Christchurch Travel Forum

We are travelling to Christchurch in November 2007 from Australia and would like to hire one of those Campervan vehicles ( 4 berth) We have been searching prices on the internet from Australia and New Zealand and are getting quotes of aprox $200 per day. (We need a van for approx 10 dys) Does anyone know of a company that hires these vehicles at a cheaper rate. We prefer to hire a camper van than a car and then stay in a motel each night, but maybe it is cheaper to do the motel thing? Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks

Camper van hire is extremely expensive. Many people find it cheaper (and more comfortable) to hire a sedan car and stay in motels.
Lesley

Here are the names of some firms I found in the yellow pages. They are "backpacker" campervans, much more reasonably priced. Some very interesting vehicles. Have a look.

www.freedomcampers.co.nz
www.rentalz.co.nz
www.ascotrentalcars.co.nz
www.backpackercampervans.com
www.ezy.co

There are much cheaper options. It all depends on how big the camper van your group needs. Here is a site that has a list and pricing for most camper van companies:
http://www.newzealand.com/travel/transport/transport-options/transport-options-motorhomes.cfm

Here is a link to why I think camper vans is so much better than car and hotel option in N.Z.:
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/c0a40/c51/3/

Have a blast!

It is just a matter of personal preference if you travel in a campervan or choose the car/motel option. I have done both and clearly tend to the latter because it is much nicer in bad weather conditions, and you have space at the end of the day and, in case of heavy rain and mud, you are not crammed in a humid van, trying to dry yourselves and the clothes, and all the dirty shoes around... Of course, with a campervan you never get stressed to find accommodation for the night. There are places where the campervan is much better than anything else, like the red centre of Australia...

If it is just for the money I think the car/motel option is cheaper. A company in Christchurch with great rates is Affordable Cars in St. Asaph St., www.greenmanrental.com

BTW They also have cheap Campervans.

For rentals from Auckland (and other NZ cities) I can highly recommend Ace Cars, www.acerentalcars.co.nz

Or have you thought about buying a Campervan and selling it after your Trip? You can pick up reasonable vans for 3000-4000$ and (depending on the season) sell it for roughly the same price. Of course you could have bad luck and buy a lemon but it's probably a risk worth taking.