Great Barrier Island Car Rentals with Rooftop Tents & Camping Gear
Updated: 26th August 2026
Great Barrier Island Car Rental, Rooftop Tent & Camping Options
.Stay High Island Camping Co. makes exploring Great Barrier Island easy with flexible car rental, rooftop-tent adventure vehicles and camping equipment packages. Whether you’re staying in an Airbnb, bach or lodge and simply need a rental car, or want your transport, accommodation and camping gear combined, there is an option to suit the way you want to explore the island.
Pick up your vehicle on Great Barrier Island and set off with your accommodation and camping gear travelling with you. There’s no need to bring bulky camping equipment across from Auckland, and having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to discover the island’s beaches, walking tracks, hot springs, small settlements and remote corners at your own pace.
Each adventure vehicle is equipped with a comfortable rooftop tent and the practical camping essentials you need for your stay. At the end of the day, simply head to your chosen DOC or private campground, set up your rooftop tent and enjoy an evening surrounded by Great Barrier Island’s natural landscape.
With no regular public transport connecting the whole island, having your own vehicle also makes exploring considerably easier. Spend the day swimming at Medlands, walking to Kaitoke Hot Springs, exploring Port FitzRoy or hiking the island’s bush tracks, knowing everything you need for the night is travelling with you.
It’s car rental, accommodation and camping equipment rolled into one — giving you the freedom to turn a Great Barrier Island road trip into your own island adventure.
Great Barrier Island Car Rentals – Staying in an Airbnb, Bach or Lodge?
Already have your Great Barrier Island accommodation sorted? Choose a straightforward car rental with Stay High Island Camping Co. without the rooftop tent or camping equipment
Great Barrier Island Rooftop Tent Car Rental – How It Works
Stay High Island Camping Co. makes exploring Great Barrier Island simple by combining your rental vehicle, rooftop tent and camping equipment into one ready-to-go package.
Pick up your adventure vehicle on Great Barrier Island, load your personal gear and set off to explore at your own pace. Your accommodation travels with you, so there is no need to bring a tent, cooking equipment or bulky camping gear across from Auckland.
At the end of the day, head to one of Great Barrier Island’s DOC or private campgrounds, unfold the rooftop tent and settle in for the night. Wake up surrounded by native bush, coastal scenery and some of the island’s best beaches and walking tracks.
Freedom camping is not permitted in Stay High vehicles, so campground fees are additional and should be allowed for when planning your trip. DOC and private campgrounds are available around different parts of the island, giving you the flexibility to move around and experience more than one area during your stay.
Stay High Adventure Vehicle – Transport & Accommodation in One
The rooftop tent provides a comfortable place to sleep off the ground, while the vehicle gives you the flexibility to travel between Great Barrier Island’s beaches, walking tracks, settlements and campgrounds without relying on fixed transport schedules.
Camping and cooking equipment is supplied with the adventure setup, helping keep your luggage lighter and removing the need to bring your own bulky camping equipment to the island.
It’s particularly well suited to couples and independent travellers who enjoy road trips, walking, beaches and outdoor living — with the convenience of being able to move on to a different part of Great Barrier Island whenever you choose.
Choose Your Great Barrier Island Car & Camping Adventure
Stay High Island Camping Co. offers several ways to explore Great Barrier Island, from fully equipped rooftop-tent vehicles to traditional tent camping and car-only rentals. Choose the setup that best suits how you want to travel, where you plan to stay and how much camping equipment you need.
Stay High Adventure Vehicle – Rooftop Tent Camping
The signature Stay High experience combines a Nissan X-Trail rental car with a rooftop tent and camping equipment, giving you transport and accommodation in one convenient package. It’s an ideal choice for couples and independent travellers wanting the freedom to move between Great Barrier Island’s beaches, walking tracks and campgrounds.
Traditional Tent & Camping Gear Packages
Prefer traditional tent camping? Camping and cooking gear packages are also available, allowing you to hire the equipment you need without choosing a rooftop-tent vehicle. This is a flexible option for travellers who want a more traditional camping setup or need additional gear for a larger group.
Great Barrier Island Car Rental Only
If you already have accommodation booked, you can also choose a car-only rental without the camping equipment. This is a practical option for visitors staying in a bach, lodge, campground cabin or other accommodation who simply need their own transport for exploring the island.
Add Surfboards, Fishing Gear, Fresh Veggies & Camping Equipment
Make your Great Barrier Island adventure your own with additional equipment available on request. Depending on availability, Stay High can arrange surfboards, fishing equipment, additional camping gear and fresh organic vegetables from their own garden — ideal whether you’re planning to surf, fish, camp or simply enjoy fresh local produce during your stay.
