Classic Campers
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Details
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Organisation |
Classic CampersCommercial organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Directions Albany Office |
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Directions Christchurch Office |
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Directions Wellington Office |
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Coordinates |
Motorhomes
Maps
Reviews
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4.5/5
Cannot recommend enough.
We had van 8 a 1969 Tintop. We called him Vinnie or Vincent! A handsome chap! a lot of fun to drive, cruised at a good speed (and going faster you'd miss stuff!). Children and adults waved as we passed, countless fun chats with people everywhere we went, who said they wished they'd done it. Vinnie made our trip extra special. So glad we didn't go for a big white van like everyone else, or the small and ugly Juicy ones we saw everywhere.
I spoke with Bevan several times on phone before booking, pick up and during our trip. He was very helpful, accomodating and to happy to talk through things I couldn't work out. Helps to have some basic car/mechanical knowledge just in case but our 2 weeks went without a hitch. Van was in great condition for 50 yrs old!
The CD & bluetooth player was a great addition and fridge but otherwise it was a brilliant back in time experience. The NZ campsites are so good, all the other folk we met said the didn't use a lot of the mod cons/feaatures of their big modern vans. NZ campsites are very good.
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5.0/5
I rented their mint green 1969 VW hardtop camper for two weeks.
I had no mechanical problems the entire time which in my view says a lot for a 50 year old VW. I'm sure I could have rented a more modern camper van with more of the latest features but what it lack in modern stuff it made up for in charm and magnetism. Pull into a rest area, petrol station, campground, car park and people come over and talk or tell their stories. This was extra something money could not buy since I wanted to meet the Kiwi people, not to mention all the people waving, blowing kisses, flashing peace signs and video taping while driving. The van came equipped with all the camping stuff I needed. I appreciated the quick test drive I got since I am not used to driving on the left. Thanks to Bevan for all he did to make my stay safe and fun.
Hi Jon,
Glad you enjoyed it so much, they add so much fun and character to a trip,
Cheers
Bevan
classiccampers
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5.0/5
We hired a Van from Bevan at Classic Campers for our family of five to road trip the North Island.
We had so much fun and the perfect amount of space for everyone (plus a couple surfboards). Bevan was available if any questions came up and so friendly and helpful. We recommend this company if you're looking to road trip NZ.
Hi Julie,
Thanks for your kind words
Cheers Bevan
classiccampers
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5.0/5
A truly remarkable experience!
What can we say about Classic Campers in Auckland? Well to start, Bevan is superb! Very responsive to emails and helping plan our 2 week excursion in NZ, as well as helping our friends plan a 4 day trip to join us on the Northern Island in a van of their own. We began our dialogue with Bevan in July of 2018, for a rental that took place in Feb-March of this year. We asked many questions and always received down to earth answers.
After several email exchanges and questions, Bevan suggested that we rent van # 5, Cool Blue. She just had a newly overhauled engine and would be a great van for our two week excursion for the North and South Islands. Bevan suggested that we take the ferry and leave the van down south in Christchurch when we were finished with her. It saved us a ton of time and cash actually, another reason to go with a knowledgeable and honest small company.
We stayed in many different type campgrounds during the two weeks and had zero problems with Cool Blue. She ran like a top and never skipped a beat. Camping was so easy and everything worked as advertised. Everywhere we went, people flocked to her to ask questions or simply just take pictures!
For those that want to rent a truly classic camper, one that is 40+ years old with all the mileage and age to show for it, this company is for you. We highly recommend contacting Bevan and Classic Campers. We loved the rental so much that we finally pulled the plug and purchased our own 1978 Westfalia!
Thanks again Bevan for an incredible and very unique experience!
Steve and Mellie
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4.5/5
We had a great time with the camper that we rented from classic campers.
It had all the utilities needed and we had no technical issues with the engine or anything of that sort. Also, Classic campers went really far in helping us get rid of an unjust parking fine which was really great.
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5.0/5
We hired a split window VW Kombi from Bevan at Classic Campers for a week Nov 18.
