This is where you’ll find more ‘stuff’ about Escape…who we are, what we do and a little info on some of our travel industry mates (activity operators, campgrounds, other campervan operators etc).
This is also the interactive area of our website for hirers of our campers – We call them ‘Escapees’.
You’ll find plenty of feedback from Escapees who have travelled New Zealand in an Escape Campervan (See ‘Love letters’ below). We also feature several photographs taken by these intrepid travelers – Check these out within the Escape gallery Click here. |
Updated 05 October 2011
Escape Rentals Finalist in Golden Backpack Awards 2011
 Great News! Escape Rentals has been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2011 Golden Backpack Awards in the Best Car/Camper Rental New Zealand category.
We’re stoked! Whilst several other rental vehicle companies actively promoted themselves leading up to the nominations (lobbying for votes etc.) we simply went about the business of delivering a great product at a great price.
And now we’re nominated…and just quietly, we’re chuffed! If you voted for us…thanks. If you’re thinking of traveling with us, well, it looks like you made the right decision.
We’re not the biggest campervan company out there, we’re not some major corporate with a huge marketing department. We’re simply a small family owned business taking pride in our product and our country.
So whatever the result at the Golden Backpack Awards…we remain really happy to be nominated.
Thank you.
Rugby World Cup - It’s Sudden-Death Finals time!
‘The World is Coming Here to Play!’ Actually…the world’s already here having a fantastic time! We’re now heading into the finals with most of the matches scheduled for Eden Park in Auckland.
France, England, Ireland, Wales, Argentina, Australia, South Africa and (of course!) New Zealand are all into the quarter finals scheduled for 8/9 October.
Yep, we’ve been busy but we do still have a few campervans available if you’re thinking of supporting your team! Or if you’re not a rugby fan and been holding off until after the cup, now is the time to book. Check out our Red Hot Specials page for summer deals.
A campervan is an awesome way to experience the Rugby World Cup here in New Zealand. Whilst we have hundreds of great campsites already, Auckland and Wellington (host cities for the finals) have set up temporary accommodation sites for campervans – check out the info in the links below:
Auckland
Wellington
You’ll need to click on the individual sites within these links to bring up contact/booking details as you can’t book directly. Never fear, we’ll update you with information from the other host cities as we receive it and as always, you can find loads of info on the Camping Our Way website.
If you know where you’re going to be on any particular dates, we definitely recommend booking ahead; we don’t want you stuck miles away from the games and having to get helicopter transfers into the city.
For more information on the Rugby world cup, go to: www.rugbyworldcup.com
New Vans
Not only are we pumped about the Rugby and pumped about the Golden Backpack Awards, we’re pumped about our NEW VANS! That’s right kids, we completed 40 new vans at the end of 2010 and we’ve just brought a further 35 amazing new vans into our fleet.
Once again our artists are pulling out the goods and the vans we’ve completed so far look epic. Not only are the vans new to our fleet, but they’re a little different to what we have already; the kitchen unit is built entirely of fiberglass and it looks fantastic. Add that to the brand new fittings (linen, cutlery, crockery… everything!) and you have one rad van – check out the snaps below!
Christchurch Earthquake Update.
What can we say? Our sincere thanks for all the messages of support we received following the Christchurch earthquake of February 2011.
Whilst the city recovers and there are still areas of the CBD closed off, Christchurch IS open for business and it remains the perfect gateway to your South Island experience.
Whilst our retail store in Cathedral Junction is now closed, our depot in Sydenham is fully functional and we have campervans ready to go, ensuring we meet our obligations to our international visitors. Yep…business as usual.
There are some superb airfares out there flying into Christchurch, so with a bit of planning, you could collect your Escape campervan in Christchurch, experience New Zealand and save a bob or two.
Escape is a small family business, 100% NZ owned and operated. We love Christchurch and we love New Zealand. So whilst we play our part in rebuilding Christchurch, we also remain committed to delivering a great product at a great price. Thanks for your support.
Freedom Camping in New Zealand
Bit of a hot topic in NZ of late, because unfortunately, a few irresponsible campers have ruined it for the rest of us.
