We have hired a Base Jumper 2 for 3 weeks for the last 3 years.

Its design meets our requirements for New Zealand exactly. It incorporates good storage, good cooking facilities (2 gas cylinders), large bed, good-sized fridge and an inverter for charging electronic items (beware, some devices get trashed: check compatibility). All this in a standard van which is consequently easy to drive, especially on unpaved roads which take you to the best spots! So, why only 4/10? Reliability! In 2011, we had several irritating problems. As a result, Wilderness assured us that, if we re-booked in 2012, we would have an excellent vehicle. How wrong they were! Spongy brakes, neglected dry habitation batteries, leaking water system (pump coming on at regular intervals day and night), damaged fridge door which failed to close securely (flying open whilst travelling and spewing items all over the floor). To the company's credit, we were offered our next hire free (except for insurance). So, in 2013, we returned. The van we had was very well-worn with 226,000 km on the clock, though serviced only days before. It drove well and seemed OK, until the clutch went! The van had to be replaced (with a new up-market Burstner, Escape 4 – very different!). This was done quite quickly (we were 100 miles from Auckland), but even so we missed a key birding event.

Would I recommend hiring from Wilderness? No, unless you establish that the vehicle which meets your needs in NZ is new or nearly so. I am sad to say this, because the concept of the Basejumper and related older models was good and the front line staff personable and helpful. But if the most suitable vehicles for NZ conditions are unreliable, what other conclusion can one come to?

Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in February 2013