VANTASTIC New Zealand

If you have ever wished a motorhome could handle exactly like a car, VANTASTIC New Zealand is worth a serious look. Based in Christchurch and run by Janine and Bernd — a German couple who relocated to New Zealand in 2015 — this is about as boutique as campervan hire gets: two vehicles, two owners, and a level of attention to each booking that larger operators simply cannot match. Their fleet is built around Possl motorhomes on Fiat Ducato platforms, manufactured in Germany to a premium specification. At 6 and 6.36 metres respectively, both units are compact enough to navigate New Zealand's notoriously tight back roads without the white-knuckle driving that plagues bigger rigs.

The two models are the Timeout and the Wanderlust. The Timeout is the more compact of the two at 6 metres, featuring a fixed rear double bed (1.90m x 1.40m) and a 3-way fridge. The Wanderlust stretches to 6.36 metres and gains a more versatile sleeping configuration — the rear bed can be set as a 1.90m x 1.90m double or split into two separate singles — along with a slightly larger battery-powered electro fridge. Both are powered by a Fiat Ducato 2.3L turbo diesel with automatic transmission, rated for a standard car licence. Interior fit-out is identical in most respects: 2-burner gas hob, 90L fridge, gas-powered hot water, cassette toilet, shower, 150W solar panel, dual 12V batteries, 240V mains hookup, and 100L fresh water. Every vehicle rolls out fully equipped — linen, bedding, towels, complete kitchen kit, camp chairs, table, leveller ramps, power cable, wastewater hose, picnic blanket, and clothesline. Nothing is charged as an extra.

The pricing reflects the premium positioning. Daily rates range from $330 to $460 depending on model and month, with high season (December–February) at the top end. An optional Value Pack at $40 per day reduces the $5,000 insurance excess to $450 and bundles windscreen repair cover, road user charges, and toll fees — genuinely good value if you plan to cross the Remutaka Range or use the Waterview tunnel repeatedly. One-way rentals between Auckland and Christchurch are supported, and free airport or hotel transfers are included at both ends. There are meaningful restrictions to note: the minimum hire period is 35 days, the minimum driver age is 25, and the season is strictly November through April. This is not a company for short breaks or winter adventures.

The German manufacturing heritage matters. Possl bodies are built with double-glazed windows, full insulation, and tight fit-and-finish tolerances — a step above the budget end of the New Zealand campervan hire market. The safety spec is solid: ABS, dual airbags, immobilizer, and rear-view camera as standard. Wifi and 4G tablet are mentioned on the original listing; the solar plus dual-battery setup means you can free-camp for several days without shore power. Self-contained certification is in place. For travellers who want the freedom of independent camping without the bulk of a larger motorhome, this setup is close to ideal for the Christchurch campervan hire market and the South Island circuit.

Operationally, the personal-service pitch holds up. Janine and Bernd handle all bookings directly, provide local route recommendations from nearly a decade of New Zealand living, and offer 24/7 roadside assistance. Google reviews are consistently strong. The fleet is deliberately small — two vehicles means they know every nut and bolt of each unit, and the maintenance standard shows in owner feedback. If you are comparing with mid-sized boutique operators, Campa South and Wilderness Motorhomes operate in similar territory for premium South Island travel. For those who prefer a smaller campervan format, Spaceships is the other well-regarded compact option in New Zealand. Vantastic's point of difference is the German-built Possl body, the inclusive pricing, and the owner-direct service model — a combination that is difficult to replicate at scale.