Fuel costs for your motorhome roadtrip journey

Fuel is one of the main costs to plan for when travelling around Australia or New Zealand. Prices can vary depending on where you are, your route, and current fuel rates, so it’s helpful to build a simple estimate before you set off.

If you have made a decision on what motorhome or campervan you hope to travel in, have a rough route in mind; a quick check on current pump prices before you go can help you get a you realistic cost estimate in just a few minutes. Think of this page as a friendly planning guide: clear, practical, and transparent.

Fuel prices across Australia & New Zealand

Fuel prices can differ depending on location:

Australia: Prices are often higher in remote or regional areas, especially in the Outback

New Zealand: Prices can vary between islands and regions, especially in the main city Auckland.

Plan your fuel stops and check pricing ahead of your journey by using popular apps and websites such as:

Australia FuelPrice

New Zealand Gaspy

What recent global news means for travellers

Disruption to oil supply, refining, or shipping routes typically cause fluctuation in gas prices at the pump. This is one reason prices may feel unpredictable from week to week.

The practical takeaway for guests is simple: build your estimate using current prices, expect some movement, and re-check prices along the way. Planning with a small buffer can make the whole trip feel more relaxed and less uncertain.

Travelling smart: how to drive less, save money, and still enjoy the journey

Typical fuel usage

Fuel consumption varies by vehicle size and driving conditions, so is a tricky one to gauge. However, this fuel tank planning guide should help you estimate costs quickly, before travel. Because assigned vehicles can vary within a category, exact tank capacity may differ slightly from one vehicle to another. The right way to use these numbers is as a practical planning starting point rather than a guaranteed exact fill amount.

Vehicle Type	Vehicle Length (m)	Planning Tank Capacity (L)
Hitop	5.94m	80
Endeavour	5.94m	80
Euro Tourer	7.05m - 7.20m	71
Euro Plus	7.20m	71
Euro Quest	6.74m	70
Euro Camper	7.55m	70
Euro Deluxe	7.55m	70

For example, if your motorhome has a 71-litre tank and diesel is AUD$3.16 per litre, a full fill-up would cost about AUD$224.36. If the same fuel is AUD$3.30 per litre, that same fill-up would cost about $234.30. If your motorhome has a 100-litre tank and diesel is AUD$3.16 per litre, a full fill-up would cost about AUD$316. If the same fuel is AUD$3.30 per litre, that same fill-up would cost about $330. That is why fuel prices can make a noticeable difference from one route to another.

Guests can use this simple math at any point during their trip. Just check the fuel price at a station, multiply it by the estimated tank size for your campervan or motorhome, and you will have a quick refill estimate for budgeting purposes.

These are planning estimates; your exact vehicle may differ slightly. Your total fuel cost will depend on a number of factors from how far you travel, the terrain (mountains, highways, gravel roads), the weather and individual driving style.

To help you prepare, we’ve put together a few tips for fuel-efficient travel:

Drive at a steady pace and avoid unnecessary idling.
Refill water tank once you arrive at your next campsite to reduce weight as you drive to the next campsite.
Linger for longer - Spend more time at each destination to reduce daily driving distances.  Explore each destination in more detail and enjoy getting closer to the destination.
Use our trip planning tools, itineraries and our thl Roadtrip app to find campsites and things to see and do.
At pick-up speak with our team for route suggestions that optimise fuel access and efficiency.
Check fuel prices regularly during your trip. We also suggest filling up before heading into remote areas.

Plan your trip

Alyssa Tresider / Saturday, 26 April 2025

/ Categories: NZ Itineraries, North Island, 5-7 Days

7-Day Couples Escape

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

Arrive at Auckland International Airport, pick up your vehicle at the Auckland branch. Take the time to explore Auckland and choose your own adventure from the following recommendations:

Auckland Museum: Set in the Auckland Domain, this museum offers a powerful introduction to New Zealand’s natural history, Māori culture, and military history.
Visit the Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city (SkyCity Auckland).
Auckland Art Gallery: A beautiful blend of historic and contemporary architecture, this gallery showcases national and international works across four levels.
All Blacks Experience: An interactive, high-energy journey into New Zealand’s rugby legacy – perfect for sports lovers, located at the SkyCity Precinct.
Wētā Workshop Unleashed: Dive behind the scenes of blockbuster film-making with this immersive creative experience from the makers of The Lord of the Rings and Avatar. Located at the SkyCity Precinct.

