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See New Zealand. From Coast to Coast.

OUR DIFFERENCE

Unlimited KMs

No Young Driver Fee

24/7 Roadside Assistance

Free Campgrounds

Discounted Petrol

Free Road Trip App

Campervan Hire New Zealand

As a proud and well established New Zealand campervan hire company, Travellers Autobarn (est. 1993) is a ‘one-stop shop’ for the backpackers and budget travellers planning their self-drive trip around New Zealand or simply up the coast in a campervan.

Select your campervan

Chubby Camper

Seats 2 • sleeps 2.

Kuga Campervan

Seats 2-3 • sleeps 2-3.

Self Contained (up to 6th Dec 2024)

Hi-5 Campervan

Seats 2-5 • sleeps 2-5.

Self Contained

Hi-Top Campervan

Station Wagon

Tent Optional

Chairs Optional

Ice Box Opt.

Gas Cooker Opt.

Ext. Table Opt.

Specials, Discounts & Relocations

20% off - auckland & christchurch pick-up, 10% off ferry tickets, discounted petrol nz wide, roadtrip app discounts, free campsites nz wide, why #vanlife is better with us.

Unlimited Kilometres with each rental

No young driver fees – rentals available from age 18 to 80

8 Cents per litre Fuel Discount

10% off Ferry Tickets

Self-contained campervan options available

Security Bonds are only frozen – no cash deductions

24/7 Roadside Assistance – Peace of Mind

RoadTrip App – discounted activities, campsites and lots more

Free Cancellation up to 15 days prior to pick-up date

Renting Campervans since 1993 – we know New Zealand inside out

• Locations around New Zealand ( Auckland & Christchurch ), Australia & USA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your cancellation fee.

Until 14 days before pick-up, no cancellation fee applies:

1. $200 – within 14 days of pick-up

2. 50% – within 7 days of pick-up

3. 100% – same day or no show cancellation

Are your campervans self-contained?

Our Kuga Campervan & Hi5 Campervan (Self-Contained) are fitted out with the self-containment certificate; please ensure to book the Porta Potti during the booking stage which is required as part of the self-containment certification! If you would like to find out more about self-contained campervans and freedom camping please action our Freedom Camping knowledge base…

IMPORTANT: Due to recent changes by the New Zealand government the Kuga Campervan will no longer meet the self-contained standards from the 7th of December 2024 onwards…the Hi5 Campervan (Self-Contained) will meet the new self-contained standards and will remain self-contained!

Did you know there are plenty of camping options around where you don’t need to be self- contained including over 160 nature campsite managed by DOC (Department of Conservation) for as little as $95/person for 30 nights – more info here …this will mean big savings as self-contained campervans are generally 20% to 40% more expensive than regular campervans!

Do I require an international driving license in New Zealand?

Unless you are from an native English speaking country e.g. Australia, UK or USA you must have an international driving license by law in New Zealand! We advise you to organise this prior to arrival in New Zealand however you can also find services to get your driving license translated directly in NZ prior to picking up your campervan!

Should you have a digital driving license – which is not from New Zealand – you must also have an international driving license.

Can I pick up/drop off my vehicle outside of office hours?

We will do our best to arrange pick ups outside of our office hours yet this can not be guaranteed. To arrange a potential pick up outside of our hours, please contact our reservations team at [email protected] or 0800 348 348 to be assisted when making your booking. Please note we don’t offer any drop-offs outside of our office hours…

Please note these services are only offered out of Auckland & Christchurch (fees do apply for Christchurch).

What do I do when my campervan breaks down?

Travellers Autobarn vehicles are maintained and serviced regularly, unfortunately this doesn’t prevent the occasional mechanical malfunction or breakdown.

In the event you experience any problems, even minor, you must contact our Customer Care team for further assistance. If immediate assistance is required, it is best to phone us.

Australia: 1800 674 374

New Zealand: 0800 348 348

USA (+1) 800 469 4790

Minor mechanical repairs costing less than $100 may be undertaken without contacting us for authorisation and will be reimbursed when you return the vehicle, receipts must be provided as proof, or we are unable to refund you.

How does the bond/excess on a rental vehicle work?

When it comes to security bond options it can get quickly very confusing…so let’s talk about it and provide as much information as we can for you.

Basically, the security bond is how much you need to have available on your Visa/Mastercard credit card (please note that we don’t accept cash cards) at the time you hire your vehicle.  We will pre-authorise this amount, which means placing a hold on the funds for approximately 14 days, we do not actually deduct the funds at this time.

In the event your vehicle or third-party property is damaged, the amount of the security bond will be deducted from your credit card account and you will need to pre-authorise a 2 nd  security bond before you continue with your hire.

You can choose different options to reduce the amount of your security bond as outlined below.

IMPORTANT:  In the event any damage is caused to your vehicle or third-party property by you breaching our Terms and Conditions or the damage is caused due to one of the Exclusions listed below, the amount that is payable by you could be in excess of the security bond that you have chosen.

Standard Protection – $0/day – $3500 Security Bond

If you choose our Standard Protection package your security bond is $3,500. This is our default package and is included in your daily hire rate. On pick-up we will freeze the amount of $3,500 on your credit card for approximately 14 days from the pick-up date.

Under this option, you will also be responsible for the full cost of damage caused by Single Vehicle Rollovers or the market value of the vehicle if a Write Off up to a maximum amount of $50,000.

Protection Plus – $30-$35/day – $0 Security Bond

If you choose the Protection Plus package, your security bond is $0 (On pick-up, we will take an imprint of your credit card) and includes cover for two tyres & one front windscreen.

Under this option, you will also be responsible for the cost of damage caused by Single Vehicle Rollovers or Write-Offs up to a maximum amount of $10,000. The daily rate for this cover is $30/day for StationWagons and $35/day for Campervans.

Protection Plus Value Pack – $35-$45/day – $0 Security Bond

If you choose the Protection Plus Value package, your security bond is $0. On pick-up, we will take an imprint of your credit card – no amounts will be frozen on your credit card. It also includes two front tyres, one front windscreen, one extra driver, an external table & pre-paid Gas for your gas cooker.

This Protection Plus package also  includes  cover for single vehicle roll-overs and write-offs (something many other rental companies don’t cover). The daily rate for this cover is $35/day for StationWagons and $45/day for Campervans.

At all times the Hirer is fully responsible for all fees, damages, expenses and/or costs for:

• Loss or damage caused by or resulting from a breach of the terms of this Agreement by the Hirer (including any authorised driver).
• Loss or damage caused due to use of the Vehicle in contravention of clause 11, 22 or 25 of this Agreement.
• Damage caused to the Vehicle by not driving in a prudent and cautious manner.
• Damage caused to the Vehicle by driving on unsealed roads or beach driving.
• Damage caused to the Vehicle in any way by part or total water submersion including in flood water, river water, saltwater, or any other source of water.
• Damage caused to the Vehicle by the Hirer’s wilful conduct or reckless e.g. sitting or standing on the bonnet or roof of the Vehicle.
• Damage caused to the Vehicle due to use of incorrect or contaminated fuel.
• Damage caused due to the use or misuse of snow chains.
• Damage or loss caused to any personal belongings.
• Damage to the awning, overhead (roof) or under-body of the Vehicle.
• Damage caused to the Vehicle because the Hirer has failed to perform tyres checks and maintain all fluid and fuel levels or failed to immediately rectify or report to us any defect of which you become aware.
• All costs to replace keys which have become lost, broken, damaged, stolen or of retrieval of keys which been locked in the Vehicle, or where the Vehicle has been stolen due to it being unlocked.
• Loss or damage caused where it is deemed by local authorities to have been careless or willful in failing to comply with any legislation or regulation controlling vehicular traffic, resulting in damage to the hired Vehicle and/or Third-Party Vehicle or any other property.
• Damage caused by the Hirer’s failure to take reasonable measures for the safety of the Vehicle, its parts or accessories, or failure to comply with all restrictions on the use of the Vehicle or otherwise abuse or misuse of it.
• The cost of recovering the Vehicle in the event it becomes stuck or bogged in wet ground, sand or mud.
• Damage to or loss of personal belongings of the Hirer or any other person within the Vehicle

For more details on all our Security Bond Options and Exclusions, please refer to our Terms and Conditions, which can be found  here…

What is included in the Free Winter Pack?

For pick-ups between May to September we offer our free winter pack which includes:

• Free extra sleeping bags
• Free heater (only works at powered camp site)
• Free hot water bottle

The free winter pack must be booked prior to pick-up and is only available for pick-ups between May to September every  year.

Road Trips & Travel Tips

Campgrounds for non-self contained campers

In-Depth Guide To DOC Campsites in New Zealand

Freedom Camping Hawkes Bay

Let’s all look after our planet., leave no trace. let’s all look after our planet., over 6000 happy customers every year.

Hired a camper van for a week to travel around the North Island and everything was great. They were quite accommodating with the no-touch late pick up and early drop off and the campervan itself drove well with no mechanical issues. Overall, would recommend to people looking to get out and explore!

Really great experience, from start to end. Van was great, with everything that we needed provided. Adrian, the Spanish receptionist, was wonderful, super helpful and really friendly. Muchas gracias Adrián! We will definitely book with them again for our next road trip :)

We toured New Zealand from end to end with Travellers' campervan and it was a beautiful experience. The campervan comes fully equipped, it is not only a transport, it is a house !!

Great service and friendly personell! Really enjoyed my campervan for 21 days and it worked and drove like a charm!

Had the best experience with travellers autobarn! my friend and I travelled around in the chubby Campervan and it had everything we need! Great bed, tools for cooking, power for charging our laptops. We managed to travel all around the south island with ease and woke up in some amazing camp spots. Highly recommend.

It was a lifetime experience in campervan. We planned our trip in just a month and found them. This camper-van was so comfortable, and cute that we were so happy to book it. We will again book them and highly recommended!!

I don't know about you guys, but I had a great experience with the Kuga and the Christchurch team, especially it was our first time renting a campervan. Van was very comfortable to sleep in, fully kitted out and easy to drive. The team was super helpful and friendly, thanks to Joseph and Craig!

We had a 2 weeks roadtrip with Travellers Autobarn (we had a Kuga) and I have to say it was one of our best experiences ever. The check in went smooth and after 20 mins we were hitting the road towards the highlights of the beautiful NZ South Island.

Super helpful, easygoing and friendly stuff. They gave us all we needed and even more! The van was clean and tidy, in great condition. We had an amazing time doing the road trip in it.

I had an amazing tour around the south island and it was a great choice to travel with travellers Autobarns. The vehicle was in excellent condition. Definitely will travel with travellers autobarn on our next visit.

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At Travel Cars New Zealand, we are more than just a marketplace for buying and selling campervans and backpacker cars – We are the architects of journeys, the curators of adventures, and your partners in exploration.

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See New Zealand By Campervan

Mighty makes adventures possible for everyone; no matter their budget

Why Travel With Mighty Campervans

Mighty New Zealand is perfect for travellers looking for the best value campervan option for their roadtrip. For travellers seeking a free-spirited way to explore the world on a whim, this is a Mighty fine choice. Mighty makes holidays possible for everyone; no matter their budget. From the basics done brilliantly and the total package at a tight price.

Book with Confidence

We've got your back even if your circumstances change. Check out our booking options and book with confidence.

Easy Pick-Up

We have centrally located vehicle pick-up branches across New Zealand in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown.

Earn Qantas Points

Earn 2 Qantas Points per $1 spent with Mighty. We are happy to partner with Qantas Frequent Flyer offering guests extra value on their road trip!

Supported Travel

Help videos, navigation tools, and 24/7 phone support via our  thl Roadtrip app will ensure you navigate your camper and the roads like a pro.

See more of New Zealand with our epic camper hire deals

Save heaps on campers with last minute specials on campervan hire deals from Mighty Campers. Don't miss'em!

Explore NZ on a Mighty adventure this winter

15% off daily vehicle hire rates*.

Book to earn 1,000 bonus Qantas Points*

Explore nz at its best.

Earn Qantas Points on eligible rentals.*

Long Term Hire Rates

Hire for 21+ days and save.

Mighty Gift Vouchers

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Only $50 per year*.

Mighty Price Match Promise

Contact us today, mighty campers. packed with value.

Travel with everything you need and nothing you don’t. With our wide range of Mighty campers, there’s one to suit every type of person and place! Take your friends, family, and even the dog; there’s space for your bike, cricket bat and cookbook too!

Everything you need to get started

Now you have kick started your Mighty story here's some info that will get you on the road faster. We know you're more interested in getting out and starting your mighty adventure then getting to know our Mighty crew (despite how lovely they are) so all you have to do is use our online check in and read the info below to get you on way.

Flexible Bookings

New Zealand Holiday Parks & Local Camping Grounds

Peace Of Mind Promise

Campervan Travel With Pets

What do I bring to New Zealand

thl Roadtrip App

Safe Driving in New Zealand

Terms and Conditions

Reasons to choose mighty campers.

At Mighty we help travellers kick start stories by providing the best value campervan options. We know you are self-reliant, ready to direct your own road-trip in Australia and New Zealand. Our job is to make it easy by providing the best value campervan options that are simple to use with an easy check out process that gets you on the road faster!

Our fleet of Mighty campers accommodate 2 to 6 travellers and are available nationwide in New Zealand and Australia.  Supplied in the camper you will find your linen and bedding, kitchen essentials including crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils plus all the general living gear you’ll need.

• Questions? Talk to us now

Campervan and Motorhome Rental New Zealand

Wendekreisen is an iconic family owned and award-winning campervan rental company in New Zealand. In 30 years of operation, we have farewelled thousands of happy campers to explore New Zealand in one of our motorhomes. The combination of New Zealand Made in-house campervan manufacturing and decades of experience amongst our staff, aim to deliver the best campervan rental experience in the market. Our transparent terms without hidden costs supplement our welcome and motorhome hire range.

Get an instant Quote

Get a Quote

Use our online calculator to receive an instant quotation. Note: The calculation does not account for specials.

Booking Enquiry

Our friendly and experienced team will check vehicle availability, allocate special offers and reply to you within 24 hours.

Special Deals

Current campervan hire specials in one place. Our team will allocate special discounts when you make an enquiry.

All Wendekreisen campervan rentals come fully equipped with everything you need to enjoy your New Zealand holiday.

All campervan rentals come fully equipped and include:

• Unlimited kilometres
• All Diesel Vehicle Surcharges (RUC)
• Free One-way Rental
• Free Roadside Assistance
• Free Camping Table and Chairs
• Free Airport Transfers

Also included are duvets, pillows & linen , towels, electric kettle, toaster, LPG gas bottle, pots & frying pan, crockery & bowls, cooking utensils, bucket, and broom!

Flexible NZ Ferry Bookings

All Wendekreisen Campervans, Motorhomes and hire Cars may be taken on the Interislander ferry between Wellington in the North Island and Picton in the South Island. Our campervan rental New Zealand ferry tickets are fully flexible and allow you to take your hire vehicle across both islands.

Airfares To and From NZ

We have teamed up with travel agency Global Wings Travel to offer airfare ticketing with personalised service 24 hours/ 7 days a week. This enables you to check our campervan availability and book your airfare accordingly.    

Campervan Sales

We offer a range of brand new and pre-owned campervans for sale. Our factory in Auckland produces a number of 'New Zealand Made' campervans which have been built to very high standards. For more info, please visit our campervan sales website.  

Our NZ Travel Tips

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4 July 2024 New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes and abundant snowfall make it a paradise for snow sports enthusiasts. With its pristine powder, diverse terrain, and world-class facilities, New Zealand offers a wealth of options for snowboarding, skiing, and other thrilling snow-based activities ...

Snow Sports Destinations

Escape Campervans is ‘Hibernating’ for Winter!  -->

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Explore New Zealand with Cheap Campervan rentals from Escape

Escape Rentals is one of New Zealand’s favorite campervan hire companies. We’ve been operating for nearly twenty years, with over 40,000 happy hires.

Escape provides cheap campervan rental prices and deals for backpackers on a budget, independent and local travelers alike. Our Standard ( Non-Self Contained) campervans can accommodate up to 3 Adults and our Self -Contained Campers are certified for 2 Adults ONLY. Both are fully equipped with free bedding, beach chairs, kitchen facilities/utensils, and more.

New Zealand just might be the best place in the world to rent a campervan. From the natural wonders, stunning fiords, and world-renowned adventure playgrounds of the majestic South Island, to the rich diversity of cultural experiences, picturesque coastal surf beaches and stunning adventure-packed destinations such as The Bay of Islands, Waitomo, Rotorua, and Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s North Island has to offer.

