Jucy vs Spaceships: Best Budget Campervan Hire in Australia & NZ (2026)

If you're on a budget and looking at campervans in Australia or New Zealand, your search will inevitably lead to two names: Jucy and Spaceships. These are the two most popular budget campervan brands in the southern hemisphere — and they take fundamentally different approaches to affordable road tripping.

Jucy is the bright green disruptor — bold branding, youth-friendly policies, and an 18+ minimum driver age that opens campervan travel to younger travellers. Spaceships is the quirky underdog — custom-built vans with pop-top roofs, solar panels, and a cult following among travellers who want something more unique than a standard hire van.

This comprehensive 2026 guide breaks down every key difference between these two budget champions — pricing, vehicle quality, kitchen setups, sleeping configurations, insurance, depot locations, and more — so you can pick the right one for your trip.

Company Background: Different Origins, Similar Mission

Jucy was founded in Auckland, New Zealand in 2001 by brothers Tim and Dan Alpe. It started as a small car rental company before pivoting to campervans — and the bright green branding quickly became iconic on NZ and Australian roads. Jucy remains independently owned and has grown to a fleet of 1,500+ vehicles. In 2022, Jucy acquired the Star RV premium brand from Apollo/THL, giving them a surprising foothold in the luxury segment too.

Spaceships was founded in Australia in 2004 as a sister brand to Wicked Campers (though the two are very different in style and quality). Spaceships differentiated itself with custom-built campervans featuring unique pop-top roof conversions and a focus on eco-friendly travel. The brand has built a loyal following among backpackers, couples, and solo travellers who appreciate the thoughtful van designs and quirky personality.

Both brands share a core mission: making campervan travel accessible and affordable. Neither tries to be a premium brand — they're proudly budget, and they do budget extremely well.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Jucy	Spaceships
Founded	2001 (Auckland, NZ)	2004 (Brisbane, Australia)
Ownership	Independent (Jucy Group)	Independent
Fleet Size	1,500+ vehicles	500+ vehicles
Vehicle Types	2–4 berth campervans	2 berth custom campervans
Price Range	$49–$140/day	$45–$120/day
Minimum Driver Age	18+	18+ (some models 21+)
Young Driver Surcharge	None	None
AU Depots	6 (major cities)	5 (major cities)
NZ Depots	3+ (Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown)	2 (Auckland, Christchurch)
Pop-Top Roof	❌ No	✅ Yes (Beta & Delta models)
Solar Panels	❌ No	✅ Yes
Toilet/Shower	✅ Yes (Condo model only)	❌ No
Self-Contained (NZ)	✅ Yes (Condo model)	❌ No
Kitchen Setup	Gas cooker, fridge, sink	Gas cooker, fridge, sink + outdoor table
Premium Sub-brand	Star RV (acquired 2022)	—

Fleet & Vehicles: Custom Builds vs Proven Conversions

Jucy's Fleet

Jucy's fleet of 1,500+ vehicles focuses on the budget-to-mid segment with three main models:

• Jucy Cabana — The signature 2-berth campervan, built on a Toyota HiAce. This is Jucy's bread and butter — a reliable, well-proven conversion with a fold-out double bed, gas cooker, 35L fridge, sink, and storage. No standing room inside, but the layout is efficient and practical. Perfect for couples and solo travellers.
• Jucy Champ — A 3-berth option that adds a rooftop sleeping pod above the cabin. The main bed sleeps two, the roof pod sleeps one more. Popular with friends travelling together or a couple who wants the extra storage space when the roof bed isn't in use.
• Jucy Condo — Jucy's largest vehicle, a 4-berth motorhome with a full shower and toilet, kitchen with fridge and microwave, and separate sleeping areas. This is the only Jucy vehicle that's self-contained for NZ freedom camping. It's a step up in price but still significantly cheaper than equivalent models from Britz or Maui.

Jucy vehicles are typically 2–5 years old and well-maintained. The green branding means you'll never lose your van in a car park — it's highly visible (some travellers love it, others find it a bit much).

Spaceships' Fleet

Spaceships takes a very different approach — smaller fleet (500+ vehicles) but with highly customised, purpose-built conversions that stand out from anything else on the road:

• Spaceships Alpha — Entry-level 2-berth van. Simple, affordable, and functional. Based on a mid-size van with a fold-out bed, basic kitchen, and enough storage for two travellers. This is the cheapest option and works well for short trips.
• Spaceships Beta — The flagship model and Spaceships' most popular vehicle. Features a pop-top roof conversion that gives you standing room inside when parked — a genuine game-changer for cooking, getting dressed, and generally living in a van. Solar panels on the roof charge the auxiliary battery. Double bed, full kitchen, and clever storage solutions throughout.
• Spaceships Delta — Similar to the Beta but with a slightly larger footprint and newer conversion. Additional features may include USB charging, LED lighting, and upgraded cooker setup.

