Star RV 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 | Star New ZealandPolaris 2 BerthView details | Star New ZealandPolaris 4 BerthView details | Star New ZealandPolaris 6 BerthView details |
|---|---|---|---|
| DriveNow's take | |||
DriveNow's take: vehicle |  Jack's takeA mid-range camper that's comfortable and easy to drive, suited for couples or solo travellers with essentials for relaxed touring, including a bathroom and living area. The fixed bed layout means no daily setup, and there's still a proper seating area for two behind the driver. About Star New Zealand Polaris 2 BerthJack's takeThis is a mid-range camper that hits the sweet spot for couples wanting comfort without complexity. You get a proper bathroom and living area in an easy-to-drive package. The layout is the real winner here. Most campervans this size make you choose between a bed or somewhere to sit and eat — the Polaris 2 gives you both. The bed stays made up, so you're not wrestling with cushions every morning and night. You still get a proper seating area for two behind the driver. For longer trips, it's comfortable enough for two people if you pack smart with soft luggage and use the outdoors as your extended living room. The bathroom and shower are genuinely useful when you find yourself at a campground without facilities. The trade-off is space. You're choosing a smaller camper with a bathroom over more living room. Past travellers say this works fine as long as you know what you're getting into and pack accordingly. It's beginner-friendly — a good first-timer option if you want the security of your own toilet and shower. Star RV also offers a pet-friendly option, so check the extras if you're bringing your dog. One tip: do a thorough vehicle check with the depot staff before you drive off. Star RV prefers to answer questions face-to-face at pickup rather than over the phone once you're on the road. | Jack's take A mid-range spacious motorhome for families or groups wanting a fully equipped camper at a reasonable price. Perfect for families with children over 8 (child seats can't be fitted) but there are better options for larger adults. About Star New Zealand Polaris 4 BerthJack's takeThis is a mid-range motorhome that gives families and groups plenty of space without breaking the budget. You get a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, and flexible living area that stays comfortable even after a week on the road. The Polaris works best for families with children over 8 years old — child seats can't be fitted. While it technically sleeps 4 adults, larger adults will find better options elsewhere. The shared living space can get messy fast with four people, so pack in soft bags and sort out storage spots early. You trade fuel economy and some manoeuvrability for that extra interior space. It's good for first-timers, but we'd usually recommend other vehicles first. Before you leave the depot, do a thorough check of everything and ask any questions while you're there. Star RV's phone support during your hire isn't as good as getting help face-to-face at pickup. | Jack's take A mid-range, large 6-berth motorhome that provides the essentials for camping with enough space for families or groups. Converting the rear bed between day and night configurations ensures there's enough living space for 6 travellers without feeling cramped. About Star New Zealand Polaris 6 BerthJack's takeThis is a mid-range, large 6-berth motorhome that gives families and groups the essentials for camping without feeling cramped. The key is the rear bed conversion — it switches between day and night configurations so you get proper living space for all 6 people during the day. You'll find it comfortable even on longer hires thanks to the generous size. The vehicle has a toilet and shower, but if you're travelling with 6 people, book caravan parks with facilities. The grey water and toilet cassette fill up fast when everyone's using them. The trade-off is size. You get that extra living space, but you give up easy manoeuvrability. This isn't like driving a car — you need to get comfortable with the width, check your blind spots, and take time at the depot to understand how it handles before you leave. For off-grid camping, the house battery needs regular charging. Stay at unpowered sites for 1-2 nights maximum, then get back to powered sites to recharge. Plan your campgrounds ahead of time. Ask any questions while you're at the Star RV depot on pickup day. It's much easier to sort things out face-to-face than calling from the road. |
DriveNow's take: supplier |  Julie's takeStar RV is a modern campervan and motorhome company in New Zealand with a wide range of locations and a mostly new fleet. They're the bigger, more comfort-focused sibling to budget brand Jucy. About Star New ZealandJulie's takeStar RV run a mostly new fleet — most vehicles are 0-5 years old with modern features throughout. That's the main reason to book with them over a lot of the competition. They've also partnered with Velocity Frequent Flyer, so you can earn Velocity Points on eligible motorhome bookings. Here's what surprises people: you pay a deposit when you book, then the rest of the balance gets paid directly to Star RV through their online check-in. That online check-in is mandatory — you have to complete it before your pick-up date, no exceptions. The upside is pick-up itself is quick and easy because all the paperwork and payment is already sorted before you arrive at the depot. If something goes wrong on the road, Star RV has a dedicated 24-hour roadside assistance line. The number's on your vehicle keychain, so keep it handy. Star RV is a good fit for families and groups after a newer RV with real space and comfort — not backpackers chasing the cheapest van. If you're after a good starting point in their fleet, look at the Star RV Polaris 6. It's a newer model with plenty of room for families or groups who don't want to feel cramped. One more thing: if your trip covers both islands, book your Interislander or Bluebridge ferry crossing well ahead in summer, and confirm your vehicle is cleared for ferry travel before you lock in your dates. | Julie's take Star RV is a modern campervan and motorhome company in New Zealand with a wide range of locations and a mostly new fleet. They're the bigger, more comfort-focused sibling to budget brand Jucy. About Star New ZealandJulie's takeStar RV run a mostly new fleet — most vehicles are 0-5 years old with modern features throughout. That's the main reason to book with them over a lot of the competition. They've also partnered with Velocity Frequent Flyer, so you can earn Velocity Points on eligible motorhome bookings. Here's what surprises people: you pay a deposit when you book, then the rest of the balance gets paid directly to Star RV through their online check-in. That online check-in is mandatory — you have to complete it before your pick-up date, no exceptions. The upside is pick-up itself is