So next summer, ‘ Make Your Escape ’ and choose Escape Rentals for your New Zealand campervan holiday experience.

Book Your Summertime Campervan Experience with Escape !

An Escape Rentals campervan is a great way to experience this wonderful country of ours…

• Really great value! Self-contained campers from just NZ$145 per day during summer.
• Superb Reputation. Our user reviews are among the best in the industry. Many of our hires are referrals from friends.
• Easy to Drive. Our campervans are rugged, reliable, comfortable…and really easy to drive.
• Easy to Book. Use our online booking system. A NZ$300 deposit will reserve your Escape Rentals camper for the summer and that deposit is fully refundable if you cancel just 22 or more days prior to your scheduled campervan pickup collection.

Book With Escape

Over 200 Different Designs

Fully Equipped Kitchen

Comfy Queen-Sized Bed

Reliable and Easy to Drive

Dining Room with a View

8 Great Reasons to Choose Escape Rentals

Unique Artwork

Our Campervans

Convenient Locations

Our Reputation

Better Insurance

Friendly & Professional

Check out our campervan's interior!

View photos

Escape with Confidence!

Nearly 20 years and 40,000+ hires

My friend and I rented an Escape van for a quick 10 day trip throughout the lower half of the South Island. The van was clean and in perfect condition; without any mechanical issues along the way. The tour of the van and review of our details during the pickup in Christchurch was a straight forward and easy process. We highly recommend Escape and we’re interested in using their services during our future travels!

Loved our Escape campervan! The unique exterior made it really feel like our van for the five weeks we had it. I think the van was a great size. Easy to drive, but still plenty of space in the bed for me to fit even though I’m 6’5″. Having the ability to cook and clean at the back of the van was great too.

I cannot recommend Escape Rentals enough! Very easy and straightforward pickup, not trying to talk you into any extras, very easy return process as well and also super reasonable with wear and tear. The staff was super friendly and always just a phone call away for any questions. I was soooo comfortable in this van, the duvets they provided were warm and comfy, kitchen is well equipped, van drove smooth and was a trooper even on rough roads and down in Fiordland! I am already thinking of returning and would 100% rent again with them!

Definitely recommend Escape Rentals! We travelled for almost 5 weeks with our ‘Cook Strait’ campervan. And we loved it. Already missing our van. Why we recommend this Campervan? 1) We are pretty tall (>1,80m) and the bed is 2,10m L x 2,00m B. So we slept really good, the matras is soft as well. 2) Because the van isn’t that big you can drive easily 100km/h. Also in the mountains you are one of the fastest! (Ofcourse be careful all the time). 3) We also booked the picnic table and bbq, do this as well and you have everything to have amazing meals everywhere. 4) The staff is very friendly and helpful 5) In the 5-weeks we had no problems at all 6) The prints are amazing, many people will ask questions about the van. So.. Just book it for an amazing time in NZ.

Wow! What an amazing trip! This Van was incredible and took us to the most beautiful places with no problems! Terry was awesome and so helpful! I highly recommend booking your Van here! The bed and space was perfect! It drove wonderfully, and when we needed to hook up to powered site to keep warm, a heater was provided! We enjoyed all the free sites too, cool too was provided and everything you possibly need to cook! The shades blacked out the entire van for privacy at night! I loved this van and didn’t want to leave! Thankyou team!!!

Amazing deals included with your hire

Unlimited Kilometers

No Charge for Additional Drivers

Free Bed Linen

Free Solar Shower and Snow Chains (Subject to availability)

Free Sim Card and USB adapter Plug

Our Campervan Vehicles

Two models. Hundreds of designs. Thousands of happy campers. Check out our range of campervans here. Interior layout . Van specifications. Inclusions and optional accessories. It’s all here… and more.

Specifications

Van Information

Accessories.

Quotes & Bookings

Great Escapes and Great Artists at Work

New Zealand is the perfect destination for a self-drive holiday. Drive for a few hours and you’ll go from cosmopolitan cities to golden sandy beaches. From lush rainforests to rugged mountain ranges. It’s all about the journey in NZ.

Cath and John’s Great Escape!

Cath and John escaped with us in 2013 and sent us this brilliant video of their epic North Island road trip. Love your work guys!

Jan and Gert Go South!

Jan and Gert also travelled the South Island with Escape and captured their trip wonderfully within the video above.

Beware! Artist at Work!

And speaking of brilliant videos, check out the two-minute time-lapse video of one of our favourite artists at work.

Make Your Escape

Get quote or book here

Safe & Smart Road Trip Experiences

Where Can I Camp?

Local Accommodation

Travelling to USA?

We want to ensure our hirers have a safe and enjoyable journey around New Zealand, so we’re playing our part.

• Every hirer will receive a copy of the ‘What’s different about driving in NZ’ handbook when you collect your campervan. Please read it and familiarise yourself with our rules and driving conditions.
• You will also receive a pre-arrival email from Escape filled with useful travel tips. There’s also a link within that email to a video which our hirers MUST watch before commencing your NZ road-trip. Here it is again for you to check out.
• We want you to undertake the following online NZ driving test before you arrive to familiarise yourself with our rules and conditions: www.drivingtests.co.nz
• We have strategically placed some new ‘KEEP LEFT” stickers within all of our campervans. We realise driving on the left is a bit different for many of you and it’s easy to slip into old habits and drift over to the right. Don’t do it! Keep left at all times . All times! (just so we’re clear) 🙂

Now this part is really important. Escape is also supporting the NZ Tourism Industry Association, the NZ Transport Authority and the NZ Police with their efforts to improve international driver safety.

So please check out the following website: www.drivesafe.org.nz . This is a new site aimed at educating our international visitors about driving in New Zealand.

So, this is all about keeping you all safe on our roads. If you’re not comfortable with this, if you’re uncertain about driving in unfamiliar conditions, if you lack driving confidence or competence, you need to ask yourself if a self-drive holiday is really right for you?

Have a look at this ‘ Driver Assessment Form ’ to check how prepared you are to driving in NZ (We’ll be presenting you with this document when you collect your van also.) But if you are an experienced, safe and considerate driver, if you’ve checked out the websites above and completed the online driving test, that’s great. Travel safely with Escape. You won’t regret it. That’s all for now. Be safe. Enjoy your journey.

One of the best things about travelling in a campervan throughout New Zealand is the freedom you have to explore this amazing country of ours. But with that freedom, comes responsibility!

We need all of our Escape campervan hirers to respect and protect the environment, particularly when choosing where to camp.

There are over 6,000 camping sites throughout New Zealand and many are free or cost very little. And because there are so many great campsites available, Escape Rentals does NOT support or recommend Freedom Camping (where you simply pull up where you want and camp for the night). Why risk a $200+ fine to save a few bucks when there are so many other free or cheap options?

To help you plan where you should camp, download one of these apps which will provide you with information featuring thousands of campsites (live availability), key attractions and popular activities.

We recommend the 300 plus campsites operated by the New Zealand Department of conservation (DOC). These are free or low-cost sites ($8-$10 a night) and you’ll receive a guide to these within your campervan. We also have DOC Campground passes available to purchase.

If you are travelling in one of our ‘Certified Self-Contained Vans’ you’ll be able to stay at campgrounds designated as ‘self -contained vehicles only’. But don’t sweat it if you’re in one of our non-certified vans. As mentioned above, there’s literally thousands of campsites and camping spots throughout NZ available for you to use.

Escape Rentals is proud to partner with ‘Campable’, a really great product/platform which allows our hirers to book and park up at various farmlands, orchards, vineyards and other privately-owned properties.

These unique properties give you the opportunity to stay with ‘the locals’, many offering interesting ‘kiwi’ experiences such as fishing for dinner, milking cows or a little peace and tranquillity if you need it. These properties can be filtered depending on your requirements (power, toilet and shower amenities etc.) Download the Campable app today and unlock your NZ adventure.

If you do choose to Freedom Camp, well, that’s your call, but always check with the local I-site (information centre) first and check the Camping our Way website for more information.

Escape Campervans

www.escapecampervans.com

Equipment and Inclusions

Every escape rentals campervan has:.

• 24 Hour Roadside Assistance for peace of mind.
• Air Conditioning
• Standard insurance (Option A) which can be upgraded. Take a look at your insurance options .
• Free kilometres and additional drivers at no extra cost
• Stereo with MP3 front aux. port
• Full Queen size bed & free bedding (professionally dry cleaned before each hire)
• 3 beach chairs (free)
• Gas cooker, gas cartridge, sink with running water
• Chilly bin (esky/cooler/ice box whatever you want to call it!)
• 240V Mains power connection cabling (for use at powered sites)
• Mains powered heater and lamp
• Heaps of storage room (300 litres plus)
• Cooking and living equipment (cutlery, crockery, pots, pans etc.)

Our self-contained vans also feature a portable toilet.

• Free Escape Guidebook (featuring discount offers)
• Department of Conservation campground guides and access to the wonderful Campermate App
• Free SIM Card for mobile phones
• USB adapter plugs
• Free snow chains during winter (May to September – Available on request and subject to availability)
• Free Solar Shower – Subject to availability

What’s NOT included with your Escape Campervan:

Because Escape operates a ‘No Hidden Costs’ policy, there are heaps of inclusions and only a couple of optional items (which are not included) for you to consider:

• Insurance: You may want to upgrade your standard insurance so that you have nil liability when travelling with us. click here to see all our available insurance options.
• Optional accessory items are not included but are available for hire (picnic table, BBQ, ) check out our optional accessories .
• Transmission guarantee is not included. We have a mix of both manual and automatic transmissions. You can state your preference when you book, but if you NEED a specific transmission, you can pay a transmission guarantee fee of $10 per day which guarantees your choice of transmission.

Specifications:

CAMPERVAN MODEL

Nissan Caravan

VEHICLE AGE

Self Contained Van: Average 2011 Standard van: Average 2006

FIT-OUT AGE

Self Contained Van: Average 2015 Standard van: Average 2011

ENGINE SIZE

2.0 litre, 4 cylinder

TRANSMISSION

Manual or automatic (your choice of transmission is subject to availability, or it can be guaranteed for a fee)

50-60 Litres

Seats and Sleeps 3 (1 queen size bed area)

SELF CONTAINED

Seats and Sleeps 2 (1 queen size bed area)

Dimensions:

4.5 – 4.8 meters

1.7m average

EXTERNAL HEIGHT

2.1m average

INTERNAL HEIGHT

1.35m average

1 Queen size bed (2.1m x 1.5m)

STORAGE SPACE

Approx 300L (under bed area)

Make your ‘Great Escape’ a bit ‘greater’ by adding a few extra items to your hire. The prices are listed below and can be accessed by ticking the appropriate box within the ‘Quick Quotes and Bookings’ form.

Accessories for Hire

PICNIC TABLE ($40)

PORTABLE BBQ/HOTPLATE ($50)

(includes 1 gas cartridge)

SOLAR SHOWER (Free)

SNOW CHAINS (Free)

Accessories for Purchase

TWO MAN TENT ($70)

SLEEPING BAG ($50)

ADDITIONAL LINEN ($60)

(Brand new linen pack of 2 sheets and 2 pillow cases)

Rest before you drive. We can’t stress this enough. There are huge benefits for you if you plan your trip with an overnight stay at a hostel or hotel before you collect your Escape Campervan:

• It removes all risks associated with late flight arrivals. A late arriving flight may mean you miss our opening hours and get charged for the first day of hire, even though you can’t collect your van until the following day. Remember, it takes about 45-60 minutes to check out your van (paperwork, van familiarisation etc.) so you’ll need to be at our depot by 3:00PM (Monday to Friday) or 2:00PM (Saturday and Sunday) at the latest.
• A late pick up MAY be available on request (not guaranteed) but this costs $125. You should use that money for accommodation instead and get an early start with us the following morning.
• Getting through airport customs can take a while when you arrive in New Zealand and traffic in Auckland and Christchurch can be quite troublesome at times. Don’t rush. Plan for these sorts of delays, get some accommodation sorted and we’ll see you in the morning.
• Safety. This is the big one. Just got off a long flight? It’s better to rest than to embark on a road trip in a different country with different driving conditions and an unfamiliar vehicle. Please rest first.

Our depots in both Auckland and Christchurch have several hostels or hotels nearby, so check these out, plan your trip and book some accommodation before (and after) your Escape hire. Cheers.

Hostels in Auckland

Queen Street Backpackers http://www.qsb.co.nz/

Nomads Auckland Hostel https://nomadsworld.com/new-zealand/nomads-auckland-hostel/

Base Backpackers https://www.stayatbase.com/hostels/new-zealand/auckland/base-auckland/

Lantana Lodge http://www.lantanalodge.co.nz/

Hostels in Christchurch

Jailhouse https://www.jail.co.nz/

All Stars Inn https://allstarsinn.com/

Around the World Backpackers https://aroundtheworld.co.nz/

Escape Rentals is Open for Business!

On Thursday 14th May, New Zealand moved down to ‘ Lockdown Level 2 ’ which affords us all far more freedom to get about and do the things we want – Provided we do so responsibly of course. For Escape Rentals, it means we’re once more open for business. Great News!

But whilst we are open for business, it is not business as usual. Instead, we are introducing new measures to our campervan ‘check out’ and ‘return’ procedures to ensure we meet the government’s safety guidelines, whilst also protecting our hirers and staff.

So if you’re thinking of hiring a campervan with Escape Rentals or you’ve already booked with us (thank you) please note the following:

• Ensure we are appropriately resourced and prepared for your arrival e.g. We will be disinfecting our customer service area after each check out.
• Make sure we adhere to social distancing requirements by scheduling ‘pick-ups’ and ‘drop offs’ at staggered intervals.
• ‘Contact tracing’ is really important and whilst we’ll have most of your details on file, we will also need a New Zealand contact number. We can provide you with a NZ SIM card if required (free). We’ll also be requesting information about your current health status and your travel history prior to arriving at our depot.
• We’re taking extra time to groom and disinfect our campervans. All of our linen is hot washed by a professional laundry company also, but feel free to bring your own too (provided it is clean also and has not been used at a backpacker hostel prior).
• When you’re traveling throughout New Zealand, we want you to have a fantastic time, but we also want you to be safe. Please adhere to the rules and/or restrictions in place with any attractions or activity operators. You’ll probably need to book many of these in advance, so plan your travel and allow plenty of time. Also make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance which will cover you in case there are any delays.

These are challenging times for all of us, so your support, patience and understanding when booking with or travelling with Escape is genuinely appreciated. Thanks again and let’s stay safe out there.

Terms and Conditions

We try to be as open and transparent as possible, so please read our full/detailed terms and conditions below. Alternatively, please download a pdf version of our terms and conditions.

‘C’ – ESCAPE RENTALS LIMITED (operator of Escape / Hugo Campervans and Hugo Rental Cars) TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF HIRE

1.1 The owner will let and the hirer will hire the motor vehicle described in the associated Rental Agreement.

2. PROVISION OF VEHICLE

2.1 The owner will provide the vehicle in a roadworthy condition and pay for all tyres, batteries and mechanical repairs required during the hire period arising from fair wear and tear providing reasonable care has been taken by the hirer and the hirer has complied with all these terms and conditions and the Rental Agreement.

2.2 All existing damage to the vehicle is recorded in the Rental Agreement and acknowledged by the parties.

3. DURATION OF HIRE

3.1 The term of hire shall be for the calendar days stated in the Rental Agreement. Vehicle collections or drop offs outside the times and periods or locations detailed in the rental agreement will incur a fee not exceeding $1000.

4. PERSONS WHO MAY DRIVE VEHICLE

4.1 The vehicle may be driven during the period of hire only by authorised drivers, who are persons holding a current full driver’s licence valid in New Zealand (translated into English language where applicable) and appropriate for the vehicle, and who are named on the Rental Agreement.

5. PAYMENTS BY HIRER

5.1 The hirer shall pay to the owner:

(a) the rental charges for the hire of the vehicle for each day the vehicle is in the hirer’s possession. A surcharge may apply if the hirer or any authorised driver is under 22 years of age;

(b) the insurance excess specified in the Rental Agreement or the excess waiver amount on a per incident basis, payable at the commencement of the hire period and on the date of every accident or incident of loss or damage thereafter. Each subsequent excess waiver payment shall be proportionate to the number of days remaining of the hire period; and

(c) any penalties relating to freedom camping, parking and/or traffic offences specific to the period of hire together with an administration fee of $75.00 in respect of each infringement.