What makes Spaceships genuinely different is the design philosophy. These aren't just vans with a bed thrown in — they're purpose-built living spaces with thoughtful touches: reading lights, USB ports at the bed, ventilation systems, and solar panels that let you camp off-grid without draining the battery.

Pricing: How the Numbers Stack Up

Both brands are firmly in the budget segment, and pricing is remarkably close. Here's a realistic comparison for a 14-day hire:

Season	Jucy Cabana (14 days)	Spaceships Beta (14 days)
Peak (Dec–Feb)	$1,260–$1,680	$1,190–$1,540
Shoulder (Mar–May, Sep–Nov)	$840–$1,260	$770–$1,120
Low (Jun–Aug)	$686–$980	$630–$910

Spaceships tends to be slightly cheaper than Jucy's Cabana — typically $5–$10/day less. However, Jucy often runs flash sales, last-minute deals, and seasonal promotions that can reverse this. The key advantage of Spaceships pricing is their 10% early bird discount for bookings made 4+ months in advance — this can make a significant difference on longer hires.

Where Jucy gets expensive: The Jucy Condo (4-berth motorhome) is in a completely different price bracket — $100–$180/day — putting it closer to Apollo and Britz territory. If you need a shower/toilet, Jucy offers that option but it's no longer a "budget" choice.

Kitchen & Living: Where Spaceships Shines

This is where the two brands diverge most significantly. Both have functional kitchens, but the experience of cooking and living in the van is quite different:

Jucy Cabana Kitchen

• Single-burner gas cooker (portable, use outside or inside with ventilation)
• 35L electric fridge (12V, runs off the engine while driving)
• Sink with manual pump
• Basic cooking utensils, pots, plates, cups
• No standing room — you cook sitting down or outside
• Water capacity: ~20L

Spaceships Beta Kitchen

• Two-burner gas cooker (better for actual meal preparation)
• 40L fridge with better insulation (stays cold longer when engine is off)
• Sink with pump tap
• Full cooking kit including chopping board, knife set, and spice rack
• Standing room via pop-top roof — cooking inside is actually comfortable
• Solar-charged auxiliary battery — fridge runs overnight without draining main battery
• Fold-out outdoor table and chairs included
• Water capacity: ~30L

The pop-top roof on the Spaceships Beta is genuinely transformative. Being able to stand up inside the van makes cooking, cleaning, and general van life dramatically more comfortable. If you're hiring for more than a week, this single feature might be worth choosing Spaceships over Jucy.

Sleeping: Comfort Comparison

Both brands sleep 2 adults in a fold-out double bed configuration. Here's how they compare in practice:

Feature	Jucy Cabana	Spaceships Beta
Bed Size	1.85m × 1.50m (double)	1.90m × 1.35m (generous double)
Mattress Quality	50mm foam (adequate)	75mm foam (better support)
Bedding Included	Optional (extra charge)	Included (duvets + pillows)
Ventilation	Windows + rear door	Pop-top + windows + mesh screens
Privacy	Window curtains	Full blackout curtains
USB Charging at Bed	Some models	✅ Yes (solar-powered)

Spaceships edges ahead on sleeping comfort thanks to the thicker mattress, included bedding (saving you $35–$50), and the pop-top ventilation that dramatically improves airflow on warm nights. If you've ever slept in a van in Queensland in summer, you know ventilation isn't a luxury — it's essential.

Insurance & Excess Reduction

Insurance structures are similar for both brands. Standard excess is high ($3,000–$5,000), and both offer daily reduction packages:

Insurance Level	Jucy	Spaceships
Standard Excess	$3,500–$5,000	$3,000–$4,500
Reduced Excess (daily fee)	$22–$35/day → $500–$1,500	$20–$30/day → $500–$1,500
Zero Excess (daily fee)	$35–$50/day → $0	$30–$45/day → $0

Spaceships' insurance is typically $2–$5/day cheaper across all tiers. For a 14-day hire, this saves $28–$70 — meaningful in the budget segment.

Pro tip: Third-party excess reduction from providers like RentalCover costs $8–$15/day and covers both brands. This is often the cheapest option for zero-excess peace of mind.

Depot Network: Coverage & One-Way Options

Australia

City	Jucy	Spaceships
Sydney	✅	✅
Melbourne	✅	✅
Brisbane	✅	✅
Cairns	✅	✅
Perth	✅	❌
Adelaide	✅	✅
Darwin	❌	❌
Alice Springs	❌	❌

Jucy has a broader depot network with 6 Australian locations including Perth — important if you're planning a West Coast trip. Spaceships covers the East Coast well but lacks Perth, Darwin, and Alice Springs, which limits outback routes.

Neither brand has depots in Darwin or Alice Springs, so if you're planning the Red Centre or Top End route, you'll need Apollo or Britz instead.

New Zealand

Jucy is stronger in NZ with depots in Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Spaceships has Auckland and Christchurch only — meaning a Queenstown drop-off isn't possible with Spaceships, which limits some South Island itineraries.

