VanMath

Diesel vs Petrol?
Calculate the True Cost

Don't get stung by hidden RUC fees when renting a campervan in New Zealand. Find out which fuel type actually saves you money.

Free to use
Instant results
NZ-specific data
Your Trip
14 days
1 day60 days
2,500 km
100 km10,000 km
Diesel Campervan
$/day
$/L
$/km
Petrol Campervan
$/day
$/L

$0.00/km

Road tax included in fuel

Car Rental
$/day
Fuel Type:(Est. National Avg)
Petrol($2.53)
Diesel(RUC)
$/night

13 nights @ $180/night

The Verdict

For your 14-day, 2,500km trip:

Petrol Campervan Wins!

You save $455 (14%) compared to Diesel Campervan

Total Cost

$2,782

Petrol Campervan

#1 Best Value

$2,782

Diesel Campervan

#2 Best Value

$3,237

Car Rental

#3 Best Value

$3,686

Why Petrol Campervan is the best value:

The Petrol Campervan wins because it has no RUC fees and includes your accommodation (you sleep in the van!). This makes it more economical than both Diesel campervans and car + hotel combos.

Diesel Campervan

2ND
Rental (14 days)$2,520
Fuel$517
RUC Fee$200
Total$3,237

Petrol Campervan

BEST VALUE
Rental (14 days)$1,960
Fuel$822
RUC Fee$0
Total$2,782

Car Rental

3RD
Rental (14 days)$840
Fuel$506
Accommodation$2,340
Total$3,686

Ready to book? Check current availability and prices:

Compare prices from top NZ rental companies

Data Source: Fuel prices are sourced from MBIE Weekly Fuel Price Monitoring. Vehicle specifications are estimates based on market averages.

Understanding New Zealand Road User Charges (RUC)

Unlike many other countries, New Zealand taxes diesel vehicles separately through Road User Charges (RUC). Petrol is taxed at the pump, but diesel is not. If you rent a diesel campervan, you (or your rental company) must pay this tax based on the distance you drive. As of 2026, rental companies typically charge between $0.08 and $0.09 per kilometer. This hidden cost can add hundreds of dollars to your trip, often making a seemingly cheaper diesel rental more expensive than a petrol alternative.

Diesel vs Petrol Campervan: Which is Cheaper in 2026?

The answer depends on your total distance. Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient (using ~10-11L/100km vs ~13-14L for petrol), but the RUC fees offset these savings on shorter trips. Generally, if you plan to drive over 2,500km, the efficiency of diesel starts to pay off. For shorter trips around the South Island or North Island loops, a petrol Hitop campervan is often the more economical choice. Use our calculator above to run your specific numbers.

How to Save Money on Your NZ Road Trip

  • Book Early: Campervan rates in 2026 fluctuate wildly. Booking 3-6 months in advance can save up to 30%.
  • Check Fuel Apps: Use apps like Gaspy to find the cheapest petrol stations nearby. Prices can vary by 20-30 cents per litre between towns.
  • Consider Shoulder Season: Traveling in March-May or September-November offers cheaper rental rates and significantly less traffic on the roads.