(d) any penalties relating to the late collection, or return of the vehicle or any penalties where the vehicle has been returned to a location which is not agreed within the rental agreement.

(e) an insurance documentation processing fee of $50 when a vehicle is damaged and insurance has been exercised (excluding windscreen damage). Any payment under clause 5.1(b) or 5.1(c) can be deducted from the hirer’s security deposit or transacted directly on the hirer’s credit card.

5.2 Where there is more than one hirer, each hirer is jointly and severally liable for all obligations of the hirer pursuant to this Agreement.

5.3 The hirer will be liable for a late payment penalty of 10% (compounded daily) of the total amount due to the owner, together with any costs incurred in respect of collection of the amount due (including but not limited to legal costs, administration and debt collection costs). Such penalty will begin to accrue on the expiry of 14 days from the due date for payment.

6. HIRER’S OBLIGATIONS

6.1 The hirer shall:

(a) pay for all petrol used in the vehicle during the period of hire;

(b) ensure that the water in the radiator and battery and the oil in the vehicle are maintained at the proper level and that the tyres are maintained at the proper pressure;

(c) ensure all reasonable care is taken in handling and parking the vehicle and that it is left securely locked when not in use;

(d) ensure that the vehicle’s distance recorder or speedometer are not interfered with;

(e) ensure that no part of the vehicle’s engine transmission, braking, or suspension systems are interfered with; and

(f) stop driving the vehicle and advise the owner immediately if a warning light is illuminated or the hirer believes that the vehicle requires mechanical attention.

6.2 The hirer will be liable for all damage, costs and expenses associated with any careless or negligent use of the vehicle, including but not limited to damage arising from failure to ensure appropriate levels of petrol, oil or water are maintained.

7. MECHANICAL REPAIRS AND EQUIPMENT FAILURE

7.1 The hirer will notify the owner and the owner’s roadside assistance representative of any mechanical irregularity immediately. The hirer shall not arrange or undertake any repairs (including purchase of replacement tyres) without the authority of the owner except to the extent that the repairs are necessary to prevent further damage to the vehicle. The hirer will comply with all reasonable instructions of the owner.

7.2 The owner will be responsible for repairs or damage arising directly or indirectly from fair wear and tear of the vehicle.

7.3 Subject to clause 7.2, in the event of a mechanical breakdown, the owner will, at the owner’s discretion, either:

(a) provide a replacement vehicle, subject to vehicle availability or

(b) refund the balance of the rental value, excluding insurance, for the period when the vehicle was unable to be used; or

(c) provide compensation for budget accommodation to a maximum of $50.00 per vehicle per day or

(d) extend the hire period to account for the period when the vehicle was unable to be used. where a campervans living equipment has failed (e.g. accessories or campervan appliances), the hirer shall contact the owner to discuss options available which may include:

(a) The hirer purchasing replacement equipment to an agreed/ authorised cost, which will be reimbursed upon completion of hire.

(b) The owner providing replacement equipment.

(c ) The owner reimbursing the client an agreed level of compensation.

In all instances, the owner will exercise one of the three options listed above, only during the hire and at the time the equipment failure/fault has been reported. The owner accepts no liability for equipment failure if it is only reported at the end of the rental agreement period.

7.4 Without limiting any other provision of this agreement, in the event of a mechanical breakdown, if a replacement vehicle is not available or accessible to the hirer, the owner will not be liable for any personal expenses or costs associated with any missed activities or accommodation.

8. ACCIDENTS In the event of any accident or incident involving the vehicle, the hirer must:

8.1 – Notify the appropriate New Zealand Emergency Service (Ambulance, Police, Fire) immediately by phoning ‘111’ if the accident or incident involves injury.

8.2 – Notify the owner and advise the full situation and circumstances as soon as practicable and in any event, within of 24 hours from the time of the accident or incident.

8.3 – Record full details of all parties, witnesses to and vehicles involved in the incident or accident.

8.4 -Prepare a written statement of the facts signed by all parties, complete insurance documentation and obtain a copy of any relevant police report. In the event of any accident or incident involving the vehicle, the hirer must not:

8.5 – Make any admission of liability; or

8.6 – Arrange to undertake any repairs or salvage without the owners prior authority, except to the extent that repairs or salvage are necessary to prevent any further damage to the vehicle and/or to other property.

8.7 The availability of a replacement vehicle is not guaranteed and is at the owner’s discretion, subject to availability, hirer’s location, accident circumstances and accident liability. Refunds for unused days or replacement vehicle requirements resulting from an accident or incident are at the sole discretion of the owner. Additional hirer charges may be incurred including as follows:

8.8 If a replacement vehicle is authorised by the owner, the hirer is responsible for making their own way back to the appropriate depot or designated location as dictated by the owner.

8.9 The hirer is responsible for the cost of transporting the hirer and any accompanying passengers away from the accident location.

8.10 The owner reserves the right to on-charge towing or salvage expenses to the hirer if it is a single vehicle accident or the accident is due to the hirers error/fault.

8.11 Provided the owner has complied with clause 2.1 the hirer must pay for any costs relating to the delivery of a replacement vehicle. These costs apply irrespective of any excess waiver insurance applicable to this agreement.

8.12 In the event that a replacement vehicle is given due to an accident, any insurance coverage or excess waiver insurance is not transferable to the replacement vehicle.

8.13 Without limiting any other provision of this Rental Agreement, in the event of an accident, if a replacement vehicle is not available or accessible to the hirer, the owner will not be liable for any resulting accommodation or living expenses that are incurred, nor personal expenses for missed activities unless such an accident has been caused by or contributed to by breach of this Rental Agreement or the negligent act, error or omission of the owner. No replacement vehicle will be provided without receipt of a completed damage claim form where one is required by the owner. An additional Insurance/Damage Administration fee of $50 (inclusive of GST) will be applied for processing insurance/damage claims. This fee applies to all damage claims regardless of whether the hirer elects to use excess waiver insurance or has made their own travel insurance arrangements. This fee may be refunded if it is proven that the damage was not due to the hirer’s behaviour or fault. No replacement vehicle will be provided and the Rental Agreement will be cancelled if any of the insurance exclusions detailed within clause 9.2 are exercised.

9. INSURANCE

9.1 Indemnities: Subject to the exclusions set out below, the hirer and any authorised driver are:

(a) fully indemnified in respect of any liability he or she might have to the owner in respect of the loss or damage to the vehicle and its accessories and spare parts and any consequential loss of revenue or other expenses of the owner including towing and salvage costs associated with recovery of the vehicle, subject to the clauses set out in section 8; and

(b) indemnified to the extent of $1,000,000.00 in respect of any liability he or she might have for damage to any property (including injury to any animal) belonging to any person and arising out of the use of the vehicle.

9.2 Exclusions: The indemnities set out in clause 9.1 above shall not apply where the relevant damage, injury or loss arises in circumstances where:

(a) The driver of the vehicle is under the influence of alcohol or drugs affecting his or her ability to drive;

(b) The driver of the vehicle drives illegally or commits an offence while driving the vehicle;

(c) The vehicle is in an unsafe or unroadworthy condition which arose during the hire period and which caused or contributed to the damage or loss and the hirer or driver was or ought to have been aware of the unsafe or unroadworthy condition of the vehicle;

(d) The vehicle is driven with more than stipulated occupants i.e. 3 occupants for campervans and 5 occupants for rental cars;

(e) The vehicle is wilfully or recklessly damaged by the hirer or any authorised driver, or is lost as a result of wilful, negligent or reckless behaviour of any such person;

(f) The vehicle is operated in any race, speed test, rally or contest or operated on any race or rally circuit;

(g) The vehicle is driven by any person other than the hirer or an authorised driver;

(h) The vehicle is operated in a careless or negligent manner, including but not limited to allowing the engine to overheat, incorrect use of gears, use of incorrect fuel, becoming locked out of vehicle, “bogging” of vehicle or any non-compliance with clause 6.1;

(i) The vehicle is operated on any of the following roads and locations: Tasman Valley Road (Mt Cook), Skippers Canyon (Queenstown), Ninety Mile Beach, North of Colville township (Coromandel), or any beach site or other areas specified by the owner from time to time. It is also an exclusion (unless option ‘C’ – full insurance cover is purchased) on any unformed or unsealed roads. Note. If the vehicle is parked at any ski field, the designated parking area must be used;

(j) The vehicle keys have become lost, broken or damaged, stolen or of retrieval of keys which have been locked in the vehicle, or the vehicle has been stolen due to it being unlocked. All costs associated with replacement keys (including roadside assistance/call out costs) are therefore the responsibility of the hirer.

(k) Any damage or loss caused to any personal belongings in the vehicle

(l) There is a breach of any of these terms and conditions or the Rental Agreement, and in any of such circumstances the hirer will be liable for all costs associated with any incident, including but not limited to the full replacement or repair cost of the vehicle and any third party damage.

9.3 No insurance applies to personal property of the hirer or contents of the vehicle and the hirer will be responsible for all damage to the interior of the vehicle and to all damage to or loss of all property of the owner, including any documents related to the vehicle, except where such damage is a result of a vehicular collision to the extent that insurance (and any applicable excess) shall apply.

9.4 Where any loss or damage is not covered by insurance, the amount due by the hirer in respect of such loss or damage is payable by the hirer from the date such loss or damage occurred.

9.5 It is agreed between the owner and the hirer that section 11 of the Insurance Law Reform Act 1977 shall apply with respect to the above exclusions as if this clause constituted a contract of insurance. In general this provision means that an exclusion will not apply if the hirer proves on the balance of probability that the damage or loss was not caused or contributed to by the matters referred to under the exclusion clause. The hirer acknowledges by signing the Rental Agreement that the hirer is aware of the above exclusions.

9.6 Rejection of Excess Waiver Insurance: If excess waiver insurance (option B or option C) is rejected, the hirer accepts by signing the Rental Agreement that:

(a) the vehicle is hired at the hirer’s own risk in respect of loss or damage to the vehicle and consequential loss by the owner;

(b) he or she has no excess waiver insurance cover under this agreement in respect of any damage, injury, or loss caused to any person or property,

(c) he or she may be liable to the owner for damage to or loss of the vehicle and consequential loss; and he or she may be liable for the higher ‘single vehicle incident’ excess, which is an additional charge of $1,000 over and above the $3,000 bond (campervans) or $2000 bond (rental cars).

9.7 Excess and excess waiver:

(a) In the event of an accident the hirer is responsible for ensuring that the correct insurance forms are fully completed. The owner will take no responsibility for the hirer’s failure to do so or any lack of insurance cover arising from such failure.

(b) In the event of an accident, the excess amount will be charged to the hirer by the owner regardless of who is at fault. The excess amount will be reimbursed to the hirer where a third party is deemed by the owner’s insurance company to be at fault and repair costs have been recovered from the third party or that party’s insurer.

(c) Where an accident or damage involves a third party, the hirer will be liable for the excess amount (regardless of who is at fault) if: the hirer fails to obtain the full and correct contact details of the third party; or it is not possible to obtain the insurance excess amount from the third party.

(d) The owner will hold the excess amount (or the credit card payment slip for the excess amount) for a period of 42 days from the date the vehicle is returned and where no excess is required to be paid in respect of any loss or damage or fines incurred, the owner will then refund the excess amount to the hirer or ensure the credit card payment slip is not processed.

(e) Where the hirer has chosen the excess waiver option and damage or loss has occurred to the vehicle but the hirer has not reported such damage to the owner, the owner may for insurance purposes deem that such damage occurred on the first day of the hire period;

(f) Where the actual cost of repair or replacement for loss or damage is less than the excess amount, the owner will refund the difference to the hirer once the relevant costs have been established.

10. ACCESSORIES

The owner holds your request for accessories with your reservation, however cannot guarantee availability until rental pickup. Reliability of directions provided by GPS units is not guaranteed. The hirer is responsible for all costs in the event of lost, stolen or damaged accessories and/or any of their components. The renter agrees to release and hold the owner harmless for any GPS unit failures.

11. USE OF THE VEHICLE

11.1 The hirer shall not:

(a) Sublet or hire the vehicle to any other person;

(b) Permit the vehicle to be operated outside his or her authority;

(c) Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated in circumstances that constitute an offence by the driver against any of sections 56, 57 and 58 of the Land Transport Act 1998 (which relates to driving under the influence of drink or drugs);

(d) Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated in any race, speed test, rally or contest, or operated on any race or rally circuit;

(e) Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated in breach of the Transport Act 1962, the Land Transport Act 1998, the Traffic Regulations 1976, or any other Act, regulations, rules or bylaws relating to road traffic;

(f) Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated for the transport of more than the number of passengers or more than the weight of goods specified in the certificate of loading for the vehicle;

(g) Drive or allow the vehicle to be driven by any other person if at the time of driving the vehicle the driver does not hold a current full valid driver’s licence appropriate for the vehicle;

(h) Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated to propel or tow any other vehicle;

(i) Transport any animal in the vehicle (with the exception of guide dogs for visually impaired people);

(j) Operate the vehicle on any of the roads set out in clause 9.2j park the vehicle in any area of a ski field not designated as a car park.

(k) Smoking in the vehicle will be deemed to be soiling the vehicle, in which case the owner reserves the right to charge a minimum cleaning fee of $200.00.

(l) Returning any self-contained campervan without first cleaning the portable toilet will be deemed to be soiling the vehicle also, in which case the owner reserves the right to charge a minimum cleaning fee of $200.00.

12. CANCELLATION OF RENTAL AGREEMENT BY OWNER

The owner reserves the right to cancel the rental agreement (and vehicle hire) when advised by the NZ Police that the vehicle has been witnessed as and /or reported as being driven in an unsafe manner. When this occurs, the hirer must present the vehicle keys to the NZ Police Officer as requested and the vehicle hire will be terminated with immediate effect, without recourse or refund. The hirer is also liable for the towing costs associated with the relocation of vehicle back to the nearest Escape depot. Under these circumstances, the hirer is not entitled to any refunds or compensation.

13. RETURN OF THE VEHICLE

13.1 The hirer shall, at or before the expiry of the term of hire, deliver the vehicle to the agreed rental location described in the Rental Agreement or obtain the owner’s consent to the continuation of hire. Return to a location other than that specified in the Rental Agreement may incur a fee of up to $1,000 at the owner’s discretion. No refund will be given where the vehicle is returned prior to the scheduled return date.

13.2 The Owner reserves the right to charge a late return fee for any vehicle returned late. The late return fee will be charged at the full applicable daily rate or part thereof plus any other costs incurred, including any costs associated with loss of subsequent hire, to a maximum penalty of $1,000.

14. IMMEDIATE RETURN OF VEHICLE WHERE DEFAULT OR DAMAGE OCCURS

14.1 The owner shall have right to terminate the hire and take immediate possession of the vehicle if:

(a) the hirer is in breach of any term of this Agreement;

(b) the hirer has obtained the vehicle through fraud or misrepresentation;

(c) the vehicle is damaged;

(d) the owner reasonably believes that the vehicle has been abandoned;

(e) the vehicle is not returned on the agreed return date or the owner reasonably believes that the vehicle may not be returned on the agreed return date;

(f) the owner considers, on reasonable grounds, that the safety of the hirer, the passengers or the condition of the vehicle is compromised; or

(g) the owner believes, on reasonable grounds, that payment for any charges associated with the hire have not or will not be paid to the owner.

14.2 The termination of the hiring under clause 12.1 shall be without prejudice to the other rights of the owner and the hirer.

14.3 Where the hiring is terminated under clause 12.1, no refund of any part of the rental charges will be given and the hirer will be liable for all reasonable costs of repossessing the vehicle including but not limited to towing costs and any charges imposed by persons whose property is entered onto by the owner for purposes of repossession.

15. INDEMNITY

15.1 Subject to the insurance arrangements agreed with the owner, the hirer hereby indemnifies and shall keep indemnified the owner, its employees or agents against any claims, demands and expenses (including legal costs) incurred or sustained by the owner, its employees or agents or any of them by reason of the hirer’s use and/or possession of the vehicle.

16. PRIVACY ACT

16.1 The hirer acknowledges that the owner will collect, hold and use the hirer’s personal information for purposes related to the hire of the vehicle and the provision of related customer services, including direct marketing and assessing customer satisfaction with products and services of the owner. The hirer further acknowledges that such personal information may be disclosed to debt collection agencies in the event that the hirer defaults in the payment of any monies owing to the owner and the hirer hereby authorises the disclosure of its personal information for such purpose.

