Why Tent Camping Might Be New Zealand’s Best-Kept Travel Secret
New Zealand is built for adventure. Towering mountain ranges, golden beaches, thermal valleys, and lush native bush. It’s a country made to be explored. So it’s no surprise that “campervan hire NZ” is one of the most searched travel terms out there. Thousands of visitors each year hit the road in rolling homes, chasing freedom and flexibility.

But what if there’s another way to travel New Zealand? One that’s more affordable, more sustainable, more connected to nature, and just as free if not more?

Let’s talk about tent camping, and why it’s becoming one of the most rewarding ways to explore Aotearoa. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, here’s why swapping the campervan for a tent might just be your best travel decision yet.

A Different Kind of Freedom
Campervans are convenient: no doubt about it! But they come with trade-offs... You're tied to roads and vehicle size limits, and you're often competing for the same powered campervan sites. Tent camping, especially with a fully equipped tent package, opens up a different kind of freedom.

With Rent-A-Tent, for example, you can fly into Auckland or Christchurch, pick up your instant-up air tent and complete camping kit, and head wherever the road takes you. No mechanical worries, no massive fuel bills but just the open road and a cozy camp waiting for you at day’s end.

Want to camp beside Lake Tekapo, under the brightest stars in the southern hemisphere? Go for it. Prefer to pitch up near the beaches of Coromandel, or in the heart of the Abel Tasman? Easy. Tent camping offers more location flexibility than any campervan ever could.

Let’s Talk About Budget
Traveling in New Zealand isn’t cheap, especially in summer! Campervan rentals, particularly for families or longer trips, can cost hundreds of dollars a day and the price goes up during the summer.. Add on insurance, fuel, campsite fees, and parking, and your "budget road trip" quickly snowballs.

Tent camping is the smart alternative. At Rent-A-Tent, a full camping package, including tent, all the required bedding, kitchen equipment, table, chairs, and even wine glasses! Costs just a fraction of what you'd pay for a campervan. Plus, they only have a 2-tier price system which means the price doesn’t change when there is more demand! 

You can access affordable Department of Conservation (DoC) campsites, which aren’t always suited to larger vehicles. With your kit already sorted, your only daily cost for a 5 week road trip could be as low as a $8,50 campsite fee per person!. DoC offers a Campsite Pass that gives you access to DOC conservation campsites around New Zealand for $295 (1 year, 365-night pass, book through the DoC website here).

What’s It Like Camping in NZ?
Camping in New Zealand is a national pastime. It’s how locals unwind during summer, driving to the beach, pitching a tent, cooking outside, and falling asleep to the sounds of nature.

Some favourite tent-friendly regions include:

Rotorua: Combine geothermal magic with lakeside camping near Blue Lake or Lake Okareka.

Golden Bay & Abel Tasman: Famous for golden beaches and warm weather. Camp right near the national park entrances.

Lake Pukaki & Aoraki/Mount Cook: Pitch your tent with snow-capped mountains towering in the background.

Catlins & Fiordland: Go off the beaten track and get closer to untouched nature than any campervan site can offer.

It’s not just about sleeping outdoors, it’s about living outdoors. Having coffee at sunrise (Rent-A-Tent offers portable espresso makers!). Sharing stories around the campfire. Spotting glowworms on a nighttime walk. Tent camping feels like New Zealand in a way that four walls on wheels often don’t.

Campervans vs. Tent Camping: The Honest Comparison

Cost:
Campervans come with high daily rental costs and fuel expenses. Tent camping with Rent-A-Tent is much more affordable, with low daily rental and minimal fuel use.

Flexibility:
Campervans are restricted to roads and powered campsites, while tents allow you to camp almost anywhere.

Comfort:
Campervans offer basic comfort, especially in smaller models. Tent camping provides full bedding, spacious air tents, and room to spread out.

Experience:
In a campervan, you’re indoors. With a tent, you’re truly outdoors and immersed in nature.

Eco Impact:
Campervans use a lot of fuel, while tent camping is lightweight and environmentally friendly.

Setup Time:
Campervans are already set up, but tents from Rent-A-Tent take less than 5 minutes with our air or instant-up system.

The Best of Both Worlds
Tent camping doesn’t mean roughing it. Today, camping gear is smart, compact, and comfortable. Think: proper towels, LED lights, gas cookers, high quality sleeping matts and bags. Everything you need and nothing you don’t.

You still have the freedom to road trip, but your nights are quieter, your footprint smaller, and your wallet happier. For many, tent camping turns out to be the highlight of the journey, not just a way to sleep.

Final Thoughts
If you're Googling "campervan hire NZ", you’re probably looking for freedom, adventure, and a deeper connection to New Zealand. But before you lock in that van ask yourself: what do you really want?

To wake up beside a remote alpine lake?

To save money without sacrificing comfort?

To travel light, tread lightly, and go where others can’t?

Tent camping with Rent-A-Tent gives you all that - and more!

So pack your hiking boots, bring your sense of adventure, and we’ll take care of the rest. See you under the stars!