Compact campervan
Hitop
Australia · Compact campervan
- Seats
- 2
- Sleeps
- 2
- Toilet
- No
- Shower
- No
- Transmission
- Automatic
Rental company field guide
Cheapa Campa review
An Australasian budget brand for campervan and motorhome holidays.
Profile reviewed and updated on
Background
Company overview
Cheapa Campa developed within the Apollo Motorhome Holidays family and became part of Tourism Holdings Limited when thl and Apollo Tourism & Leisure combined in 2022. It occupies the budget end of the group's campervan and motorhome rental business in Australia and New Zealand, using vehicles that have spent longer in the fleet than its premium ranges.
Rentals run through shared thl depots, with group support continuing during the trip.
Our verdict
Editorial review
Cheapa makes a convincing case for choosing accommodation by what you need to use every day. Staying within a budget brand still leaves room to choose between a simple camper and a motorhome with its own bathroom. The compromise is in the age and individual specification of the vehicle, so the appeal depends on being comfortable with a functional holiday base rather than expecting a particular finish or layout.
Good points
- Room to shape a one-way trip.The depot network makes different pickup and return points a practical option in both countries. That is useful when retracing a long journey would consume too much of the holiday, although the chosen route determines the rental minimum and charges.
- Distance allowance suits longer touring.Unlimited kilometres on 2WD rentals remove a mileage calculation from each day's driving. New Zealand's diesel road charge remains a separate cost.
Things to consider
- Vehicles start later in their fleet life.The Australian 2WD range starts at four years in the fleet and the New Zealand range at five. This makes Cheapa a less natural choice if a recently introduced vehicle is an important part of the holiday experience; age alone does not establish its mechanical condition.
- New Zealand's compact choices restrict overnight flexibility.The Hitop and Endeavour are not certified self-contained for freedom camping. Choosing either means giving up that option, even though both have a portable toilet.
Vehicle categories
Cheapa Campa fleet
Compact campervan
Hitop
New Zealand · Compact campervan
- Seats
- 3
- Sleeps
- 2
- Toilet
- Portable
- Shower
- No
- Transmission
- Automatic
Compact campervan
Endeavour
Australia · Compact campervan
- Seats
- 4
- Sleeps
- 4
- Toilet
- No
- Shower
- No
- Transmission
- Automatic
Compact campervan
Endeavour
New Zealand · Compact campervan
- Seats
- 4
- Sleeps
- 4
- Toilet
- Portable
- Shower
- No
- Transmission
- Automatic
Low-profile motorhome
Cheapa 2 Berth
Low-profile motorhome
- Seats
- 2
- Sleeps
- 2
- Toilet
- Yes
- Shower
- Yes
- Transmission
- Automatic
Overcab motorhome
Cheapa 4 Berth
Overcab motorhome
- Seats
- 4
- Sleeps
- 4
- Toilet
- Yes
- Shower
- Yes
- Transmission
- Automatic
Overcab motorhome
Cheapa 6 Berth
Overcab motorhome
- Seats
- 6
- Sleeps
- 6
- Toilet
- Yes
- Shower
- Yes
- Transmission
- Automatic
4WD expedition camper
Cheapa 4WD Camper
4WD expedition camper
- Seats
- 2
- Sleeps
- 2
- Toilet
- No
- Shower
- Outdoor
- Transmission
- Automatic
Locations
Cheapa Campa pickup locations
Open each country to see its pickup locations.
Australia
-
Adelaide 740 Port Wakefield Road, Parafield Gardens SA 5107
-
Alice Springs 220 Stuart Highway, Alice Springs NT 0870
-
Brisbane 733A Nudgee Road, Northgate QLD 4013
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Broome 10 Livingstone Street, Broome WA 6725
-
Cairns 419 Sheridan Street, Cairns North QLD 4870
-
Darwin 17 Bombing Road, Winnellie NT 0820
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Hobart 14 Long Street, Cambridge TAS 7170
-
Melbourne 40–46 Hume Highway, Somerton VIC 3062
-
Perth 2 Redcliffe Road, Redcliffe WA 6104
-
Sydney 125 Nancy Ellis Leebold Drive, Bankstown Aerodrome, Condell Park NSW 2200
New Zealand
-
Auckland 470 Oruarangi Road, Māngere, Auckland 2022
-
Christchurch 159 Orchard Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8051
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Queenstown 9 Purple Ash Avenue, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
Before booking
Practical facts
The policies, inclusions and services that are specific to a Cheapa Campa rental.