17. GOOD AND SERVICES TAX

17.1 The prices featured on this Rental Agreement are inclusive of Goods and Services Tax of 15%

23 May 2018

Escape Rentals & Hugo Rentals Privacy Policy

This privacy statement describes how Escape Rentals Limited (operator of Hugo Rentals) collects and uses the information you have provided to us on our website. It also describes the options available to you concerning our use of your personal information I.e. How you can access this information and amend or update it.

Collection and Use of Personal Information

We collect the following personal information from you

• Contact information (name, email address, phone number)
• Credit card details and billing address
• Driver’s license details
• Preference information such as booking requirements, product requests and preferences.
• Demographic information such as age, gender, and zip code
• We automatically gather information about your computer such as your IP address, browser type, referring/exit pages, and operating system.

We use this information to

• Fulfil your order
• Send you a booking confirmation
• Assess the needs of your booking to determine suitable products
• Send you the requested product or service information
• Send product updates
• Respond to customer service requests
• Administer your account
• Send you marketing communications
• Respond to your questions and concerns
• Improve our website and marketing efforts
• Conduct research and analysis
• Facilitate your transactions with other users
• Tow to nearest place of repair or safety

Choice/Opt-Out

You may choose to stop receiving our marketing emails by following the unsubscribe instructions included in these emails or you can contact us at [email protected]

We enable you to create a profile, and share information such as messages, photos, and videos with others. Please note that we cannot control the actions of others with whom you may choose to share your pages and information.

Information Obtained from Third Parties

If you provide us personal information about others, or if others give us your information, we will only use that information for the specific reason for which it was provided to us.

Information Sharing

We will share your personal information with third parties only in the ways that are described in this privacy statement.

Escape Rentals will not sell your personal information to third parties.

We may provide your personal information to companies that provide services to help us with our business activities such as New Zealand Roadside Assistance. Such companies are authorised to use your personal information only as necessary to provide these services to you or us.

We may also disclose your personal information

• as required by law such as to comply with a subpoena, or similar legal process
• when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, protect your safety or the safety of others, investigate fraud, or respond to a government request,
• if Escape Rentals is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of its assets, you will be notified via a prominent notice on our website of any change in ownership or uses of your personal information, as well as any choices you may have regarding your personal information,
• to any other third party with your prior consent to do so.

We may make your contact information available to other users that you transact with on this site to help complete the transaction.

Cookies and Other Tracking Technologies

Advertising.

We partner with a third party ad network to either display advertising on our website or to manage our advertising on other sites. Our digital advertising partner uses cookies and beacons to collect non-personally identifiable information about your activities on this and other websites to provide you targeted advertising based upon your interests. If you wish to not have this information used to serve you targeted ads, you may opt-out by contacting us at [email protected]

Please note this does not opt you out of being served advertising. You will continue to receive generic ads.

The security of your personal information is important to us. When you enter sensitive information (such as credit card number) on our order forms, we encrypt the transmission of that information using secure technology (SSL).

We follow generally accepted industry standards to protect the personal information submitted to us, both during transmission and once we receive it. No method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic storage, is 100% secure however. We therefore cannot guarantee its absolute security.

We will retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services ( for a maximum of three months from your vehicle drop-off date) If you wish to cancel your account or request that we no longer use your information to provide you services contact us at [email protected] We will retain and use your information as necessary to comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

If you have any questions about security on our website, you can contact us at [email protected]

Additional Policy Information

Our website includes widgets, which are interactive mini-programs that run on our site to provide specific services from another company (e.g. displaying the prices, availability etc.) Personal information, such as your email address, may be collected through the widget. Cookies may also be set by the widget to enable it to function properly. Information collected by this widget is governed by the privacy policy of the company that created it.

Our website offers publicly accessible blogs or community forums. You should be aware that any information you provide in these areas may be read, collected and used by others who access them.

Correcting and Updating Your Personal Information

To review and update your personal information to ensure it is accurate, contact us at [email protected]

Notification of Privacy Statement Changes

We may update this privacy statement to reflect changes to our information practices. If we make any material changes we will notify you by email (sent to the e-mail address specified in your account) or by means of a notice on this Site prior to the change becoming effective. We encourage you to periodically review this page for the latest information on our privacy practices.

Contact Information

You can contact us about this privacy statement by writing or emailing us at the address below:

Escape Rentals

P.O. Box 1573

Shortland Street Mail Centre

Auckland 1010

New Zealand Email: [email protected]

Phone: +649377 6864

Around the World Backpackers

Address: 314 Barbadoes St, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011

Phone: 03-365 4363

Website: http://aroundtheworld.co.nz/

All Stars Inn

Address: 263 Bealey Ave, Edgeware, Christchurch 8013

Phone: 03-366 6007

Website: https://allstarsinn.com/

Address: 338 Lincoln Rd, Addington, Christchurch 8024

Phone: 03-982 7777

Website: https://www.jail.co.nz/

Queen Street Backpackers

Address: 4 Fort St, Auckland, 1010

Phone: 09 373 3471

Website:  http://www.qsb.co.nz/

Nomads Auckland Hostel

Address: 16-20 Fort St, Auckland, 1010

Phone: 09-300 9999

Website: https://nomadsworld.com/new-zealand/nomads-auckland-hostel/

Base Backpackers

Address: 229 Queen St, Auckland, 1010

Phone: 09-358 4877

Website: http://www.stayatbase.com/hostels/new-zealand/auckland/base-auckland

Lantana Lodge

Address: 60 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell, Auckland

Phone: 09-373 4546

Website:   http://www.lantanalodge.co.nz/

Cancellation

Once Escape Campers has confirmed a booking and the hirer has paid a deposit, that booking is subject to the following cancellation policy:

• If you cancel your confirmed Escape reservation more than 22 days before your scheduled pick up date, we will refund your deposit in full.
• If you cancel your confirmed Escape reservation within 7 to 21 days before your scheduled pick up date, you will be charged a cancellation fee of $300 (lose your deposit) or 20% of your total hire cost, whichever is higher.
• If you cancel your confirmed Escape reservation within 1 to 6 days before your scheduled pick up date, you will be charged a cancellation fee of 50% of your total gross rental cost.
• If you cancel your confirmed Escape reservation on day of pick up, or you ‘no-show’ (fail to collect your vehicle on the agreed date) then you will be charged 100% of your gross rental cost.
• If you collect your Escape Campervan later than your booked/scheduled pick up date, there is no refund for any unused days and any unused days cannot be transferred to the end of the hire
• If you return your Escape Campervan early for any reason whatsoever after travel has commenced, then no refund is available.

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Great to deal with! Ryan was very helpful in securing a campervan which suited our needs and budget.

Anna did a fantastic job helping me sort through the complications of hiring a van in another country and getting me the best price thank you so much lovely personal service totally recommend

Amazing service! Anna and Jenna couldn't have been more helpful. They made the whole booking process extrimely quick and easy, researching the best options available to suit my budget and requirements! I would definitely recommend their services and will happily book with them again, thanks girls 😊

Best service! Anna was extremely helpful!

I recently booked a 2-week camper van trip around New Zealand through RatPack Travel, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. I spoke with Ryan over the phone, and he was extremely friendly and helpful throughout the entire process, ensuring everything went smoothly. His expert advice was pivotal in making our trip both more affordable and enjoyable. Thank you, RatPack Travel and Ryan, for what i am sure will be an unforgettable journey! Highly recommended!

Was looking for the right campervan to travel Tassie with no luck, contacted Rapack, Anna responded quickly, explained what style of van i needed and with in no time she arranged the van and a great rate to go with it, all booked. Thank you Anna, made life easy.

The offer I got and conversations with Jules were so good that I almost thought it was unreal and Rat Pack is a scam. But not. Everything happened so beautifully fast. She had solutions right away, was very involved, relaxed and fun. It is my first trip to New Zealand and my first campervan experience. She understood my needs and also gave me advice in what is best for me to choose as I was a little confused being my first experience. I feel very safe now and confident regarding the campervan I have booked and the amazing trip that is coming. Special thanks to Jules vibe and chats for this ☀️🪻

Ryan was very attentive and patient in my van research for my holidays. The communication was always personalised and I didnt feel at all talking with someone that send templates, all the contrary. Thank you again.

Amazing service!!! Anna helped me through the whole process of booking and she couldn’t have been more helpful and friendly, she talked me through everything and found exactly what we wanted and under our budget. The process was so quick and she was extremely accommodating with organising calls around my schedule. The process saved me so much time. I would definitely use their services again!

Big trip to West Australia impending, and Mikey the former Limey from the RatPack company bent time and space to make our dream vehicle magically available (with Adam’s help) from the far side of the continent. Mikey was attentive, effective, personable, and accurate in every respect… (a credit to his long-suffering parents)… as well as being ‘prompt’ without being ‘pushy’. Definitely an asset to his company and to the industry at large.

Fantastic prompt responses from anna who was so helpful and gave me good advice directly over the phone as well as in the app chat and was very patient with all my questions . Anna contacted camper companies direct and got me a great deal with the best availability to suit our needs . Anna also sent over useful campsites and free camping areas and where to stay in WA Looking forward to picking up our camper and can’t wait for our trip . Thanks so much again Anna .

Anna has been so amazing helping us book our preferred RV and made the process so easy for us, she managed to get us upgraded insurance and still save us money, 100% would recommend Ratpack travel!

Such a smooth and quick process to deal with this company, Ryan was super helpful, managed to quickly beat a quote we had already received elsewhere and secured our camper. Looking forward for Perth to Darwin road trip! 🚐

Excellent review for Thijs helping me with my booking he was very helpful and reassuring.

I’d 100% recommended RatPack travel ! Booking my camper with them was quick and stress free. Nothing was too much and Jules eased any worries/stresses I had when booking. Jules and the team went above and beyond 😁 Thank you !!

We provide the wheels. You hit the road.

Blending freedom and flexibility with open road travel and anywhere accommodation is why campervan hire in New Zealand is the dream experience for travellers seeking independence and lifetime memories.

Whether immersing yourself in New Zealand’s dynamic urban scene or venturing on an unforgettable expedition from the city to the surrounding wonders, take control of your dream journey, and savour an epic, all-time travelling experience with a campervan rental from RatPack. 

Buzzing for the vibe? Get in touch today .

Why hire your campervan with RatPack?

So, what makes RatPack any better than your average campervan hire in New Zealand?

Well, a few things:

We’re cheaper than booking online.

Booking doesn’t have to be gnarly. Our travel gurus get the best rates from the best operators. And once you’re satisfied, we provide a discount, making it even cheaper than booking online.

Come rain or shine, we only book you a camper van if we can make it cheaper than the online rate. That’s the RatPack guarantee!

Zero charges for date changes

As travellers ourselves, we appreciate that dates can change while you’re out doing your thing and living your best life. That’s why we don’t charge for any late cancellations or amendments, giving you more dollars to spend on the important stuff.

Personalised service

When it comes to Aus, we’ve been there and got the t-shirt. Our travel guru team comes with bags of lived travel experience. We have excellent knowledge of the best travel routes and campervan hire New Zealand , making sure you strike the best deal for a once in a lifetime trip.

5-star reviews

Since launching in 2016, we’ve received more 5-star reviews than any other Aussie travel agent ! And it all comes down to our approach. We believe in going above and beyond for your trip down under.

We combine our awesome camper hire knowledge and experience with our passion to deliver an amazing experience for our clients. No exceptions.

The RatPack Promise

We know what it feels like to have a negative travel experience. It blows. In fact, it’s one of the core reasons we founded our business in the first place. The good news is we’re here to give you the best campervan hire service and deals.

Rather than trying to be the biggest at what we do, we made it our mission to become the best. It’s this philosophy that’s allowed us to make so many longstanding relationships with every reputable campervan rental and tour guide in the game.

Based on these principles with the values of backpack travel, we live and breathe campervan hire every day from our HQ in Byron Bay.

So, if you’re ever passing through, drop in and say hey. We’d love to hear about your adventures.

Feeling nervous about campervan hire in New Zealand?

It’s normal to feel nervous about your first campervan hire in New Zealand… Trust us, we know how you feel. Travelling with a camper across a great whopper of a country is a daunting thought.

And that’s ok. But rest assured, we’ve got you covered with a guaranteed, around-the-clock personal service.

We’re here to help on WhatsApp if you have any questions or concerns over any part of your trip. Whether you need advice or support, we’re here for you.

Explore the Best Campervan Hire New Zealand Options for Your Dream Road Trip

Exploring New Zealand’s dazzling landscapes, pristine beaches and one-of-a-kind attractions is an extraordinary experience that everyone should try. Taking a campervan road trip allows you to have complete freedom in creating your very own itinerary of this magical country. To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, it is important for travelers to select a reliable campervan hire agency in New Zealand, plan their route carefully and consider essential tips from experts before heading out on their adventure!

Key Takeaways

Choose the perfect campervan for your NZ adventure based on size, layout, budget and amenities.

Explore North Island highlights like Auckland & Wellington or South Island wonders such as Christchurch & Queenstown.

Make sure to understand camping regulations and follow essential tips for a safe journey!

New Zealand Locations for Camper Collection:

Campervan rental New Zealand options: Which campervan will you choose?

Regardless of your budget and preferences, we’ll partner you with the ideal camper that meets your requirements.

Here is a list of our classic campervan options .

The 2-seater, 2-sleeper

With a cosy bed in the back, the two-berth campervan rental is super easy and ideal for two people planning a short campervan road trip.

With space to stand, cook and lounge, this three-berth beaut of a camper is perfect for two or three setting out on a long adventure. Now, that’s a bit of us.

The Motorhome

A boujee choice providing you with a new luxurious home on wheels, a six-berth motorhome rental is the best option for large groups/families regardless of how long you expect to be on the road.

Choosing the Perfect Campervan for Your New Zealand Adventure

If you’re planning a New Zealand trip, selecting the right campervan can make your journey more enjoyable and unforgettable. To help guide you in this process, here are factors to think about when deciding on a vehicle: size, layout, budget as well as amenities available. Keeping all these aspects into account will enable you to find the ideal one for your adventure!

When it comes to the size of the van, consider how many people will be traveling with you so that everyone has enough space during their travels throughout NZ. Taking note of its layout is also vital. Does it suit what kinds of activities or trips do you intend? Bear in mind any features or extras needed such as electric hook up points which might not come standard but could make life easier along the way. Staying within an acceptable budget range is essential too.

Budget Considerations

When preparing a budget for your campervan journey through New Zealand, consider the rental fees which can vary from NZD$50 to more than $500 per day depending on the size and luxury of the vehicle.

Most rentals come with unlimited kilometres perfect for sightseeing around the country. As fuel costs should be taken into account – approximately 12 litres/100km (20 mpg) – There are several ways to save money but your best bet is booking through Ratpack Travel. We are always cheaper than booking via any online comparison!

Amenities and Comfort

Exploring New Zealand with a campervan is such an epic experience. Don’t forget you will need to consider all necessary amenities such as cooking utensils, power supply and toilet facilities when choosing your ride. 

Our recommendation would be to book campers with ample storage and comfortable sleeping arrangements while also having efficient energy management systems in place – this will maximise enjoyment during exploration of destinations like Waikato River, Oreti River or Lake Pukaki. 

We also love a camper which has areas suitable for lounging or dining. You’ll be thankful once you arrive at the stunning locations throughout New Zealand!

Just get in touch and we will happily guide you through the booking process. It’s so simple, so easy and we’ve been there and done it.

Top Campervan Rental Companies in New Zealand

At RatPack we work with the best campervan companies. We negotiate directly with them and can guarantee better rates than booking via any online system. Essentially we do the hard work for you.

Hiring a campervan in New Zealand can be an easy process. If you have your eyes on a certain camper from any of the following companies, we can help you secure it for less. That’s the RatPack promise!

Campers we can book for you;

• Britz Campervans
• Maui Motorhomes

Planning Your New Zealand Campervan Itinerary

Exploring New Zealand in a campervan is going to be insane, provided your trip is meticulously planned. There are tonnes of places this stunning country has to offer on both its North and South Islands, we recommend you explore both!

Ok, let’s get into it. These are the RatPack’s most memorable locations! Two islands make NZ such a special place! From the most instagrammable scenes and amazing landscapes, there’s something for everyone when travelling around New Zealand. 

We wanted to share with you an itinerary to inspire your upcoming campervan adventure.

