About Us

Backpackerscars.com was established in 1998 by Andrew Lepper and Edward Christian; with a vision of providing an economical motoring alternative without compromising quality and mechanical standards.

Meet the Team …

Andrew (Andy) Lepper.

Andy is the co-owner of Backpackerscars.com with Eddie Christian. Andy is Christchurch born and raised. He was schooled locally but spent many of his younger years on the family dairy farm in North Canterbury.

Andy has always had a keen interest in cars and after finishing school in 1989 started work at the local Ford Dealership as an office clerk. From there he started selling cars and progressed to management before leaving to start Backpackerscars.com in 1998. It was a big move to make but with 10-years of invaluable experience another challenge lay in waiting.

The early days of Backpackerscars.com were indeed a challenge establishing a name and a customer base. In business Andy and Eddie constantly strive to offer outstanding products and services to their customers. Another 10-years on and now a proud father of four, life presents other challenges like – how to keep the carpet clean!

Outside of work Andy enjoys loud music, the Canterbury Crusaders Rugby team and spending time with his family. Ask him about some great South Island spots he likes to go to – you’ll love them too!

Edward (Eddie) Christian.

Eddie is the co-owner of Backpackerscars.com with Andrew Lepper. Eddie and his wife Lisa along with their 5-year old daughter Maggie live in central Christchurch – just a 5-minute bike ride from the Backpackerscars.com City Branch.

Eddie is of good Irish stock – whilst he was born and raised in New Zealand’s South Island his parents immigrated from Ireland and the Isle of Man to New Zealand in 1958. However when it comes to travel Eddie’s first loyalty is to his home country - New Zealand. He is a strong believer in exploring his own backyard before leaving home for other adventures … he has travelled extensively throughout the South Island and can definitely recommend some ‘must see’ – off-the-beaten track sites!

Along with his love of the South Island, Eddie enjoys a variety of activities – from tennis to tramping, fine dining to deep sea fishing, yachting to cycling! Plus he often escapes with his family to their holiday house in the dolphin and whale watching capital of the Southern Hemisphere – Kaikoura. Just 2-hours drive from Christchurch Kaikoura is an absolute ‘must do’ as part of your South Island tour.

Emma Brown.

Emma is a 23-year old outgoing chick from Christchurch. She is currently the South Island Coordinator for Girlspeed NZ (www.girlspeed.co.nz) and has a massive passion for high performance engines and loves representing females in motor-sports. Emma is the proud owner of a multi-award winning show car – voted New Zealand’s best GTO & Mitsubishi Champ!

Emma’s love for cars does not stop there – she loves getting her hands greasy and in her spare time she works on her rebuilt old-school Rolla or you will find her out with other daredevil chicks lapping up the bends on their sports bikes.

Emma has been with Backpackerscars.com for the past 5-years; joining Andy & Eddie straight from her high school years at Villa Maria College. She is responsible for prepping vehicles for sale and she loves dealing with customers – she could talk cars all day long!

Fiona King.

Originally from the amazing Catlins Region of Otago in the deep South, Fiona settled in Christchurch after several years abroad and just loves it here!

For R&R Fiona and her partner spend time with valued friends, occasional weekends in Hanmer Springs, strolling into the Art Centre and of course sampling from many of Canterbury’s fantastic wineries and restaurants.

Fiona has been the Financial Administrator at Backpackerscars.com for over 4-years.

Andre De Nys.

Andre is a Netherlands native who immigrated to New Zealand in 1969. He is married to Pietra and together they have two grown-up children and three grandkids.

Andre is a qualified butcher and chef and has spent many years working for Air New Zealand as a Chef and Supervisor. After being made redundant however Andre decided it was time for a change – so he got into the motor industry and choose to specialise in car paint touch-ups.

Andre has been doing work for Backpackerscars.com for over 3-years and enjoys the working relationship.

Outside of work Andre finds great enjoyment computing, gardening, fishing and playing with his grandkids.

Kerry.

Kerry is married to Mark and has a 3-year old son, Cody. Kerry is also Andre’s daughter-in-law!

After working in a local supermarket for 13-years Kerry decided to allow her passion for cars to become her job and started working for Andre helping him to fix-up stone chips and make cars look beautiful.

In her spare time, Kerry enjoys DIY renovating, gardening and being a Mum.