Age Requirements: Where Jucy Wins for Young Travellers

Both brands accept drivers from age 18 with no young driver surcharge — a major advantage over larger brands like Apollo and Britz (both 21+). This makes Jucy and Spaceships the go-to choices for backpackers, gap year travellers, and anyone under 21.

No young driver surcharge means no hidden fees based on age — the price you see is the price you pay, regardless of whether you're 18 or 50.

Freedom Camping & Self-Containment (New Zealand)

If you're travelling in New Zealand, freedom camping rules are critical. Many councils require vehicles to be "self-contained" (with an onboard toilet) to camp in designated freedom camping areas. This saves significant money on campground fees ($15–$40/night).

• Jucy Condo: ✅ Self-contained — toilet and shower onboard. Freedom camping approved.
• Jucy Cabana/Champ: ❌ Not self-contained. Must use paid campgrounds.
• Spaceships (all models): ❌ Not self-contained. Must use paid campgrounds.

If freedom camping is important to your NZ trip, the Jucy Condo is the only option between these two brands. Alternatively, you could look at Britz or Maui motorhomes which are all self-contained.

Fuel Economy & Running Costs

Budget campervanning isn't just about the hire cost — fuel is your biggest ongoing expense. Here's how they compare:

Metric	Jucy Cabana	Spaceships Beta
Fuel Consumption	10–12L/100km	9–11L/100km
Fuel Type	Petrol (unleaded)	Diesel (many models)
Daily Fuel Cost (200km/day)	$38–$46	$32–$40
14-day Fuel Cost (2,800km)	$530–$645	$450–$560

Spaceships' diesel engines and lighter builds give them a fuel economy edge — potentially saving $80–$100 over a two-week trip. Combined with solar panels (less reliance on powered campsite hookups), Spaceships can work out cheaper in total running costs despite similar daily hire rates.

Who Should Choose Jucy?

Jucy is the better choice if you:

• Need a self-contained vehicle for NZ freedom camping (Condo model)
• Want more depot options — especially Perth and Queenstown
• Are travelling as a group of 3–4 (Champ or Condo models)
• Prefer a well-known brand with widespread recognition and reviews
• Want the option to upgrade to Star RV (Jucy's premium brand) for a special trip
• Are 18–20 and locked out of larger brands

Who Should Choose Spaceships?

Spaceships is the better choice if you:

• Want a unique, purpose-built van with thoughtful design features
• Value standing room (the pop-top roof is a genuine difference-maker)
• Want solar panels for off-grid camping capability
• Prefer better sleeping comfort (thicker mattress, included bedding, better ventilation)
• Are a couple or solo traveller who doesn't need 3–4 berth capacity
• Plan to cook regularly in the van (the 2-burner cooker and standing room make this practical)
• Want the cheapest total cost including fuel savings from diesel engines

Best Routes for Budget Campervanning

Both brands work well on Australia and New Zealand's classic campervan routes. Here are some recommendations:

East Coast Australia (Sydney → Cairns)

Both Jucy and Spaceships operate this route with depots at each end. Budget 14–21 days. Highlights include Byron Bay, the Whitsundays, and Magnetic Island. Campsite costs on the East Coast are reasonable ($15–$30/night), and there are plenty of free/low-cost camping spots along the way.

Melbourne → Adelaide (Great Ocean Road)

A shorter route (5–7 days) perfect for both brands. The Great Ocean Road itself is spectacular, and both Jucy and Spaceships have depots in Melbourne and Adelaide. The Spaceships Beta is particularly enjoyable on this route — the pop-top lets you watch the sunset from inside the van at coastal campsites.

New Zealand South Island

The classic Christchurch → Queenstown loop (via the West Coast, Milford Sound, and Wanaka). Jucy has the advantage here with a Queenstown depot — Spaceships requires a Christchurch drop-off, adding backtracking time. For NZ, also consider whether you need self-containment for freedom camping (Jucy Condo only).

Tasmania Loop

Tasmania is perfect for budget campervanning — compact, beautiful, and with excellent free camping options. Neither Jucy nor Spaceships has a Hobart depot, so you'd need to hire from Melbourne and take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. Alternatively, check Apollo which has a Hobart depot.

The Verdict: Jucy vs Spaceships

Both Jucy and Spaceships deliver excellent budget campervan experiences. The choice comes down to what matters most to you:

Choose Jucy for more vehicle options (including the self-contained Condo), wider depot coverage, and the ability to travel in groups of 3–4. Jucy is the safer, more conventional choice with a larger fleet and more availability.

Choose Spaceships for a more unique, thoughtfully designed van experience. The pop-top roof, solar panels, better mattress, and included bedding create a noticeably more comfortable living experience. Spaceships also tends to work out slightly cheaper overall when you factor in fuel savings and included extras.

The best approach is to compare both on CamperCompare for your specific dates and route. Pricing fluctuates by season, depot, and promotional offers — sometimes Jucy is cheaper, sometimes Spaceships wins.