quick and easy because all the paperwork and payment is already sorted before you arrive at the depot. If something goes wrong on the road, Star RV has a dedicated 24-hour roadside assistance line. The number's on your vehicle keychain, so keep it handy. Star RV is a good fit for families and groups after a newer RV with real space and comfort — not backpackers chasing the cheapest van. If you're after a good starting point in their fleet, look at the Star RV Polaris 6. It's a newer model with plenty of room for families or groups who don't want to feel cramped. One more thing: if your trip covers both islands, book your Interislander or Bluebridge ferry crossing well ahead in summer, and confirm your vehicle is cleared for ferry travel before you lock in your dates. | Julie's take Star RV is a modern campervan and motorhome company in New Zealand with a wide range of locations and a mostly new fleet. They're the bigger, more comfort-focused sibling to budget brand Jucy. About Star New ZealandJulie's takeStar RV run a mostly new fleet — most vehicles are 0-5 years old with modern features throughout. That's the main reason to book with them over a lot of the competition. They've also partnered with Velocity Frequent Flyer, so you can earn Velocity Points on eligible motorhome bookings. Here's what surprises people: you pay a deposit when you book, then the rest of the balance gets paid directly to Star RV through their online check-in. That online check-in is mandatory — you have to complete it before your pick-up date, no exceptions. The upside is pick-up itself is quick and easy because all the paperwork and payment is already sorted before you arrive at the depot. If something goes wrong on the road, Star RV has a dedicated 24-hour roadside assistance line. The number's on your vehicle keychain, so keep it handy. Star RV is a good fit for families and groups after a newer RV with real space and comfort — not backpackers chasing the cheapest van. If you're after a good starting point in their fleet, look at the Star RV Polaris 6. It's a newer model with plenty of room for families or groups who don't want to feel cramped. One more thing: if your trip covers both islands, book your Interislander or Bluebridge ferry crossing well ahead in summer, and confirm your vehicle 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 2Double1.89 × 1.32 m | Sleeps 4Double2.10 × 1.40 mDouble1.90 × 1.20 m | Sleeps 6Double2.10 × 1.40 mDouble2.10 × 1.40 mDouble1.90 × 1.20 m |
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 | |||
| Living space | |||
Same in all Interior headroom How much standing room there is inside. | 1.85 m | 2.00 m | 2.00 m |
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 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. | Audio systemApple CarPlay · Android AutoTVUSB | Not specified | Not specified |
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. | 90 L | 130 L | 130 L |
Same in all Cooking facilities What you can cook on inside the vehicle. | 2-burner gas cooktop | 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. | Included | 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 Fresh-water tank How much clean water you carry for drinking, cooking and washing. | 90 L | 82 L | 82 L |
Same in all Grey-water tank How much used sink and shower water the vehicle holds before you empty it. | 60 L | 82 L | 82 L |
Same in all Toilet & shower Whether you can use a toilet and shower in the vehicle or need campground facilities. | Toilet & shower | Toilet & shower | Toilet & shower |
Same in all Hot water Whether the taps and shower have hot water. | 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 |
| Heating & power | |||
Same in all Heating & cooling when parked Whether you can heat or cool the living area while parked, and what it needs to run. | Portable heatingFor hire | Portable heatingFor hire | Portable heatingFor hire |
Same in all Solar panel Whether a solar panel helps keep the house battery charged. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Power supply How the vehicle is powered when parked: mains, battery, solar and more. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Cab heating & cooling Whether the cab has air-conditioning or heating while driving. | A/C | A/C | A/C |
| Driving | |||
Same in all Vehicle length How long the vehicle is, for parking, campsites and ferry fares. | 6.40 m | 7.40 m | 7.90 m |
Same in all Seatbelts How many people can travel with a seatbelt. | 4 seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
Same in all Exterior width How wide the vehicle is, for narrow roads, car parks and campsites. | 2.10 m | 2.30 m | 2.30 m |
Same in all Exterior height How tall the vehicle is, for car parks, drive-throughs and low bridges. | 2.60 m | 3.60 m | 3.60 m |
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 Reversing camera Whether a reversing camera is fitted. | Reversing camera | Not specified | Not specified |
Same in all Gearbox Whether the vehicle is automatic or manual. | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| 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 Interior headroom How much standing room there is inside. | 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 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 Fresh-water tank How much clean water you carry for drinking, cooking and washing. | Bathroom & waterSame in all Grey-water tank How much used sink and shower water the vehicle holds before you empty it. | 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 Bathroom layout Whether the shower and toilet are separate or share one space. | 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 Power supply How the vehicle is powered when parked: mains, battery, solar and more. | Heating & powerSame in all Cab heating & cooling Whether the cab has air-conditioning or heating while driving. | DrivingSame in all Vehicle length How long the vehicle is, for parking, campsites and ferry fares. | DrivingSame in all Seatbelts How many people can travel with a seatbelt. | 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 Child seats & boosters Which child seats and boosters can be fitted, and how many. | 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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Star New ZealandPolaris 2 BerthDetails | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Star New ZealandPolaris 4 BerthDetails | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Star New ZealandPolaris 6 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.
The bed types in this comparison:
Double bed
One shared bed for two people. Compare the dimensions, as double beds differ in size between vehicles.
More in the handbook: Tips for a good night's sleep
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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 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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.