We enjoy looking after a wide variety of guests at Wilderness, and we rarely get to share their feedback or experiences with you.
So, we decided to analyse over 3,500 responses from the feedback survey our guests can fill out about their road trip experience in a Wilderness motorhome. We wanted to know how their journey went and what they enjoyed the most — so we can deliver an even better experience next time.
A few insights stood out, which we discuss in more detail in this blog. Read on to discover what made our guests’ New Zealand motorhome adventures so full of comfort, freedom, quality and friendliness.
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In the context of our guests’ motorhome holidays, we asked them one key question: What did you enjoy the most?
Why travelling in comfort is most important
More than 15 percent of our guests mentioned comfort in their feedback responses. But why is comfort important when travelling in a campervan rental across New Zealand?
The reality is that you’ll be spending plenty of time in your motorhome:
- Sleeping — so it’s essential to have comfortable beds that are easy to set up and access
- Driving — exploring the country’s incredible landscapes and enjoying the journey
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The camper was comfortable and we felt safe that it could cope with steep roads in the mountains and gravel roads to remote camping areas. |
- Living — cooking, eating and entertaining in the dining area
- Resting — after hiking day trails, indulging in beach time or wandering around town.
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The luxurious comfort of the set up configuration and the warm lighting were important compared to the fluorescent white light seen with other brands. |
During New Zealand’s hot summer, you’ll likely need a recreational vehicle with many windows and roof vents to help you stay cool. Air conditioning and comfy cab seats are also vital as driving distances are often longer than expected.
Poor weather conditions can also mean more time spent sheltering inside your RV. If you plan to travel to New Zealand in autumn, winter or spring, consider hiring a comfortable motorhome with reliable central heating, insulation and double glazing.
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The beds were very comfortable. The van was very warm when the heating system was on, and cold weather hit! Lots of space for the two of us, and we had everything we needed. |
Comfort is warmth and safety in a motorhome
Comfort while travelling in an RV can be defined in many ways — often around the comfort of the cab seats while driving or the comfort of the mattress while sleeping.
As reflected in the quotes above, some feedback suggests that many of our guests’ definitions of comfort revolved more around feelings of warmth and safety. It may show the importance of hiring a motorhome with:
- A central heating system — with double glazed windows and insulation in the roof, walls and underfloor for warmth
- Very few years on the rental fleet — a modern vehicle with the latest technology for safety.
Learn how to stay warm on your NZ motorhome adventure.
How feedback about freedom is expressed
Freedom was highlighted by more than 14 percent of our guests in their responses. This is likely because renting a motorhome for travel around New Zealand offers unlimited opportunities for feelings of freedom.
In a recreational vehicle, you have the freedom to travel at your own pace because you can:
- Drive almost anywhere you want, when you want — without a daily fixed schedule and with the ability to be spontaneous when a magical location appears
- Escape the crowds — when finding secluded locations and that sense of discovery off-the-beaten-track
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The ability to freedom camp — we actually never stayed in a paid camp the whole time. |
- Be more in control of time — without needing to catch early morning buses, hop on late night trains or check out of hotels on time
- Reconnect with nature — park up for the night beside an isolated lake, go to sleep under a myriad of stars, then wake up to a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise
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I loved to be independent. I visited so many places. One day, I slept on the beach and the other on the mountain — it was AWESOME. |
- Be self-sufficient — the right motorhome hire will give you everything you need to independently freedom camp without requiring any facilities.
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Resting and showering after surfing. We loved our cosy and warm camper. Freedom camping was just as easy and comfortable as a holiday park. |
Freedom is about making unique choices
By hiring a campervan or motorhome, you become free from the constraints of traditional travel. You’re embracing a more adventurous and independent travel experience — opening up more opportunities to make spontaneous decisions as they arise.
This is particularly true when you decide where to park and camp for the night. New Zealand has thousands of camping grounds, including holiday parks, privately owned commercial campgrounds, regional campsites, DOC camping sites and freedom camping spots.
The above feedback highlights our guests’ unique freedom camping experiences and how these escapades were what they enjoyed the most on their RV vacations. It may illustrate the difference that hiring a certified self-contained (CSC) motorhome can make.
Legal freedom camping with a CSC recreational vehicle means you’ll enjoy:
- Remoteness — sometimes without any other campers near you
- Saving money — on campground fees
- Self-sufficiency — with everything you need to look after yourself.
Find out more about freedom camping in New Zealand.
Quality of the motorhome and the service
More than 13 percent of our guests stated quality in their feedback responses. What qualities did they refer to — and why is quality such a common answer?
The quality of a hire vehicle can make or break your vacation. Even the perceived little things, like having an easy-to-use booking platform with transparent and upfront pricing, can enhance your view of the hirer’s service.
Therefore, it’s worthwhile researching how motorhome rental operators are delivering a high-quality experience, such as through:
- An exceptionally maintained and varied modern fleet — by frequently retiring older motorhomes and thoroughly inspecting and servicing active RVs between hires
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The reliability of the vehicle and its ability to power up anytime. It drove like a car and was very easy to maintain. |
- Well-equipped essentials — in the kitchen, bedroom and even for outdoors, like a barbecue and camping chairs
- Comprehensive information and excellent customer service — with detailed guides and local travel tips by knowledgeable, friendly and responsive staff
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The staff were extremely knowledgeable and pleasant. We really appreciated the helpful road map and recommendations on where to go. |
- On-road and after hours support — should an unexpected issue or breakdown happen
- Going the extra mile — with the likes of personalised service, welcome packs and New Zealand road trip itinerary assistance
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We were very impressed with the shuttle pickup process, the responsiveness when we sent a message asking about the pick up at the airport, and the tutorial instructions. So thorough and a very organised production. |
- Being spotless on pick up — with fresh linen, clean utensils and a tidy interior
- The little things — that aren’t often noticed until you’re already on your motorhome adventure, like warm lighting, a dry bathroom after showering and soft close drawers.
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The bathroom divisors which allow taking showers in a more comfortable way. The quality of the bed and the high free space inside of the motorhome. |
Quality often shines through in the little details
Motorhome rental operators that focus on quality will consider how to offer it in both obvious ways and through small details. They’ll also implement systems to be able to consistently deliver quality for their customers.
The quotes about quality suggest that many perceived little things leave big impressions on our guests. It may reveal the value of renting from an operator that’s:
- Responsive — before you book, during your motorhome journey and after you’ve returned the RV
- Knowledgeable — about their motorhomes, NZ travel highlights, local driving laws, freedom camping and parking larger vehicles
- Thorough — in preparation for your road trip adventure, especially if it’s your first time driving a motorhome in New Zealand.
A rental operator with staff prepared to go out of their way may provide insight into their overall product and service quality.
Discover what motorhome rental inclusions and add-ons may come with your hire.
Friendliness and ease of use
Four percent of guests mentioned friendliness when renting a Wilderness motorhome, while a similar number noted that some aspect of their motorhome holiday was made really easy.
If you rent with a helpful and friendly rental operator who can assist with getting items like ferry tickets, you’ll more likely enjoy a stress-free and positive motorhome hiring experience.
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We enjoyed the ability to pick up in Auckland and the convenience of dropping off in Christchurch. |
Check out our guide to one way motorhome rentals in New Zealand.
Motorhome travel is about possibility — knowing that any unexpected moment could become a remarkable memory.
Check out all our Wilderness guest reviews posted on Google and Facebook.
