers.com / booking.britz.com booking engine, 28 Oct 2026
Cancellation
60–31 days before pick-up $250; 30–7 days 20%; 6 days or less 50%.Source: booking.mightycampers.com / booking.britz.com booking engine, 28 Oct 2026
Roadside assistance
24/7 On Road Assist helpline.Source: mightycampers.com/travel-info/what-is-included
Depots
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Adelaide, Alice Springs, Darwin, Broome, Perth, Hobart. Cairns closes on Sundays October to March.Source: booking.mightycampers.com / booking.britz.com booking engine, 28 Oct 2026
Where you can't take it
Sealed roads only on 2WD vans (access roads under 12 km allowed).Source: apollocamper.com/faqs

Travellers Autobarn

Best for: long hires; one-way hires run 10 to 35 days.

Minimum driver age
18 (maximum 80).Source: travellers-autobarn.com.au terms and conditions (Aug 2023 PDF)
Licence
Not stated in the terms we read.
Kilometres
Unlimited.Source: travellers-autobarn.com.au terms and conditions (Aug 2023 PDF)
Bedding and kitchen
Paid kit on some vans: $45 (2–3 berth) or $75 (4 berth) for bedding, towels and cooking gear.Source: travellers-autobarn.com.au terms and conditions (Aug 2023 PDF)
Cancellation
Within 14 days $200; within 7 days 50%; day of pick-up or no-show 100%.Source: travellers-autobarn.com.au terms and conditions (Aug 2023 PDF)
Roadside assistance
Auto club 24-hour roadside; $99 for call-outs caused by driver error.Source: travellers-autobarn.com.au terms and conditions (Aug 2023 PDF)
Depots
Not checked.
Where you can't take it
Sealed roads only (access roads under 500 m); Tasmania and Kangaroo Island need permission first.Source: travellers-autobarn.com.au terms and conditions (Aug 2023 PDF)
Minimum hire
5 days for same-city hires; one-way 10 to 35 days.Source: travellers-autobarn.com.au terms and conditions (Aug 2023 PDF)
New Zealand · NZD

Auckland to Christchurch, 14 nights: what each company really costs

13–27 Apr 2027, 2 adults, driver 21+. Most companies bill 15 days for 14 nights. Cheapest realistic total first.

Company · van Van Compulsory fees Minimum total Bond $0-bond cover Bedding · kitchen Realistic total
JUCYCrib · 2-berth people mover Van · NZ$1,130 Compulsory fees · One-way NZ$189, Auckland Airport fee NZ$12 Minimum total · NZ$1,331 Bond · NZ$3,000 $0-bond cover · NZ$750 Comprehensive, NZ$50/day Bedding · kitchen · included Realistic total · NZ$2,081
MightyLITEHiLITE · 2-berth hi-top Van · NZ$2,235 Compulsory fees · One-way NZ$205 Minimum total · NZ$2,440 Bond · NZ$3,500 $0-bond cover · NZ$630 The High Road, NZ$42/day Bedding · kitchen · included Realistic total · NZ$3,070
MightyHighball · 2-berth hi-top Van · NZ$2,535 Compulsory fees · One-way NZ$205 Minimum total · NZ$2,740 Bond · NZ$3,500 $0-bond cover · NZ$780 The High Road, NZ$52/day Bedding · kitchen · included Realistic total · NZ$3,520
ApolloHitop Camper · 2-berth hi-top Van · NZ$2,985 Compulsory fees · One-way NZ$205 Minimum total · NZ$3,190 Bond · NZ$7,500 $0-bond cover · NZ$855 The High Road, NZ$57/day Bedding · kitchen · included Realistic total · NZ$4,045
BritzHiTop · 2-berth hi-top Van · NZ$3,137 Compulsory fees · One-way NZ$205 Minimum total · NZ$3,342 Bond · set at pick-up $0-bond cover · NZ$855 The High Road, NZ$57/day Bedding · kitchen · included Realistic total · NZ$4,197
MauiUltima · 2-berth motorhome, toilet and shower Van · NZ$4,196 Compulsory fees · One-way NZ$205 Minimum total · NZ$4,401 Bond · NZ$7,500 $0-bond cover · NZ$1,005 The High Road, NZ$67/day Bedding · kitchen · included Realistic total · NZ$5,406
Get this trip priced for your dates

New Zealand: rental conditions by company

Taken from each company's own website on 28 October 2026. The page each fact came from is listed under it, so you can check it. Terms change; the booking confirmation is what counts.

Spaceships

Best for: drivers 18+ and one-way trips between Auckland and Christchurch with no one-way fee.