The camper was immaculate and ran like a dream. Bevan was great when we picked it up - running through everything and bringing us out for a introductory drive. It was comfortable to sleep in - and certainly turned many heads on our trip up north of Auckland. I couldn't recommend Classic Campers highly enough - and look forward to meeting Bevan and hiring another camper next time we are over.. Ian and Alison
Thank you, appreciate your kind words, Bevan
classiccampers
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5.0/5
We hired Van 7 and couldn't have been happier!
We met Bevan just North of Auckland to collect it and he walked us through everything we needed to know. It came equipped with all that we required to eat and sleep and also had some good maps. As it is a vintage vehicle, we took it easy on the highways with regard to speed but that was the whole point of our trip - to relax and take it slow. We explored many fantastic beaches, small towns and great camp grounds. We prepared lots of delicious meals and had very comfortable sleeps. We made it all the way up to Cape Reinga and back again without a single problem or hiccup. Everywhere we went people wanted to know about the van and shared their personal stories of this iconic camper. It made people smile and wave like we've never experienced before! It was the best 2 week holiday we could ask for and super memorable. Can't wait to plan our next getaway and rent another Classic Camper from Bevan! Thanks again for everything!
Cheers,
Mark & Jen
Thank you, Glad you enjoyed, Bevan
classiccampers
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4.0/5
Our rental was for a 1973 VW campervan.
Very personal contact with huge knowledge about the camper. Renting should be shown twice as old cars have to be maintained well and tend to break down in the worst situation possible.However, best experience ever and a real adventure!
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3.5/5
A basic retro camper (as expected from the company name), fun to tour on the flatter parts of lovely New Zealand.
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0.5/5
This was the worst service I have ever received.
DO NOT RENT FROM CLASSIC CAMPERS
I wish I had dug through and found other reviewers who had the same issues I did - broken down car. I never would have rented from this company.
It is a crap shoot if the van is going to run. Bevan is very disorganized and make constant excuses for his failure to provide a safe and reliably working vehicle. He will ramble on about this coil and that circuit. Blah blah blah - I came to New Zealand to see the scenery, not take a mechanic lesson. The local mechanics that I was forced to visit even know of this guys reputation as a hot head who talks over people and sends people repeatedly to mechanics.
If you rent from this company, expect to take a tour of mechanics in New Zealand and do not plan on make any other plans on your vacation.
THE WORST!
Wrong company? Not one of our customers remotely fits this situation description you give, and I would definitely recall if any/multi visits to mechanics to fix van, can you please email me bevan@classic-campers.com as I honestly don't know who you are? Your review seems malicious as excludes any specifics, 6 months after Dec 17, and with no name as well...….. We take great effort to ensure vans are well prepared, safe and with current certificates of fitness, and required electrical certs etc, and our vans have proven very reliable with less than one mechanical breakdown issue for every 250 days hireage, and most resolvable efficiently with spare parts/cables etc carried within van. We also refund generously for at least time lost for use of van. I would apologize if I knew what for/who/where, when, and what van hired and if I also thought we hadn't resolved well at the time which we always endeavour to do...
classiccampers
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4.5/5
Cannot recommend enough.
We had van 8 a 1969 Tintop. We called him Vinnie or Vincent! A handsome chap! a lot of fun to drive, cruised at a good speed (and going faster you'd miss stuff!). Children and adults waved as we passed, countless fun chats with people everywhere we went, who said they wished they'd done it. Vinnie made our trip extra special. So glad we didn't go for a big white van like everyone else, or the small and ugly Juicy ones we saw everywhere.
I spoke with Bevan several times on phone before booking, pick up and during our trip. He was very helpful, accomodating and to happy to talk through things I couldn't work out. Helps to have some basic car/mechanical knowledge just in case but our 2 weeks went without a hitch. Van was in great condition for 50 yrs old!
The CD & bluetooth player was a great addition and fridge but otherwise it was a brilliant back in time experience. The NZ campsites are so good, all the other folk we met said the didn't use a lot of the mod cons/feaatures of their big modern vans. NZ campsites are very good.
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5.0/5
A truly remarkable experience!
What can we say about Classic Campers in Auckland? Well to start, Bevan is superb! Very responsive to emails and helping plan our 2 week excursion in NZ, as well as helping our friends plan a 4 day trip to join us on the Northern Island in a van of their own. We began our dialogue with Bevan in July of 2018, for a rental that took place in Feb-March of this year. We asked many questions and always received down to earth answers.