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Vehicle allocation | You book a category. The make, model, exact age and layout are not guaranteed, and an awning cannot be guaranteed on the 4 or 6 Berth motorhomes. |
| Driving licence and eligibility | Each driver must be named on the rental agreement and bring a valid physical driving licence. A translation or international driving permit may be needed for a licence that is not in English. Confirm the minimum driver age for the country and category before paying. |
| Child seats | The Australian Hitop, Cheapa 2 Berth in either country and Australian 4WD cannot carry a child who needs a child restraint. Endeavour and the 4 and 6 Berth categories accept up to two compatible restraints; the New Zealand Hitop accepts one. Reserve the required seats in advance and confirm the approved seating positions for the vehicle. |
| Included equipment and extras | Kitchen equipment, bedding and towels are supplied. Outdoor chairs and tables are optional extras, as are additional drivers and compatible child seats. |
| Mileage | The 2026–27 direct-rental terms include unlimited kilometres for 2WD vehicles in both countries. The Australian 4WD includes 300 km per day, with a charge for additional kilometres or an optional unlimited-kilometre package. |
| New Zealand road charge | Diesel rentals incur a Road User Charge separately from the mileage allowance. It is calculated from the distance driven, with a daily prepayment option also offered. |
| One-way rentals | Different pickup and return locations are available on eligible routes. Minimum hire periods and one-way charges depend on the route and season; remote Australian locations can also attract a separate location charge. |
| Seasonal Australian depots | Under the 2026–27 schedule, Alice Springs, Broome and Darwin close from 1 December to 31 March. These closures affect where a trip can begin or end. |
| Airport transfers | Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown have airport shuttle services; use the pickup instructions supplied for your booking. In Australia, arrange and pay for transport to and from the depot unless your booking includes it. |
| Dogs | Dogs are accepted on eligible bookings in Australia and New Zealand with advance notice and a pet cleaning fee. Arrange acceptance when booking, including the number of dogs travelling. Other animals require separate confirmation. |
| Permitted roads | 2WD hire is based on sealed-road travel. The 2026–27 terms allow a limited exception for a well-maintained unsealed access of less than 12 km to a recognised commercial campsite or major tourist attraction, subject to the country's specific restrictions. The Australian 4WD has routes requiring written permission as well as prohibited tracks. Beaches are prohibited for both vehicle types. |
| Payment | The 2026–27 direct terms require a booking deposit and the balance 30 days before pickup. Card surcharges can apply. |
| Cancellation | The standard Australia and New Zealand direct-rental schedule for 2026–27 sets charges by notice before pickup: 61 days or more, no cancellation fee; 60–31 days, a fixed charge; 30–7 days, 20% of the rental with a minimum charge; 6 days or fewer, 50% with a minimum charge; pickup day or no-show, 100%. Applicability depends on the offer, sales channel and any optional cancellation cover. Late collection does not bring a refund for the missed rental time. |
| Liability and security deposit | The vehicle, country and liability-reduction option determine the security deposit and the amount you remain responsible for. Liability applies to each claim. Reducing it does not remove exclusions for matters such as unauthorised driving or make personal belongings part of the vehicle cover. |
| Help during the rental | On-road assistance is available 24 hours a day, with vehicle guides and familiarisation videos in the thl Roadtrip app. Use the contact details supplied with the vehicle or voucher. Assistance availability does not mean every call-out or repair cost is included. |
| Return requirements | Return to the agreed depot on time, with fuel at the required level, AdBlue replenished where applicable, the interior reasonably clean and the toilet cassette and waste tanks emptied. A purchased return service can change the cleaning tasks included. |
| Drop & Go in Australia | Waste-emptying and cleaning service is offered at Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Arrange the service for your booking rather than assuming it is available at every depot. |
| Smoking and vaping | Both are prohibited inside the vehicle. Cleaning or damage charges can apply. |
Quick answers
Cheapa Campa FAQ
What happens if my booked category is unavailable at pickup?
The 2026–27 rental terms allow another available vehicle to be offered at no extra charge. They do not guarantee an upgrade or an equal or higher category. Agree the replacement and any practical differences before accepting it; accepting a change does not automatically entitle you to a refund.
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