North Island Highlights

Exploring New Zealand’s North Island by campervan is a great way to get the most out of your trip. From Auckland and Queenstown, with their iconic Muriwai Beach and Milford Sound respectively, to Wellington’s Red Rocks Reserve or Mount Victoria Lookout – there are plenty of spots not-to-miss.

For those looking for an unforgettable journey on the island, why not consider taking The Lost World Highway? Or exploring along the Coromandel Peninsula from Napier up through Taupo?

These drives will give you incredible views showcasing lush forests framed against breathtaking coastlines that could make any visitors experience one they would never forget!

South Island Wonders

Starting a campervan trip on the South Island with Christchurch as your starting point could also be a strong option. We advise you travel from Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson and journey down wild sandy beaches along the West Coast before reaching Queenstown which is well equipped for some epic experiences.

You can expect to see foaming waterfalls, snow-capped mountains or taking in some of nature’s finest wonders such as Milford Sound located between Te Anau & Queenstown. 4, 5 hours away. Finally head towards the Catlins coast, renowned for its rugged coastline. All we can say is – get your camera ready.

Image Sourced: https://jonistravelling.com/catlins-new-zealand-coast/

Driving a campervan in New Zealand requires only a valid driver’s license, and international visitors can use theirs from their home country for up to 12 months. 

Planning your trip with the knowledge of available parking and camping rules will ensure an smooth experience on your adventure through New Zealand. 

Campers have various lodging options that include staying at holiday parks or Department of Conservation campsites as well as freedom (wild) camping (our favourite option!) 

This must always be done at campgrounds which allow such accommodation. Understanding these regulations is key for having smooth exploration while travelling around by campervan within NZ!

Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Campervan Journey

When embarking on a campervan adventure in New Zealand make sure to take your time when driving, as roads can be quite twisty and narrow.

It’s nice to have time and not be clock watching, take some breaks to appreciate the landscape by stopping at points of interest – there will be tons of them! 

Google maps works wonder’s so you don’t lose track while travelling around this amazing country.

To ensure that everything runs smoothly during your journey, it is important not to forget about maintaining your vehicle: remember to always top up with water. Power-up where possible, wash dishes regularly for hygiene purposes, study weather forecasts before planning any trips outdoors and familiarise yourself with freedom camping regulations which may vary depending on location within New Zealand itself. By following these tips we guarantee an insane trip! Yeeeeow!

If you are ready to hit the open road and experience New Zealand in a campervan, then hopefully we have given you all the juice info you need!

We have discussed all of the essential aspects that will help plan an unforgettable trip, including finding the perfect camper van rental company for your journey, mapping out an effective itinerary with safety tips included.

So get ready to take on an adventure. Pack up your stuff and begin planning that dreamy New Zealand Campervan Road Trip today! With detailed insight into what is needed, it’s time to slow down and let nature lead the way!

Campervan hire: Frequently asked questions

Now, just in case you have any questions, here are some classic campervan hire FAQs for you:

Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, it is possible to spend the night in a campervan – provided you remain at the beaches, parks and reserves set aside for camping. This offers travellers an excellent way to explore this amazing country from their own vehicle!

Do I need a special licence to drive a campervan in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, if you wish to drive a campervan, all that is needed is a valid driving licence from your home country. International visitors can use their licence for up to 12 months without needing any special permit or authorisation in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

What are some top campervan rental companies in New Zealand?

For a great campervan rental experience in New Zealand, consider Apollo, Britz, Maui Real Value and Jucy Rentals. These firms are top-notch providers of quality vans don’t forget to book with us at RatPack travel for the best deals. This is what we do best!

What are the most beautiful routes to take in a campervan in North Island, New Zealand?

Experience a memorable journey as you travel and explore North Island in New Zealand by campervan. Have an exciting adventure taking the Lost World Highway, with splendid views between Napier and Taupo along the way. Also don’t miss out on visiting the Coromandel Peninsula for its beautiful sights.

How can I save money on campervan rentals in New Zealand?

To economise on campervan hires in New Zealand, be aware of any additional charges and book with RatPack to get the best price. They will personally compare rental deals so that you can save money when hiring a campervan in NZ.

Unfortunately, you can’t just park where you want in New Zealand and sleep in your camper. Keeping your campervan in the wrong place can land you with some expensive fines.

So, try to find RV-friendly locations or campsites when you’re on the road. Permitted parking areas include national parks, roadside campervan camping, beachside locations, private parks for campervans and certain rest areas.

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How to Plan a Campervan Trip in New Zealand 🚐 [2024] Guide

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, everything you need to know about buying, renting and road tripping in a campervan in new zealand.

So you’ve decided you want ultimate freedom to travel the country at your own leisure by campervanning in New Zealand. That’s awesome! This guide will tell you all you need to know about travelling by campervan in New Zealand, from what sort of license you need to what costs to expect and more.

This ultimate guide to travel by campervan in New Zealand is for both those who want to rent a campervan in New Zealand and those who prefer to buy their own. We’ll go over where to rent or buy a campervan from, important road rules to know for driving on New Zealand’s roads, what costs to expect, and where you can legally sleep in your campervan.

So get ready to hit the road with this ultimate guide to travelling New Zealand by campervan!

Should You Buy or Rent a Campervan in New Zealand?

The main factor that determines whether you should buy or rent a campervan in New Zealand is time. How much time do you have in New Zealand? Although buying a campervan works out to be the most cost-effective solution in the long term, if you are on a short-term trip, you will waste a lot of your limited time on the buying and selling process.

For those of you planning to be in New Zealand for less than a month, then renting a campervan will get you on the road as quickly as possible. For those of you with more time in New Zealand, for instance by being on a working holiday , buying your own campervan in New Zealand will be the best value for money considering it is likely that you can sell the vehicle at the end of your trip.

Check out more pros and cons between the two in our complete guide, Should You Rent or Buy a Vehicle to Travel New Zealand?

Can You Legally Drive a Campervan in New Zealand?

If you can drive a car, you can drive a campervan in New Zealand – you will just need to have a valid license.

What Driving License Do You Need to Drive a Campervan in New Zealand?

To drive any vehicle up to a motorhome you need to have a full valid driving license written in English. If yours is not written in English then you will need to also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a translation approved by the New Zealand Transport Agency. The former is easier to get and organise before arriving in New Zealand. Find out more in our complete guides on the subjects:

• Why You Need an International Driving Permit for New Zealand
• How to Translate an Overseas Driving License for New Zealand

How Old Do You Need to Be to Drive a Campervan in New Zealand?

The legal driving age in New Zealand is 16 years old. You usually need to be at least 18 to hire a campervan in New Zealand but most rental companies will not accept drivers less than 21 years old. What’s more, many rental companies have a young driver’s fee for drivers under 25 years old. Read up on the restrictions in Age Restrictions When Renting a Vehicle in New Zealan d . Or, simply choose a rental company from  The Best New Zealand Car & Campervan Rentals for Ages 18 to 25 .

What Type of Campervan to Buy or Hire in New Zealand

Now you need to decide what type of campervan to buy or rent in New Zealand. There are so many options from small campercars to large motorhomes that it’s really worth thinking about this thoroughly. For a full comparison, check out Which Campervan Rental Vehicle is Right for You?  and What Model of Car or Campervan to Buy for Travelling New Zealand . Plus, if budget is important, you might want to look at our campervan vs. car rental cost comparison .

The most popular type of campervan available to buy at a cheap price in New Zealand is usually an SUV or people-mover with the back seats removed and fitted with a bed and other accessories. These are also the types of camping vehicles that you can rent without an age restriction as they are the easiest to drive. On the downside, expect it to get quite cramped once your luggage is inside and to have limited amenities. These types of vehicles are not likely to be certified self-contained, so you can only camp in campsites, holiday parks and hostels. In other words, you’ll need our guide, Where Can You Camp in New Zealand if Your Campervan is Not Self-Contained?

The second most popular camping vehicle to buy is a campervan – simply a small van or minibus that has been converted into a camping vehicle. Although more expensive to buy and rent than campercars, they offer more room for amenities, perhaps even water storage, wastewater storage and a toilet which would allow you to have a self-contained sticker – something you will need if you want to be able to freedom camp . More on that below.

The most spacious campervans that you can legally drive with a normal driving license is a motorhome. They range from 2 to 6-berth (i.e. sleeping 2 to 6 people) and usually have the full-works in terms of amenities: bedding, dining area, kitchen, shower, toilet and more. However, these are the most expensive camping vehicles to rent, not to mention buying a motorhome is a pretty large investment taking you into the tens of thousands of dollars. Plus, buying and selling a motorhome is much more likely to be a lengthier process than with a smaller and more affordable camper.

The major advantage of motorhomes is that they are almost guaranteed to be self-contained meaning you can camp anywhere except where there are camping restrictions. For tips on travelling in a motorhome, check out Step-by-Step Guide to Renting Your First Motorhome .

How to Park a Motorhome (or Camping Vehicle)

We get it, driving a campervan and especially a motorhome can be intimidating for first-timers. If you need tips on parking these bad boys, head to The Best Tips for Parking a Campervan or Motorhome in New Zealand .

How to Get a Campervan for a Road Trip in New Zealand

Once you know that you have the right driving license and have an idea of the best type of camping vehicle for your road trip, it’s time to start putting the wheels in motion; it’s time to get a campervan!

How to Rent a Campervan in New Zealand (and Save Money)

When renting a campervan you need to compare the campervan rental companies out there and see which one suits your needs. This is pretty straightforward, as once you have found the right type of vehicle, you just need to book directly with the company. Follow our advice on How to Compare Car and Campervan Rental Companies in New Zealand and save money on your booking with 20 Ways To Save Money on Car Rental in New Zealand .

Paying for a New Zealand Campervan Rental

When booking a campervan to rent you will either need to pay in full or pay a non-refundable deposit. You do not pay after you have rented the vehicle. Many campervan rental companies in New Zealand require you to have a credit card on pick-up. There are some companies, however, that will accept the security bond via other payment methods. Find out who in  How to Hire a Car in New Zealand Without a Credit Card .

The Best Campervan Rental Companies in New Zealand

While we’re here, we might as well share with you some of the best campervan rental companies in New Zealand. Check out the links to rental company comparisons based on pick-up locations:

• The Best Campervan Rental Companies in Auckland
• The Best Campervan Rental Companies in Christchurch
• The Best Campervan Rental Companies in Queenstown
• The Best Campervan Rental Companies in Wellington

And check out our comparisons of the best campervan rental companies based on budget:

• The Best Budget Campervan Rentals in New Zealand
• The Best Affordable Campervan Rentals in New Zealand
• The Best Premium Campervan Rentals in New Zealand

You might be more interested in comparisons of different “flavours” of campervans:

• The Best Budget RV Rentals in New Zealand
• The Best Family Campervan Rentals in New Zealand
• The Best Backpacker Campervan Rentals in New Zealand

And finally, our top picks are in The Best Campervan Rental Companies in New Zealand !

Private Campervan Rental

You don’t have to go with a campervan rental company at all! You can also hire a campervan privately by using website platforms similar to Airbnb (but, ya know, for camping vehicles). Find out more about hiring a private campervan in Private Campervan Rental: Should You Rent a Peer-to-Peer Motorhome?

Campervan Relocation

It’s also worth mentioning campervan relocation, which can actually be the cheapest type of campervan rental in New Zealand! This is when rental companies need to relocate vehicles from one depot to another, often offering the rental for free! The downside is that usually the relocation is required to be completed within just a few days. Find if it’s the right option for you by checking out our full campervan relocation guide, How to Get the Cheapest Campervan Rental in New Zealand .

How to Buy a Campervan in New Zealand

While there are plenty of campervans on the market, you need to follow the necessary steps to avoid buying a lemon. Find campervans for sale on backpacker Facebook groups , the New Zealand auction site TradeMe , on hostel notice boards, backpacker car markets and more. Get ideas from Where to Buy a Backpacker Vehicle in New Zealand .

Always inspect campervans in person before buying. Arrange a viewing with the seller and inspect the vehicle for any faults, including all the amenities inside the campervan. Does everything fold up correctly? Does the fridge/toilet/wastewater all work, for example? You will also want to make sure that the vehicle has all the necessary certificates like a WOF (Warrant of Fitness), electrical certificates and self-containment certificates if your van has power and a toilet.

Once you are ready to go through with the sale, complete the change of ownership form with the seller. There’s a lot to go through but don’t worry, we go through it all in Buying a Car in New Zealand Step by Step with tips that also apply to campervans.

Wilderness Motorhome Sales

To ensure the purchase of a high-quality motorhome for your extended trip around New Zealand, take a look at Wilderness Motorhome Sales . All of their motorhomes for sale are late models of Germany’s leading motorhome manufacturer, Erwin Hymer Group, boasting clever designs for ultimate comfort. Choose from a range of compact and functional 2-berth campers to more spacious vehicles for the whole family. Their whole offering is available at Motorhomesforsale.com .

What to Pack for a Campervan Trip in New Zealand

If you’re renting a campervan, you’re going to have most of the essentials already included, while buying a campervan might mean that you’ll have to purchase some. For a full guide on what it’s like to live in a campervan, check out  Vanlife in NZ: The Guide to Living in a Campervan in New Zealand .

What’s Included in Your Campervan Rental

You will have the opportunity to choose some optional extras with your campervan rental, such as a GPS and picnic sets, however, you often have all you need already included in the rental from bedding to cooking utensils. Inclusions are often:

• Basic insurance
• Roadside assistance
• Kitchen amenities: gas stove, fridge and sink
• Kitchenware
• Beds and bedding
• Shower amenities (sometimes)

Consumables, like toilet paper and dishwashing liquid, aren’t usually included in your rental, but you can purchase these at New Zealand’s supermarkets , along with the food you’ll need for cooking meals in your campervan. By the way, check out  The Best Camping Meals, Inc. Camping Food List for easy meals to cook.

What’s Not Included in Your Campervan Rental (and What You’ll Need to Pack)

Most of what you’ll need to pack are your personal items, such as clothing and toiletries. All of this we cover in our New Zealand Packing List: What to Pack for New Zealand .

If you’re travelling in winter, there are some extra things you’ll need to pack in order to keep warm, all of which we cover in  How to Stay Warm When Camping in New Zealand , as well as in our Packing List for Winter in New Zealand .

For any extra camping gear you might want to consider, like extra sleeping bags or laundry lines, take a look at our Camping Essentials Checklist for New Zealand .

That just leaves a few miscellaneous essentials like a torch/flashlight and playing cards! All of this and more we cover in the 12 Essentials to Pack for a New Zealand Campervan Trip .

Other Things to Pack if Buying Your Own Campervan: WiFi and Power!

As mentioned, those buying their own camping vehicle might want a few more amenities, like the internet and a power source (if your camping vehicle doesn’t already have one). Check out our guides on  How to Get WiFi in Your Campervan in New Zealand and  How to Choose a Generator for Your Motorhome, Campervan or Tent .

How to Drive a Campervan in New Zealand

Now you are ready to hit the New Zealand roads! However, there are likely to be a few road rules that you might not be used to on New Zealand’s roads, so make sure you wise up before driving.

Although we go much more in-depth in How to Drive in New Zealand , here are the basic points:

• Take it easy when driving a campervan, slow down on corners and let other drivers pass you where safe
• Keep left! In New Zealand, we drive on the left side of the road
• When at a traffic light and the light turns green, give way to pedestrians first before turning
• It is illegal to use your phone while driving, you must use a hand-free set
• There is an alcohol limit for driving (so don’t drink and drive)
• Do not overtake when the road has solid yellow lines
• Only overtake when it is safe to do so, such as when on a passing lane
• Keep left on passing lanes when you are not overtaking so other vehicles can pass you
• You can only park on the side of the road in the same direction as the traffic flow
• Stick to the speed limits
• In winter, have snow chains if you intend to drive anywhere with snow (see  Renting a Campervan in Winter: New Zealand Road Trip Tips )
• Slow down for animals on the road and wait for the farmer’s instructions
• Slow down on gravel roads
• Respect the priority markers on one-way bridges (which there are a lot of in New Zealand).

How Easy is it to Drive a Campervan in New Zealand?

Camping vehicles are more difficult to drive the bigger they are. You’ll need to be more spacially aware when parking and will need to drive slower in windy conditions (and in general) but there are ways to make driving a campervan easier. See our driving advice in The Best Tips for Parking a Campervan or Motorhome in New Zealand .

A Note About Travel Times and Using a GPS

One extra thing to note is the New Zealand travel times and using a GPS. Expect travel times to take longer per km than what you would expect on straight roads and motorways. New Zealand’s road networks consist of winding roads, gravel roads, narrow roads, as well as some motorways and straight roads.