A law was passed recently in NZ parliament which provides local councils the authority to issue instant fines for illegal camping (generally $200 payable by the driver of the vehicle).
We reckon the impact of this law for visitors from international markets like UK/Europe is minimal because you already know how to respect the environment.
New Zealand remains a great place to travel around independently and the camping facilities are superb. The Department of Conservation (DOC) operates around 300 campgrounds throughout New Zealand, many of which are free to use (or about $8 per person for powered sites where available) and we encourage all Escape campervan hirers to use these.
Remember, your Escape Campervan does not feature a chemical toilet (our research confirmed hirers would prefer not to use a toilet in smaller campers…and we really ‘get’ that ☺) but there are HEAPS of public toilets throughout NZ which are generally of a high standard. Some campgrounds will accept certified self-contained motorhomes only, so keep an eye out for that.
Freedom Camping is still OK in certain areas, but travellers are encouraged to seek advice on this from local I-Site (information) offices. Where there is no camping, it will be clearly signposted, so if you choose to camp there, you are at risk of incurring a fine.
But provided you take a responsible approach to camping and protecting the environment, you’ll be sweet ☺
For more information refer to: http://www.camping.org.nz
Escape Campervans provides detailed information on where to camp (including DOC guides) and our team will happily assist with planning travel itineraries.
Driving Tips
So we’re heading into spring now and summer on its way. But there may still be the occasional ‘cold snap’ or rain shower and driving in NZ can be a bit tricky, particularly if you’re not used to driving on the open road, on the left hand side of the road, or unsealed roads.
So being the caring types that we are, we thought we’d give you some advice. Considerate? Aw shucks, we do try.
First up: Check the forecast. A bit of planning does wonders. Bad weather? Forget it. If you don’t have to travel when the conditions are poor, don’t. Simple as that. But if you do have to travel, make sure your tank is full (you use more petrol in bad weather), where possible let people know where you’re travelling, drive during daylight and never drive when you’re tired.
Turn your headlights on low: Regardless of the time of day, driving with your headlights on low is the best way to let other drivers know you’re there. If you’re having trouble seeing them, chances are they’re having trouble seeing you. Headlights on low = win for everyone.
Follow the four second rule: In poor driving conditions, increase your following distance to at least 4 seconds. If the vehicle in front has to brake suddenly, that extra distance can make a lot of difference.
Slow down: Common sense, right? When the roads are wet or when visibility is rubbish, driving slower will give you more time to react and you’ll be able to brake sooner if necessary.
At the end of the day, simply drive to the conditions and be sensible about it. Hooning around like a maniac in the dark, in the snow is never going to end well.
So take care out there.
And if you’re thinking of travelling with Escape…thanks for checking us out. If you’re already on the road with us, we hope you’re having a brilliant time (and remember to drop us a few snaps will you?)
Haere Ra!
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| Escape Rentals. Who are we? |
Escape Rentals is a private company, not a huge corporate. We are 100% New Zealand owned and operated, established in 2003 with just 10 Campers. We now operate over 200!
And we’re proud and personable. We love New Zealand and we love Escape. We get a kick out of providing international visitors the trip of a life time.
Our campervans are sweet, but we know customer service also plays a huge role in your overall holiday experience. So we do our best to look after you the moment you contact us or walk in the door.
Our service levels are recognized as ‘best in practice’ and our passenger satisfaction ratings are superb. That’s why we’re the highest ranked backpacker campervan operator featured on www.rankers.co.nz an independent online questionnaire aimed solely at backpacker travelers.
| Escape Charity & Sponsorship |
At the risk of sounding a bit ‘preachy’ we believe we all play a role in trying to make the world a better place. Escape Campervans is therefore proud to support three key charities: The National Kiwi Trust, the World Wildlife Foundation and the New Zealand AIDS Foundation.
 The National Kiwi Trust is supported via an annual sponsorship paid for by Escape Rentals. Already, we have sponsored the successful hatching of two kiwi chicks named ‘Purere’ and ‘Tingo Tingo’ which is Maori for ‘Escape’ and ‘Speckled’ respectively. These were hatched at the Kiwi Encounter at Rainbow Springs in Rotorua.
