Arrowtown for the First and Last Nights of a Campervan Hire
Quick summary: Arrowtown makes an ideal first and last stop for a campervan trip starting or ending in Queenstown. It’s only around 20 minutes from the airport depots, so your first night can be spent settling into the vehicle in a peaceful village rather than in busy Queenstown, and your last night is close enough to the depot for a stress-free return. In between, the roads lead to Gibbston and Central Otago, Wānaka and the Haast Pass, Fiordland and Milford Sound, or the Mackenzie and Aoraki/Mount Cook.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| To the depots | Around 15 km, about 20 minutes |
| First night | Settle in, stock up in Frankton, explore the village |
| Last night | Pack, clean and enjoy a final evening, with a short drive to return |
| Onward routes | Central Otago, Wānaka, Fiordland, the Mackenzie |
| Supplies and fuel | Frankton, near the airport |
| Tours | Tours from Queenstown, featured tours |
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Why start an RV trip in Arrowtown?
Because the first night of a hire is about getting comfortable. After the depot walkthrough, a short drive to a calm holiday park gives you time to unpack, learn how the vehicle’s systems work, and plan the days ahead, with the village a short walk away for dinner. You avoid driving an unfamiliar vehicle through Queenstown’s busy centre and wake up ready for the road.
What should you do on the first night?
- Stock up in Frankton on the way from the depot.
- Set up at the holiday park, connect the power and check the water, gas and toilet systems.
- Walk into the village for dinner.
- Plan your route, and book any tours or bikes for the coming days.
See Queenstown Airport to Arrowtown.
Why end the trip in Arrowtown?
Because returning the vehicle is easier when you’re close to the depot. A last night in Arrowtown lets you pack up, clean the vehicle and empty the tanks at the holiday park, enjoy a final evening in the village, and drive the short distance to the depot in the morning without rushing.
What should you do before returning the vehicle?
- Refuel in Frankton, close to the depots.
- Empty the waste tanks and fill or empty the fresh water as required.
- Clean the interior, and check cupboards and under seats for belongings.
- Allow plenty of time before your flight.
Check your rental terms for the return requirements, including fuel and cleaning.
Where can you go between the first and last nights?
| Route | Where it leads | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| East | Gibbston, Cromwell and Central Otago’s vineyards | 5 days in Arrowtown and Central Otago |
| North | Wānaka, the Haast Pass and the West Coast glaciers | Queenstown to the glaciers |
| South-west | Te Anau, Fiordland and Milford Sound | Fiordland and Milford route |
| North-east | The Lindis Pass, the Mackenzie and Aoraki/Mount Cook | Mount Cook Village by campervan |
Can you start in Arrowtown and finish somewhere else?
Yes, on a one-way hire. Many travellers start in Queenstown and finish in Christchurch, or the reverse, with Arrowtown as the first or last night. A one-way hire sometimes adds a relocation fee or a longer minimum rental, so weigh that against the time saved. See our sister site’s Queenstown pickup guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It is around 20 minutes from the depots, with a holiday park close to the village, so you can settle in without driving through Queenstown.
Yes. It is close to the depots, so you can pack, clean and return the vehicle without rushing.
In Frankton, close to the airport depots.
To Central Otago, Wānaka and the West Coast glaciers, Fiordland and Milford Sound, or the Mackenzie and Mount Cook.
Yes. One-way trips to Christchurch and other cities are possible, though they can carry extra fees or minimum hire periods.