After several email exchanges and questions, Bevan suggested that we rent van # 5, Cool Blue. She just had a newly overhauled engine and would be a great van for our two week excursion for the North and South Islands. Bevan suggested that we take the ferry and leave the van down south in Christchurch when we were finished with her. It saved us a ton of time and cash actually, another reason to go with a knowledgeable and honest small company.
We stayed in many different type campgrounds during the two weeks and had zero problems with Cool Blue. She ran like a top and never skipped a beat. Camping was so easy and everything worked as advertised. Everywhere we went, people flocked to her to ask questions or simply just take pictures!
For those that want to rent a truly classic camper, one that is 40+ years old with all the mileage and age to show for it, this company is for you. We highly recommend contacting Bevan and Classic Campers. We loved the rental so much that we finally pulled the plug and purchased our own 1978 Westfalia!
Thanks again Bevan for an incredible and very unique experience!
Steve and Mellie
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4.5/5
We had a great time with the camper that we rented from classic campers.
It had all the utilities needed and we had no technical issues with the engine or anything of that sort. Also, Classic campers went really far in helping us get rid of an unjust parking fine which was really great.
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5.0/5
We hired a Van from Bevan at Classic Campers for our family of five to road trip the North Island.
We had so much fun and the perfect amount of space for everyone (plus a couple surfboards). Bevan was available if any questions came up and so friendly and helpful. We recommend this company if you're looking to road trip NZ.
Hi Julie,
Thanks for your kind words
Cheers Bevan
classiccampers
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5.0/5
I rented their mint green 1969 VW hardtop camper for two weeks.
I had no mechanical problems the entire time which in my view says a lot for a 50 year old VW. I'm sure I could have rented a more modern camper van with more of the latest features but what it lack in modern stuff it made up for in charm and magnetism. Pull into a rest area, petrol station, campground, car park and people come over and talk or tell their stories. This was extra something money could not buy since I wanted to meet the Kiwi people, not to mention all the people waving, blowing kisses, flashing peace signs and video taping while driving. The van came equipped with all the camping stuff I needed. I appreciated the quick test drive I got since I am not used to driving on the left. Thanks to Bevan for all he did to make my stay safe and fun.
Hi Jon,
Glad you enjoyed it so much, they add so much fun and character to a trip,
Cheers
Bevan
classiccampers
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5.0/5
We hired a split window VW Kombi from Bevan at Classic Campers for a week Nov 18.
The camper was immaculate and ran like a dream. Bevan was great when we picked it up - running through everything and bringing us out for a introductory drive. It was comfortable to sleep in - and certainly turned many heads on our trip up north of Auckland. I couldn't recommend Classic Campers highly enough - and look forward to meeting Bevan and hiring another camper next time we are over.. Ian and Alison
Thank you, appreciate your kind words, Bevan
classiccampers
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0.5/5
This was the worst service I have ever received.
DO NOT RENT FROM CLASSIC CAMPERS
I wish I had dug through and found other reviewers who had the same issues I did - broken down car. I never would have rented from this company.
It is a crap shoot if the van is going to run. Bevan is very disorganized and make constant excuses for his failure to provide a safe and reliably working vehicle. He will ramble on about this coil and that circuit. Blah blah blah - I came to New Zealand to see the scenery, not take a mechanic lesson. The local mechanics that I was forced to visit even know of this guys reputation as a hot head who talks over people and sends people repeatedly to mechanics.
If you rent from this company, expect to take a tour of mechanics in New Zealand and do not plan on make any other plans on your vacation.
THE WORST!
Wrong company? Not one of our customers remotely fits this situation description you give, and I would definitely recall if any/multi visits to mechanics to fix van, can you please email me bevan@classic-campers.com as I honestly don't know who you are? Your review seems malicious as excludes any specifics, 6 months after Dec 17, and with no name as well...….. We take great effort to ensure vans are well prepared, safe and with current certificates of fitness, and required electrical certs etc, and our vans have proven very reliable with less than one mechanical breakdown issue for every 250 days hireage, and most resolvable efficiently with spare parts/cables etc carried within van. We also refund generously for at least time lost for use of van. I would apologize if I knew what for/who/where, when, and what van hired and if I also thought we hadn't resolved well at the time which we always endeavour to do...
classiccampers
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5.0/5
We hired Van 7 and couldn't have been happier!
