Auto transmission sleeper cars?
 

Hi All,
We were considering renting sleepervan for 2 and driving from Christchurch to Queenstown (and maybe Auckland to Queenstown if we can get a good deal). But I could not get any company that allowed one way to Queenstown. Also all the sleepervans we looked at had manual transmission. DH can drive manual but I cannot.

Any suggestions on companies that may rent sleepervans with auto transmission and allow one way from Auckland or Christchurch to Queenstown?

Thanks!
Vandy

Most camper vans are built on a light truck chassis, and are likely to have manual transmission. The Volkswagon units have a wierd pre-select system which is neither auto or manual.

Britz, and Maui, (actually the same company) will have one way ChCh to Qtn, but may have limited availability at peak periods.

Most companies are not much interested in one ways between Auckland and the South Island, because of the cost of getting them back on the ferry. Probably have to drop it in Wellington, and get another in Picton. or possibly take the train to ChCh and get one there.

Thanks vbca, I'll check these out.

The one way companies will be the higher priced ones. You are better off to do some sort of loop around the South Island, starting and finishing in Christchurch.
Also the higher priced companies are the ones with the automatics.
Here is a complete comparision list of New Zealand campervan companies daily hire rates. This may have some options you have not tried. http://www.newzealandatoz.com/motorhomecompanies.php
A company that did come to mind is http://www.touring-newzealand.com/sp...l-hire-car.htm.
But do your research.
Good luck with your search.
Cheers, Dougie
www.newzealandatoz.com

Thanks for the link GBZ. I will look into it. yes I had definitely not looked at all the companies listed here! :)

One more question..(please excuse my ignorance).. what is Bond/accident excess? Is it like insurance?? or deductible? and why is it so high, even for a normal rental car??

-Vandy

In NZ, "excess" = "deductible". The excess seems to be higher than for U.S. insurance, or for U.S. rental cars. We purchased an additional policy that reduced the excess substantially. Also, check out what kind of additional coverage you might have through your credit card(s) or auto club. We found that there was a degree of reciprocity between AAA and the NZ Auto Club. Be sure to bring copies of your AAA membership (if you have it), as well as the particulars of your home auto insurance policy. We were able to get a safe driver discount, based on our records from home.

Thanks ALF. That helps!
From where did you buy the policy to reduce the excess? from the insurance company or car rental company?

We purchased the policy through the NZ Auto Club.