Ara Rentals Review

Editors Review

Last Updated: 9/11/19

Ara Rentals is a budget campervan rental service offering 2-3 berth campervans. They pride themselves in offering a very low-cost alternative to motorhomes and other campervans in New Zealand. They are a small family business, where you can expect friendly, efficient customer service.

About Ara Rentals

Based in Christchurch, Ara Rentals has been a family-owned and operated company since 1995. This small campervan hire has always been a budget-oriented company. They only have one branch located in Belfast, Christchurch, they allow one way and return hires between Christchurch and Auckland airports with no relocation charges. Furthermore, they offer free transfers between the airport, during the day of hire and day of return, within their office hours. And if you want to explore the country without breaking the rules, then don't miss to know the freedom camping rules beforehand. For all of the no-frills touting and the economical angle at which Ara markets their fleet, they actually do provide quite a bit of extra that is included in the rental price. 

Fleet

The fleet consists of 2+3 berth campervans that are economical and simple to drive. The campervans are available in two models—the ARA2 and the ARA3—and are branded by Toyota, Nissan, and similar manufacturers. Because the focus is on the economy, the fleet is a bit long in the tooth, ranging from 1995 to 2000 models. This age, however, does not mean they are beaters. They are well-maintained and frequently serviced to assure a reliable rental (this, plus roadside assistance, is rather reassuring).

Some of the inclusive extras are very handy to have, too—such as area maps and brochures, deck chairs, pots and pans, sheets, towels, pillows, sleeping bags and duvet (doona), bowls, and buckets. Plus, there are a few optional add-ons that cost cheaper but are harder to get with other economy rentals, such as DVD players, baby seats, and chemical toilets. 

Vehicles

ARA2

The ARA2 models are 1995-1997 manual models that sleep two and provide facilities including fridge, 2/3 burner gas hob, microwave, air-con, hot and cold water, shower, cassette toilet, and more. You can choose either two single beds or one double bed, but both already come with bedding. This high-top model gives extra space for stretching and even standing up inside the unit. Hence, if you're a couple looking for a self-contained unit with enough space, this one is a decent choice. 

ARA3

Built on 1999-2000 models, ARA3 are dubbed to be budget family campervans that accommodate 2 adults and 1 child. It's equipped with all the family essentials, from a fully-furnished kitchen to a large sleeping space. Just take note that this one does not provide an onboard shower and toilet. That is why you are required to rent the portable chemical toilets at NZ $25.00 per hire. But because of that, you'll have heaps of storage areas for your stuff.

Insurance 

Ara Rentals comes with mandatory insurance of  $20/ day for a standard excess/bond amounting to NZ $2,500. On top of the required daily rate, you have the option to reduce the excess/ bond by paying an extra amount. Payment of NZ $10/day reduces the liability to NZ $1,000 and NZ $16/day to NZ $500. The mandatory insurance is quite surprising, though it's reasonable because of the cheaper standard excess. 

Reputation

Ara has a good reputation for offering reliable transportation on the cheap. They are upfront about all charges, insurance, and what’s covered by the minimum mandatory legal insurance, and how much the driver will be responsible for in the case of repairs being required. And if you do run into some damage, the reputation for handling such matters is not what you’d expect from a “small” family business. Perhaps it’s because they are so upfront about what they will and will not cover, and are forthright about what you’re expected to pay in the event of a mishap. They have a reputation for basics—simplicity—and that’s exactly what you get. 

Summary

This company is a small, straight-forward, family-owned and operated business that provides very basic campervans at a good price. They are extremely budget-friendly and market to the low-budget, money-conscious crowd. Luckily, they do provide quite a bit of extra with their service, which makes up for the bare necessities feel of the rental. Ultimately, you will get just a little bit more than what you pay for with the majority of the fleet, and, should you encounter any problems, you will receive the assistance you need from this family-oriented company.