Escape Rentals New Zealand

Escape Rentals New Zealand — Review

Escape Rentals has been sending travellers around New Zealand for over 20 years, racking up more than 40,000 hires along the way. That longevity in a competitive budget market is no accident. The company has built its reputation on transparent pricing, honest inclusions, and — perhaps most distinctively — campervans that look like nothing else on the road. Every van in the fleet is hand-painted by local Kiwi artists, with over 200 unique designs in rotation. You're not driving a white box — you're driving a moving piece of New Zealand street art.

The Fleet

Escape runs three models, each designed for a different kind of traveller. The Escape Standard (2007–2011 Toyota HiAce) is the budget entry point — it seats and sleeps up to three adults, includes kitchen equipment and bedding, but is not self-contained, meaning you need powered campsites or DOC sites with toilet facilities. It's built for travellers on a tight budget who are happy to plan their stops around facilities.

The Escape S/C (2009–2012 HiAce) adds a certified fixed toilet, making it legally self-contained for New Zealand's freedom camping rules. That opens up a huge range of DOC huts and roadside freedom camping spots that the Standard can't access. No fridge — you work with a chilly bin — but the core self-contained certification is here. This is the sweet spot for budget travellers who want genuine flexibility.

The Escape S/C Plus (2014–2021 HiAce) is the flagship: newer, lower mileage, self-contained, and adds a fridge and 240V power plugs. If you're travelling in summer heat or have dietary requirements that need refrigeration, this is the right van. It's also the most fuel-efficient of the three, given the newer powertrains.

What's Included

Escape's no-hidden-costs policy is worth taking seriously. Every van comes with unlimited kilometres, free bedding (professionally laundered between hires), kitchen equipment (gas cooker, cutlery, crockery, pots), beach chairs, a free SIM card, a USB adapter plug, and a solar shower. There's no charge for additional drivers, and basic insurance is included — you can upgrade to nil liability if you want full peace of mind. Snow chains are available free of charge during winter (May–September, subject to availability). One-way hires between Auckland and Christchurch are permitted, which makes a classic North-to-South (or South-to-North) New Zealand road trip straightforward to plan.

Depots and Operations

Two depots: Auckland at 8A Stoddard Place, Mount Roskill — roughly midway between the airport and the CBD — and Christchurch at 15 Kingsley Street, Sydenham, a 10–15 minute walk from the Bus Exchange. Both are family-run operations with a practical, no-nonsense feel. After-hours pickup is available for a fee ($125–$175) if you need it, though Escape sensibly recommends arriving a day early and spending the night locally to avoid flight-delay complications.

The company is Qualmark endorsed — New Zealand's official quality assurance mark for tourism operators. That's a meaningful signal: it means independent auditors have verified that Escape delivers what it promises and has processes to resolve issues when they arise.

The Art

The painted vans deserve a mention of their own. With over 200 designs — everything from native Kiwi birds and ocean creatures to abstract lava flows and pop-culture references — every Escape campervan is genuinely unique. It's become part of the brand's identity. Travellers track down their favourite designs, post them on social media, and sometimes specifically request a van they've seen before. For a budget operator in a commoditised market, this is smart differentiation.

Honest Assessment

The fleet is older and higher-mileage than premium operators like Britz or Maui. The Standard model's 280,000–350,000+ km odometer reading is not a typo. Escape maintains the vehicles rigorously (new parts, regular servicing) and backs them with 24/7 AA roadside assistance, so breakdowns are rare — but if you want a newer, lower-mileage vehicle, you'll pay more with a different operator. For budget-first travellers who want a reliable, charming, and genuinely well-equipped van that's legal for freedom camping, Escape is one of the best value propositions in New Zealand. It's also worth considering over competitors like JUCY or Spaceships if unique van artwork matters to you — neither comes close on that front.