Mode Car & Camper Rentals Review

Rated 2.4 / 5 from 4 reviews

Editors Review

Last Updated: 10/12/19

Specializing in car rentals, Mode Car & Camper Rentals extends its range to campervan rentals, featuring unbranded and refurbished Toyota Estima or Nissan Serena models.

About Mode Car & Camper Rentals

Without a doubt, Mode Car & Camper Rentals is a name in the rental industry in New Zealand. Well, it isn't a new company after all. Originally Blue Sky Rentals, they changed their name to Mode Car & Camper Rentals in 2016.  They have pick-up and drop-off at Auckland Airport, Auckland CBD and Christchurch airport, as well as shuttle services. Their car and campervan hires are fairly priced with great inclusions and some add-ons. With multiple pick-up and drop-off points and self-contained campervans, it's easy to freedom camp around NZ. So, check the freedom camping rules before you hit the road.  

Fleet

Their campervan rental fleet provides two options for renters: the 2-seater and the 4-seater. Both campervans are refurbished models that drive like cars. Good thing is, these units do not come with any loud exteriors. These are all unbranded with no trace of marketing hints so that you can wander around the scenic NZ roads like Kiwis and not hyped tourists. Most of the campervans are automatic vehicles that can fit out booster seats and baby capsules. To add some camping vibes, an outdoor table and chairs are provided. GPS and other accessories including phone, sound system, snow chains, and roof racks can be added to your rental.

Vehicles

Powered Self-contained Camper

Starting the fleet is this 2019 refurbished Nissan Serena that comfortably sleeps two. This is the flagship of Mode Car & Camper Rentals as it comes with a unique feature that isn't in most of their campervans―and that is the powered fridge. Freedom camp with this extra convenience and store your food and drinks with ease. Ideally, this camper still leaves for extra space for your gear. And of course, basic camping essentials are provided, including two seating spaces, a table, a rear kitchen, and a portable toilet. 

Self-contained Camper 2 Berth

This 2 berth Toyota Estima is a refurbished 2018 unit with air conditioning, power steering, central locking, and electric windows. Even with its size, it can exactly sleep two people in the multi-purpose double bed with mattress, bedding and even towels. The back area is for the kitchen equipped with a portable gas cooker, freshwater storage, 20L chilly bin and kitchen utensils. With a self-containment sticker, this camper can let you freedom camp with ease. 

Camper 2 Berth

 The campervan is ideal for unassuming couples or friends who wouldn't mind the limited height and length. This one is pretty the same as the Self-contained Camper 2 Berth, except for the refurbished age. This may be a bit older―a 2015 refurbished Toyota Estima, but it has a bigger chilly bin/ esky at 25L.

Budget Camper 2 Berth

If you're on a budget, there's the Mazda Bongo with no-frills but all essentials. Travel in comfort with this camper that provides more than enough space for two as it does not come with a kitchen. Mattress, bedding, kitchen utensils, towels, and a 20L chilly bin are stuffed inside so you've got an extra interior room. So, if you prefer minimalist camping, this one is worth the try!

Insurance

The standard insurance (Option A) is included in the rental, with an insurance excess of $3,000 for drivers over the age of 21, if not $3,500. The company offers reduced liability options for an additional daily rate. Option B at $15/ day reduces the liability to $1, 500 while Option C at $24/ day limits the excess to zero, plus windscreen damage. Take note that excess/ liability for drivers under 21 comes with an additional $500. And to cover the liability, a pre-authorization bond is required through credit card or cash. 

Reputation

Even with their previous name as Blue Sky Rentals, this NZ company is already popular. They are known for their great service and good prices. With their new name, Mode Car & Camper Rentals have now three locations across NZ, making them very convenient for pick-up and drop-off. Their campervans are great value for money, with the inclusion of bedding supplies, silverware, camping table and chairs and more. Though only limited options are on the range, and most are refurbished models, these units are decent and unbranded so you can travel like a local. 

