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Backpacker SleeperVans

Cheap Campervan Hire in New Zealand 

Stunned at what they want for a camper van hire here in New Zealand? Outrageous isn't it?!  So let Downtown Rentals give you the answer to cheap camper van rental - a Backpacker SleeperVan.

These are mid 90s model vans fitted out with a sleeping deck in the back. This gives you plenty of sleeping room, with space to store all your gear.

Plus you get all the rest of the stuff you need for camping out - a gas cooker, pots, pans, crockery, cutlery etc. And pillows, pillow slips, a bottom sheet.

You can camp out in the stunning outdoors that makes NZ the most beautiful place on earth and live wild for a few days if you want. 

Very important:  These are not luridly painted vehicles with dopey graphics that scream "tourists" from every panel. (I mean, would you want to drive around in a van that had "Blowjobs are a great last minute gift" written on the back?.  No kidding, that's on one of our competitors' vans!?)  Unless you know exactly what to look for (one tiny little sticker required by law) you'd never know that one of ours was a rental vehicle.

Please note: We now only have a very limited number of these vehicles because we are gradually phasing them out.  You are advised to make early bookings.  But do remember this:  These are aimed at backpackers -  they are older vehicles with their share of battle scars on the outside.  They are, however, well-maintained and we do our utmost best to ensure a trouble-free run. 

If you want to add a little luxury to your life and travels here, have a look at our later model, up-spec  SuperSleepervans.   

Or if you are travelling with a family - and that's not cheap - take a FamilyCampingVan for great fun low-cost holidaying. 

There are two types of Backpacker SleeperVan:

Midivans: Toyota Hi-Ace, Mitsubishi L300 or Ford Econovan.  They are slightly larger and about 900mm longer than the minivans.  There is a space of about 900mm between the bed and the driver/passenger seats.

Mini-vans: The smaller version. Toyota Lite-Ace or Town-Ace..

Equipment:   

Each van contains a two-burner gas cooker, a chilly bin (OK - you'd probably call it a cooler or, if you're an Aussie, an esky) and utensil set which contains 2 pots, 1 fry pan, 4 plates,  4 side plates, 4 dessert plates, 2 mugs, bucket, plastic bowl, knives, forks, dessert spoons, teaspoons, can opener, vegetable knife, large kitchen knife, chopping board, egg slice, tea towels, 2 chairs, folding camp table. 

A mattress, pillows, pillow cases and bottom sheet are included with the van, but not blankets etc. You will need to bring a sleeping bag.  If you want, however, we can lend you a duvet. 

Rates:

There are three seasons - high season from Dec 16 to March 31, shoulder season (Nov 1 to Dec15), and low season from Apr 1 to Oct 31. Minimum hire period is 7 days.   All rates include unlimited kms, basic insurance and GST (tax).  For more details on insurance go to the FAQ page.

Diesel power: We operate a number of diesel powered vehicles. Diesel is cheaper than the price of petrol.  That is because there is no road tax charged on it at the pump. Instead we have to pay a tax for every km run.   We pass that tax on to the hirers - they are getting cheap fuel, but they must also pay the tax of 3.8c per km. (We also have to pay much higher registration charges - but you get that for free).  Even with the tax added, diesel is slightly cheaper than petrol. On average you'll do around 200km a day  - an extra $7.60 for road tax. On hires of two months or more that will drop to around  $4-5 a day.

Discounts (everybody wants a discount!). Take a van for two weeks or more and get a 15% discount on the weekly rate.Take a van for three weeks or more and get a 20% discount on the weekly rate.  Take a van for two months (61 to 90 days) and get a 15% discount on the monthly rate. Take it for three months (91 days) or more and get a 20% discount on the monthly rate.

One way hires:  

For one-way hires between Auckland and Christchurch or vice versa, surcharges apply as follows:

For hires of 31 days or less $400 extra.

For hires of 32 to 45 days $300 extra. 

Hires of 46 days or more $250 extra. 

The reason for these surcharges is that we are faced with the cost of transporting vehicles between cities at a cost of about $550.

Hires into or out of Wellington can also be arranged.  The surcharges are as follows:

For hires of 31 days or less $250 extra.

For hires of 32 to 45 days $200 extra. 

Hires of 46 days or more $150 extra. 

Early Purchasse Discounts. Book and pay  in advance and get an extra discount as follows:  

6 months in advance of pick-up date - 10% additional discount

5 months in advance of pick-up date - 8% additional discount

4 months in advance of pick-up date - 7% additional discount

3 months in advance of pick-up date - 5% additional discount

Backpacker MiniVans

* Subject to discounts - see above. 

Backpacker MidiVans

* Subject to discounts - see above.

If your hire crosses the boundary dates of these seasons you'll only be charged the daily rate applicable to the period concerned.  Important:  We charge on a 24 hour basis - not a calendar day basis like a lot of other companies. That can save you a whole day's hire charge.  Please be aware of our late return penalties when vans are returned  without authorisation after the agreed date.   

Downtown Car Rentals

31 Neilson St, Onehunga, Auckland.
Phone (Country code 64, area code 9) 625-6469
Email: rentals@New-Zealand-rental-cars.com

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Important Information

FAQs on insurance, delivery, breakdown policy, etc.

Rental Cars

Take your choice of options: Older models to latish models; a wide range of rate plans.


SuperSleepers

Fun and luxury all in an eye-catching version of our SleeperVans.

Backpacker SleeperVans

Low cost campervan cruisin' in a simple sleeper van.

FamilyCampingVans*

The perfect answer to cost-controlled family holidays. A luxury van with a high quality camping pack on board.     

Mini-coaches

Multi-seat coaches and people movers.

Lease Cars

Need wheels for a couple of months or more? Lease a car with rates starting as low as $13 a day.

Guaranteed Buy-backs

Buy a car without any of the risks - breakdowns, insurance, and the problem of reselling it.

Camping Packs

If you want to enjoy the freedom of camping - and the costs savings - we can provide you with all the camping gear you need

NZ Visitors' Guide

What to see and what to do in New Zealand - written by someone who has been seeing it and doing it for 40 years.

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