We met Bevan just North of Auckland to collect it and he walked us through everything we needed to know. It came equipped with all that we required to eat and sleep and also had some good maps. As it is a vintage vehicle, we took it easy on the highways with regard to speed but that was the whole point of our trip - to relax and take it slow. We explored many fantastic beaches, small towns and great camp grounds. We prepared lots of delicious meals and had very comfortable sleeps. We made it all the way up to Cape Reinga and back again without a single problem or hiccup. Everywhere we went people wanted to know about the van and shared their personal stories of this iconic camper. It made people smile and wave like we've never experienced before! It was the best 2 week holiday we could ask for and super memorable. Can't wait to plan our next getaway and rent another Classic Camper from Bevan! Thanks again for everything!
Cheers,
Mark & Jen
Thank you, Glad you enjoyed, Bevan
classiccampers
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3.5/5
A basic retro camper (as expected from the company name), fun to tour on the flatter parts of lovely New Zealand.
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4.0/5
Our rental was for a 1973 VW campervan.
Very personal contact with huge knowledge about the camper. Renting should be shown twice as old cars have to be maintained well and tend to break down in the worst situation possible.However, best experience ever and a real adventure!
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4.5/5
My wife and I hired van 1, the 66 split window Kombi, for two glorious weeks in the south island.
I really didn't want to give the keys back. It was amazing how many smiles, waves, friendly beeps and discussions it generated!
On the whole, it ran very well mechanically. It’s in great condition for such a vintage model. And that's the point...it's 50 years old! So, a car that old needs to be driven gently and with respect. It will get up to the speed limits, but it feels like a car that just wants to drive slower! Hence, we just cruised along and pulled over often to let the cars behind us pass. Sure, it had to be warmed up in the mornings. Sure, there were a few occasions where it was a bit difficult finding the right gear. Sure, you have to keep an eye on the oil levels and so on, but that's all part of the experience. If you want a van with all the mod-cons, perhaps it's not your thing. But if you want a cruisy holiday that you'll never forget, definitely consider.
The van was equipped with almost everything we needed. We picked up a second duvet from the Salvos after the first night (the south island can get pretty cold) and some wine glasses (essential given the wine regions we were travelling through!).
This van is perhaps best for a couple.
One of our best holidays ever!
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5.0/5
We rented the VW Winnebago and had a awesome time driving it around the Cormandal of New Zealand!
The van was really well suited for the 4 of us friends exploring... cruising around, hanging out, and cooking up a feed. We liked the dinnete layout as it gave us a place to chill, roomy upper bed, and the homely feeling of the wooden interior. Also LOVED fact we could park in most normal parking spots as not too large! We found ourselves parked in the centre of town on numerous occasions without a worry at all. It sure beats saying in a stationary motel as everything you need is right there. Bevan and his wife were very friendly and explained well how everything works, the van ran well and easier to drive than expected. I have now been converted to motorhomes as the perfect holiday! Can't wait to do it again. Thanks and see you next time!
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0.5/5
Unless you want to spend your vacation repairing your van, and being blamed for it’s failures, don't rent from this unethical company.
We rented Van 6 for 14 days. On pick up day, were briefed for three hours on bloopers and deathly accidents, all of which Bevan claimed to be caused by renter stupidity. He said that if we followed his simple rules, like checking oil and gauges, we wouldn’t have problems. Before being released, we completed a drive test to demonstrate that we could start and drive the van.
Day 1 - Auxiliary battery failure.
Notified Bevan. No solution was provided.
Day 2 - Engine failure.
Van starts but the engine died a minute later. We arranged a jump to get us to our next destination. Bevan’s only suggestion was that we find a mechanic.
Day 3 - Mechanic: “find alternate transportation”
Surprise! The van didn’t start. Bevan asked us to jump it, then make three trips to mechanics and auto parts stores.
Four hours later, the first mechanic told us his “fix is temporary” and we “should find alternate transportation if [we] want a hassle-free trip”. Bevan didn’t offer a replacement or guarantee repair of our van before our ferry to the south island the next morning. We had to rent a another car.
