Koru Star 6 Freedom
Overcab motorhome
- Seats
- 6
- Sleeps
- 6
- Toilet
- Yes
- Shower
- Yes
- Transmission
- Automatic
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Wendekreisen review
A New Zealand camper builder and rental company with a particular focus on two- and three-person layouts.
Profile reviewed and updated on
Background
Company overview
Wendekreisen combines camper rental with the work of fitting out the vehicles themselves. Its Auckland operation converts imported vans, including carpentry and interior assembly, while rental bases in Auckland and Christchurch serve travellers exploring New Zealand.
The business was incorporated in 1990 and began renting campers the following year. Over time it developed its own Koru, Koru Star and Budget ranges, adding workshop capacity and modular layouts as the rental offer expanded. Alongside rentals, it sells vehicles and undertakes conversion and repair work.
Our verdict
Editorial review
The range rewards a close look at how a camper will be used each day. Two people have several genuinely different choices, and the three-person models offer more flexibility than a simple extra seat. That depth makes Wendekreisen a compelling option for a longer New Zealand rental where the bed arrangement, transmission and onboard systems deserve deliberate choices.
The financial comparison needs equal attention. The base rental tariff is only part of the price, and even the highest protection option leaves some damage exposure. A well-matched camper can make a strong proposition here, provided the protection cost and the agreed pickup and return arrangements fit the trip too.
Good points
- Useful alternatives to sharing a double bed.The Star 2 VW offers a twin-bed configuration, while the Star 3 and Koru 3 can accommodate three people in separate beds. These are meaningful choices for friends or relatives whose sleeping preferences would rule out a conventional double-bed camper.
- A workable two-island rental arrangement.Auckland and Christchurch give the company a base on each main island. The same vehicle can cross Cook Strait, and ordinary one-way rental relocation is included, making a continuous journey possible without changing campers at the ferry ports.
- Helpfulness features in recent rental feedback.Several renters describe clear vehicle explanations and helpful staff, including assistance with minor issues during a trip. Those accounts support a positive view of the personal service, although they do not establish how every handover or breakdown will be handled.
Things to consider
- Protection adds to the daily price without removing all liability.Mandatory Standard protection costs NZD 25 per day in addition to the base tariff. Full Cover costs more and reduces the excess, but retains a substantial excess for drivers aged 21–24 and leaves contractual exclusions in place. The difference matters when comparing both the trip budget and the amount at risk.
Vehicle categories
Wendekreisen fleet
Koru Star 4 Freedom
Panel van camper
- Seats
- 4
- Sleeps
- 4
- Toilet
- Yes
- Shower
- Yes
- Transmission
- Automatic
Koru Star 3 Freedom
Panel van camper
- Seats
- 3
- Sleeps
- 3
- Toilet
- Yes
- Shower
- Yes
- Transmission
- Automatic
Koru Star 2 Freedom (VW)
Panel van camper
- Seats
- 2
- Sleeps
- 2
- Toilet
- Yes
- Shower
- Yes
- Transmission
- Automatic
Koru Star 2 Freedom (LDV)
Panel van camper
- Seats
- 2
- Sleeps
- 2
- Toilet
- Yes
- Shower
- Yes
- Transmission
- Automatic
Koru 4 Freedom
Panel van camper
- Seats
- 4
- Sleeps
- 4
- Toilet
- Yes
- Shower
- Yes
- Transmission
- Automatic
Koru 3 Freedom
Panel van camper
- Seats
- 3
- Sleeps
- 3
- Toilet
- Yes
- Shower
- Yes
- Transmission
- Manual
Koru 2 Freedom
Panel van camper
- Seats
- 2
- Sleeps
- 2
- Toilet
- Yes
- Shower
- Yes
- Transmission
- Manual
Budget 2 Freedom
Panel van camper
- Seats
- 2
- Sleeps
- 2
- Toilet
- Yes
- Shower
- Yes
- Transmission
- Manual
Budget 2 Premium
Panel van camper
- Seats
- 3
- Sleeps
- 3
- Toilet
- Yes
- Shower
- Yes
- Transmission
- Manual
Budget 2
Panel van camper
- Seats
- 3
- Sleeps
- 3
- Toilet
- Yes
- Shower
- Yes
- Transmission
- Manual
Wendekreisen’s fleet centres on van conversions, with a single larger overcab category for parties of up to six. The Koru Star range is entirely automatic; the Koru 4 is also automatic, while the Koru 2, Koru 3 and all three Budget categories are manual.
