Travelling from Auckland to Christchurch - car hire

I do see some campers on the roads heading south from Auckland then but really very, very few. Some of the more expensive rentals have heating facilities.

Not NZ, but we used to take a caravan to the snowfields in Australia when we went skiing. Sometimes there's be a few inches of snow outside but the heat from the stove as we cooked our evening meal was sufficient to warm the van and at other times a rather small and inexpensive fan heater (I seem to remember that the 1,000 watt setting was sufficient) heated the van quite adequately.

If you're in a proper caravan park with electricity connection you should have no problem.

Have never travelled in NZ winter in a campervan myself but have friends who
each year travel in a hired campervan around the central Otago ski fields.
They enjoy being up on the ski field car park and enjoying their breakfast as
the other cars pull in. It can't be all that bad. Guess you would opt for a well
equiped van, heater, shower, toilet!
In NZ you will not be permitted to freedom camp unless you have a toilet in the van.

GET THE CAMPERVAN. In a car the search for motels/hotels every night will drain your holiday time,if you pre-book accom it will take away some freedom because of the need to be somewhere on time (Only prebook if you need to beat the crowds somewhere).You will (almost) always get to a destination for Campers that offer a powered site and there's usually only one choice so no need to lose time shopping around,this xtra $20 per person gives you kitchen,shower,laundry and power options that make the trip easier.You will need to give some advanced thoughts regarding the crossing from Wellington to Picton,the cheaper ferry generally books quicker. As for cold nights....a tent up in the mountains would be tough but a Camper along the coast routes is no big deal. My final tip is....INSIST ON A DIESEL campervan. Last Feb when I was there it was $1.50 compared to $2 - and it gets you further. (IMO) A holiday in NZ is best done touring...it's not a resort destination like Fiji or Bali.

thanks for all your helpful replies, so is it best to get a car/camper booked online or do it once we arrive?

I am also looking to hire a campervan for when I travel NZ in November for a month. We are thinking of booking well in advance 'cause I assume you wouldn't want to turn up and there are none left (more so since it's summer when we arrive!). Spaceships campers look reasonable, and my friend highly recommends them so have a look! :) They have given me a quote of NWZ$2,400 for the full month!

Thanks, will have a look into those! My partner has found one which sounds great from Cheapa Campa, does anyone have any experience with this company? Looking at a 4 person van for the extra space and amenities :-)

Ok, ignore my last message, found some reviews of Cheapa Campa and they weren't great so back looking at other options!!!