Ace Rental Cars Blog

In New Zealand, you’ve got no shortage of scenic spots set up camp. It’s the best way to bring yourself close to nature and get the kind of view you’d usually have to pay top dollar for. But even camping can be costly, so we’ve put together some tips on how to maximise your experience while minimising the cost. With Ace, your rental car won’t cost more than it needs to, and neither should your camping adventure. Let’s find out how to do both.

Freedom Camping vs Holiday Parks

New Zealand allows ‘freedom camping’ in certain areas, meaning you can park up and stay for free. But it’s only legal in designated spots, and you often need a self-contained vehicle (with a toilet). If you’re camping with a tent or standard car, stick to Department of Conservation (DOC) sites or holiday parks. DOC campsites are cheap, and often set in incredible natural spots, while holiday parks cost a little more but give you hot showers, kitchens, and sometimes even playgrounds.

Budget-Friendly Gear Options

If you’re travelling light, you don’t need to buy everything new. Outdoor stores in New Zealand often sell or rent camping gear at reasonable prices, and second-hand shops are another way to kit yourself out cheaply. Essentials like a sturdy tent, sleeping mats, and a portable cooker don’t need to be high-end to keep you comfortable.

Cooking and Eating Cheap

One of the biggest perks of camping is being able to cook your own meals. Stock up at supermarkets or local farmers’ markets and make use of free public BBQs you’ll find in towns and parks. Keep meals simple and make use of convenient packaged goods like tinned tomatoes and dry pasta. This way, you can save on the day-to-day meals and have some dollars to spare for a worthwhile splurge at a destination restaurant.

Scenic Camping Spots Worth the Stop

Some budget-friendly campsites are just as stunning as luxury stays. On the North Island, try Poukaraka Flats on Waiheke Island or Tapotupotu near Cape Reinga. On the South Island, check out Moke Lake near Queenstown, Pelorus Bridge in Marlborough, or Lake Pukaki for views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Many of these DOC sites cost less than a cup of coffee per person.

Handy Hacks

• Download the CamperMate app for free and low-cost campsite listings.
• Travel off-peak (outside of December–February) when sites are quieter and cheaper.
• Stay two or three nights in one place to save on fuel. Mix up your nights: a few in free DOC sites, a few in holiday parks for the facilities.

Ace Your Camp

Camping is one of the most rewarding ways to see New Zealand. It’s so easy to grab that ‘room with a view’, without having to pay those exorbitant hotel prices. Plus, there’s just something more pure about being amongst the wilderness, away from your usual comforts. With this guide, you’ll have a few more cost-saving tricks to add to your swag, plus a low-cost rental car from Ace that’ll take you around the country with ease—from booking to drop-off.