Escape Rentals New Zealand Fleet Comparison
Actual vehicles supplied may vary due to availability and year of manufacture, but your vehicle will be of similar specification and suitable for the required number of travellers. Specific vehicle layouts cannot be requested.
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| Features | Escape RentalsEscape 2 Berth Self ContainedView details | Escape RentalsEscape 2 Berth Self Contained PlusView details | Escape RentalsEscape 2+1 BerthView details |
|---|---|---|---|
| DriveNow's take | |||
DriveNow's take: vehicle |  Julie's takeA budget-friendly flat-top campervan with onboard toilet and self-contained certificate for free camping. Can't stand up inside, so works best if you're planning to spend most of your time outdoors. About Escape Rentals Escape 2 Berth Self ContainedJulie's takeThis is a budget-friendly flat-top campervan that gets you self-contained certification for free camping across New Zealand. You get an onboard toilet, fresh and grey water tanks, and everything you need to camp off-grid for 1-3 nights depending on how much you use the battery. The trade-off is space. You can't stand up inside, and living space is minimal after a few days. This works well for couples who plan to spend most of their time outdoors exploring rather than hanging around inside the van. The fleet includes vehicles from 2009–2012 so you might get an older model. If that bothers you, look elsewhere. If you're more interested in value than having the newest van, this delivers. One thing the specs don't mention: some vehicles are manual, others automatic. Escape offers an "Automatic Transmission Guarantee" as a paid extra rather than listing them separately. If you need an automatic, add this option in step 2 of the booking process. This works well for first-timers who enjoy the outdoors, need self-contained capability, and want to keep costs down. Just make sure you're comfortable with the compact living space before you book. | Julie's take A budget-friendly flat-top campervan with an onboard toilet, fresh and grey water tanks, and a self-contained certificate for freedom camping in New Zealand. The Plus upgrade adds a fridge and a secondary battery system, so you get more off-grid independence without paying for a bigger rig. About Escape Rentals Escape 2 Berth Self Contained PlusJulie's takeThis is a budget-friendly flat-top campervan built for self-contained travel in New Zealand. It comes with an onboard toilet, fresh and grey water tanks, and the self-contained certificate you need for freedom camping around the country. The "Plus" in the name means you also get a fridge and a secondary battery system. That battery runs your LED lighting, USB ports for charging phones and cameras, and the fridge — so you can go 1 to 3 nights off-grid depending on how hard you use it. Factor that into your route and build in some extra off-grid time if that's the kind of trip you want. For two people, it's comfortable for a short trip. You can't stand up inside, and living space is tight, so plan on spending your days outdoors rather than hanging around the van. By day five you'll want to be out hiking, exploring, or just sitting outside rather than inside. The trade-off is vehicle age. Fleet years range from 2014 to 2021, so you might get a newer van or an older one — it's the luck of the draw. This works best for travellers who don't care about getting the newest model and just want a reliable, self-contained setup at a good price. We'd happily put a first-timer in this van, especially if they're outdoorsy, budget-conscious, and want the freedom that comes with being self-contained. It's great value for what you get. Before you drive off, check the vehicle over at the depot and ask the staff for tips on your route — they know the roads and the best freedom camping spots. If your trip covers both islands, book your Interislander or Bluebridge ferry crossing early in summer, and confirm the van is cleared for ferry travel before you lock in your dates. |  Jack's takeA budget-friendly option for basic camping trips across New Zealand, perfect for backpackers, outdoors lovers or couples on a budget. This vehicle is not certified self-contained, so you'll need proper camping facilities. About Escape Rentals Escape 2+1 BerthJack's takeThis is a budget-friendly option for basic camping trips across New Zealand. Perfect for backpackers, outdoors lovers or couples on a budget who plan to spend most of their time outside the vehicle. You'll want to make the most of your time outdoors — this is a flat-top camper where you can't stand up inside, and there's very little living space. Keep your belongings tidy as you travel to make the most of the limited space. The trade-off is age and certification. These vehicles are from 2009-2012 (though they got interior updates between 2014-2015). As older models, expect some wear and tear inside, though they're maintained to Budget NZ's standards. More importantly, this vehicle is not certified self-contained, so you can't use free camping spots that require certification — you'll need proper camping facilities. First-timers might find other options easier, especially given the age and lack of self-contained certification. But if you're comfortable with camping and love outdoor time, this works well. Just note that you might get a manual transmission unless you pay extra for the Automatic Transmission Guarantee at booking time. Before leaving the depot, check the vehicle thoroughly and ask Budget NZ staff about the best camping options for non-self-contained vehicles on your route. |
