Travel Safe...Our Campervans have no sign writing!
Who We Are
Rental Car Village is owned and run by the Thomlinson family, and February 2008 was our 70th birthday.
Our business was originally called Britomart Service Station Limited. It was located in Downtown Auckland, offering automobile repairs, lubrication, and had a gas stand. As a subsidiary of New Zealand Forest Products Ltd, the petrol license provided supply for millions of liters to the pioneering establishment of pine plantations within the North Island. The Customs Street location is now being redeveloped into the Britomart Transport Station.
Grant has traveled overland through Australasia, Middle East, Siberia, Europe and North America. He married our web designer, Jui, from Thailand. They now spend the low season in Thailand and high season in New Zealand.
Helen's just returned from an American Road Trip. She enjoys rollerblading, hockey, holds a Degree as a Kindergarten Teacher. Her husband, Dan, plays in a band, has a local gardening business and models for many of our campervan photos.
In his spare time, Keith enjoys fishing and days out on the farm. Having a bike stored in London, he cycles within the UK for a month most years.
Linda handmade the original awnings and mosquito nets for our campervans. She enjoys cycling (touring the UK by bike with Keith) and likes photography.
Our History
May 1938 – Establishment in the motor vehicle industry, AucklandOur business was originally called Britomart Service Station Limited. It was located in Downtown Auckland, offering automobile repairs, lubrication, and had a gas stand. As a subsidiary of New Zealand Forest Products Ltd, the petrol license provided supply for millions of liters to the pioneering establishment of pine plantations within the North Island. The Customs Street location is now being redeveloped into the Britomart Transport Station.
April 1988 – Our current management began
As a high school students, my Dad finally left us by ourselves, minding the gas pumps on quiet weekends over the winter. The lease cars were well established by now. My brother and I pushed our bikes out into the forecourt for rental by the hour. The idea of Thrifty Campers, changing and being re-designed since 1977, became the core part of our business with the original vehicles being fitted out in our own premises.March 1997 – Diversifying into Hire Cars and Campervan rentals, Auckland
After twice outgrowing our premises, we expanded into purpose a designed location and renamed the company Thomlinson Rentals Limited. As individuals, we marketed our Rental Cars and Campervans under different brand names using Rental Car Village – and the brand was born!March 28th, 2003 – Campervan hire Christchurch Office Opened
We had a presence within in Christchurch since 1991, however opening our own office allowed us to provide one way and split hires between both islands more effectively.Our Campervan hire NZ Family
Grant and Jui
Manager of Accounts, Marketing and Website DesignGrant has traveled overland through Australasia, Middle East, Siberia, Europe and North America. He married our web designer, Jui, from Thailand. They now spend the low season in Thailand and high season in New Zealand.
Helen
Manager of the Auckland Office, Reservations and AdministrationHelen's just returned from an American Road Trip. She enjoys rollerblading, hockey, holds a Degree as a Kindergarten Teacher. Her husband, Dan, plays in a band, has a local gardening business and models for many of our campervan photos.
Keith
Manager of Christchurch Office, Campervan Design and Fleet MaintenanceIn his spare time, Keith enjoys fishing and days out on the farm. Having a bike stored in London, he cycles within the UK for a month most years.
Linda
Manager of Campervan Interior, Inventory and Quality ControlLinda handmade the original awnings and mosquito nets for our campervans. She enjoys cycling (touring the UK by bike with Keith) and likes photography.