Choosing a two-person layout
The VW and LDV versions of the Koru Star 2 Freedom have different sleeping arrangements. The VW can be set up as a double or two singles; the LDV has a double bed. The VW is 6.00 m long and the LDV 6.22 m, a distinction that also matters when booking a ferry by vehicle length.
Koru 2 Freedom and Budget 2 Freedom are manual LDV V80 conversions with two individual travel seats, a double bed and access between the cab and living area. Their solar and heating equipment differ: Koru 2 has a 280 W solar panel and diesel cabin heating, while Budget 2 Freedom has a 150 W panel and LPG heating. The Budget name alone does not describe the same equipment across every model.
More than two travellers
Koru Star 3 Freedom and Koru 3 Freedom offer a double plus a single, or three singles. The Star 3 combines that flexibility with an automatic VW base; the Koru 3 uses a manual LDV. The upper single-bed arrangement deserves attention when deciding who will sleep where.
For four people, Koru 4 Freedom has two rear double beds, with an electric upper bed and a forward dining area that remains usable when the beds are set. The six-berth Star 6 moves into a wider overcab motorhome, with three double beds and a length of 7.54 m. It provides the largest sleeping capacity in the range, with a corresponding increase in vehicle size.
Locations
Wendekreisen pickup locations
Open each country to see its pickup locations.
New Zealand
-
Auckland Unit 6, 197 Montgomerie Road, Mangere / Airport Oaks, Auckland
-
Christchurch 240 Roydvale Avenue, Burnside, Christchurch
Before booking
Practical facts
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Rental price and mandatory protection | The base camper tariff excludes Standard protection. For the tariff period 1 May 2026–30 September 2027, Standard costs NZD 25 per day, capped at NZD 1,250 for 50 days. As a dated starting-price example, the Star 6 tariff for 1 May–30 September 2026 is NZD 239 per day before that mandatory addition. This example is not a quote or confirmation of availability. |
| Optional protection levels | Standard + Tyre & Windscreen costs NZD 35 per day, capped at NZD 1,750 for 50 days. Full Cover costs NZD 45 per day, capped at NZD 2,250 for 50 days. These are the alternative protection premiums, not amounts to add on top of the NZD 25 Standard premium. Tyre-change service is excluded from the tyre-and-windscreen option. |
| Damage excess | For drivers older than 25, Standard carries an excess of NZD 2,500 per incident; Full Cover reduces it to NZD 250. For ages 21–24, the corresponding figures are NZD 5,000 and NZD 2,500. Full Cover still has exclusions, including damage involving low structures, prohibited roads, overloading and certain accessories or recovery costs. |
| Security bond | The bond amount follows the applicable excess. It secures potential liability and is separate from the rental price and protection premium. |
| Booking and payment | Direct bookings begin with a non-binding request; the calculator does not confirm live availability. Wendekreisen sends an email confirmation and payment link. A non-refundable NZD 300 booking deposit is due within three days, with the balance payable 30 days before pickup. Bank transfer, EFTPOS, Visa and Mastercard are accepted; cash is not. |
| Minimum rental | The usual minimum is 10 days. Shorter rentals are subject to availability. |
| Cancellation and early return | The booking deposit is non-refundable. Cancellation 8–30 days before pickup attracts a charge of 30% of the gross booking amount. Returning the camper early does not produce a refund for unused days. |
| Driver eligibility | Drivers must be at least 21 and have held a full licence for at least 12 months. Bring the original licence; a non-English licence also needs an International Driving Permit or an accepted translation. |
| Kilometres and road charges | Unlimited kilometres and diesel Road User Charges are included. Fuel, tolls and ferry fares remain separate. The toll administration fee is NZD 20 per toll, in addition to the toll itself. |
| Equipment and additional drivers | Bedding, pillows, duvets, towels, cooking utensils, crockery, a camping table and chairs are included. Additional drivers, card fees and 15% GST are also included in direct bookings. |
| Airport and accommodation transfers | Transfers are free within Wendekreisen’s Auckland and Christchurch airport/nearby-accommodation service. Arrange the collection point with the base; city-centre taxi fares are not reimbursed. |
| One-way rentals and special cities | Ordinary one-way camper relocation is included. Dunedin, Hamilton and Picton are possible special pickup or return locations only by prior agreement and availability, at NZD 550 per special service. They are not permanent branches. |