DriveNow's take: supplier | Julie's take Escape Rentals is a budget campervan hire company in New Zealand known for its colourful, quirky van designs. Expect older, high-mileage vehicles and a fun paint job — not a polished new fleet. About Escape RentalsJulie's takeEscape Rentals is a budget option in New Zealand. Their campervans are older and high-mileage, and they can show their age. What you get in return is competitive pricing and a fun, colourful style you won't find anywhere else. Their standout feature is the designs. Escape has over 200 different van wraps, so every vehicle has its own personality. If you want a campervan that turns heads and looks great in photos, this is where you'll find it. Before you book, know what you're getting. The fleet skews old, especially the Standard and Self-contained vans. Some date back to 2007 with 280,000 to 350,000+ km on the clock. This is a well-used campervan, not a newer or polished one. Pickup is straightforward, but give yourself extra time. Escape sends a pre-arrival email with travel tips and a video you must watch before you start your road trip. Don't rush the handover — take the time to ask questions before you drive off. If something goes wrong on the road, contact Escape Rentals and NZ Roadside Assistance straight away. We'll talk you through your insurance options and help get you back on the road, though what Escape can do depends on the circumstances of the accident and your rental agreement. NZ Roadside Assistance handles towing and mechanical issues. This supplier suits experienced drivers. You should know how to change a tyre, top up water and oil, and drive safely on New Zealand roads — this isn't the fleet for a first-time campervan driver who needs everything to just work. Doing both islands? Book your Interislander or Bluebridge ferry crossing early if you're travelling in summer, and confirm your van is cleared for ferry travel before you lock in your dates. | Julie's take Escape Rentals is a budget campervan hire company in New Zealand known for its colourful, quirky van designs. Expect older, high-mileage vehicles and a fun paint job — not a polished new fleet. About Escape RentalsJulie's takeEscape Rentals is a budget option in New Zealand. Their campervans are older and high-mileage, and they can show their age. What you get in return is competitive pricing and a fun, colourful style you won't find anywhere else. Their standout feature is the designs. Escape has over 200 different van wraps, so every vehicle has its own personality. If you want a campervan that turns heads and looks great in photos, this is where you'll find it. Before you book, know what you're getting. The fleet skews old, especially the Standard and Self-contained vans. Some date back to 2007 with 280,000 to 350,000+ km on the clock. This is a well-used campervan, not a newer or polished one. Pickup is straightforward, but give yourself extra time. Escape sends a pre-arrival email with travel tips and a video you must watch before you start your road trip. Don't rush the handover — take the time to ask questions before you drive off. If something goes wrong on the road, contact Escape Rentals and NZ Roadside Assistance straight away. We'll talk you through your insurance options and help get you back on the road, though what Escape can do depends on the circumstances of the accident and your rental agreement. NZ Roadside Assistance handles towing and mechanical issues. This supplier suits experienced drivers. You should know how to change a tyre, top up water and oil, and drive safely on New Zealand roads — this isn't the fleet for a first-time campervan driver who needs everything to just work. Doing both islands? Book your Interislander or Bluebridge ferry crossing early if you're travelling in summer, and confirm your van is cleared for ferry travel before you lock in your dates. | Julie's take Escape Rentals is a budget campervan hire company in New Zealand known for its colourful, quirky van designs. Expect older, high-mileage vehicles and a fun paint job — not a polished new fleet. About Escape RentalsJulie's takeEscape Rentals is a budget option in New Zealand. Their campervans are older and high-mileage, and they can show their age. What you get in return is competitive pricing and a fun, colourful style you won't find anywhere else. Their standout feature is the designs. Escape has over 200 different van wraps, so every vehicle has its own personality. If you want a campervan that turns heads and looks great in photos, this is where you'll find it. Before you book, know what you're getting. The fleet skews old, especially the Standard and Self-contained vans. Some date back to 2007 with 280,000 to 350,000+ km on the clock. This is a well-used campervan, not a newer or polished one. Pickup is straightforward, but give yourself extra time. Escape sends a pre-arrival email with travel tips and a video you must watch before you start your road trip. Don't rush the handover — take the time to ask questions before you drive off. If something goes wrong on the road, contact Escape Rentals and NZ Roadside Assistance straight away. We'll talk you through your insurance options and help get you back on the road, though what Escape can do depends on the circumstances of the accident and your rental agreement. NZ Roadside Assistance handles towing and mechanical issues. This supplier suits experienced drivers. You should know how to change a tyre, top up water and oil, and drive safely on New Zealand roads — this isn't the fleet for a first-time campervan driver who needs everything to just work. Doing both islands? Book your Interislander or Bluebridge ferry crossing early if you're travelling in summer, and confirm your van is cleared for ferry travel before you lock in your dates. |
