Motorhome (Rumah Bergerak) in New Zealand

Who doesn't like waking up to the sight of a beautiful lake? That was our main purpose for renting a campervan for our trip. We had our meals and performed prayers practically wherever we liked. We had that option when most travelers who opt for (insert rating here)-star hotels don't.

Jump: Itinerary Part 1, Itinerary Part 2, Accommodation.

After some extensive search, we finally chose Affordable Motor Home Rentals in Christchurch. They are a family owned RV rental company that offers motorhomes, campervans and sleepervans. They have a depot in Auckland as well.

Now, if you are from a country that is not familiar with recreational vehicles (like myself), you might be overwhelmed with the new jargons (like I did). Fret not, I'll save you from the bad guys stress and explain to you briefly what are the differences. Disclaimer: This is based on my own research and understanding. I may be wrong ya... #jangankecamsaya

Sleepervan: A sleepervan is a "Soccer Mum" van with the back passenger seats removed and converted into a bed. Only has the basic necessities such as a bed, small stove (1 ring), a sink and a cooler. Because of its size, cooking and dining are done outside (which may not be suitable during winter). Max occupancy: 2 people, sometimes 3.

Sleepervan (Source: www.newzealand-motorhomes.com)

Campervan: Often referred to as a camper, a campervan is a light commercial van with its roof modified into a high rise ceiling, so you can stand up in it. Medium in size, with more space to walk around compared to a sleepervan. Equipped with a bed, 2-ring stove, sink, microwave (some), and fridge (some). Add some extra $$ for a shower/toilet. They come either in 2-berths, 3-berths or 4-berths. Max occupancy: 2-4 people (depending on berth type).

Campervan (Source: piwiwiwi.co.nz)

Motorhome: Simply put: a much bigger van = much bigger room = much more facilities. Some are even equipped with a TV. Wide range of berths -- from 2- to 8-berth. Because of their size though, motorhomes can only be parked at designated parking. Max occupancy: 8 people (depending on berth type).

Motorhome (Source: thetourexpert.com)

Caravan: Similar to a campervan or motorhome, only is towed by a car. More common in the US.

Caravan (Source: www.hobbyinfo.dk)

Recreational Vehicle (RV): US term for a motorhome. Like metric terms, they want to be different. Pfft. :p

Ok, now that we have that cleared, back to the story.

So we rented from Affordable Motorhome Rentals (which I will now call AMR because of the mouthful). The owner is a wonderful lady named Lynda. I communicated with her while in Malaysia and she was veryveryvery helpful. Fast response, clear instructions, no hassle. A relief since I was already stressed out the other companies gave rates that were waaaaayyy over our budget (Word of advice: BOOK EARLY!). We chose their 2-berth bed-in-rear without shower/toilet.

Duncan picked us up from Jailhouse Accommodation. Once we arrived at the depot, we were greeted by Lynda who immediately showed us our camper. We also met her daughter who helps around the office. Oh, and their cute German Shepherd dog.

With Lynda

Lynda taught us how to use the equipment, what each button does, and all that jazz. I think she noticed our overwhelmed faces, she handed us the how-to manual with their contact information for us to read.

Once that's done, we walked around the van and pointed out all the dents and scratches to check off from our you-are-careless-we-will-charge-you-muahaha list. Being the kiasu me, I pointed out every possible dents/scratches/rust/habuk my short sighted, astigmatism eyes could see.

In the office, there's a cupboard filled with items left by previous renters. Lynda insisted that we help ourselves with the items we need. We took pasta, rice, detergent, etc. Bummer we didn't take the most essential - salt! What were we thinking????

I call this: the Cupboard of Life(savers)

Some pictures from my camera:

Left: a monitor to check the fresh water and grey water levels.
Right: Pump and heater controller.

We took out the table and make it a (sort of) night stand.

L-R: Clean water input, power input & LPG gas storage

This van comes with a portable loo, which makes it certified self contained. Meaning you can go freedom camping with this beast. Those without this sticker can only overnight at the designated holiday parks. We didn't use the loo though, geli. Plus it feels awkward doing #2 out in the open....