To finish the day off, wander through Viaduct Harbour, Commercial Bay, or Wynyard Quarter. Take your pick for dinner at one of Auckland’s vibrant restaurants.

Where to stay: Ambury Campground

Day 2: Day Trip to Waiheke Island

Take a day trip to Waiheke Island and get the morning ferry to Waiheke. Depart from Auckland’s ferry terminal for a scenic 40-minute ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island. Once there, it is time to explore the Island and browse boutique shops and galleries in Oneroa Village, filled with handcrafted jewellery, fine art, and local fashion. Take a coastal walk through olive groves and native bush tracks, or for those with a spirit for adventure, enjoy a three hour ziplining experience with Eco Zip.

Then, enjoy a long lunch or go wine tasting with Anada Tours visiting Waiheke’s world-class wineries. Then, it’s time to get the return ferry to Auckland, head back in the early evening to the city for a relaxed night in or dinner at one of Auckland’s buzzing waterfront spots.

Where to stay: Ambury Campground

Day 3: Auckland to Tauranga (Bay of Plenty)

Leaving Auckland, drive to Tauranga and enjoy the scenic route through the Hauraki Plains. On arrival, walk Mount Maunganui / Mauao: Take the base track, which is around 50 minutes, for a gentle coastal loop, or challenge yourself with the summit track. Along the way, use the Arataki Cultural Walking Trails App to hear local Māori legends and stories that bring Mauao’s rich history to life.

If you wish, you can also take the time to explore Mount Maunganui Village and browse boutique clothing stores, artisan homewares, and stylish cafes. At the end of the day, enjoy some dinner and enjoy local cuisine at Mount Maunganui, or dine like a local at Bobby’s Fresh Fish Market and enjoy a casual meal of fish and chips perched on the wharf overlooking the ocean.

Where to stay: Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park

Day 4: Tauranga to Tairāwhiti Gisborne

Today it’s time to drive to Gisborne and travel across the stunning East Coast, with plenty of photo-worthy coastal stops along the way. Be sure to check out, Gisborne Railbike Adventure, on arrival, enjoy a unique railbike journey along a decommissioned railway line with Gisborne Railbikes. Ride side-by-side on pedal-powered bikes while taking in river and countryside views.

To wrap up the day, settle in with a stroll along Waikanae Beach, followed by dinner at one of Gisborne’s fabulous restaurants.

Where to stay: Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Day 5: Gisborne – Maunga Hikurangi Sunrise

Rise early for the Te Urunga Sunrise Experience with local guides at Maunga Hikurangi. Be among the first in the world to greet the new day, surrounded by sacred Māori carvings and stories on this awe-inspiring mountain. This experience includes 4WD access and local storytelling. (Maunga Hikurangi)

Spend the afternoon visiting the Tairāwhiti Museum to delve deeper into the region’s rich Māori and European history. For dinner, choose from one of Gisborne’s local restaurants.

Where to stay: Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Day 6: Dive Tatapouri & East Coast Explorer

Today, it is time to explore Dive Tatapouri and begin the morning with the unforgettable Marine Wildlife Encounter, where you can walk across the reef at low tide and interact with wild stingrays and other reef species under expert guidance. A deeply engaging marine experience, even in winter. Enjoy an afternoon coastal drive and explore more of the Tairāwhiti coastline—visit Wainui Beach, and Makorori Beach. Stop along the wine for a breezy walk, or a coffee or a glass of local wine overlooking the surf.

After spending the day exploring, enjoy some dinner from one of Gisborne’s local restaurants.

Where to stay: Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Day 7: Gisborne to Auckland

Now, it is time to make the drive back to Auckland to drop off your camper. Along the way, enjoy the scenic journey through the rolling hills and farmland of the North Island’s East Coast and Waikato regions.

Break up the drive with a relaxed lunch stop in Whakatāne, a charming coastal town with riverside cafés and a laid-back atmosphere. Then, take the time to head back to the branch.

Ready to book your road trip? Click here.

Print

24441 Rate this article:

No rating

Tags: Apollo Camper North Island apollo nz

days	7
kms	1050
stops	7+