| Sleeping | |||
Same in all Beds How many people can sleep, the size of each bed and where it is. | Sleeps 2 AdultsBed sizes not specified | Sleeps 2 AdultsBed sizes not specified | Sleeps 3 AdultsBed sizes not specified |
Same in all Main bed setup Whether the main bed stays made up or is made from the seating each night. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Dining with the main bed set up Whether you can sit at a table while the main bed is made up. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Layout & photos | |||
Layout | |||
Photo 2 | |||
Photo 3 | |||
Photo 4 | |||
Photo 5 | No image | No image | |
| Living space | |||
Same in all Vehicle age How new the vehicle you're given is likely to be, as the supplier states it. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Interior headroom How much standing room there is inside. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Outdoor table & chairs Whether a table and chairs come with the vehicle or cost extra. | Optional hire | Optional hire | Optional hire |
Same in all Entertainment How you can play music, connect a phone and watch a screen. | AuxTV / DVD not specifiedUSB | AuxTV / DVD not specifiedUSB | AuxTV / DVD not specifiedUSB |
Same in all External storage Whether there's an outside locker for gear. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Cab walk-through Whether you can move between the cab and living area without going outside. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Kitchen | |||
Same in all Fridge size How much food and drink you can keep cold between shops. | Not specified | Not specifiedFridge supplied; capacity not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Cooking facilities What you can cook on inside the vehicle. | Gas cooktopBurner count not specified | Gas cooktopBurner count not specified | Gas cooktopBurner count not specified |
Same in all Outdoor cooking Whether you can cook outside the vehicle. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Microwave Whether there's a microwave, and when it works. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Kitchen equipment Whether pots, plates and cutlery come with the vehicle. | Included | Included | Included |
| Bathroom & water | |||
Same in all Toilet & shower Whether you can use a toilet and shower in the vehicle or need campground facilities. | Toilet & no shower | Toilet & no shower | No toilet or shower |
Same in all Hot water Whether the taps and shower have hot water. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Fresh-water tank How much clean water you carry for drinking, cooking and washing. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Bathroom layout Whether the shower and toilet are separate or share one space. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Grey-water tank How much used sink and shower water the vehicle holds before you empty it. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Heating & power | |||
Same in all Power supply How the vehicle is powered when parked: mains, battery, solar and more. | Mains | 12V battery · mains · alternator | Mains |
Same in all Heating & cooling when parked Whether you can heat or cool the living area while parked, and what it needs to run. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Solar panel Whether a solar panel helps keep the house battery charged. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Cab heating & cooling Whether the cab has air-conditioning or heating while driving. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Driving | |||
Same in all Seatbelts How many people can travel with a seatbelt. | 2 seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
Same in all Vehicle length How long the vehicle is, for parking, campsites and ferry fares. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Child seats & boosters Which child seats and boosters can be fitted, and how many. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Exterior width How wide the vehicle is, for narrow roads, car parks and campsites. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Exterior height How tall the vehicle is, for car parks, drive-throughs and low bridges. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Reversing camera Whether a reversing camera is fitted. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Gearbox Whether the vehicle is automatic or manual. | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle | Exterior | DriveNow's take: vehicle | DriveNow's take: supplier | SleepingSame in all Beds How many people can sleep, the size of each bed and where it is. | SleepingSame in all Main bed setup Whether the main bed stays made up or is made from the seating each night. | SleepingSame in all Dining with the main bed set up Whether you can sit at a table while the main bed is made up. | Layout | Photo 2 | Photo 3 | Photo 4 | Photo 5 | Living spaceSame in all Vehicle age How new the vehicle you're given is likely to be, as the supplier states it. | Living spaceSame in all Interior headroom How much standing room there is inside. | Living spaceSame in all Outdoor table & chairs Whether a table and chairs come with the vehicle or cost extra. | Living spaceSame in all Entertainment How you can play music, connect a phone and watch a screen. | Living spaceSame in all External storage Whether there's an outside locker for gear. | Living spaceSame in all Cab walk-through Whether you can move between the cab and living area