Minimum driver age
18, with no young-driver fee.Source: faq.spaceshipsrentals.co.nz
Licence
Licence in English, no translation needed.Source: faq.spaceshipsrentals.co.nz
Kilometres
Unlimited.Source: spaceshipsrentals.co.nz/rental-info
Bedding and kitchen
Bedding, linen and kitchen gear included.Source: spaceshipsrentals.co.nz/rental-info
One-way trips
No one-way charge between depots.Source: spaceshipsrentals.co.nz/rental-info
Cancellation
Full refund up to 22 days out; after that the terms turn your payment into a 2-year voucher (part or all).Source: spaceshipsrentals.co.nz/about/terms-conditions
Roadside assistance
24-hour roadside for mechanical faults; other call-outs at your cost.Source: spaceshipsrentals.co.nz/about/terms-conditions
Depots
Auckland, Christchurch.Source: spaceshipsrentals.co.nz/about/terms-conditions
Where you can't take it
No Skippers Canyon Road, Ball Hut Road, Ninety Mile Beach, beaches or rivers.Source: spaceshipsrentals.co.nz/about/terms-conditions
Self-contained (freedom camping)
Beta 2S, Sigma and Cosmo yes; Beta and Dream Sleeper Mini no.Source: spaceshipsrentals.co.nz/vehicles

JUCY and Star RV

Star RV is JUCY's motorhome brand.

Best for: the cheapest two weeks in our New Zealand check, if you don't need to freedom camp.

Minimum driver age
JUCY campervans 18; Star RV motorhomes 21.Source: jucy.com/nz/en/campervans, jucy.com/nz/en/motorhomes
Licence
Home licence in English, or an International Driving Permit.Source: jucy.com/nz/en/motorhomes
Kilometres
Unlimited.Source: jucy.com/nz/en/campervans
Bedding and kitchen
Linen kit (pillows, sheets, duvet, towel each) and kitchen gear included.Source: jucy.com/nz/en/campervans/jucy-crib
One-way trips
NZ$189 Auckland to Christchurch in our check, plus a NZ$12 Auckland Airport fee.Source: JUCY booking engine, 28 Oct 2026
Cancellation
Booked from 1 May 2026: free 31+ days out; 7–30 days 20%; 1–6 days 50%; day of pick-up 100%.Source: jucy.com/nz/en/tips-tricks-and-road-trips/jucys-cancellation-policy
Roadside assistance
24/7 breakdown assistance at every cover level.Source: jucy.com/nz/en/about-us/useful-stuff/excess-reduction
Depots
Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown airports.Source: jucy.com/nz/en/campervans/jucy-crib
Where you can't take it
No unsealed roads.Source: JUCY NZ terms and conditions
Vehicle age
Crib base vehicles 2004–2007 and Condo 2005–2013, with interiors refitted 2023 or later.Source: jucy.com/nz/en/campervans/jucy-condo
Self-contained (freedom camping)
Chaser, Condo, Sundaze, Sunseeker, Big Kahuna and all Star RV yes; Crib and Cloudbreak no.Source: jucy.com/nz/en/campervans, jucy.com/nz/en/motorhomes

Britz, Maui, Mighty, MightyLITE, Apollo

All five belong to thl and share depots and most terms.

Best for: a self-contained hi-top for freedom camping, or a motorhome with a toilet and shower.

Minimum driver age
Mighty Highball and Double Down 18; most other vans 21.Source: apollocamper.com/faqs, maui-rentals.com/faqs/safety-driving
Licence
Full licence; not in English needs an accredited translation or an International Driving Permit.Source: maui-rentals.com/faqs/safety-driving
Kilometres
Unlimited. Diesel vans pay a Road User Charge per km at return (or prepaid).Source: help.britz.com (what is included in my New Zealand rental rate)
Bedding and kitchen
Bedding and kitchen gear included.Source: mightycampers.com/travel-info/what-is-included, apollocamper.com/travel-info/faqs
One-way trips
NZ$205 Auckland to Christchurch in our check.Source: thl booking engine, 28 Oct 2026
Cancellation
Free 61+ days out; 31–60 days NZ$250; 7–30 days 20%; 6 days or less 50%; day of pick-up 100% (NZ$250 minimum).Source: maui-rentals.com/faqs/changes-and-cancellations-to-booking
Roadside assistance
Free 24-hour On Road Assist helpline.Source: help.britz.com, mightycampers.com/travel-info/what-is-included
Depots
Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown.Source: maui-rentals.com, mightycampers.com/faqs
Where you can't take it
Sealed roads (access roads under 12 km allowed). No Ninety Mile Beach, Skippers Road, Crown Range Road, Ball Hut Road, Coromandel north of Colville, or ski-field roads 1 Jun–31 Oct. Cook Strait ferry booked separately.Source: britz.com/nz/en/travel-info/road-restrictions
Self-contained (freedom camping)
Maui says all its campers are certified; Mighty Highball, HiLITE, DeLITE and Double Down are; Apollo Euro range is.Source: maui-rentals.com/nz/en/travel-info/whats-freedom-camping, mightycampers.com, apollocamper.co.nz

Travellers Autobarn

Best for: long trips with cheap $0-bond cover (NZ$35 a day).

