The Escape Rentals campervan rental depot in Christchurch is located just a short 10-15 minute walk from the Bus Exchange, conveniently located in the centre of Christchurch City.
It’s close to several hostels and hotels also.
Christchurch, and the wider Canterbury region, provides a whole array of world renowned things to see and do.
It’s more than just a stop-over or a quick stay before your epic campervan road trip.
We’ve provided a few of our top-rated activities and attractions to see and do while in Christchurch, as well as some great (and affordable) accommodation options for you to consider before or after you make your ‘Great Escape’.
Escape Rentals Christchurch depot.
Depot hours
Monday to Friday:
9am – 4pm (depot closes at 5pm)
Saturday:
9am – 3pm (depot closes at 4pm)
Sunday:
9am – 2pm (depot closes at 3pm)
Public Holidays: Closed
*closed on weekends between June – September
After hours pick-up
Pickups outside these times can sometimes be arranged for an extra fee ($125 – $175), but you’ll have to check if this service is available with us first. And you will be charged this fee in addition to your daily hire, so we recommend our campervan hirers spend the first night in a hostel or hotel before collecting your vehicle, particularly after a long flight.
It’s safer, probably cheaper, and this also addresses any issues that may arise from late flights or missed connections.
Accommodation in Christchurch.
There’s a great range of cheap accommodation options in Christchurch.
It’s safer to ensure you’re well rested before hitting the road, and will most likely work out cheaper if any unforeseen issues may arise due to late flights or missed connections etc.
Flight delays and traffic can sometimes impact on your ability to collect your vehicle at the agreed time, so plan well in advance and consider booking accommodation in Christchurch before you arrive.
A few centrally located, and affordable hostels are listed below.
Jailhouse Accommodation
Address: 338 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch 8024
Phone: 03 982 7777
Website: jail.co.nz
Around the World Backpackers
Address: 314 Barbadoes Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
Phone: 03 365 4363
Website: aroundtheworld.co.nz
How to get ‘to and from’ the Escape Rentals Christchurch depot.
To keep our daily rates as low as possible, Escape Rentals doesn’t offer an Airport Transfer service. But we are pleased to provide a discounted cab fare.
If you are at Christchurch Airport, call First Direct Taxis from a landline once you have collected your bags and cleared customs. Their freephone number is 0800 50 55 55. We have a special deal of only $50 (cash only) for Escape Rentals customers.
Alternatively, Steve’s Shuttles who provides transfers from the airport to the city daily. Just call Steve and the team on 0800 10 10 21 to arrange pickup ($33 for 2 people cash, or $35 paid via credit card). $5 extra per additional passenger.
Uber is available in Christchurch also.
There is also the Metro bus for approx $8-9 per person. The Metro bus departs the airport terminal every 30 minutes during the day (from 6am to 10pm) and will drop you off at the Central Bus Exchange (the Escape Rentals depot is a short 10-15 minute walk from there).
Campervan rental deals on hires ex Christchurch.
* All Deals and Discounts are available for new bookings only – subject to availability. Deals can’t be used in conjunction with any other deal. Additional days may be available on request. Escape Rentals reserves the right to decline bookings or withdraw this offer at any time, without notice.
Escape with confidence!
After 20+ years and 40,000+ hires, we are proud to keep hearing good things about us.
4.7/5
200+ reviews
4.7/5
100+ reviews
84%
200+ reviews
Things to do in Christchurch.
Christchurch is a vibrant little city.
We have street art, cool new pop-up projects, restaurants of all kinds and a mix of both old and new architecture that gives us that quirky bit of character.
Regardless of what you’re seeking in your NZ road trip, Christchurch (and the greater Canterbury region) has something to offer.
Below are a few lists of some of our favourite Christchurch activities.
The Top 5 Day Trips from Christchurch.
1. Kaikoura
2.5 hour drive from Christchurch via SH1
Whales, dolphins, fur seals and giant albatross that can be seen by boat, helicopter or plane. Go on a Maori cultural tour. And don’t forget to try some local seafood – at a restaurant, fish and chip shop, or the iconic crayfish caravan.
