We recently rented a Premium 2 Berth Fiat Camper Van from Gateway Motorhomes in Auckland - Karen and Roger were the owners and they were extremely helpful with their instructions (this was our first time

using a camper van).

The van itself performed wonderfully, was clean and well stocked with bed linen/towels/extra items necessary for a quick cup of tea/coffee, etc. - and the one extra thing that we enjoyed having that other rental camper vans didn't offer - was the retractable AWNING - that offered us sufficient shade when necessary at some of the open area campsites we visited. While we enjoyed excellent sunny weather, knowing that we had the awning if it did rain, was comforting. The service that Karen and Roger gave us was incredible - from being picked up at our hotel at the beginning of our trip - to being dropped off at the airport when it was time to leave....and the patience and kindness and sense of humour they displayed, when after being dropped off at the airport and having to call them to say that we left our mobile phone in the van, resulted in them having to make ANOTHER trip to the airport in rush hour traffic to bring us the phone....was something that we will be forever grateful for. All in all....great value...and when we return to New Zealand to do the south island, we will definitely be using a GETAWAY VAN. 10 out of 10

Reviewed over 11 years ago

We had a very short one week trip to the North Island only of NZ and one of the most interesting experiences along the way was our visit to the Tamaki Maori Village.

Our bus driver was DENNIS (the Menace...his own added comment)...which gives you an indication of how entertaining our journey to the Village was. He was able to weave his humour in amongst all the cultural and historical information that he gave us along the way, making the trip interesting and enjoyable. The traditional ancient ceremonial welcome to the Village was spellbinding and humbling, the seriousness and sincerity of its performance is something to remember for a lifetime. As we toured through the village, it was very well organized to accommodate the number of visitors and allow you to be able to witness or take part in the cultural displays being presented, smooth flowing from one exhibit to another. The entertainment was authentic and heart moving to experience, beautiful, powerful singing and dancing and then the plentiful feast afterwards was delicious. (Although a demonstration of the actually cooking/removing of the earth from the hangi pit would have been wonderful to see). Once again, the organization by the staff – always patient and courteous - and the smooth flowing of so many visitors amazed me and made our visit truly a wonderful memory.

Thank you DENNIS for sharing with us a part of your culture, which in itself was displayed by your patient, kind and humorous nature.

Reviewed over 11 years ago

I was stunned when my husband stopped and turned off the ignition saying "this is it!" - as I actually thought that we were still in the CAR PARK of the site.

There was nothing but gravel all around and the vans were very close together. To say that I was disappointed is an understatement –THEN -we went in to view the 'Pools' area - what a relaxing, soothing, simply beautiful place to spend the rest of the day and evening. The shower/toilet/kitchen and laundry area were 'older', but very clean and sufficient for the small amount of campers in the lot After visiting the pools, which were varied and surrounded by lovely well cared for foilage we decided on a fish and chips dinner to be purchased from the cafe that was on site. My husband went off to buy our dinner while I sorted out and tidied up inside the van. I couldn’t believe it when I looked out and saw him walking back with two large CHINA plates/ or flat bowls, EACH filled with 3 lightly crumbed fish/large crispy chips and a salad of greens/thinly slivered carrot strips/wedges of tomato and long, thin curled slivers of beet root.....displayed as a dish that you would receive in a 4 star restaurant. I expected him to return with a newspaper wrapped order of fish and chips and some coleslaw on the side. In the morning, prior to the pools being opened to the public, we strolled along the paths to view the steaming, bubbling natural pools and streams of water flowing down the hillside and being captured and separated into the various pools at our campground. The surrounding natural bush was breathtaking . We were totally surprised and extremely happy with our visit here and highly recommend it anyone travelling through that area...and YES....take at least one night to stay in their 'campsite'...as the cost is cheap and covers the use of the pools as often as you like.....and the food on offer and the scenery is well worth it.

Reviewed over 11 years ago