The fridge is operated using an independent battery so don't have to worry when the engine is turned off. Microwave only works when the van is plugged in. Alternatively we used the stove when we needed to reheat our meals on the go.

Refilling clean water and dumping the grey water are of no hassle at all. All the hoses were included in the camper, just need to find the dump station. All holiday parks we stayed have one. They are also available in some towns.

Dump station at Fox Glacier Holiday Park

Dumping grey water.
The other hose is for clean water.

What's included:

• Auto transmission (Gets booked very fast. Notify them well in advance to avoid disappointment)
• Diesel operated (Read Diesel Road User Charges below)
• Standard insurance with an excess of $1,500 per accident
• Radio with CD player. We also requested a USB music port.
• LPG gas
• 1x Queen bed or 2x single beds
• Fridge operated by an independent power source
• Microwave
• 2-ring stove
• Storage under bed
• No extra driver fees
• Independent heating system
• Certified Self Contained

What's also included:

• Queen-sized bedding ie. under-blanket, a set of sheets, blanket, duvet and pillows. Single sized ones are by request.
• 2x towels, tea towels & hand towels
• Cooking utensils ie. pots & pans, kettle, can opener, knives, forks, spoons, chopping boards, cups, plates, bowls, etc.
• Clothing line & pegs
• Mini sweeper
• Portable heater
• Portable loo

Extras at a cost:

• Reduced Excess Insurance
• GPS
• Snow chains
• Hot plate BBQ
• Picnic table
• Picnic chairs
• Children car seat

Disclaimer: These were what AMR provide at that point of time. AMR may or may not have the same for you.

Diesel road user charges: A point to be aware of. Since it is a diesel operated vehicle, it is bound to comply to NZ's diesel road user charges. This is to be paid at the end of the hire at 6.5 cents per km (rate varies from company to company). We drove a total of about 2,185 km making it an additional $142. FYI, diesel was $1.05 and Ron91 was $1.98 when we were there. Go diesel or petrol? That's entirely up to you.

At the end of our trip, we returned it full tank and full LPG. We refilled ours at a Caltex station just before the depot. Cost us $8 to refill the LPG full. Hahaha tak banyak pun pakai rupanya.

Weren't confident with our abilities.
Had to ask for help. :p

Verdict? LoveloveLOVE it! 

Rate: 9/10

Pros:

• Low rate.
• Service tiptop da bomb.
• Vehicle exactly as described (maybe better).
• Friendly, fast response & reliable service. Called them at 10 pm once and Lynda's husband (I believe his name is Scott?) assisted me with no problem.
• Transparent. All fees and T&Cs were communicated clearly prior to our arrival.
• No extra driver fees.
• Pick up & drop off free of charge.
• NO BOND! Some big companies hold a bond to your credit card of up to $2,000. Sakit tu if you only have one credit card.

Cons:

• the radio couldn't detect our USB drive at first. After jampi serapah, then ok.
• fridge is not cold enough.

Some tips before I end:

• Bring soft bags like backpacks so you can easily squeeze them in the storage.
• Be safe than sorry. Purchase the additional reduced excess insurance!
• Take as much pictures of the dents as possible. If you wish, email the pictures to the rental company as proof before you start the journey. We didn't need them in the end but you just never know.
• Bring some musical entertainment e.g. CDs, iPods with AUX cable, etc. At some point during the long drive, you will get bored.

Other reviews can be found here:

https://www.rankers.co.nz/experiences/6494-Affordable_Motor_Home_Rentals

Convinced? Here's how to reach Lynda:

Affordable Motorhome Rentals

480 Johns Road, Harewood, Christchurch.

Phone: +64 3 3603587

Free phone in NZ: 0800 223304

Email: info@affordablemotorhome.co.nz
Website: www.affordablemotorhome.co.nz

Tell them you heard about AMR from me. Mana la tahu dapat diskaun kan? Just mintak tolong sangat-sangat... tolong jaga nama baik Malaysia ye? Kereta tu jaga baik-baik jangan kasi jahanam.

So what do you think? Comment below! If you have questions, feel free to email me at aida.nordin7@gmail.com.

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