Our Story

Wendekreisen – On a Sustainable Path Since 1990

Wendekreisen is a family-owned company specialising in the rental of campervans and cars in New Zealand.

Founded in 1990 as a travel agency focused on international flights, we reoriented the business just a year later. The purchase and successful rental of our first campervan marked the beginning of a steadily growing fleet and laid the foundation for a sustainably operated campervan company.

In 2007, our family initiated a comprehensive transformation process aimed at professionalising all operations, improving administrative systems, and further developing our long-term vision. This led to the implementation of standardised maintenance procedures, optimised reservation and fleet management systems, and the establishment of formal social policies and clearly defined company values. Since then, Wendekreisen has stood for responsible business conduct — towards customers, staff, suppliers, and the environment alike. At that time, our fleet comprised approximately 80 vehicles.

These structural improvements and certifications were continuously developed and warmly received by our customers. In 2010, we delivered the last series of our in-house built Mazda E2000 campervans, and by 2013, our fleet had grown to around 180 vehicles.

In 2012, we introduced fully employer-funded private health insurance for all full-time staff, with part-time employees receiving proportional contributions. This initiative ensures fast, cost-free access to specialist healthcare — even in the case of pre-existing conditions.

Sustainability & Responsibility

Climate Protection Through Carbon Offsetting

In 2014, we launched our in-house environmental initiative, the "Carbon Project," to offset fuel emissions from our fleet. Through New Zealand’s Permanent Forest Sink Initiative (PFSI), Wendekreisen purchases CO₂ credits generated exclusively by the Native Forest Restoration Trust. These “PFSI-standard” credits are produced by restoring native forests throughout the country. Between 2014 and 2019, we offset more than 13,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions (tCO₂e). All cancellations have been officially recorded in the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) public register of voluntary carbon credit offsets.

Awards & Recognition

That same year, we received the prestigious Qualmark Enviro Gold Award, which has since been renewed annually. The award recognises our wide range of environmental and social initiatives as well as our efforts to promote sustainability throughout the industry and with government institutions. Wendekreisen was also certified by New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) for meeting the requirements of the Workplace Safety Management Practices programme.

In 2015, our environmental efforts were internationally acknowledged with the PATA Gold Award in the category “Environment – Ecotourism”.

Manufacturing & Innovation

In-House Production in New Zealand

In 2016, we established our own campervan joinery workshop near our rental depot to enable year-round vehicle production and ensure consistent stock levels. The facility is fully integrated into the company and adheres to the same quality standards as all other operational departments. At this stage, our fleet included around 200 campervans and 15 station wagons.

In 2017, we developed three modular layouts based on the LDV V80 Biggest chassis. This modular construction approach allows us to flexibly combine components across different vehicle designs. Our local production was officially certified with the “New Zealand Made” trademark — underscoring our commitment to local manufacturing and suppliers.

Technological Progress & New Vehicle Concepts

In early 2018, we launched the Budget 2 Freedom, a two-berth campervan featuring a direct walkway to the driver’s cab and a proven rear layout. In November of the same year, we introduced the first Koru Star Freedom Camper — a comprehensively redesigned model tailored for maximum off-grid independence. High-performance solar panels, large battery storage, and efficient diesel heaters enable year-round freedom camping in comfort.

In 2019, our team developed three additional Freedom models, including the Freedom 3 and Freedom 4, designed for up to four people and complete power self-sufficiency.

Tree Planting with “Trees That Count”

In 2019, we further expanded our environmental commitment by supplementing carbon offsetting with native tree planting. On 1 April 2019, we began our partnership with Trees That Count, an initiative that enables all New Zealanders to donate or gift native trees.

The donated trees are planted by professional teams to restore native bush and wildlife corridors — small contributions that together make a big impact. Wendekreisen supports this initiative by funding the planting of native trees for every completed booking. The number of trees (between one and three) depends on the length of the rental and is transparently shown in all quotes. This process is fully integrated into our booking system.

By January 2025, over 14,000 native New Zealand trees had been planted through our initiative.