 The kiwi is a treasured, national icon, yet despite this status, these flightless birds are an endangered species. The kiwi population halves about every 10 years and without human intervention, the survival rate for young kiwis in the wild is only 5%.
That’s why the National Kiwi Trust is so important and why Escape Rentals is so proud to support this programme. With our help, there will be more kiwis hatched and we think that’s pretty cool. |
 For the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) and the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, we support these charities via our charity vans. We have two campervans dedicated to these charities and we donate 5% of all revenue generated for each van. When you book an Escape Campervan, feel free to request one of our charity vans.
 The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) is about conservation in New Zealand. WWF - New Zealand promotes positive action to reduce the impacts of climate change; campaigns to stop dolphins and seabirds being caught by fishers and educates the next generation about the importance of managing our precious environment. Donations from Escape Campervans to WWF NZ are directed towards the preservation of Hectors and Maui dolphins. Both are unique to New Zealand and are critically endangered. To find out more or to make a donation yourself, visit www.wwf.org.nz.
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 The New Zealand AIDS Foundation is a registered charitable trust which works to prevent the transmission of HIV in New Zealand amongst high-risk groups, particularly gay and bisexual men. It provides support and education for all New Zealanders living with or affected by HIV, irrespective of race, age, gender or sexual orientation.
With around 2,000 New Zealanders living with HIV and numbers growing every year, demands on their services continue to grow, placing greater strain on existing funding sources.  The New Zealand AIDS Foundation relies on donations and support from individuals and businesses in order to support the ongoing delivery of HIV prevention and support services. To find out more or to make a donation yourself, visit www.nzaf.org.nz.
When you rent an Escape Campervan, you’re supporting these charities. So thanks. |
| Escape Campervans - Keepin' it green! |
All of us at Escape love New Zealand and we know you will too. It’s a beautiful place to travel around and to live in and we want to keep it that way.
So please, be respectful of the environment. Clean up after yourself and be aware of how you dispose of your waste. Here's a few tips to help you care for the environment.
Click here.
Protect the environment for your own sake, for the sake of those who come after you, and for the environment itself. "The land is the property of a great family, some of whom are living, a few of whom are dead, most of whom are yet to come".
10 Point Checklist
1. Protect plants and animals
Treat New Zealand’s forests and birds with care and respect. They are unique and often rare.
2. Remove rubbish
Litter is unattractive, harmful to wildlife and can increase vermin and disease. Plan your visits to reduce rubbish, and carry out what you carry in.
3.
Bury toilet waste
There are heaps of public toilets in NZ. These are usually of a reasonable standard, and we recommend using them. If you get stuck short in areas without toilet facilities, bury your toilet waste in a shallow hole well away from waterways, tracks, campsites, and huts.
4. Keep streams and lakes clean
When cleaning and washing, take the water and wash well away from the water source. Because soaps and detergents are harmful to water-life, drain used water into the soil to allow it to be filtered. If you suspect the water may be contaminated, either boil it for at least 3 minutes, filter it, or chemically treat it.
5.
Take care with fires
Portable fuel stoves are less harmful to the environment and are more efficient than a fire. If you do use a fire, keep it small, use only dead wood and make sure it is out by dousing it with water, checking the ashes before leaving and always keep an eye out for ‘No fire zones’ in areas of extreme fire hazards.
6. Camp carefully
When camping, leave no trace of your visit (and always ask a local).
7. Keep to the track
By keeping to the track, where one exists, you lessen the chance of damaging fragile plants.
8. Consider others
People visit the back country and rural areas for many reasons. Be considerate of other visitors who also have a right to enjoy the natural environment.
9. Respect our cultural heritage
Many places in New Zealand have a spiritual and historical significance. Treat these places with consideration and respect.
10. Enjoy your visit
Enjoy your outdoor experience. Take a last look before leaving an area; will the next visitor know that you have been there?
And we know Escape Rentals has a responsibility to be green too. That’s why our depots have recycling facilities for our hirers and recycling programmes for our staff to adhere to.
All used oil, tyres and vehicle parts are recycled and where possible, we use bio-degradable products to clean and maintain our campers.