Always prepare for journeys to take a little longer than the estimated time given on your GPS. If you are going somewhere a little off the beaten track, it is best to compare the directions of your GPS to another map or satellite view. Your GPS is likely to find the fastest route, which can sometimes be old gravel roads and sometimes dangerous tracks. What’s more, some GPS data may be wrong or not updated so always double-check the route.

The Cost of Travelling by Campervan in New Zealand

There are quite a few costs to take into account when planning your campervan trip budget for New Zealand. Both buyers and renters will need to budget for fuel and the ferry if crossing between islands, while some costs differ between renters and buyers. See How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in New Zealand? which might be about rental cars but the information still applies to campervan rentals.

Cost of Fuel

Of course, fuel costs vary throughout the country, but the average cost for petrol is usually NZ$2 per litre (approximately NZ$7.60 per gallon). For diesel, it’s NZ$1.35 (approximately NZ$5.10 per gallon) but you also have to pay a road user charge (RUC) which is around NZ$76-$82 per 1,000km (621 miles) and depending on the size of the vehicle. Check out weekly fuel price data on the MBIE website and RUC costs on the  NZ Transport Agency website .

Another cost to put into your budget is the cost of the ferry between the North Island and the South Island. For example, it’s around NZ$420 each way for a full campervan with four passengers. Find out more in Ferry Between the North Island and South Island .

The three toll roads in New Zealand are all on the North Island: the Northern Gateway Toll Road, the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road. Find out more in our guide, Toll Roads in New Zealand .

Rental Costs

If renting a campervan, there is the obvious daily cost of the rental itself, which range from NZ$29/day for a small campervan in the low season to NZ$450/day for a motorhome in the high season.

Other rental fees may include a young drivers fee if you are under 25 years old, a one-way fee if dropping off the vehicle in a different location to where you picked it up, and an extra driver’s fee. There may also be optional extras liking hiring a GPS or snow chains. If there is any damage to the campervan that you cause, it is likely you will have to pay for damages unless you have paid for the top insurance. We’ll go through more of that below.

We kind of take budgeting for a campervan road trip very seriously here on NZ Pocket Guide, so we also advise you to take a look at  How to Get the Cheapest Campervan Rental in New Zealand and Which is Cheaper: Campervan Rental or Car Rental + Stay in Hotel/Hostel/Airbnb?

Campervan Maintenance Costs

When having your own campervan, there is the risk of it breaking down or having some sort of engine problems. It’s up to you to get these fixed, as most insurance companies don’t cover major expenses past the basic breakdown cover. To reduce the chances of this happening, make sure you really check the campervan before buying it, plus keep the campervan well-maintained while it is in your care. Follow the tips in How to Maintain Your Car for Travelling New Zealand .

Be aware that you also may need to update the WOF certificate of vehicle registration too. On top of that, because your campervan is going to be your home for so many months, keep it clean to reduce the chance of attracting insects. Keep food in containers, for example, and wash bed sheets regularly.

Campervan Insurance

Insuring your own campervan.

While campervan insurance is not mandatory in New Zealand, some people do prefer to pay for insurance in case the worst should happen and the expenses are too much for them to afford. For your own campervan, we suggest you look at How Car Insurance Works in New Zealand to help decide whether campervan insurance is right for you.

Campervan Rental Insurance

When renting a vehicle, insurance is included in the price. You have the option to drop the excess to a lower price by paying a daily fee. For example, a high excess that might be included in your rental could be NZ$1,500-$3,000, but you may have the option to reduce this excess to, for example, NZ$250 excess or NZ$0 excess/no excess at an extra cost. For more information, check out New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!

Where to Stay in Your Campervan

In order to keep New Zealand beautiful, there are some restrictions on where you can camp. Campervans can camp in designated campsites, holiday parks, park over properties and sometimes even hostel car parks. Most of the rules on where you can and cannot camp surround whether your campervan is certified self-contained or not.

What is a Self-Contained Vehicle?

A self-contained vehicle is a vehicle that is able to store at least three days’ worth of fresh water and wastewater and has a toilet on board. These must meet a particular standard to be given a Self-Containment NZS 5465 as the certification. A vehicle that is self-contained must display a blue self-contained sticker in order to freedom camp. Only self-contained campervans can park up somewhere for free and stay the night, except for zones that don’t allow camping. Find out more about Self-Contained Campervans in New Zealand .

Campervan rental companies should state whether their vehicles are certified self-contained. If you’re buying a camping vehicle, make sure to look for vehicles that are certified to be able to freedom camp. Otherwise, you can apply for the self-contained certification yourself by following  How to Get Your Campervan Certified Self-Contained . Or modify your van yourself using  How to Convert Your Van into a Self-Contained Campervan .

Parking Your Campervan in Holiday Parks

To recharge the power in your camper, dump your waste and get some quick comforts, you’re likely to use a holiday park at least once on your campervan road trip in New Zealand. Holiday parks have powered sites and non-powered sites to park up your vehicle and make use of their facilities, including dump stations, kitchens, laundry, showers and sometimes more. To see what a holiday park is like in New Zealand, take a look at our Accommodation Guide to Holiday Parks in New Zealand .

Parking Your Campervan in Campsites/Campgrounds

Campsites are a little more basic than holiday park, offering much fewer facilities. For this reason, they are cheaper (sometimes even free) and have the bare essentials to keep the environment tidy. Most of the campsites are run by the Department of Conservation (DOC) . Find out more in What is the Difference Between a Campsite and a Holiday Park? Plus, see if it’s worth getting a campsite pass in DOC Campsite Pass: How it Works & is it Worth it?

Parking in a Park Over Property (POP)

Some landowners allow self-contained vehicles to stay on their property overnight for a small fee.

Freedom Camping (Parking Your Campervan for Free)

There are very few areas around New Zealand where you can camp for free without a self-contained vehicle. Otherwise, camping with a self-contained vehicle is usually permitted on public land where there are no restrictions. Each district council in New Zealand have their own laws on freedom camping, so make sure you research before arriving in an area – you can use Freedom Camping Rules in New Zealand: Region by Region which links to all of the regional council websites concerning freedom camping. Finally, learn more about free camping in What it’s Really Like to Freedom Camp in New Zealand .

The End of Your Trip: Selling or Returning Your Campervan

On that sad day when your campervan road trip in New Zealand comes to an end, what do you do?

Returning Your Rental Campervan

On the date, time and location agreed with the rental company, return your campervan. There is usually an inspection to see whether there are any damages to the vehicle. If there is any damage, the cost will be taken from your card if you have supplied the details or the damages will be taken from your deposit. Otherwise, your deposit will be returned to you and you are free to go. Make sure you don’t leave anything behind in the campervan!

Selling Your Campervan

Because campervans usually take longer to sell than cars, we recommend giving yourself at least two weeks to sell your van at the end of your trip. Use the tips we give in How to Sell Your Car in New Zealand , which, yes, also apply to campervans.

New Zealand Campervan Itineraries

Now that you know everything about travelling by campervan in New Zealand, do you need some road trip ideas? Check out the following itineraries for the best campervan routes:

• North Island in One Week : Road Trip Itinerary
• South Island in One Week : Road Trip Itinerary
• South Island Campervan Itinerary: 10 Days
• North Island in Two Weeks : Road Trip Itinerary
• South Island in Two Weeks : Road Trip Itinerary
• New Zealand in Three Weeks : Road Trip Itinerary
• New Zealand in a Month : Road Trip Itinerary .

Finally, get some last quick tips from our 10 Things You Need to Know About Camper Van Rental in New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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Free to change booking   before the scheduled day of pick-up (as often as needed). Extra flexibility so you can book with confidence.

No hidden fees .  unlimited kilometres, cooking & sleeping gear & extra driver are all included. The price you see is the price you'll pay,

No fee for young drivers.   Anyone 18 years or older with a valid driving licence can hire & drive a Spaceships campervan.

Self-Contained Campervans remain Certified Self-Contained under the new rules

In December 2024, the rules for self-containment will change in New Zealand. Our self-contained campervans will remain certified self-contained. Our crew is tweaking these self-contained models as we speak so they will comply with the new rules before the deadline.

More info about the new rules

Explore the outer space of New Zealand by campervan

New Zealand is one of the best road trip countries in the world. Your next hike or amazing scenery is never far away. You can literally experience four seasons in one day. And the best way to experience it all is by hiring a Spaceships compact campervan. They drive like a good car and sleep like a comfy campervan.

Select a non-self-contained or self-contained campervan to explore New Zealand your way. Create your own route and see it all.

Explore the outer space of New Zealand by Spaceship

Responsible camping Use our free camping apps to find the best and most amazing campsites in New Zealand.

We follow the Tiaki Promise We are making a commitment to New Zealand, to act as a guardian, protecting & preserving our home.

Sustainability We plant thousands of trees each year on behalf of all Space Travellers.

Compare our range of campervans

It is easy to compare our campervans, see the differences in features and specifications and select the campervan that fits your travel plans the best. Whether you are looking for the cheapest campervan with more features than the average budget campervan or a self-contained campervan. Spaceships New Zealand has it all. Check it out.

Beta - Original & Budget Campervan

Seats up to 4 people

Sleeps up to 2 people

Automatic transmission

Smart battery system

2 USB sockets

Integrated fridge

Runs on petrol

Baby/child seat can be fitted

Cooking gear

Sleeping gear

Specifications

Vehicle: Toyota Estima  

Engine size: 2.4 litre (petrol)  

Fuel tank: 60 litres  

Fuel consumption: 9-10 litres / 100 km  

Anti-lock braking (ABS): yes  

Power steering: yes  

Aircon & heating: yes  

Stereo: Radio + 4-way speakers + Bluetooth  

Rearview camera: no  

Cigarette lighter socket: yes  

Sliding doors: 2  

Mosquito nets: optional  

Double bed: 1.4m wide x 1.9m long  

Bed extension: up to 2.3m long (optional to add)  

Lockable storage: 1.04m (L) x 0.54m (W) x 0.33m (H)  

Rear awning: yes (included)  

Awning: sunshade 1.5m x 1.5m (optional)  

Vehicle dimensions: 4.6m (L) x 1.6m (W) x 1.8m (H)  

Interior height: 1.2m  

Baby/child seat option: 1x ISOFIX  

Certified Self-Contained: no  

View all Specifications & Features

Beta 2S - Spacious & More Discreet

Seats up to 2 people

Fuel economy: 9-10 litres / 100 km  

Beta 2S Self-Contained (Blue & Green Warrant)

Certified self-contained

Certified Self-Contained: YES, Blue Warrant until 7 Dec 2024, Green Warrant from then on  

A Spaceships campervan is the   most flexible way  to experience New Zealand

• Flexibility  - No fixed routes, stop where you want to stop and go where to want to go.
• One-way  - You don't need to drive the same route or loop. At Spaceships, you can book a one-way as there are no fees for one-way trips.
• Unlimited mileage  - You're on unlimited kilometres (mileage) so you can see more of New Zealand, no matter how far you drive.
• 24/7 Roadside Assistance:  All Spaceships campervans are registered with NZRA 24-hour roadside service, which covers mechanical faults.
• Cost-effective  - Camping is a great way to experience real Kiwi life. Go for free or budget campsites and you'll save so much when compared to motels or hostels.
• Pick up & drop off 24/7. After-hours is a free service. You can pick up or drop off your campervan 24/7 year-round, no matter the time or the day of the week. Just select 'after-hours' or 'early after-hours' when booking your campervan.

Don't just go for any road trip, go for a #SpaceshipsRoadTrip

Get an online quote

You'll get the lowest price available. Guaranteed!

Campervan hire in New Zealand made easy

Explore the outer space of New Zealand, with Spaceships campervan hire. New Zealand has so much to offer and the easiest way to see it all is by compact campervan. Enjoy a smoother drive and better handling on the hilly and windy roads in New Zealand. Access places big vehicles can’t go to and save on fuel. Spaceships campervan hire New Zealand has a wide range of vehicles to choose from.

Travel Promise: never lose your deposit

• Change or update your booking for free
• Cancel at any time or postpone your booking
• We guarantee your deposit is never lost and can be moved to a future travel date.
• Self-Contained Campervans remain certified self-contained, also when the new self-containment rules are active

Read more about our promises . You can book a Spaceships campervan with confidence.

New Zealand campervans that fit your travel plans: budget, space or comfort

Whether you’re looking for the cheapest campervan or a bit more luxury for your New Zealand road trip, we have a campervan that’s perfect for you. Choose from the following categories.

• Beta - the original award-winning Spaceship - The features of this campervan are anything but standard, for instance, the fridge/freezer. It’s perfect for up to 4 travellers as it seats 4 and sleeps 2. It is also the budget option in the Spaceships fleet.
• Beta 2S - the most spacious Spaceships campervan - More space and a more discrete look, that’s what this campervan model is all about. It seats & sleeps 2 travellers.
• Dream Sleeper Mini - the comfort campervan - This campervan is made for glamping. It has the most advanced features (for instance a bigger fridge) and is still easy to drive. And it comes with even more features included, for example, a modern stereo with Bluetooth and a rearview camera built-in.
• Dream Sleeper Mini Stealth - unbranded version of the comfort campervan. This campervan has the same advanced features as the Dream Sleeper Mini and is perfect for glamping. A bigger fridge/freeze, mosquito nets included, more USB ports and the easy-to-use kitchen at the back.
• Self-contained campervan (Beta 2S Self-Contained)  - The self-contained campervan Beta 2S SC is fully certified self-contained according to the latest rules & regulations. It is the first campervan category in the Spaceships fleet that comes with a toilet and all other features required by the self-containment certification process. It also comes with a solar panel on its roof for extra charging power. All this enables travellers to stay off the grid for longer and to fully explore the outer space of New Zealand.

Not sure which campervan to select for your upcoming New Zealand road trip?  Compare all campervans  and see the specifications and features of each Spaceships New Zealand campervan. Each campervan has all sleeping & cooking gear included.

Why hire your campervan at Spaceships?

The only surprise you’ll have is how easy our campervans are to drive. They truly drive like a good car and sleep like a campervan. Anyone (18+ years of age) with a valid driving licence can drive a Spaceships campervan. Hire one today and start exploring New Zealand.

Well-maintained campervans

Our campervans are in excellent condition. Our mechanics take good care of their babies. Standard insurance is included and we offer various insurance upgrade options for complete peace of mind. And if something does happen on your road trip, it’s good to know that 24-hour roadside assistance is included. We’ll take care of you. No worries. It's all part of Our Promises to You.

Worry-free booking: update or change when needed

See our campervans and select the campervan hire category that suits your travel plans best. If your plans change, no worries. You can update your campervan booking before the day of pick-up. You can always change the selected campervan category (subject to availability), add or remove accessories or add an extra driver (another free service of Spaceships). And if your plans change drastically, you can cancel your booking for free (within 7 days of making the booking) or keep it as a credit to be used later. We're flexible.

Spaceships will get you on your way in New Zealand. We’re looking forward to seeing you at our depot in Auckland or Christchurch. 

Are you ready for your #SpaceshipsRoadTrip?

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Campervan Hire Auckland

The Auckland region is home to a diverse landscape, offering everything from bird's eye view thrills to on-the-ground delights, and with no less than 3702km of coastline, there's no shortage of amazing beaches for you to kick back and soak up the sunshine.

Auckland is  New Zealand's largest city, gently hilly with plenty of green spaces, wrapped around two harbours earning it the name ‘the city of sails’. As well as a lively cultural atmosphere and plenty of hospitality hubs through its centre and beyond, Auckland is home to a wealth of wild places to visit such as rugged west coast beaches, and the island volcano of Rangitoto.

You'll soon find that travelling by campervan is one of the best ways to experience and explore what this magical place has to offer. Head North for a classic New Zealand road trip that's full of seaside scenery, as you head to highlights like the Bay of Islands, the Tutukaka Coast, and Whangarei. Or head south to explore the central North Island for an action-packed family holiday.

Hire affordable and comfortable campervans for your next epic Kiwi road trip at Britz Auckland. It couldn’t be easier!

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Booking Phone Number

Email address.

Auckland Branch Information

• Monday: 8am - 4:30pm
• Tuesday: 8am - 4:30pm
• Wednesday: 8am - 4:30pm
• Thursday: 8am - 4:30pm
• Friday: 8am - 4:30pm
• Saturday: 8am - 4:30pm
• Sunday: 8am - 4:30pm

All of our branches are closed Christmas Day (25 December).