without going outside. | KitchenSame in all Fridge size How much food and drink you can keep cold between shops. | KitchenSame in all Cooking facilities What you can cook on inside the vehicle. | KitchenSame in all Outdoor cooking Whether you can cook outside the vehicle. | KitchenSame in all Microwave Whether there's a microwave, and when it works. | KitchenSame in all Kitchen equipment Whether pots, plates and cutlery come with the vehicle. | Bathroom & waterSame in all Toilet & shower Whether you can use a toilet and shower in the vehicle or need campground facilities. | Bathroom & waterSame in all Hot water Whether the taps and shower have hot water. | Bathroom & waterSame in all Fresh-water tank How much clean water you carry for drinking, cooking and washing. | Bathroom & waterSame in all Bathroom layout Whether the shower and toilet are separate or share one space. | Bathroom & waterSame in all Grey-water tank How much used sink and shower water the vehicle holds before you empty it. | Heating & powerSame in all Power supply How the vehicle is powered when parked: mains, battery, solar and more. | Heating & powerSame in all Heating & cooling when parked Whether you can heat or cool the living area while parked, and what it needs to run. | Heating & powerSame in all Solar panel Whether a solar panel helps keep the house battery charged. | Heating & powerSame in all Cab heating & cooling Whether the cab has air-conditioning or heating while driving. | DrivingSame in all Seatbelts How many people can travel with a seatbelt. | DrivingSame in all Vehicle length How long the vehicle is, for parking, campsites and ferry fares. | DrivingSame in all Child seats & boosters Which child seats and boosters can be fitted, and how many. | DrivingSame in all Exterior width How wide the vehicle is, for narrow roads, car parks and campsites. | DrivingSame in all Exterior height How tall the vehicle is, for car parks, drive-throughs and low bridges. | DrivingSame in all Reversing camera Whether a reversing camera is fitted. | DrivingSame in all Gearbox Whether the vehicle is automatic or manual. |
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Escape RentalsEscape 2 Berth Self ContainedDetails | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Escape RentalsEscape 2 Berth Self Contained PlusDetails | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Escape RentalsEscape 2+1 BerthDetails |
Sleeping capacity
How many people the vehicle sleeps. Where the supplier separates them, adult and child places are shown; a child berth isn't big enough for an adult. Seatbelts are a separate number, so check both for a group.
Bed layout
Where each bed is and what kind it is. Some beds stay made up, while others are made from the seating each night; Main bed setup shows which.
Bed sizes
Each bed's length × width in metres. Compare the length with the tallest person travelling, and the width with who is sharing.
More in the handbook: Tips for a good night's sleep
A toilet and shower on board mean you can stay at basic or free campsites without amenities, and skip the night-time walk to a shared block. With a toilet only, you have the essentials; with neither, plan to stay where there are facilities.
An onboard toilet needs emptying at a dump point every few days.
More in the handbook: Emptying the toilet and waste tanks
Everyone travelling needs their own seatbelt, so this is the most people the vehicle can carry, even if it sleeps more. Some seats are in the living area rather than the cab.
More in the handbook: Will I need multiple vehicles?
How the vehicle is powered when parked. At a powered site everything runs; off-grid, the house battery and any solar run the lights, fridge and charging.
Not every appliance works from every source: air-conditioning and microwaves usually need mains power.
More in the handbook: What works off-grid
The supplier's age range for this model. You're given one vehicle from within it, so Up to 2 years means it has been on the supplier's fleet for no more than about two years, 4+ years means at least four, and 4–7 years means between four and seven.
Newer vehicles generally show less wear and are more likely to have recent equipment. Older vehicles have usually covered more kilometres, which raises the chance of a breakdown. Older fleets are often the budget option, and a well-maintained older camper can still suit a trip.
Suppliers count age differently. Some count time on their fleet, others go by model year, so treat a one-year difference as approximate.
More in the handbook: How likely are breakdowns?
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
The fridge's capacity in litres; a range means it depends on the vehicle you're given. A bigger fridge means fewer shopping stops, which matters most for families and on remote stretches.
How the fridge is powered when you're parked affects how long it keeps food cold away from a powered site.
More in the handbook: Using the fridge
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
Heating or air-conditioning for the living area with the engine off. Many units only run at a powered site, while some heaters run from gas or the house battery, so check what each one needs.
Cab air-conditioning only works while driving. Portable heaters or fans may be included or available to hire.
More in the handbook: Heating and cooling
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
A fixed bed stays made up, so you can rest at any time without rearranging. A bed made from the dinette or lounge gives you more living space by day, but takes a few minutes to set up each night and pack away each morning.
