We are going to spend 3 weeks in Australia and 3 weeks in New Zealand in the fall (Sept - Nov) and hope to rent a camper in both places. We spent 6 weeks in Australia 18 years ago and cannot remember who we rented from. We would like recommendations as to a good company to rent from. Has any one used Apollo or Maui? Also, I noticed a comment about campgrounds being full - has any one had any experience with that in the fall?

Thank you.

Hi Lind...

I always use Maui for clients, and they're a very good company.

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie & Kiwi Specialist

Last time in NZ we rented a Britz Campervan, and we were very satisfied with our choice. Make sure you get a campervan that gives you plenty of room, if finances can afford it.
We freelanced staying in various chain Caravan Parks, we did like the Kiwi Chain the best. Its best that you don't go in the height of tourist season or school holidays, that way you can freelance, and try not to "lock" yourself in, to staying at certain places each night, just go with the flow, and if you see a nice park beside a lake, go for it. We did just that, and loved it, no fixed itinerary, in fact one day, a shortest drive in the day was from Lake Hawea to Lake Wanaka.

We rented a car from Maui and were very pleased with it and their service.

Lee Ann

Go 4 wks in NZ & 2 in OZ!!! Trust me.

You might consider posting the question about full campgrounds on www.travelmate.com.au They also have a travel forum but just for Australia. My parents regularly travel by caravan in Australia and there are times when it is difficult or impossible to get a space. Booking ahead at these times is the way to go. Caravanners and campers on Travelmate will help I'm sure.
Kay

You should be OK for easy access to camping grounds in Australia at that time of year. Remember that it is Spring in Australia at that time. Therefore the weather will be getting progressively warmer.

Hi there
We have recently come back from a 6 month trip around Australia & NZ. Maui, Britz and Backpacker campervans are all owned and operated by the same company. Maui are the brand spanking new vans, Britz a bit older and Backpacker older still. We rented a Backpacker "Mercedes" Campervan which was a 2000 model for about half the price of a Maui. We struggled to tell the difference from the Britz vans and it wasn't too far different from the Maui ones. The one great thing about our van (which we named Betsy!!) was we weren't constantly worrying about the paint work as she had a couple of scuffs here and there, but otherwise she was perfect and great value.
Then you can spend the money you save on Sight seeing, meals etc.
We were travelling October to April and never had a problem finding a campground.
Happy Travelling
x

Thanks to everyone for their help. We ended up renting from Maui. We will be spending slightly more time in NZ. I plan to check out the travelmate site.

"Go 4 wks in NZ & 2 in OZ!!! Trust me."

Ridiculous advice if you ask me.

Rented Maui campervans in Darwin and in Alice Springs, 5 nights each, and were very happy with the experience.

I found in Auz the cheapest place to hire campervans was TCVR. They dont have any hidden costs, which I found some of the others only mention later when u come to pay!! Their website: http://www.tcvr.com.au

Good Luck!!

http://www.tcvr.com.au it didnt link for somereason!!