Vehicles must be collected/returned at least one hour before closing time.

If you’re flying into Auckland airport, Domestic Terminal: Pick up is opposite the Jetstar end of the Terminal. Once you have your luggage, exit through doors 7 or 8 and walk across to the big white control tower to the pick-up point. Phone number for Aeroparks is 0800 237 672 or +64 27 414 4712 

If you’re flying into Auckland airport, International Terminal:  Once you clear customs, exit the terminal and make your way to the Transport Pick-Up Zone (Lane 4); just a short 5-7 minutes’ walk under the covered canopy walkway, north of the Transport hub and behind the Te Arikanui Pullman Hotel. Request a pickup on the shuttle by calling through to Aeroparks. Phone number for Aeroparks is 0800 237 672 or +64 27 414 4712 .

If you are travelling by car: You can book secure parking with Aeroparks by calling 0800 237 672 or +64 27 414 4712 . thl customers receive a 25% discount off the rate of the day. Please ensure you let staff know you are a thl customer and that you require to be picked up and dropped off at the Auckland branch location on Manu Tapu Drive. If you are at our branch and require a pick-up, please contact the shuttle request number on +64 27 213 2880. 

Alternatively, there are many other secure local car parking options available near our Auckland branch, but there is no shuttle available from these locations.

Whether this is the first time you've taken a campervan journey or you're a regular to hiring motorhomes, our expert team will be on hand to answer any questions you have before heading out on the road.

You can purchase our  Express Return Pack – which means at the end of your hire, you don’t need to fill up the gas bottle or fuel tank. And if you’ve also purchased the Liability Reduction Option or Inclusive Pack, take advantage of our express key return service and just drop the keys off at the dedicated desk and set off on your way.

Where pick-up originates or returns to Auckland from another location, a one-way fee of NZ$150 will apply. From 1st April 2023, if dropping off in Auckland the one-way fee is NZ$170. If picking up from Auckland between 01 April and 30 September, the one-way fee is NZ$170 and if pick up from Auckland between 01 October and 31 March, the one-way fee is NZ$280.

A NZD$100 surcharge will apply to all campervan rentals picking up and/or dropping off in Auckland on the following public holidays;

• New Year’s Day
• Day after New Year’s Day
• Waitangi Day
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• King’s Birthday

From 1st April 2023, this surcharge will increase to $115 NZD.

Refer to the Rental Agreement  for exact dates.

To help you prepare for pick-up, make sure you have:

• Filled out the  Self Check-In form
• Downloaded the thl Roadtrip App  and watched our welcome video, along with the full show-through video of your camper
• Read more about  what to expect at pick-up  

The Auckland Britz Branch is equipped with everything you need to start and end your trip in the best way possible.

• Free unlimited WiFi
• Power outlets for charging your devices
• Drinks vending machine
• Snacks vending machine
• Filtered drinking water
• Tea/coffee making facilities
• Local staff on hand to give suggestions and tips on great places to go and things to see

Britz are the experts for campervan hire in Auckland. Collect your camper from our branch and get out on the open road to explore this slice of paradise and beyond.

Why travel with Britz campervans

Britz New Zealand is perfect for every adventure or family getaway. Great for couples or families; you can even bring the family pet! As well as your favourite bike, cricket bat, and cook book. Don’t miss your chance to get moving and see New Zealand like never before, in a Britz campervan.

Local Pick-Up

Offering return, and one-way vehicle hire options from our branches in Auckland ,  Christchurch and Queenstown .

Book with Confidence

We've got your back even if your circumstances change. Check out our  booking options and book with confidence.

Earn Qantas Points

Earn 2 Qantas Points  per $1 spent with Britz. We are happy to partner with Qantas Frequent Flyer offering guests extra value on their road trip!

Supported Travel

Help videos, navigation tools, and 24/7 phone support via our thl Roadtrip technology .

Branch Parking

Recommended  parking options near our branches for ultimate convenience at the start and end of your trip.

Pet Friendly

Options to bring along your  furry friends when you pick-up at Auckland, Christchurch, or Queenstown.

Many Options

We’ve got every travel style and budget covered across our motorhome fleet , ready for your adventure.

and Trust Us …

We have been around for over 35 years and have an  average rating of 86% across 14,000+ customer reviews​.

Auckland Campervan Deals

Popular routes from auckland.

Explore Auckland at its very best. Discover the incredible natural wonders, and the lively inner-city culture within this region. Start your adventure with one of our epic itineraries.

Things To Do in Auckland

An island escape renowned for its beaches, vineyards, and epic walking trails, Waiheke makes for an epic day trip out of Auckland. Swim in crystal clear waters of pristine beaches, and spend the afternoon touring world-class vineyards.

Black sand beaches, rugged hills, and wild seas of the West Coast are prime examples of mother nature's destructive force. The dramatic landscape of the wild West Coast compels both locals and visitors to explore. A popular filming location both internationally and locally, a visit to the west coast should be a must-do for anyone travelling in Auckland. Home to the city's best surf, make sure you check the lifeguard flags before bracing yourself for a swim. These seas are some of the wildest in New Zealand.

Home to 16,000 hectares of native bush and coastlines, the local treasure of the Waitakere Ranges is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. With pristine bush, thriving native wildlife, rugged surf beaches, and over 250kms of walking tracks – the ranges are a wonderful place to explore on foot. Popular scenic spots like Karekare Falls are easily accessible.

Duder Regional Park is a well-kept secret in South-East Auckland. A favourite amongst locals, a trip to this destination will provide you with an authentic look into rural life in New Zealand. Duder Park allows visitors to get up close with friendly farm animals, against a backdrop of million-dollar views over the Hauraki Gulf. Enjoy the sandy shores, Pohutukawa-lined bays, and turquoise waters in this little slice of paradise. If you're visiting on a Sunday, be sure to make a detour to Clevedon to explore an epic farmers market offering everything from local produce to freshly made delights.

One of Auckland's best-kept secrets, Tawharanui Regional Park is a must-see destination for anyone in the city. Previously a private farm, this spot covers the end of a peninsula that juts out onto the Pacific Ocean. The long sandy beach on the northern side is one of the best surf and swim spots in Auckland, boasting some of the region's most beautiful white sand beaches, shingled bays, native coastal forest, and rolling pastures. It’s located around an hour and a half north of Auckland CBD and there are campervan sites so you can spend an evening in this magical place.

Situated at the end of a narrow peninsula, Shakespear Regional Park offers incredible sweeping cliff top views and a beach along either side. Flop on one of the beaches and lose yourself in a good read, or go exploring across farmland and native bush to take in the panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf. Only 40 minutes north of Auckland CBD, Shakespear Regional Park offers a peaceful sanctuary with magnificent views.

A scenic coastal farm park, Tapapakanga is home to a rich Māori and European history and offers an accessible, Pohutukawa-lined beach on the western shores of the Firth of Thames. An easy hour's drive from our Auckland branch, a visit to this regional park will provide you with a peaceful nature escape from the city. The highlight of this location is the bay itself, sheltered from the elements for both swimming and fishing, its perfect for the kids to get out and stretch their legs.

Auckland is home to an abundance of activities that the whole family are bound to love. Admire the local beaches, head further afield for some incredible snorkelling, and have days packed with adventures of all kinds. There are so many epic things in the region to be enjoyed during your campervan trip, check out our list of the best below.

• Explore  Ambury Farm and get up close and personal with the resident farm animals
• Peruse one of  Auckland's best markets for cheap eats
• Go for a snorkel at  Goat Island
• Get your fix of culture at Auckland Art Gallery
• Enjoy one of Auckland's  best walking tracks – and tire the kids out
• Have an adventure packed day at Tree Adventures
• Go for a  mountain bike
• Explore the tunnels at  North Head

Auckland is a great spot to explore by campervan. With holiday parks located in scenic spots, you will be spoilt for choice when choosing somewhere to park up for the night.

If you are staying at any TOP10 Holiday Park , purchase our stay deal and pay only $75 for one night stay at a powered site for 2 people. This deal also includes a two-year TOP10 Club Membership which allows you access to heaps of benefits and discounts.

We recommend downloading thl Roadtrip app (Powered by Campermate) before you hit the road. The ultimate travel companion; the thl Roadtrip app provides everything you need to help find places to stay and play across New Zealand, including the closest campgrounds for campervans on your route.

The Auckland region enjoys a warm, coastal climate year-round, with minimum temperature extremes. The best time of year to visit Auckland for warm-weather activities is from late December to late March.

Summer in Auckland (December - February)

Summer in Auckland: Summers are generally warm with high humidity and an average daily temperature of 23°C. This is perfect for exploring beaches, but be mindful during the middle of the day as UV radiation levels can get very high, so be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat.

Autumn in Auckland (March - May)

For the months of March to May, Auckland shows a mild touch of the transition from summer to autumn, with only the leaves on trees changing colour. Autumn provides settled and comfortably warm weather.

Winter in Auckland (June – August)

The winter months bring a cooler change, although there is not a significant drop compared to many other regions in New Zealand. Winter temperatures are on average 14°C (57°F), with plenty of rain.

Spring in Auckland (September – November)

Spring can bring the wettest weather to Auckland and is typically dominated by south-westerly winds. The weather can change quickly with cold fronts, strong winds, and heavy rains. The flora and fauna in the region provide fantastic flowers and other blossoms.

• Celebrate Chinese New Year, see more than 800 handmade Chinese Lanterns lighting up the Auckland domain, and sample some incredible authentic foods at the  Auckland Lantern Festival
• Taking place every November, Taste of Auckland  will allow you to sample a selection of signature dishes from the finest restaurants in Auckland, as you discover this epic food festival
• Take a 35-minute ferry ride from the city to Waiheke Island for a day trip to explore the unique headland Sculpture on the Gulf exhibition
• Witness Auckland transforming during March for the globally recognised Auckland Arts Festival . Experience an explosion of theatre, music, dance and visual arts as New Zealand celebrates our local artists, culture and diversity

What’s included in my campervan rental?

We include everything you need to live and sleep comfortably in your camper. Check out our full list of inclusions here .

Can I change the drop off destination during my hire?

Yes, the option is there, but first you will need to contact our Booking Hosts on call  0800 081 032 ( +64 9 802 0021 ) for authorisation. Subject to the change being approved, there may be an additional charge to do this.

Where is the best supermarket for me to stock up on my groceries after I have collected my camper?

We recommend you wait until you have picked up your camper before doing your grocery shopping. That way you will know exactly how much room you have in the fridge and pantry first. Once you have your camper, we suggest you head to Countdown , Corner George Bolt Memorial Drive & John Gaulter Drive, Mangere (3km from Branch).

What is the closest caravan park to the Branch?

Red Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

23 Marie Avenue, Red Beach

Distance from branch: 60km north

Visit their website

Orere Point TOP 10 Holiday Park

2 Orere Point Road, Orere Point

Distance from branch: 60km east

Campervan Hire New Zealand

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• USA (from landline only) 011 800 200 80 801 Call
• Canada 011 800 200 80 801 Call
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Why Use Motorhome Choice?

RV Classes – Find the Right RV rental for your travel

An RV (recreational vehicle) is a vehicle that can be used as a home away from home when you go on vacation. It’s more than just camping. It’s for anyone who wants to travel and stay in their own space without worrying about renting a hotel room every night or finding somewhere safe to park when they’re tired of driving. So how do you know which one to choose?

Self-contained vs a non self-contained RV?

A self-contained RV , also known as a “fully equipped” or “fully loaded” RV, is a recreational vehicle equipped with water, sewage, and waste storage systems. This allows it to be self-sufficient and independent of external sources for these services, making it suitable for extended travel or use in areas without access to campground facilities.

Self-contained RVs typically have a more complete set of amenities and features. These may include a living area, kitchen, bathroom, and storage compartments, as well as entertainment features such as a TV and DVD player. They may also have additional features such as a generator, air conditioning, and heating.

A non self-contained RV , also known as a “dry” RV, is a type of recreational vehicle with no water, sewage, or waste storage systems. This means it relies on external sources for these services, such as campground facilities or public utilities.

Non self-contained RVs are typically smaller and more lightweight than self-contained RVs, and are often more suitable for shorter trips or use in campgrounds that provide the necessary services. They may include features such as a living area, kitchen, and bathroom, but these may be more basic or limited than those found in a self-contained RV. These types of RVs are typically less expensive than self-contained RVs, but they may be less convenient to use in areas without access to the necessary services.

What is a motorhome?

A motorhome is a type of recreational vehicle (RV) that is self-contained and equipped for camping and travel. It typically includes a kitchen, sleeping area, and a bathroom and is designed to be driven and lived-in while travelling. 

A motorhome is an RV that has a drivetrain. That means it can be driven like any other car or truck instead of being towed behind another vehicle. It also has more amenities than other RVs, so it’s better suited for long-term use, travelling with multiple people or for those wanting to travel in style and comfort.

A 4-6 berth motorhome is perfect for families and larger groups of people. It has two double beds, two single beds and a sofa bed that can be converted into an additional single bed. The kitchen includes a fridge, oven and microwave. The bathroom has a toilet, shower, vanity mirror, and storage space underneath.

A 2-4 berth motorhome is a good option for couples or small families. It has one double bed and one single bed, plus a sofa that can be converted into an additional single bed. The kitchen includes a fridge, oven and microwave. The bathroom has a toilet, shower, vanity mirror, and storage space underneath.

A motorhome is a good choice for anyone who wants to travel long distances. It’s also a good option for people who want more amenities than a campervan provides and don’t mind paying extra for them. This allows you to explore more remote areas as it gives the freedom of being self-sustained for several days on end.

Note: Images are for illustration purposes only, and features vary among suppliers.

What is a campervan?

A campervan is a smaller type of RV. They offer a more compact and maneuverable option than larger motorhomes and can be a more economical choice for those who do not need as much space or as many amenities. Campervans can be either self-contained (with their own water, sewage, and waste storage systems) or non self-contained (relying on external sources for these services)

A campervan generally has sleeping space for up to three people and has less storage space than a motorhome. They can come equipped with bathroom facilities such as a shower, toilet and basin, depending on the size and model. They often include small kitchens and living areas as well. Campervans also come with the added benefits of being more affordable and easier to drive and park than a motorhome.

Generally, campervans come in two sizes: Small and large. The small size is often referred to as a “single-berth” campervan, while the larger ones are called “twin-berths.” Both generally include a bed for 1-2 people, although the larger models usually feature an additional sofa bed.

A hi-top campervan includes an elevated roof, making it easy to stand up inside and move around more freely. In addition, hi-top campers are often longer than regular campervans, providing extra room for storage, making them ideal if you bring recreational items such as bikes. Most hi-top campervans have a small kitchen area with a sink, refrigerator, and stove. Depending on the size, some models also come equipped with a small bathroom with a toilet, sink and possibly a shower.

Pop-top campers are smaller campervans with a roof that can be raised or lowered. When the top is raised, it provides extra headroom and sleeping space, and when it is lowered, it makes the campervan more compact and easier to drive. 

Pop-top campers are often used by long-distance travellers keeping to a budget who just want a comfortable place to sleep without all the bells and whistles of a motorhome or larger campervan. Most pop-top campervans have a small kitchen area with a sink and stove. Some may also have a microwave oven.

What is a 4WD Camper?

A 4WD campervan , also known as an all-terrain campervan or off-road campervan, is a type of recreational vehicle designed for rugged terrain and off-road conditions. These campervans typically have four-wheel drive and may also have features such as high clearance, sturdy tires, and additional suspension to help them navigate rough terrain.

4WD campervans are often equipped with some of the typical amenities and features of a traditional campervan, such as a mini kitchen, sleeping area, compact storage space and outdoor solar shower capabilities.

Motorhome Rental in New Zealand

Motorhome Choice takes the hassle out of finding the right campervan to suit your budget and travel style. We compare the prices and features of hundreds of motorhomes from the most trusted rental providers in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities make it an ideal destination for motorhome enthusiasts. Hiring a motorhome offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace, uncovering hidden gems and iconic spots. Here’s a guide to exploring Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown in a motorhome.

Auckland: The City of Sails

Auckland, known as the City of Sails, offers a blend of urban sophistication and stunning natural beauty. The Auckland Harbour Bridge provides stunning views and adventurous activities like bridge climbing and bungy jumping. For a tranquil escape, Waiheke Island, accessible by ferry, is renowned for its vineyards, beaches, and olive groves. The Auckland War Memorial Museum offers a deep dive into New Zealand’s history and Maori culture.