Summary

Mode Car & Camper Rentals is great for those who don't mind renting a refurbished campervan that is priced at a good rate with all essentials plus some extras onboard. 

From the Agency

No word from this agency yet. Come back and see if they checked in soon.

Pros

  • Value for money
  • Decent and reliable rental
  • Multiple pick-up and drop-off services

Cons

  • Not brand new models
  • Campervans suitable for two only

Facilities

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Write Your Own Review

Tell the world about your experience renting from this company
Ronnie - avatar not loaded
, New Zealand
1 Review

"An Absolute Disgrace to New Zealand Tourism"

  • Reviewed 3 years ago

Rented a car for 4 days. The price quoted on several sites got doubled because of several hidden costs. When we protested our booking was canceled and 75% of the money that’s 3 days inflated price was taken from our credit card. Several messages were left no one responded.
Thugs of the car rental business. Stay clear

1Service 1Mechanical 1Interior 1Value
Mark - avatar not loaded
, Australia
1 Review

"Really good experience."

  • Reviewed 4 years ago

We hired a car from mode for our 10 day tour around the New Zealand North Island. We found their service to be excellent. Firstly, we were able to easily arrange everything over the internet and 1 phone call before we left, so it was all taken care of when we arrived. Our flight arrived very late, it was about 1:30 a.m. before we got out of the airport. Because it was out of hours, Mode had arranged for a local hotel shuttle to pick us up, and had the car ready to go at the hotel when we arrived. The car was in very good condition, and ran without a problem throughout our trip, and for a small additional fee they were able to provide us with a GPS, which made our journeying so much easier. On return of the vehicle 10 days later, the vehicle was inspected, and our security bond returned to us (cancelled - held on card). They then gave us a ride to the airport. The ability to rent a quality vehicle for around $32 a day was what made our trip possible. I highly recommend Mode. We found them to be professional, up front and honest in all of our dealings.

4Service 4Mechanical 5Interior 5Value
Nienna - avatar not loaded
, New Zealand
1 Review

"Be weary!"

  • Reviewed 4 years ago

Be very weary of this rental car company. We turned up to pick up our online booked car and when paying they overcharged us by $96. They said what was showing on their computer was different from the online price, they did refund straight away. We paid the premium insurance price so that we had zero excess, however when inspecting the car we asked to make sure we were covered for everything and got told that we were not covered for single car incidents, ie if we accidentally drove into a pole we were not covered and would be liable for the full cost of the damage! We didn't want to take the risk and asked for our money back, which they did do straight away. Lesson learned for us to check the conditions before paying next time, but we have never encountered this with other rental companies before. Ended up Ubering to our motel.

2Service 1Mechanical 1Interior 1Value
T. Koehler - avatar not loaded
, United States
1 Review

"Renters be Alert!!!"

  • Reviewed 5 years ago

In February 2019 I rented a camper van from Mode Car Rentals in Auckland for a Christchurch pick up. I reserved WIFI in my rental agreement at a quite reasonable cost because I needed to do some work during my three-week vacation. Upon my arrival in Christchurch I was first directed to the wrong rental company Mode cooperates with in Christchurch. Annoying!
What was unacceptable was that the car did not have WIFI. After the Christchurch rental company contacted Mode, Auckland, I was told I should rent a WIFI Hotspot at Christchurch Airport and Mode would reimburse me for the cost.
Upon my return in Auckland Mode refused to reimburse me. In addition, the staff got quite hostile. After returning home I tried again with no better result. I was told that I was not promised a refund. Also, I was told the fine print of the rental agreement states that WIFI did not include data. Therefore, I was not entitled to a refund. In addition, Lauren, the office manager of Mode’s Auckland City office told me I received a credit for NZ$40.00 I was charged in the rental agreement. This is the only accurate statement I have received from Mode.
Thilo Koehler

1Service 3Mechanical 3Interior 4Value