Day 3 - Van returned without refund.
Bevan rejected our request for partial refund, saying that we owed him more time to diagnose the issue and repair it. There is no statement in the contract outlining such an outrageous expectation. The van should’ve been checked and in working order.
A week later, we found the van in Queenstown. Turns out the new renters broke down five times in two weeks. One cause was a faulty ignition coil, which can lead to the engine failure we reported.
Bevan finally promised a goodwill refund for a couple days but the credit we received covered just one day. At no time did he apologize or accept responsibility for the lost time and cost we incurred. You'll fall in love with these vans - just find another company!
Clearly - Lori and Mischa are some classic unhappy campers.
Sadly this review contains falsehoods and exaggerations eg. the starting and Auxiliary batteries didn't fail and are still fine, neither did the engine fail.
I checked with Turangi business where mechanic looked at van, and was advised that Lori was upset at not getting her 1st van choice (Van 1) which we hadn't committed to, and couldn't allocate due to an accident with another one of our vans (part of of our approx 10-15mins(not 3hr) prehire warnings/advice session.), his actual comment to me "he didn't replace parts that weren't broken" . Our classic wagons like to treated with some extra care eg follow starting procedure for cold starts - e.g. pressing accelerator pedal not brake pedal as many are in habit of nowadays. As nothing to fix per mechanic and subsequently checked out in Wgtn (where dropped off- 4 hours further drive), then no entitlement for refund for remaining days payable for early return unless non fixable/and no replacement found, they were reminded of this policy before dropping in Wgtn, and as per their signed rental agreement.
Re next hirers: Yes the coil did fail (rare) but is unrelated to the cold start issue The next hirers were fine at starting the van each morning all the way to Milford Sound (further 1100kms). Unfortunately the mechanic replaced an incorrect style of coil which failed approx 400 miles later etc.. (We refunded the subsequent hirer over twice our policy for the extra unnecessary inconvenience )
We have been rolling for 12 years with 100s of happy customers and millions of happy miles from our vans. We do pride ourselves as an ethical company and in good faith do our best to deal with issues if they arise.
It saddens us that Lori and Mishca felt let down, however we do wish them well.
classiccampers
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5.0/5
We arrived into Auckland late on a Friday evening and were warmly greeted by Bevan (owner) and shown around our new home for the next 7 days (Van 13 - T4 Winnebago).
Initially we were a little overwhelmed with the logistics of running the van (toilet etc) but the instructions manual was very helpful and Bevan guided us through everything. We set off on our adventure through the North Island and all it had to offer.. which was amazing scenary and people. "Winne" our camper, was fantastic, easy to drive and navigate and very comfortable and roomy given there was only the 2 of us. We arrived in Wellington after our trip for the weekend and again were greeted warmly by Brian who assisted us in getting into the city. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable experince and we found it hard to give back the van.... Thank-you Bevan and your family for making our trip so memorable! Susan & Paddy
Thank you
classiccampers
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5.0/5
We visited New Zealand in November 2013 with our 2 daughters (3 and 6 months at the time).
Hoping to make the trip more unique and adventureous we decided to go with Classic Campers. We ended up with a 1973 orange VW kombi. The first few days were a little tough with 4 people in the tiny van (we were used to a westfalia at home and the kombi was a little smaller in sleeping space). We spent 4 weeks on the south island living out of the van though and after the first few days we were sold. We absolutely loved that van and can't imagine ever doing that trip in anything else. For sure VW are challenging (and quirky) at times but that's part of the adventure right? We have the most amazing photos with the van, in the end it was like part of our family instead of a vehicle (my 4 year old still talks about it and we have a family photo with it in our living room). It was so nice to travel in something unique and not the regular cookie cutter style RV. After the south island we flew back to the north and travelled for a week in the burgundy Devon roof style VW. The space in this van was incredible... so much more than the kombi, we kind of felt like we were in a palace. That being said our heart was still with the older Kombi style.... now if only we could have brought it home with us. Bevan was amazing to deal with and we felt he treated us almost as family. If we ever get back to NZ again there is no question we will be travelling with Classic Campers.