Not sure which vehicle or camping setup is right for you? Send Stay High Island Camping Co. your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and the type of adventure you’re planning. They can confirm availability and help you choose the most suitable vehicle and camping setup for your Great Barrier Island stay.
Our Vehicles
Stay High Adventure Vehicle
- 2007 Nissan XTrail – Automatic
- Drives: 2-4 people
- Sleeps: 1-2 people plus 1 small child, with option for larger groups to book an additional camping package
- Includes: Feldon Shelter Roof Top Tent, Rhino Rack Sunseeker Awning, and quality camping gear.
- You may also choose to add an optional Organic Veggie Box, Surfboard or Carseat Hire.
- Cost from: $185/Night
2 Night minimum applies. - Check Availability?
Great Barrier Island Car Hire
- 2007 Nissan XTrail – Automatic
- Drives: 2-4 people
- Extra’s you can add: 3 person Kathmandu Tent, Bush Storage roof top cargo box, Rhino Rack Sunseeker Awning, and quality camping gear
- You may also choose to add an optional Organic Veggie Box, Surfboard or Carseat Hire.
Cost from: $95/Night
2 Night minimum applies.
Cooking Gear:
- Double burner stove with 4L propane and grill lighter
- 1 25L Chilly bin
- 1 Kettle
- Frying pan and pot
- All cooking utensils: Knife, Spatula, Spoon, Chopping boards, Can opener
- Plates, Bowls, Mugs, and Silverware
- Food storage containers
- Scrubbing brush, dish soap, washing basin, tea towels
- 1 Pack baby wipes
- Rubbish bags
- Tea, rice bran oil, salt, and pepper
Camping Gear:
- 2 Camping chairs
- 1 Camping table
- 1 20L Drinking water container
- 1 Head torch with spare batteries
- 1 Set fairy lights
- 1 Rubber mallet for tent pegs
- 1 Set of playing cards
- 1 Dust pan and brush
- 1 Bar soap
Sleeping Gear:
- 2 Kathmandu or Macpac sleeping bags
- 2 Sets of sheets, pillows, pillow cases, sleeping bag liners
- 2 Blankets
Great Barrier Island Car Rental & Camping – Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I camp with a Stay High vehicle on Great Barrier Island?
Stay High vehicles can be used at approved DOC and private campgrounds around Great Barrier Island. Options include campgrounds at Medlands, Awana, Harataonga and Akapoua, giving you a choice of locations close to beaches, walking tracks and different parts of the island. Campground fees are additional, and freedom camping is not permitted in Stay High vehicles.
How do I collect my Stay High rental vehicle when I arrive?
Stay High Island Camping Co. is conveniently located close to Claris Airport, making vehicle collection easy for visitors arriving by air. If you’re arriving by ferry, transfers can also be arranged on request. Once you’ve collected your vehicle, you’re free to start exploring Great Barrier Island at your own pace.
How does the Stay High Island Camping Co. package work for exploring Great Barrier Island?
Stay High combines a rental car, rooftop tent and camping equipment into one ready-to-go adventure package. Pick up your vehicle on Great Barrier Island, travel with your accommodation and gear, and stay at DOC or private campgrounds as you explore different parts of the island.
What’s included with the Stay High Adventure Vehicle?
The Stay High Adventure Vehicle includes a Nissan X-Trail fitted with a Feldon Shelter rooftop tent, Rhino-Rack Sunseeker awning and quality camping and cooking equipment. Optional extras can also be added, including items such as a surfboard or organic veggie box.
Do I need to pay campground fees when using a Stay High vehicle?
Yes. Freedom camping is not permitted in Stay High vehicles, so you will need to stay at an approved DOC or private campground. Campground fees are additional to the vehicle rental and should be included when planning your Great Barrier Island trip.
How do I choose between a rooftop tent, traditional camping package and car-only rental?
Choose the Stay High Adventure Vehicle if you want your rental car, rooftop tent and camping gear combined in one ready-to-go package. If you prefer sleeping in a traditional ground tent, tent and camping equipment packages are also available. Or choose a car-only rental if you already have accommodation booked and simply need your own transport to explore Great Barrier Island.
Can I add camping gear or extras to my Stay High rental?
Yes. Depending on your chosen vehicle and travel plans, additional camping equipment and optional extras can be added to your rental. Available options can be confirmed when you enquire for your preferred travel dates.