 We are also proud to say that Escape Rentals has offset the carbon emitted by our daily in-house operations. Carbon South Limited conducts an independent annual audit of our emissions so we can identify areas where further reductions can be made.
And you can offset your carbon emissions too. Again, in cooperation with Carbon South Ltd, Escape is offering hirers the opportunity to offset carbon emissions for air travel and holiday time spent in New Zealand. Our standard packages include offsets for return air travel, driving our campervan, energy use, and rubbish disposal.
When you book your New Zealand Campervan holiday, you will have an option to select 'Carbon offset fee'.
The fee you will pay will depend on your country of origin.
Australia: $70 Asia/US: $138 UK/Europe: $206
This is completely optional. You can view more about Carbon South by clicking on the following link: www.carbonsouth.co.nz
Check out the attached clips below and feel free to submit your own. We’ve been profiled on BBC travel shows and on Lonely Planet TV. We’ve also recently introduced Escape campers into the USA (Click here to visit our Escape US site) so have a look at the links below and let us know what you think.
   
| Photo and video competiton |
 Our hirers are a talented bunch! We’ve received so many brilliant photos from you all over the years. Many of these we use on our website and a few are used within our brochures (with your approval of course!)
So we reckon it’s time for us to say thanks! We really appreciate it!
So send us your digital photos or videos (or links) and you’ll be in the draw to win $100. We’re looking for photos or videos that capture a true New Zealand ‘escapade’. Maybe a shot of the van with you in it (or on it!) against a stunning backdrop? Perhaps something a little quirky? As long as it’s uniquely New Zealand, capturing the essence of a ‘Great Escape’.
Just send it in via email with a note confirming you’re ok for us to use the image and you’ll be in with a chance. The winner is selected after ‘heated debate’ within our customer service crew :)
This is a monthly prize and the winner will be notified by email.
 Love Facebook? We do too! So get on the internet machine, punch in www.facebook.com/EscapeRentalsNZ and have a look. Become our friend! Stalk us before arrive in NZ to see what we’re like. Keep in touch while you’re travelling with us and let us know how you’re going after you’ve departed our fair shores. Send us your stories, your ideas and your photos. We love images of your epic travels because it reminds us how wonderful New Zealand really is. Come on, let’s be internet friends. We bet you’re really choice.
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 Not only do we have a Facebook page, but we do the ‘Twitter’ thing as well. And whilst it’s critical that you know when we’re all craving salt and vinegar crisps, or how we feel about Lindsay Lohan’s latest ‘adventure’, we reckon it’s even more important to keep you in the loop with the cool stuff… like if we’re doing a sneaky discounted rate, or chucking in freebies (for those in the know of course). Twitter is super handy like that, so if you’re keen, get amongst it and follow us @EscapeRentals.
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| Come Again! Or Refer a Friend! |
If you’ve travelled with us before and are thinking of coming again, contact us for your ‘Escapee Discount’. This will save you a further 10% on your hire. Or if you’re recommending us to a friend (thanks!) tell them to request the ‘Friend of Escapee’ 10% discount also.
All we need is your previous Escape reservation number or your surname and dates of when you travelled with us last. We’ll sort it from there. Contact bookings@escaperentals.co.nz
We love our campervans. And it appears we’re not alone. A large percentage of our business is ‘word of mouth’… happy campers that have recommended Escape Campervans to their friends and fellow travellers. But don’t take our word for it
Click here to find out what some of our previous hirers think about Escape.
| The team at Escape go to great lengths to ensure you
receive a first class vehicle, everything you need and indepth local
knowledge to make your Campervan holiday the trip of a lifetime.Our team are a well travelled crew who are passionate
about our Campervans, country and customer satisfaction.A large percentage of our business has been driven
from referrals and Escape rentals have been labelled as 'New Zealand's
best budget travel option', but don't take our word for it, here's
what some of our clients have said about us... |
Hi Andrew and colleagues!!
Just a quick note to say we had the best time ever on our honeymoon,
and we couldn’t have picked a better camper van company than
you guys. From the moment we booked, right up to the sad farewell
of dropping off the van. It’s funny how you become quite attached
to them and their individual character.