Some dinette beds can be left made up if you don't need the table.
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
Hot water makes showers and washing up easier, especially in cooler months. Without it, you'll heat water on the cooker for dishes.
Where shown, the energy source tells you what the hot water runs on.
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
In many smaller campers the table becomes the bed, so once the bed is made there's nowhere inside to sit and eat. A separate table matters on rainy days, or when someone wants to sleep while others are still up.
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
Longer vehicles have more room inside but are harder to park in town and need a bigger campsite. A range means it depends on the vehicle you're given.
Ferry fares for campervans are usually charged by length.
More in the handbook: Ferry costs
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
Clean water for drinking, cooking and washing. A bigger tank means longer between refills, which matters at free campsites without taps. A range means it depends on the vehicle you're given.
How long it lasts depends on how you use it, especially for showers.
More in the handbook: Fresh water
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
How much standing room there is inside. Taller travellers will be more comfortable with more headroom; in low-roof campers most people can't stand upright.
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
In a combined wet room the toilet sits inside the shower, so the whole room gets wet when you shower. A separate toilet and shower works more like home but takes more space.
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
What you can cook on inside the vehicle. The number of burners affects how much you can cook at once, which matters for a group.
Gas cooktops run from an LPG bottle that you refill or swap on the road.
More in the handbook: Using the gas bottle
A table and chairs make it easy to eat and relax outside, which helps most in smaller campers. Some suppliers include them; others hire them out per trip, so check before comparing prices.
More in the handbook: Equipment you can hire
An outdoor or slide-out cooker keeps cooking smells and heat out of the living area, which helps in warm weather and in small campers. Many campsites also have shared barbecues.
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
Used water from the sink and shower collects in the grey-water tank. A bigger tank means fewer stops at a dump point, and some campsites don't let you drain it on the ground.
It's separate from the toilet, which has its own cassette or tank.
More in the handbook: Emptying the toilet and waste tanks
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
Child seats need suitable seat positions and anchor points, and some positions only take a booster. The combination shown is what the supplier allows, so check it covers every child's age and size.
Child seats are usually hired from the supplier as an extra.
More in the handbook: Child seat hire
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
How you can play music, connect a phone and watch a screen. A screen doesn't guarantee TV reception or DVD playback, and listed USB ports may not charge every device quickly.
Where it says some models, it isn't guaranteed in every vehicle of that model.
More in the handbook: Using the TV or screen
How wide the vehicle is affects narrow country roads, standard car parks and tight campsites. A range means it depends on the vehicle you're given.
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
Multi-storey car parks, drive-throughs and some bridges have height limits, so know your vehicle's height before you set off. A raised-roof height, where shown, applies when the roof is lifted while parked.
More in the handbook: Vehicle height awareness
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
A reversing camera makes parking a large vehicle much easier, because you can't see directly behind most campers. Some models means only some vehicles in the fleet have one, so you may not get it.
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
An outside locker keeps bulky or dirty gear, such as chairs, hoses or wet shoes, out of the living area. Space inside is limited, so soft bags pack more easily.
More in the handbook: Luggage
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
With a walk-through you can move between the cab and the living area without getting out, which is handy in rain or at night. Without one, you step outside to get from one to the other.
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
A microwave that needs mains power only works at a powered site, not when you're free camping.
More in the handbook: What works when connected to power
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
A solar panel tops up the house battery during the day, which helps run the lights and fridge away from a powered site. How much it adds depends on the panel, the weather and how much power you use.
More in the handbook: Battery and solar
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
Whether pots, pans, plates and cutlery come with the vehicle. Most suppliers include a kitchen kit; some charge for it as an extra, so check what's included before comparing prices.
More in the handbook: What's supplied with the vehicle
Cab air-conditioning or heating makes long drives more comfortable. It runs with the engine, so it doesn't cool or heat the living area when you're parked; see Heating & cooling when parked.
Not specified means the supplier doesn't publish this for that model. It doesn't mean the vehicle lacks it.
Most rental campervans are automatic, and some older or budget models are manual. If you only drive automatics, make sure every vehicle you're considering is one.
A DriveNow team member's view of this vehicle.
Written by a member of the DriveNow team who knows this vehicle, to help you weigh it up against the others. Select a take to read the full review.
A DriveNow team member's view of this supplier.
Covers what the supplier is like to deal with, so it applies to all of that supplier's vehicles. Select a take to read the full review.