Camper Van rentals in New Zealand (Read 4887 times)

Will Hunt · February 16, 2014, 08:03:13 pm

Planning a three week trip to NZ for November. Plan is to fly to Auckland/Christchurch and hire a camper and drop it off at whichever of those two places we we don't start in. Currently trying to find a place to rent a decent camper van.
Only spec requirements we have really is to sleep 2 and to have it fully sealed (preferably with a shower). Has anybody done this and know a reputable company?

Also, any beta on how they are with overnight stays in lay-bys?

JackAus · February 16, 2014, 10:59:53 pm

I've been searching for the same. Found this site: www.drivenow.com.au does really good comparisons of different hire companies.

Rabies · February 16, 2014, 11:03:39 pm

Hi Will,

There heaps of camper companies to choose from in NZ, popular ones being Jucy and Apollo. Probably not worth paying a lot more for a massive camper with a shower in my opinion, you could just grab a shower at swimming pools or jump in a river! Other camper companies off the top of my head are 'Wicked' and 'Happy Campers', probably best to have a nosey on their websites and compare them all.

A common thing to do in NZ is pick up a campervan in Auckland and drop it off in Christchurch. You're generally ok with pulling over in NZ almost anywhere with the exception of near Queenstown and Wanaka, which I'm guessing is where you probably want to go the most? There are lots of places you can camp in a van in New Zealand, some DOC sites are free or super cheap ($6) but facilities vary. If you climb at Paynes Ford, then you can wash in the river like everyone else

or use the shower at Hangdog campsite.

If you need anything more specific, let me know.

SA Chris · February 17, 2014, 08:52:36 am

There are some companies that specialise in having nice shiny new ones, and some that have buy the slightly worn ones off them, and then rent for less, i think we used this option, I think it was Britz. We hade a high top Merc of some sort, with shower / bog but we never ever used this, just showered in campsites or went without. If you are discreet you can park up just about anywhere. Even in Wanaka you could park up for the night at hospital flats, or somewhere along the lake shore and wouldn't get hassled if it was only for a night.

November is coming into peak holiday season, so expect everything to be busier and more expensive. We went in September to grab tail end if ski season and get some cooler weather, had a rainy day or two, but was fine.

Also consider 3 weeks is not a long time to cram it all in. If you intend stopping at a few climbing spots for a couple of days, plus doing some other things (so much else to do!) then trying to do both Islands you will most likely be rushing. We had 3 weeks on S Island alone and had to rush it at the end.

tomtom · February 17, 2014, 11:28:37 am

+1 - if you're there for 3 weeks, I'd consider just doing South Island... (Norths OK, but South is... wow..). Or at least split 25/75...

BenF · February 17, 2014, 07:19:12 pm

Quote from: tomtom on February 17, 2014, 11:28:37 am

+1 - if you're there for 3 weeks, I'd consider just doing South Island... (Norths OK, but South is... wow..). Or at least split 25/75...

+2

Three weeks could easily be spent on south island alone and stopping in laybys/parking spots is fine for the night. Lots of cheap basic sites too. I would say the volcanic areas of the north island are worth checking out though. The Tongariro crossing is well cool if you are up that way.

fatboySlimfast · February 18, 2014, 07:50:39 am

+3

Personally for 3 weeks i would go straight to the south island, the ferry from north to south costs a bomb as well.

unclesomebody · February 18, 2014, 09:26:32 am

We had a van from http://www.spaceshipsrentals.co.nz/ for about 3 weeks, of which we spent most on the South Island. We started in Christchurch, went south and then finished in Auckland. Our van was definitely one the worst (ie. most basic) we saw but I am confident we were paying less than every single other person in the country. As a benchmark we paid 14 NZD per day. The van was basic but it did cater to our needs. We absolutely didn't miss having a shower because we swam in lakes, visited friends, and very occasionally stayed in a campsite with a shower. We wild camped in a number of places and never had a problem but we were very discreet and we were always up early and left no trace.

NZ is a wonderful place. A few bits made it on to my blog so have a look if you want some info.

Will Hunt · February 27, 2014, 08:08:44 am

Thanks folks. With your advice in mind we have opted to go just to the South. Have selected a camper from Wilderness campers based on price/spec/excellent reviews. If I remember then I will report back here when we're back.

SA Chris · February 27, 2014, 08:17:40 am

Have you managed to get hold of a copy of South Island Rock, or (even better) Rock Deluxe to get the psyche going?

JackAus · February 27, 2014, 12:19:44 pm

I've just picked up a copy of the latest (and out of print) guide for Castle Hill from www.bivouac.co.nz
The only place I could find.

Will Hunt · February 27, 2014, 05:09:52 pm

For what it's worth I'll be going with me bird who is definitely a non climber so I think climbing opportunities will be limited to possibly a short stop in castle hill and having a quick session with whoever is there!

SA Chris · February 28, 2014, 08:51:55 am

Camper van mattresses wrapped wih a $10 tarp, make an OK makeshift bouldering pad. There's a boulder on the shore of Lake Wanaka for sunset bouldering too.

tomtom · February 28, 2014, 08:58:27 am

To be fair - if I was heading back to S.Island for a 2-3 week holiday, I wouldn't be upset if I didn't manage any bouldering.. it is a great place to be and explore... (of course the odd day here or there would be a bonus!).

unclesomebody · February 28, 2014, 09:31:43 am

Quote from: Will Hunt on February 27, 2014, 05:09:52 pm

For what it's worth I'll be going with me bird who is definitely a non climber so I think climbing opportunities will be limited to possibly a short stop in castle hill and having a quick session with whoever is there!

Jardines, just outside of Queenstown, is worth a visit if your other half is a non-climber. She could even stay in Queenstown and do something more fun whilst you went out for the afternoon! The thing with Castle hill and Flock hill is that there's nothing around it, so I imagine being a non climber there is pretty boring.

SA Chris · February 28, 2014, 10:15:10 am

Outstanding scenery though, the whole basin is beautiful, be great for hiking and taking photos.

JackAus · February 28, 2014, 11:27:11 am

Can highly recommend sea kayaking near Motueka/Abel Tasman NP. My cousin and his girlfriend have been guides there for a few years now.

SA Chris · February 28, 2014, 11:48:19 am

We did a nice sea kayak trip from Golden Bay along the coast, but apparently the other bit of Abel Tasman is nicer, no need to go to Golden Bay unless you are climbing at Payne's Ford.

Will Hunt · February 28, 2014, 01:13:54 pm

I've been climbing at a couple of the local Queenstown crags and I'm afraid to say they didn't float my boat at all. However I was on quite easy sport as opposed to anything of very high quality which might have something to do with it!

tomtom · February 28, 2014, 03:05:03 pm

Fjordland..... Drifts off with distant look in eyes... If only....

tomtom · February 28, 2014, 03:05:28 pm

Anyway. It's not as good as Almscliff of course.

SA Chris · February 28, 2014, 03:22:22 pm

Moeraki Boulders, soe crazy geolocial shit going onthere.

Kaikoura, great surfing, meeting Dom Joly at the seal colony (ok that might not happen to eveyone)