We spent 3 months touring NZ.

We chose to hire a Kea motorhome for the duration as we had had excellent service from them on our previous visit in 2007. We booked from England and when we arrived in Auckland in late December 2009, all was ready and waiting. We chose a 4-berth model to give us space and the facilities that we would be likely to need for 12 weeks. We were picked up and taken to the depot and talked through the arrangements. This was not fast but was efficient, comprehensive and unthreatening. The condition of the vehicle was immaculate and, since it was Christmas, there was a gift of a Christmas cake and a souvenir glass plate. The staff were very competent and caring and, it seemed, a little disappointed that we did not need to have everything explained to us. Because of the length of hire we were given extra facilities, such as satnav, at no extra cost.

The motorhome was comfortable to live in and easy to drive, even around towns. The whole trip was just one excitement after another with the motorhome being the critical comfortable link between all our experiences.

TV reception was not brilliant. The TV did break down but Kea arranged for a local electrician to fix it, which he did with a minimum of fuss.

As a vehicle, it was easy to drive, responsive to the controls and gave an exciting view of the countryside being several feet higher than a car. Diesel consumption was much better than I had expected and the cost of fuel made the trip far more economical than it would be in UK.

The handover of the motorhome was as effecient and friendly as had been the pick-up making the whole procedure one we will be happy to repeat.

By the time 3 months were up, we were sad to say goodbye to our home-from-home and remember our experiences with great fondness.

Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in January 2010