KEY POINTS:
Can't afford a Porsche or a Versace dress? Never fear: for a fee, luxury rental companies will loan you a taste of the high life.
Leiv Bjerger started Porsche hire company Porstige two months ago in West Melton, just outside Christchurch. The former air traffic controller said people quickly began buying gift vouchers for the cars, with families sometimes chipping in for a day's rental.
Bjerger and his wife Michele Columbus own two new Porsches, a 3.6 litre Carrera and a smaller 2.7 litre Boxster, which they rent out for an hourly fee.
A day in the larger of the two cars costs just over $1100.
Bjerger said the rentals were "aspirational gifts", giving people a chance to try out a life they might not be able to afford full-time.
"You don't have to be a car nut to appreciate driving a Porsche. People come back grinning from ear to ear, and they want to do it again."
Bjerger himself drives the Porsches only as far as the petrol station and back, spending the rest of his time in a child-friendly Land Cruiser.
But the father of three, who said his own background was "very working class", admitted he was getting a taste for the luxury cars.
Bjerger said Kiwis liked to take expensive items in small bites.
"To hire a Porsche and go somewhere nice, it won't break the bank."
But he said the luxury item most likely to get people reaching into their pockets was a round of golf at a top-end course.
Bjerger said people would pay a fortune for the feeling of being somewhere elite. "You rub shoulders with all kinds of people."
A round of golf at top Northland course Kauri Cliffs costs $400 during the summer high season, or $225 for a members of an affiliated New Zealand golf club. But general manager Kerry Molloy said the club was not just for those who could afford to sleep at the pricey Kauri Cliffs Lodge.
"We get all sorts here. It's not unusual to walk through the carpark and see two or three campervans." And for those who would rather skip the golf, there's always a night at an inner city penthouse for a taste of the urban high life.
A night at the Ascott Auckland Metropolis penthouse costs $1500, for which you get sweeping views across Auckland city.
Ascott General Manager Allison Englebretsen said people sometimes booked the plush penthouse for shopping trips or a special night out.
And if your clothes don't quite blend in with the decor, Auckland Dress Hire will loan you a Versace cocktail dress for $140.
Owner Paula Fox said the dress was the most expensive item in her collection.
Although her month-old business was yet to find a taker for the dress, she said people liked knowing it was within reach.
"Everyone I have spoken to has been thrilled at the prospect that you can hire a dress like that, otherwise it would be out of a lot of people's league."
Renting the high life
* $1100 Day's rental of a Porsche Carrera.
* $225-$400 Round of golf at top club Kauri Cliffs.
* $1500+ A night at the Ascott Metropolis penthouse.
* $140 Versace dress for the evening. $3140 A day living the life of the rich and famous.
