If you’re flying into Christchurch and want to hire a campervan, check beforehand if there are free pickup and drop-off services to and from depots that are mainly based around the Airport.

Most motorhome rental companies in Christchurch offer courtesy transfers on the day of arrival and departure and have depots close to the airport. Companies offering the transfers will collect you in a shuttle bus and take you to their depot (they do not deliver the rental campervan). Please note the campervan hire company depot's operating hours. All information regarding courtesy transfer, depot location, opening and closing hours, and more is on your email motorhome confirmation.

About Christchurch

Christchurch is New Zealand’s second-largest city and, if travelling by air, is the gateway to the stunning South Island. Christchurch’s spirit is vibrant and ever-evolving following the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. With innovation and a typical Kiwi can-do attitude, Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’, has blossomed once more as it regenerates with new architecture against heritage buildings.

Christchurch is an interesting city of contrasts: featuring European-style heritage buildings and the Punts gliding down the Avon River, to a modern shopping centre mall made entirely of colourful refurbished shipping containers where 30 retailers and cafes can be found, along with Court Theatre in a warehouse. The destroyed Cathedral, once the centre of the CBD, has been replaced with a new house of worship constructed of sturdy cardboard tubes. Christchurch’s culture now is one of creative regeneration.

Popular Things to Do in Christchurch

Christchurch is at the heart of the Canterbury region, with the Waimakariri River to the north, the Port Hills to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the east. Centrally positioned in the South Island, it makes discovering the South Island and its adventures easy to access in your campervan.

Hagley Park (164 hectares of open space and gardens) is a unique feature of Christchurch City. Visit the lovely green space, botanic gardens, Canterbury Museum, and a golf course on the grounds. It also contains sports grounds and often hosts large-scale events.

Unique nearby places to travel to from Christchurch include:

· Akaroa: A French-influenced town just one hour from Christchurch, nestled in the picturesque Akaroa Harbour.

· Woodend Beach: Only half an hour's drive from the city, it features an ocean-facing beach with a playground and ample space for picnics and walks. Ride the gondola and view the stunning sights of the Southern Alps.

· Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa: An easy drive in your campervan, just a 90-minute drive north of Christchurch. Indulge with various pools, including relaxing rock pools, soothing sulphur pools, and water jets and bubbles.

· Ashburton: A one-hour drive from Christchurch, a town known for its fly-fishing opportunities between the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers.

· Timaru: Just an hour's drive from Christchurch, this small city boasts a historic walk, boutique brewery, botanic gardens, and Caroline Bay Park. The historic walk will introduce you to many of the heritage buildings.

· Mt Hutt: A two-hour drive west of Christchurch, this family-friendly mountain offers family-friendly skiing, snowboarding, terrain options, and coaching.

· Kaikoura: Get up close with whales, dolphins and fur seals in the whale-watching capital of the world. Kaikoura is just over a two-hour drive from Christchurch.

· Lake Tekapo: Take an easy three-hour drive through the Canterbury Plains. Known for its turquoise water, Lake Tekapo offers hiking, fishing or relaxing in hot pools while gazing at the lake and clear night sky.

· Aoraki Mount Cook: New Zealand's tallest mountain is about an hour's drive from Christchurch. Discover spectacular landscapes of the country's largest glacier, wildlife, and local history.

We recommend journeying down the coast to Dunedin, stopping in your rental campervan and marvelling at one of New Zealand’s great natural wonders, the Moeraki Boulders. Just around the corner, at Katiki Point, you’ll find fur seals and yellow-eyed penguin colonies nesting alongside the Moeraki Lighthouse. End your journey in Dunedin, one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere and home to the country's only castle, Larnach Castle.

New Zealand Motorhomes offers sample itineraries and recommendations for a unique adventure as you journey through our beautiful country.

Rent a motorhome in Christchurch and explore New Zealand at your own pace; browse the full range of campervans for hire at New Zealand Motorhomes today!