We rented a Volkswagen 2007 T5 Dart 2 (285000km) for one month in Feb 2017.

We were picked up in Christchurch on time and our contract explained to us in a professional manner by the hard-working Denise. We had to phone in twice for advice, which was dealt with in a satisfactory manner both times. Return of the van was all good, we were refunded for a puncture repair and engine oil which we had paid for on the road as promised.

A few things to check before leaving KC’s base when picking a van up:

That the supplied linen is all clean, including any covers that might be on the quilt and pillows.

That the engine oil is at the top mark.

Also, check the tyre pressures at the first opportunity.

Specific tips for the VW T5

Never ever leave the keys inside the van with the doors closed, the central locking has a mind of its own and the doors may lock at any time.

If the cooker rings won’t stay alight then turn off and knock hard on top of the gas ring before relighting.

Pros: These are great vans with a lot of living area compared to other vans of the same size.

Front room staff very professional.

Cons: Back room staff letting the show down a bit with the preparation of the vans.

Kiwi's web site doesn’t have any pictures of the VW Dart 2, the pictures shown are of a Toyota. You’ll need to Google them separately or search for ‘Wilderness Dart 2’. Doesn’t show a great deal of respect for the customer…

Overall happy enough with our experience and would use Kiwi again.

Reviewed almost 8 years ago

Stayed 1 night in a campervan Feb 2017.

Basic as expected for the cost, handy for the drive down to Nugget Point Lighthouse and Roaring Bay Hide to see the YEPs.

Reviewed almost 8 years ago

Stayed 2 nights in a campervan Feb 2017.

Really loved this place, $25 for 2 adults on a powered site. Loads of room, friendly warden, good clean facilities, bargain price. What more do you need?

Also handy for the Central Otago Rail Trail, SheBikesHeBikes on the mainstreet will take you north 30k for the ride back over the best bits (mostly downhill).

Reviewed almost 8 years ago

Stayed 1 night in a campervan Feb 2017.

Was very busy (Saturday) so we parked up overlooking the bay, others were parked up overlooking Porpoise Bay as all the sites amongst the flax were taken or unsuitable. Gave us a great view but luckily the wind wasn't blowing.

Facilities all new, PIN code for the door to the block (put a slight weight on the door before putting your code in for easier opening).

Not the quiet forgotten place it apparently once was but still worth a visit for the killer view over the bay, the Petrified Forest and YEPs and the Hector's Dolphins.

Reviewed almost 8 years ago

Stayed two nights in a campervan early Feb 2017.

Good facilities, more homely feeling than the big site on the south side of the city. Easy walk up the path to see the arch of glow worms at night, take a torch for coming back as it's easy to miss the turn back over the bridge to the campsite. Being on the north side of Dunedin it's handy for Baldwin Street, Signal Hill Lookout and Port Chalmers as well.

Reviewed almost 8 years ago

Stayed one night late Jan 2017, this is a nice old school campground with plenty of space and a chilled out vibe.

Rustic.

Reviewed almost 8 years ago and experienced in January 2017

Stayed one night late Jan 2017, very friendly owner and really liked the seperate loos at each pitch.

Nice place to stay for a drive up to Benmore Dam then along the Lake Aviemore backroad on the way east.

Reviewed almost 8 years ago and experienced in January 2017

16km gravel track from main road up to the carpark, we went up in a small campervan, the track is a bit steep and gnarly in places so wouldn't advise taking a motorhome style 'van up there.

Nice easy track to the arch once you reach the carpark, access to the Mirror Tarn and Moira Arch from the same place.

Good information boards and toilets at the carpark

Nice enough but not the wow factor I was expecting from other reviews. If you want a stunning walk through limestone country try the Ruakuri Bush Walk a couple of ks past the Waitomo caves on the North Island.

Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014

Stayed one night in a campervan.

The site is at the far end of the playing fields.

Pros - Friendly, homely feel, loads of space

Cheap - $9pppn for a powered site

All you need in the kitchen, pots, pans, plates, cutlery etc

Cons - Facilities a bit retro but fine for the money

Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014