We managed to travel quite a few kilometers during the 2 weeks we
had, and it was reassuring to know that we had a reliable van to take
us to many places we had only read in guide books!
We were so impressed we have recommended you to a friend who is on
his way to New Zealand in March next year, and said you won’t
travel in a more funky van than the Escape van, and it was great to
wave to other Escape van drivers on our travels, it was like being
part of a family!
Well done guy’s and keep them travellers smiling J
Regards
Ellie Johnson-(formally Ellie Smithurst)
Support Officer
Bournemouth City Council |
Hi Roger
I hope you
recieved the feedback form that I sent, Thought I'd send you an
email.We really did have the best time in New Zealand, but four weeks
wasn't long enough, we found everyone so friendly and it was interesting
speaking to people and finding out where their ancesters originally
came from.We got on very well in our lovely Yellow Lava campervan, it was
comfortable and just the right size, our little home for twenty
three days, it was so easy to drive. Everyone admired it, we had
people coming out of shops to comment on how cool it looked, and
one lady took a photo of it!!
We found the campsites so good, with all the kitchen facilities,
you just don't get that over here.Have enclosed some photos from our trip, first one is meeting up
with family in Matata, the 4by4 isn't really on top of our van!
the second one is on the Peloros sounds, the third is at the Mall
in TaurangaUntil our next trip
Sally Songour
|
Hi,
Just a quick e-mail to say a big
thank you for giving us the best holiday we've ever had. Ginger
proved an excellent companion for our journey around NZ (we miss
him loads!) We've managed to wade through the 1,000+ photos we took
and a few prize ones are attached for you.
We watched the BBC Holiday programme last night here in the U.K
and it brought all the memories flooding back! Once again, many
thanks and all the very best for the future. Kind
Regards,
Chris
Bignall & Catherine Birrell
(owners of Ginger 10th Jan 07 - 8th
Feb 07!!!) |
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for the confirmation, we just wanted to make sure everything
was sorted (we are Swiss ...)
Here are some more pictures of the van in idyllic Raglan landscape,
that we had to check out after receiving this van.
We also wanted to congratulate you for the work you are doing with
this company.
Your company rocks and we were so happy with the van that after
sleeping in it for a month, we were quite sad to drop it off !!
We won't forget to recommend you to the next friends visiting this
awesome country !!
So thank you New Zealand and thank you Escape for this totally unforgettable
trip.
Frederic Jaggi & Dominique Willi
P.S : feel free to use
our pictures as you wish |
Hi,
we want to thank you very much for your
great welcome. We appreciated the NZ, Belgian and German touches of
your staff !
We enjoyed a lot our travel in your beautif country and people are
friendly as never seen before !
We send you two photos for the next competition in November !
Congratulations for your organisation !
Best regards
Sophie & Olivier Cabre
Nouméa, New Calédonia |
Hi Andrew
We recently
returned from a trip round the world including an amazing 9 days
with your campervan 'Animal' (well that's what we called her anyway!)
going from Wellington up to Auckland. We had an absolutely brilliant
time and loved the freedom that the campervan gave us – also the
bed was the most comfortable we slept in on our whole trip I think!
We have told so many of our friends that they have to do the same
if they come to NZ so thank you so much for offering such a unique
experience. Everywhere we went people came up to admire the van
as well, and ask where we'd got it from. We really liked the no-frills
option with so much character that the vans have and we are so taken
with it that we'd like to buy a similar van here or get one converted.
We don't want the luxuries of a wardrobe or shower compartment,
just a double bed and a kitchen in the back like yours! We have
withdrawal symptoms from the complete freedom of packing up your
bed and driving off within about 10 minutes whilst those around
you fuss with tents and poles. We were very sad to say goodbye to
the campervan, but we have some great photos and memories, thank
you again for a great trip.
Best wishes
Wendy and Dan (Wales) |
Dear Mike
Thank you for assisting us with the best
holiday we have ever had. The Camper was perfect, had everything we
needed and the spots you suggested to go were unbelievable. Hardly
saw another tourist (except for a few other Escape Campers). As you
Kiwis say...CHOICE!
