SUV vs Van: which rental car is best for your New Zealand adventure?
The moment you land in New Zealand, there is so much to explore. The beautiful landscapes, adventure activities like hiking, exploring caves, trekking, stunning wildlife and famous film locations will surely blow your mind. But before you begin with your itinerary, you’ll need to select the right rental vehicle. There are various car categories available while making a reservation. However, SUVs and vans are the two popular options chosen by travellers. Each offers unique advantages depending on your journey, group size, and travel style.
In this guide, we compare SUV vs van rental in New Zealand to help you in deciding which option is the perfect match for your expedition!
Your car rental choice matters a lot
New Zealand's geographical area varies from mountains, different terrains and various coastlines. That also impacts the driving conditions significantly. One moment you’re cruising along the coastline of the Coromandel, the next you’re navigating steep mountain passes like Crown Range Road or unsealed tracks near Fiordland National Park. Ultimately, it all depends on choosing the right vehicle to make your trip more comfortable and safer.
Whether you're planning a family road trip in NZ, a trekking journey with friends, or a couple’s getaway, picking one option between an SUV and a van might create confusion. Therefore, before making a decision, consider these key factors - space, terrain, comfort, fuel efficiency, cost and how you like to travel.
Why are travellers fond of SUV car rental in New Zealand?
Given the geographical conditions of the region, an SUV rental in New Zealand is one of the best options for various reasons. It is versatile, powerful and well-suited to the country’s roads and weather.
- Ideal for New Zealand’s terrain - an SUV provides all-wheel drive AWD or 4WD facility which is ideal for the country’s varying road scenarios. Such vehicles provide better control on wet or icy ground, difficult roads filled with gravel or sand etc.
- Great for small to medium groups - travellers with a lot of luggage, small groups of 3-5 or medium groups with 6-7 people can comfortably fit in an SUV.
- Better handling in bad weather - SUVs can easily tackle rough weather conditions like storms, snowy roads, rain much better than a small vehicle.
- Comfortable for long drives - SUVs are a great choice for a long journey as they provide a higher seating position, have more legroom & headroom, can handle uneven roads smoothly and give all the advanced comfort features.
- Good balance between space and efficiency - an SUV gives you enough space to stretch, store luggage or sports equipment and travel comfortably. Modern engineering makes sure you don’t burn excess fuel.
Why choose a van in New Zealand?
When it comes to travelling with a large group of 8 to 10 or let’s say 10 to 12 passengers, van hire in New Zealand is the best option. Here’s why a van is the perfect match for your trip:
- Great for large groups - a van can easily accommodate 7 to 12 people comfortably. Instead of going for multiple compact vehicles, you can rent a single van to keep everyone at one place.
- Excessive space - you will get enough space to store your luggage as NZ trips usually involve gear like backpacks, ski equipment, camping supplies, drones, strollers & much more.
- Most economical option - hiring a van is considered to be a cost effective way to explore the country. Booking 2 or 3 small vehicles will cost way more than going for a single van, as the cost can be easily divided among people. Extra charges like fuel, toll tax or parking fee can also be shared according to your group size.
- Excellent for customizable seating - various suppliers provide vans with customizable seats or gear options. The large windows offer scenic views, you get sliding doors, folding rear seats and much more.
SUV vs Van: which is better for your New Zealand trip?
Here’s a simple comparison to help you choose:
| Feature | SUV | Van |
| Ideal group size | 5-8 people | 8-12 people |
| Comfort on long drives | High & supportive seats, smoother ride | High seats with more space, roomy seating |
| Luggage capacity | Moderate to large | Very large. The best option for bulky gear equipments |
| Fuel efficiency | Better, especially hybrids/compact SUVs | Lower as the van uses more fuel |
| City driving | A convenient option as it is easy to park and navigate | Less ideal in busy cities because of parking problem or traffic jam |
| Best for | Small families, couples, adventure travelers | Big families, friend groups, tour groups |
| Cost (Rental + Fuel) | Usually cheaper overall | Higher but cost can be shared among more people |
| Storage flexibility | Split-fold seats, moderate boot | Large cargo area, great for ski or camping gear |
| Safety | Very safe, especially AWD models | Very safe for groups, high visibility |
After going through all these details, we are sure you’ll be able to make up your mind and can decide which one to pick up! Now let’s explore some famous types of trips for your NZ adventure!
Trip type: what suits your NZ adventure?
- North Island road trip - you can explore the cities, beaches and short hikes. SUV is a great match for versatility.
- South Island scenic tour - the area is full of mountains, alpine roads and fjords. The SUV is going to be a perfect match for mountain passes. Hire a van if you are travelling in a large group.
- Ski/Snowboard trip - A 4WD SUV makes a huge difference on icy roads.
- Family holiday with kids - Go for a van as they have a large space for keeping strollers, gear & enjoy the stress-free packing!
- Backpackers on a budget - Van becomes a cheap alternative as the cost can be shared between 8-10 people easily.
In the end, both options offer different benefits like that of comfort and convenience. So we recommend choosing the vehicle that fits your travel style, budget, trip purpose etc. What truly matters is that you have the freedom to explore at your own pace. With stunning landscapes around every corner, countless stops for enjoying the waterfalls or wineries, your New Zealand road trip will be filled with memorable experiences in any vehicle!
Your quick answers before you hit the road!
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Can I explore New Zealand in a luxury SUV car rental?
Yes, you can explore New Zealand in a luxury SUV car rental. Various platforms offer luxury SUVs, you can compare the prices & book accordingly.
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How many people can travel in a van rental in NZ?
A van can easily carry 8 to 10 people or 10 to 12 passengers. It totally depends on the model you have selected.
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Which car rental is more cost effective, an SUV or a Van for my New Zealand trip?
It totally depends on the number of people you are travelling with. For solo travellers or a group of 3-5 people, an SUV is an economical option similarly a van will be cost effective for a large group of 8-12 passengers.
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How can I hire a cheap camper van in New Zealand?
You can hire a cheap camper van in New Zealand by booking early and comparing prices on rental sites. Traveling in the off-season will also fetch you good deals.