Minimum driver age
18 (maximum 80).Source: travellers-autobarn.co.nz terms and conditions (Aug 2023 PDF)
Licence
Licence not in English needs an International Driving Permit or NZTA translation.Source: travellers-autobarn.co.nz/campervan-hire-new-zealand/faqs
Kilometres
Unlimited.Source: travellers-autobarn.co.nz terms and conditions (Aug 2023 PDF)
Bedding and kitchen
Paid kit: NZ$45 (2–3 berth) or NZ$75 (4 berth) for bedding, towels and cooking gear.Source: travellers-autobarn.co.nz terms and conditions (Aug 2023 PDF)
Cancellation
Free until 14 days out; within 14 days NZ$200; within 7 days 50%; day of pick-up 100%.Source: travellers-autobarn.co.nz terms and conditions (Aug 2023 PDF)
Roadside assistance
Auto club 24-hour roadside; NZ$165 for call-outs caused by driver error.Source: travellers-autobarn.co.nz terms and conditions (Aug 2023 PDF)
Depots
Auckland and Christchurch (not at the airports).Source: travellers-autobarn.co.nz/campervan-hire-new-zealand/faqs
Where you can't take it
Sealed roads only (access roads under 500 m); same banned roads as thl.Source: travellers-autobarn.co.nz terms and conditions (Aug 2023 PDF)
Vehicle age
Kuga: vehicles 2012–2026, interiors fitted 2018–2026.Source: travellers-autobarn.co.nz/campervan-hire-new-zealand/kuga-campervan-hire
Minimum hire
5 days for same-city hires; one-way 10 to 35 days.Source: travellers-autobarn.co.nz terms and conditions (Aug 2023 PDF)
Self-contained (freedom camping)
Chubby, Hitop, Kuga and Hi5 yes ($50 porta-potti fee at pick-up); station wagons no.Source: travellers-autobarn.co.nz/campervan-hire-new-zealand/faqs

Before you book any campervan: 8 checks

  1. Price your exact dates and route. "From $X a day" is the cheapest week of the year on a return trip.
  2. Find the one-way fee. It can be $0 or $300+, and it differs by direction: Cairns southbound cost far more than northbound in our checks.
  3. Read the bond, then price $0-bond cover. Basic cover leaves $3,000 to $7,500 on your card.
  4. Check bedding and kitchen gear. Included with some brands, a paid kit with others.
  5. Check the minimum driver age. Some brands start at 18, others at 21 or charge young drivers more.
  6. Check kilometres and road rules. Unsealed roads, K'gari and some remote areas are excluded by most brands.
  7. Read the cancellation terms. Free cancellation windows run from 14 business days to 60 days.
  8. In New Zealand, check self-containment. Only certified self-contained vans can freedom camp on council land.

Your questions

Which campervan rental company is cheapest in Australia?

On total price for the same trip, Spaceships (Alpha) was cheapest at $959 for 14 nights Sydney to Cairns, 10–24 Nov 2026, compulsory fees and basic cover included. With the bond reduced to $0, Spaceships was cheapest at $1,559. Prices change daily; we quote your dates live.

Which campervan rental company is cheapest in New Zealand?

For 14 nights Auckland to Christchurch, 13–27 Apr 2027, JUCY (Crib) was cheapest at NZ$1,331 NZD with basic cover, and JUCY at NZ$2,081 with $0-bond cover.

Why compare total price rather than the daily rate?

Because the daily rate leaves out the one-way fee, admin and location fees, the cover you need to bring a $3,000 to $7,500 bond down to $0, and bedding or kitchen kits some brands charge for. Those added more than the van itself for some brands in our check.

What is a campervan bond and do I have to pay to reduce it?

The bond (or excess, or liability) is the most you pay if the van is damaged. It is held on your card at pick-up with the basic cover. You can pay daily for cover that takes it to $0; that is optional, but most renters take it. Both totals are shown here so you can choose.

Are relocation deals cheaper?

Yes, often $1 to $5 a day, but you get a fixed route, few days and no choice of dates. They suit flexible travellers, not a planned trip. Our relocation guide covers the catch.

Is Wanderlust cheaper than booking direct?

On vans we can check, our live quote is lower than the operator's own website for the same van and dates, with no booking fee. Found the same van cheaper? Send it to us and we'll do our best to beat it.

Live prices for your dates Relocation deals

The data on this page as JSON: campervan-rental-companies.json. More: Campervan hire prices · New Zealand campervan hire prices.