| Inter-island travel | The same camper can travel on Interislander or Bluebridge between Wellington and Picton. A ferry ticket is a separate purchase; the price depends on vehicle length, passengers and travel date. |
| Out-of-hours handover | Pickup or return between 06:30 and 20:00 can be arranged outside normal office hours. The Friday/Saturday out-of-hours service costs NZD 60 for pickup and NZD 60 for return, with at least seven days’ notice and confirmation. |
| Children | A child seat or booster costs NZD 50 per rental. Bringing your own is allowed; confirm its fit in the chosen camper. ISOFIX is specifically offered for the Star 4, but seat count alone does not establish restraint compatibility. |
| Pets and smoking | Ordinary pets are prohibited; registered guide and assistance dogs are excepted. Smoking is prohibited in the campers. |
| Road restrictions | Public unsealed roads are generally permitted, subject to exclusions. Prohibited routes include Ninety Mile Beach, Skippers, Ball Hut, the unsealed Tasman Valley road, Bluff Road between Kuaotunu and Matarangi, the area north of Colville/Waikawau and the Wanaka–Mount Aspiring road beyond Treble Cone. Salt beaches and 4WD roads are also excluded. |
| Technical help and repairs | Contact Wendekreisen on +64 9 256 0136 for breakdown or technical help. Incidents must be notified within 12 hours; repairs above NZD 50 require prior authorisation, while repairs up to NZD 50 require a receipt. A replacement camper is not guaranteed. |
More about the company
Explore Wendekreisen
What the Freedom equipment can do
The Freedom models differ in how they generate electricity and heat water. The Star 2 VW combines a 380 W solar panel with a 3.6 kWh lithium battery and instant gas hot water. The Star 2 LDV has a 340 W panel, a 2.88 kWh battery and an engine-heated water system, so its hot-water planning depends more closely on driving. Those differences affect how a stay without mains power works in practice; a shared family name does not make the systems interchangeable.
Solar is specified for nine of the 11 camper categories. Wendekreisen’s general guidance recommends a 240 V connection every third or fourth night, with an exception for the Koru Star Freedom range. That is planning guidance, not a guaranteed number of nights: usage, weather, water and waste capacity still matter. A small optional 150 W inverter can supply modest electrical loads, but cannot run a kettle, toaster, hairdryer or heater. The Star 6 microwave requires a 240 V connection.
Quick answers
Wendekreisen FAQ
Which Wendekreisen campers have separate beds?
The Koru Star 2 Freedom VW can be arranged as two singles. Koru Star 3 Freedom and Koru 3 Freedom can each provide three singles or a double plus a single. The Star 2 LDV has a double bed, so the VW/LDV distinction is important when booking for two people who do not want to share.
Can three people sleep in Budget 2 or Budget 2 Premium?
Both categories have three travel seats but only one double bed, measuring 1.83 × 1.81 m. Their sleeping arrangement is two adults and a child sharing that bed. For three separate sleeping places, consider the Koru 3 or Star 3 instead, and confirm child-restraint compatibility when travelling with a child.
Does Wendekreisen Full Cover remove the excess?
No. Full Cover retains an excess of NZD 250 per incident for drivers older than 25 and NZD 2,500 for drivers aged 21–24. Contractual exclusions also remain, so the daily premium does not buy unrestricted cover for every incident.
Can I collect in Auckland and return in Christchurch?
Wendekreisen offers one-way rentals between its two permanent bases, with ordinary camper relocation included. Taking the vehicle between islands requires a separate ferry booking. A special return in Picton is a different arrangement and carries the special-service charge when agreed.
Does a Freedom camper let me camp anywhere?
The 11 camper categories are described as self-contained under the 2023 rules, but that does not give unrestricted overnight access. The individual vehicle needs the applicable Green Warrant, and local camping restrictions still apply. The Freedom name describes the camper range, not permission to stay on any road or piece of land.
Is an online Wendekreisen price an immediately confirmed booking?
The direct calculator supports a booking request rather than checking live availability. Wendekreisen replies with confirmation and payment instructions. Choose the exact category, protection level and pickup arrangements before treating the quoted total as the basis of the rental.
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