2. Hanmer Springs
1.5 hour drive from Christchurch via SH7
Go for a soak in the thermal pools, or a relaxing spa. Or perhaps a nature walk, mountain biking, a jet boat ride, or a bungy jump? Cafes and restaurants a-plenty for afterwards.
3. Akaroa
1 hour drive from Christchurch via SH75
It’s a terrific scenic drive over to Banks Peninsula, then find yourself in the French charm of this picturesque seaside settlement. There’s boutique stores and galleries to browse, have a café lunch and a drop of the local tonic. Board a cruise to view rare and spectacular wildlife – and even swim with them.
4. Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
3.5 hour drive from Christchurch via SH8
The drive here encompasses Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, you’ll want to stop for photos. Then experience this spectacular alpine environment and New Zealand’s highest peak – Aoraki Mt Cook. Walks, scenic flights, or a glacier trip from Mt Cook Village are on offer. Home of the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, with 3D movie, a digital Planetarium and a museum.
5. South Canterbury magic
2 hour drive from Christchurch via SH1
Visit Geraldine with the cheese and jam shops, and take a picnic to enjoy in the Talbot or Peel Forest areas close by. Plenty of museums and Timaru boasts an impressive innovative art gallery. Check out picturesque Caroline Bay and the Southern Alps, and have a look at the famous pottery in Temuka.
The Best Beach Spots in & around Christchurch.
Here in Christchurch, we have some great beach spots right on our doorstep.
1. Corsair Bay
Just a few minutes’ drive from Lyttelton is the perfect place for a picnic. Swim out to the pontoon or sunbathe the afternoon away.
2. Sumner & Scarborough
A popular spot for swimming and surfing. The beach promenade is perfect for a walk and why not have an ice cream too?
3. Taylors Mistake
Ideal surfing beach but also popular with runners, hikers and bikers. The tracks along the coast offer stunning views and a fair chance of spotting some NZ wildlife.
4. New Brighton Beach
Famous for the pier and library with the sea view, New Brighton is also a water sport lover’s dream. Kite Day in January is one to look out for.
5. Akaroa Banks Peninsula
Dive in off Daly’s Wharf or go for a drive to explore the outer bays. Theres several restaurants & cafés along the waterfront in Akaroa to enjoy also.
6. Waikuku Beach
A great beach for fishing or kitesurfing. The Waikuku domain has a flying fox, tennis court, basketball court and a skateboard area. There’s forest walks too or 5 different golf courses to try close by.
7. Woodend Beach
Popular and safe for swimming, surfing, walking and running. A nice spot for picnics too.
Top 4 Christchurch Activities.
1. Canterbury Museum
Discover the history of Christchurch and surrounds
2. International Antarctic Centre
Learn more about our connections to “the ice”.
3. Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Take a stroll around the centre of the Garden City.
4. Adrenalin Forest
Tackle an aerial obstacle course up in the tree tops.
The Top 5 Fun Things To Do in Christchurch. (in our opinion)
Our team in Christchurch put their heads together to list their favourite things to do when they aren’t at work getting you going on your NZ roadie..
Here’s what they came up with:
1. Madame Kwongs (Riccarton)
Chinese food on a grand scale – get yourself a good feed in an huge open plan setting.
2. Graffiti Tour (CHC City)
Park your van up and take a walk around the central city to check out the large (and sometimes small!) scale graffiti art. Some of the best artists in NZ (and the world) have applied their touch to many of the buildings post-earthquake. Including our own Elliot, one of the artists who bring our vans to life
3. Arcadia (CHC City)
Love a bit of retro? Arcadia offers Christchurch’s largest selection of retro video games and pinball machines, pool tables, big screen playstations as well as serving burgers and beers.
4. Scorpio Books (CHC City)
What better companion on a road trip than a good read to go with your fish ‘n’ chips? Scorpio Books have a huge selection from classics to modern.
5. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve (Harewood, nr CHC Airport)
For our money, the best place to see a kiwi in an enclosed setting. Along with heaps of other NZ wildlife (watch out for the keas in their enclosure, they like to land on your head!)