Wicked Campers New Zealand Review

Editors Review

Wicked Campers NZ operates under the multi-national campervan hire, Wicked Campers, which operates all over the world— USA, Canada, Europe, UK, Australia, South America, Africa, and Japan. This particular budget-ranged company offers uniquely painted 2, 3 and 5-berth campers in New Zealand, with locations in Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Wellington. 

What Wicked Campers NZ Tells Us 

Operating under a head company, Wicked Campers NZ is a popular choice among budget travellers wanting to roam around the country through a campervan. The company is known for its economical campers that come with unique exteriors and some basic camping necessities. Their Price Beat Guarantee sets off their lacking features, as well as their rather unique and unconventional vehicle branding. 

And when we talk about unconventional, we are referring to informal slogans plastered all over the vehicle, which might not be suitable for sensitive travellers. Well, the company may have fully lived up to its name— wicked. 

Fleet 

Wicked Campers NZ has a wide range of campervans on fleet, ranging from their funky 2-berth Mystery Machine to their adventurous AWD Campers.  Definitley not the newest models on the road, their vehicles are still creating a buzz with their flamboyant exteriors. Most of their campers are uniquely painted with catchy exteriors that will surely turn heads during your road trip. Some campervans are sprayed with funny slogans, and sometimes sexist graffiti, which could be very exciting or embarrassing to drive around. 

Aside from the unique exteriors, each camper already comes with some basic camping necessities like kitchen essentials and a bed. But think twice because you are not provided with linens. The campervans are not self-contained by the New Zealand standards, so you need to pay for caravan park fees and may have limited access to some free-camp spots. And unlike the normal campervan hires on the road, where your vehicle is already provided with full tank upon pick- up, Wicked campers is quite distinctive as you will pick- up and drop-off the vehicle empty. 

Vehicles

It’s definitely true that Wicked Campers NZ is way cheaper than other rental companies, but this also come with some downsides. You get what you pay for, literally. All their campervans do not supply pillows or clean lining, and if you’re unlucky enough, you might just hire a camper with offensive language painted on the inside (and/or outside). Though you can request a discreet one, it still depends on the camper’s availability.

Let’s begin with their Iconic 2-seater or 3-seater campervan that features an automatic transmission, ample storage area, and a large bed. Instead of a fridge, you are provided with an esky for your food and drinks. Moving on, the step-up 2-berth campervans are Premium 2-Sleeper (No Branding) and Premium 2-Sleeper (Mystery Machine). The Premium 2- Sleeper (No Branding) is a camper that has no artwork, just simple monochrome exteriors. The Premium 2- Sleeper (Mystery Machine), on the other hand, is a charming camper that features funky colors and designs. Both campers are run by modern models, and include an A/C & AUX Input aside from the basic essentials. 

Though most Wicked campers have no bell and whistles, the rooftop tent makes everything more convenient and comfortable. The Mini Camper edition includes exhilarating small hatchbacks that come with rooftop tents for a one of kind sleeping experience. There are two options, the 3-seater or the 5-seater Mini Campers that are run by Nissan models— Almera, Cubes or Serena. The Mini Campers also highlight the air-conditioning and power steering inclusion. Whilst the 3-seater gives you option either a plain color or a painted version, the 5-seater provides advanced additional features such as chiller box and more spacious storage.

For an adventurous campervan hire, the best choice is the AWD campers, which allows you to get off the beaten track, and explore the dirt roads that are often miss out on by daring backpackers. The 2-seater or 5-seater AWD camper already comes with auto transmission and unleaded fuel. Though more expensive than other campers on fleet, these campers are expected to be more fantastic because of its striking additions such as kitchenette, camping stove, gas cooker, cutlery, cooking & dining utensils, internal lounge and  table.

And of course, travelling during the chilly New Zealand winter needs a tough and reliable camper, and Wicked Campers gives you their ultimate Snow Riders in 2-seater or 5-seater version. The snow chains and rooftop storage box for boards and skis make your winter adventure more fun and exciting. 

Insurance 

There are two insurance options— the standard liability and the liability reduction B. If you choose the standard liability, the liability is $ 5,000, and you will be charged for the total amount of the bond, which is $3, 000. Should you choose the liability reduction B, you just have to pay an additional $25 per day, and your liability is reduced into $3, 000 for a single vehicle and $1 for multiple vehicle liability. Such option will also entitle you for coverage of 4 extra drivers, 4 tyres, 1 front windscreen, as well as the waiving of the foreign license fee. However, be it known that there are several ifs and buts with the insurance options, so you should read their fine print carefully.

Reputation 

Wicked Campers NZ is popular for its well-loved brands of cheap and flashy campervans. Most campers on fleet feature fancy and funny taglines, along with some sexist and offensive graffiti. Though the exteriors could have double entrede, most people would interpret it as something sexually explicit. They are always judged with their campers’ exteriors, but the great thing about Wicked Campers NZ is they certainly don’t try to be something they are not. Their campervans will either give you the best or the worst road trip in New Zealand. Well, it all depends on how you get a hold of every situation. 

And as an ultra-budget campervan hire, you get what you paid for. The basic interiors, the minimal camping necessities, and the stories of breakdowns are just some of the company’s downside. There are also certain reviews about bad customer service and low vehicle maintenance. The quality and service of the campers were often brought into question, but Wicked Campers NZ has been very successful in gaining a lot of feedback (positive or negative), giving them edge when it comes to expertise, not to mention the price. 

Summary

Wicked Campers NZ has been in the rental industry for many years, and they are known for their economical campers that feature catchy facades. While the flamboyant exteriors made them unique, these have always been a target by some critics. The upside, though, is the company’s cheapest campervan deal that will give you the chance to spend more on other important stuff, considering that their basic campers do not come with any specialties. They could be the cheapest but not the best.