Jemma and Fritz - Netherlands |
Hi Andrew
We have decided to write
this email to show our gratitude and appreciation for you and all
other people in escape. When we planned our trip in New Zealand
and searched for a campervan, we decided to rent one from escape
without any previous knowledge or recommendations; we just had a
good feeling about it. And very quickly we came to realize that
we have made the right choice. As you might remember we have had
some incidents and some special circumstances during our trip and
fortunately we have found you and all other people in escape outstandingly
kind, helpful and understanding. Except for the perfect campervan
(that we miss very much…) we have received from you the best service
and support for all our needs and requests. We have had a great
experience traveling in your beautiful country and escape rentals
has a big part of it. We were happy to recommend about escape during
our travels and we are very happy to keep doing it now when we are
back home and people ask us for tips about traveling in NZ. Attached
you will find a few pictures of the campervan from our trip, in
case you would like to make some use of them.
Many thanks and best
regards,
Ada Bernstein & Guy Redansky. Israel. |
Back to reality, we looked to your
web site and we surprisingly and proudly found that you choose our
pictures to show our dear Tatoo in the Gallery. After one month
living in Tatoo, we became addicted and bought a van to travel 7
months in Australia ! We never forget to talk about you everytime
we meet travellers going to NZ. Next time we come, we'd like to
go for Asterix... tellement Gaullois!
Marie & Pascal (France+Quebec)
www.aptisys.com/TDM/html/nz.html (NZ travel diary, and loads of
pictures) |
Dear Guys.
Just a
quick letter of appreciation for assisting us with a very excellent
holiday in your beautiful Country. We will have to come back next
Year to explore the South Island. (NZ is much bigger than it looks
on the map). We will be sure to recommend Escape to our friends.
Thanks again. Ingrid and Marcus -Hamburg- GermanyHi Andrew. We're having a good time in Oz, but the
travelling distances are knackering! Managed to buy a nice camper,
painted blue and green (we're trying to design something exciting
to paint on it!), bigger than Mitre Peak but not so charismatic!
Thanks for all your help with the van, we really had a great time
in NZ and, if possible, would love to come back some day.
All the
best Bron and Steve-Wales-UK |
Hi guys.
We want to extend our warmest
thanks to Escape for their excellent service, amazing van and inside
knowledge of one of the most beautiful countries we have ever had
the pleasure to explore.
Kim and Donald. Wales-UK |
Hey,
We had promised to send you
some pictures of our rented campervan. So here is one, we will send
you another one soon. We liked the campervan very much, it's the
ideal way to travel!
See ya,
Jeroen, Rick and Harm-Netherlands |
Escape,
Just wanted to thank-you for the great experience
we had using your van. So many people complimented us on the Super
Hero art, I had to start saying it was mine (just kidding)! We loved
the waves with other "Escapees" and the crazy questions - you should
know some people think it's a cult. In any case, we're believers.
Some friends are headed your way and we will be sure to let them
know how to contact you.
Thanks again, Amy Cornish - Colorado, US |
Dear Escape team.
I just wanted to send you a quick email to congratulate you on offerring
a fantastic way to experience New Zealand. After my initial concerns
over the fairly loud artwork (we had the Tana van), we soon realised
that New Zealanders and other travellers were more interactive than
with other travelers. Met a lot of great people.
Thanks again. P.S
great service too. N MacDonald - UK |
Escape has been around for a few years now and in that time, we’ve managed to forge some great relationships with our travel industry partners.
One of the most important relationships is the one we have with our ‘brother’ Escape Campervans USA.
This is a new venture from the team that originally developed Escape Campervans New Zealand. It’s the same concept - cool campers, personal service and great value – but on a very different scale. With depots in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco, an Escape Campervan is a great way to experience the good ole’ USA! Click on the link above to find out more.
And we can’t forget our close cousins across the ditch. Heading to Australia? Make sure you contact our mates at Escape Australia/Travelers Auto Barn. They’ve got Australia covered with a huge range of vehicles ideally suited to backpacker travel.
And it might have been Johnny Cash that sung 'I’ve been everywhere man’ but when it comes to New Zealand, we reckon we know a thing or two. Listed below is a number of website links for cool attractions, mind blowing activities, stunning campgrounds and more. Check ‘em out!
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