For those traveling by motorhome, Auckland has several excellent camping sites. Takapuna Beach Holiday Park offers beachfront sites with modern amenities, while Whangateau Holiday Park, located north of Auckland, provides a quieter experience close to nature.

Wellington: The Cultural Capital

Wellington, the cultural capital of New Zealand, is full of character. Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum, offers interactive exhibits that provide a comprehensive understanding of New Zealand’s heritage. The Wellington Cable Car is another highlight, providing panoramic city views and access to the Botanic Garden. For a taste of the local lifestyle, Cuba Street is famous for its lively cafes, eclectic shops, and street performers.

Motorhome travellers in Wellington can choose from several well-equipped camping sites. Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park offers a range of facilities with easy access to the city, while Ngā Manu Nature Reserve provides a more rustic option, perfect for nature lovers.

Christchurch: The Garden City

Christchurch, often referred to as the Garden City, is known for its beautiful parks and gardens. The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are a peaceful haven for a leisurely stroll, while Quake City museum provides insight into the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes that reshaped the city. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Port Hills offer excellent hiking and cycling trails with scenic views.

Christchurch also boasts several top camping sites for motorhome travelers. Christchurch TOP 10 Holiday Park is conveniently located close to the city and offers a variety of amenities. North South Holiday Park is another great option, providing easy access to both the city and Christchurch Airport.

Queenstown: The Adventure Capital

Queenstown, renowned as the Adventure Capital of New Zealand, is a playground for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. The Skyline Queenstown offers panoramic views, luge rides, and dining experiences. For a heart-pounding adventure, the Shotover Jet boat rides through narrow canyons are unforgettable. No trip to Queenstown is complete without visiting Milford Sound, where breathtaking fjord scenery awaits.

You can expect excellent camping options in Queenstown. Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park offers a central location with stunning views, while 12 Mile Delta, a Department of Conservation campsite, provides a more rugged experience close to nature.

Tips for Motorhome Travel in New Zealand

Traveling by campervan in New Zealand allows you to connect with its unique landscapes and cultures in an intimate way. However, there are a few tips to ensure a smooth journey. New Zealand’s roads can be narrow and winding, so drive carefully and take your time. Freedom camping is only allowed in designated areas. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in mountainous regions. It’s also wise to stock up on essentials before leaving major cities, as smaller towns may have limited options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire an rv in new zealand.

A basic campervan can cost as little as NZD $50 per day (plus fuel), whereas a luxury motorhome can see prices soar upwards past NZD $500 (plus fuel) per day. The following can impact rates:

When travelling to New Zealand, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is the type and size of motorhome rental you want. So first, work out what is best for your needs and budget. Then our comparison tool will do the hard work of sifting through New Zealand’s most trusted RV suppliers to find the best choice and rates.

Are one-way motorhome rentals possible from New Zealand?

Yes, many companies have depots in both the North and South Islands and allow one-way trips. The most popular pickup and dropoff locations are Auckland , Christchurch , Queenstown and Wellington .

One-way motorhome rentals incur a ferry cost between the Islands, and additional one-way fees may also apply, calculated at the time of booking. Our support team can assist with a one-way rental booking.

Can you sleep anywhere in an RV in New Zealand?

Although freedom camping is permitted in New Zealand, it is heavily regulated by individual councils.

New Zealand has strict rules on sleeping in an RV overnight that is not in a designated camping area and the Department of Conservation, DOC , provides hundreds of RV friendly campsites throughout the country. Many of these campsites offer the bare basics in terms of amenities, requiring you to be self-sufficient and to camp responsibly.

Motorhome Choice recommends parking overnight in campgrounds which are geared toward RV’s by providing convenient amenities such as electrical and water hook-ups. These hook-ups allow campers to power their vehicles and use the onboard facilities such as the refrigerator, lights, electrical appliances and showers. Some campgrounds may also have dump stations where RV’s can dispose of their wastewater and sewage.

In addition to these practical amenities, many campgrounds also offer a variety of recreational activities and facilities that can make your trip even more enjoyable. These may include swimming pools, playgrounds, hiking trails, and recreation areas. Some campgrounds may also have on-site stores, cafes and rental facilities where campers can purchase supplies or rent equipment such as bikes or kayaks.

What licence do I need to rent a motorhome in New Zealand?

To hire a vehicle, all drivers must have a current and full driver’s licence. Foreign licences are acceptable if they are in English or accompanied by an accredited English translation. Otherwise, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Does my motorhome rental come with unlimited mileage in New Zealand?

Yes, unlimited kilometres are generally included for standard vehicle rentals in New Zealand. The comparison tool will show whether your preferred vehicle has unlimited or restricted kilometres.

How old do I need to be to rent a motorhome in New Zealand?

Most motorhome rental companies in New Zealand require the driver to be 21 years of age or older to access their full range of vehicles.

Some companies will rent to drivers between 18 and 21, but only specific models may be available. In those cases, additional insurance may be required.

Enter the driver’s age into our search tool, and we will filter available vehicles to match.

Are there pet-friendly motorhome rentals available in New Zealand?

Several pet-friendly motorhome rental companies in New Zealand allow you to travel with your dog or cat. However, advanced prior approval is required and will usually incur a fee to cover the extra cleaning cost. Contact our support team to check if taking a pet on board a specific vehicle is possible.

Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.

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Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
• Best things to do in the South Island
• Other Islands
• Best ways to travel around
• Calculate travel times and distances

Campervan road trips

Take in the mountain views, New Zealand

By Britz Campervans

Jucy campervan, New Zealand

By Jucy World

Cathedral Cove, Coromandel

By Alistair Guthrie

Hit the road, stray from well-worn paths and experience the real New Zealand.

From Northland to Southland, embark on a collection of campervan suitable road trips throughout New Zealand.

Ready to get away? Find the highlights, map it out and plan your New Zealand road trip of a lifetime.

North Island road trips

Hire a campervan or motorhome and road trip through the North Island.

Wake up the sunrise over a rugged beach, drive past active volcanoes and camp under a dark sky reserve.  

South Island road trips

Road trip around the South Island, watch the sunset behind Aoraki Mount Cook, marvel at wildlife in  Kaikōura and eat Bluff oysters in the  deep south.

A driving holiday through the mountainous South Island is a trip of a life time. 

Start planning your New Zealand campervan trip

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Driving in New Zealand

Important things you need to know about driving in New Zealand.

Tiaki - Care for New Zealand

The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now, and for future generations. By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.

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Biden’s Lapses Are Said to Be Increasingly Common and Worrisome

People who have spent time with President Biden over the last few months or so said the lapses appear to have grown more frequent, more pronounced and, after Thursday’s debate, more worrisome.

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By Peter Baker ,  David E. Sanger ,  Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Katie Rogers

Peter Baker, David E. Sanger, Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Katie Rogers are White House reporters. They interviewed current and former White House aides, foreign diplomats, domestic allies and financial donors.

Follow live updates on the 2024 election here .

In the weeks and months before President Biden’s politically devastating performance on the debate stage in Atlanta, several current and former officials and others who encountered him behind closed doors noticed that he increasingly appeared confused or listless, or would lose the thread of conversations.

Like many people his age, Mr. Biden, 81, has long experienced instances in which he mangled a sentence, forgot a name or mixed up a few facts, even though he could be sharp and engaged most of the time. But in interviews, people in the room with him more recently said that the lapses seemed to be growing more frequent, more pronounced and more worrisome.

The uncomfortable occurrences were not predictable, but seemed more likely when he was in a large crowd or tired after a particularly bruising schedule. In the 23 days leading up to the debate against former President Donald J. Trump, Mr. Biden jetted across the Atlantic Ocean twice for meetings with foreign leaders and then flew from Italy to California for a splashy fund-raiser, maintaining a grueling pace that exhausted even much younger aides.

Mr. Biden was drained enough from the back-to-back trips to Europe that his team cut his planned debate preparation by two days so he could rest at his house in Rehoboth Beach, Del., before joining advisers at Camp David for rehearsals. The preparations, which took place over six days, never started before 11 a.m. and Mr. Biden was given time for an afternoon nap each day, according to a person familiar with the process.

Andrew Bates, a White House spokesman, said on Tuesday that “the president was working well before” the 11 a.m. start time each day, after exercising. Still, at a fund-raiser on Tuesday evening, Mr. Biden blamed fatigue for his debate performance. “I wasn’t very smart,” he said. “I decided to travel around the world a couple times, I don’t know how many time zones.” He added: “I didn’t listen to my staff, and I came back and I fell asleep on the stage.”

The recent moments of disorientation generated concern among advisers and allies alike. He seemed confused at points during a D-Day anniversary ceremony in France on June 6. The next day, he misstated the purpose of a new tranche of military aid to Ukraine when meeting with its president.

On June 10, he appeared to freeze up at an early celebration of the Juneteenth holiday. On June 18, his soft-spoken tone and brief struggle to summon the name of his homeland security secretary at an immigration event unnerved some of his allies at the event, who traded alarmed looks and later described themselves as “shaken up,” as one put it. Mr. Biden recovered, and named Alejandro N. Mayorkas.

He is certainly not that way all the time. In the days since the debate debacle, aides and others who encountered him, including foreign officials, described him as being in good shape — alert, coherent and capable, engaged in complicated and important discussions and managing volatile crises. They cited example after example in cases where critical national security issues were on the line.

Aides present in the Situation Room the night that Iran hurled a barrage of missiles and drones at Israel portrayed a president in commanding form, lecturing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone to avoid a retaliatory escalation that would have inflamed the Middle East. “Let me be crystal clear,” Mr. Biden said. “If you launch a big attack on Iran, you’re on your own.”

Mr. Netanyahu pushed back hard, citing the need to respond in kind to deter future attacks. “You do this,” Mr. Biden said forcefully, “and I’m out.” Ultimately, the aides noted, Mr. Netanyahu scaled back his response.

This account is based on interviews with current and former White House aides, political advisers, administration officials, foreign diplomats, domestic allies and financial donors who saw Mr. Biden in the last few weeks, sometimes just briefly, sometimes for more extended periods. In most cases, they spoke on condition of anonymity because of the delicacy of the matter.

White House officials have said the president is in excellent shape and that his debate performance, while disappointing, was an aberration. Kevin C. O’Connor, the White House physician, said as recently as February that despite minor ailments like sleep apnea and peripheral neuropathy in his feet, the president was “fit for duty.” He said tests had turned up “no findings which would be consistent with” Parkinson’s disease. The White House has declined to make Dr. O’Connor available for questions and did not respond to detailed health questions from The New York Times earlier this year .

Responding to questions from The New York Times, Mr. Bates, the White House spokesman, said Tuesday that Dr. O’Connor had found no reason to re-evaluate Mr. Biden for Parkinson’s disease and that he showed no signs of Parkinson’s and had never taken Levodopa or other drugs for that condition.

Aides to Mr. Biden responded to questions for this story by asking several senior advisers to describe their interactions with Mr. Biden.

“He’s inquisitive. Focused. He remembers. He’s sharp,” said Neera Tanden, the president’s domestic policy adviser. In briefings, she said, “he will ask you a tough question and he will say, ‘How does this relate to an average person?’ And if you haven’t thought of that in that time, you have to come back to him.”

Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, the president’s homeland security adviser, recounted a June 17 terrorism briefing for Mr. Biden in the Situation Room in which he “digested an immense amount of information” and asked questions that were “probing and insightful.” She acknowledged that Mr. Biden’s debate performance had been different. “It doesn’t reflect the experience I have with him on a daily basis,” she said.

But by many accounts, as evidenced by video footage, observation and interviews, Mr. Biden is not the same today as he was even when he took office 3½ years ago. The White House regularly releases corrected transcripts of his remarks, in which he frequently mixes up places, people or dates. The administration did so in the days after the debate, when Mr. Biden mixed up the countries of France and Italy when talking about war veterans at an East Hampton fund-raiser.

Last week’s debate prompted some around him to express concern that the decline had accelerated lately. Several advisers and current and former administration officials who see Mr. Biden regularly but not every day or week said they were stunned by his debate performance because it was the worst they had ever seen him.

“You don’t have to be sitting in an Oval Office meeting with Joe Biden to recognize there’s been a slowdown in the past two years. There’s a visible difference,” said Douglas Brinkley, a presidential historian. “I’ve been amazed on one hand,” said Mr. Brinkley, who has not seen the president in person in a year. “The president can zip around the country like he does. But the White House may only be showing the Biden they want us to see.”

Mr. Trump, 78, has also shown signs of slipping over the years since he was first elected to the White House. He often confuses names and details and makes statements that are incoherent. He maintains a lighter public schedule than Mr. Biden, does not exercise and repeatedly appeared to fall asleep in the middle of his recent hush money trial. His campaign has released only a three-paragraph health summary. Voters have expressed concern about his age as well, but not to the same degree as Mr. Biden’s.

Mr. Trump has seized on Mr. Biden’s debate performance and called his own often confusing and fact-free appearance that night the “greatest debate performance” in the history of presidential campaigns.

The picture that emerges from recent interviews about Mr. Biden is one of a president under stress — hardly unusual — as he tried to juggle nervous international partners, a recalcitrant ally whose continued war against Hamas was creating yet another threat to a second term and a family crisis with his own son , who was convicted of criminal charges that could send him to prison.

By necessity, it is an incomplete picture. As Mr. Biden has aged, the White House has limited his encounters with reporters. While he frequently stops for a couple minutes to answer a question or two, as of Sunday, Mr. Biden had granted fewer interviews than any president of the modern era and fewer news conferences than any president since Ronald Reagan, according to statistics compiled by Martha Kumar, a longtime scholar of presidential communication.

On the occasions that Mr. Biden has chosen to speak with reporters on short notice, it has not always gone well. In February, he angrily hit back against a special counsel’s report on his handling of classified documents , in which the special counsel, Robert K. Hur, characterized the president as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” The furious president defended himself and his memory to reporters but referred to President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the “president of Mexico” in the process. On Monday, House Republicans sued the Biden administration in an attempt to procure audio of Mr. Biden’s interviews with Mr. Hur.

But those 23 days before Mr. Biden met Mr. Trump on the television stage in Atlanta may be viewed by historians as the most critical three weeks in a consequential presidency, as the president faced an opponent he not only loathed, but viewed as an existential threat to American democracy. Were the wandering, inconclusive thoughts broadcast live to more than 50 million viewers just a bad night, a product of the exhausting month, or something larger? Had he not been crisscrossing the globe so frequently — including leaving Italy for a trip spanning nine time zones to a fund-raiser in Los Angeles — would it have made a difference?

Mr. Biden’s trips to Europe were marked by moments of sharpness in important meetings — including a complex session on diverting income from Russian assets to aid Ukraine — mixed with occasional blank-stared confusion, according to people who met with him. At some points, he seemed perfectly on top of his game, at others a little lost.

In Normandy, he met former soldiers brought to France by a veterans’ group. One American who attended said Mr. Biden at times seemed disoriented. During the later ceremony, the president turned away from the U.S. flag when “Taps” was played instead of facing it, possibly to not turn his back to the veterans. Jill Biden, President Emmanuel Macron of France and Mr. Macron’s wife then followed suit.

There was an awkward moment when Mr. Macron made sure the president got safely down the ramp, then came back up to shake all the veterans’ hands. Mr. Biden had been expected to stay for the handshakes, though aides said he was leaving to lay a wreath.

During a meeting the next day with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, Mr. Biden spoke so softly it was almost impossible to hear and said a new burst of aid was meant to reconstruct the country’s electric grid when it was not.

During a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, President Biden said a new round of aid was meant to reconstruct the Ukrainian electric grid when it was not.

I’ve announced six packages of significant funding. Today I’m also signing an additional package for $225 million to help you reconstruct the electric grid. And once we got the national security bill passed — that was a political issue — we were able to get it all done.

But when it came time for the president’s own speech on D-Day, he delivered it forcefully and clearly, gathering momentum and ending on a vigorous note. It was a reminder that, much like during the State of the Union address earlier in the year, he often rises to big occasions and once he gets the rhythm of a speech, adrenaline appears to kick in.

Age was a running theme throughout the visit to France as the president honored American veterans who were near the century mark.

“Age is just a number,” Hilbert Margol, a 100-year-old who served in World War II, recalled telling Mr. Biden.

“You’re right,” Mr. Biden agreed.

Bill Casassa, 98, who was also honored at the Normandy ceremony and supports Mr. Trump, said he came away with the impression that Mr. Biden was infirm. “He did not appear any different to me in person than he does on television — and that is as a person who is fragile and not really in charge,” Mr. Casassa said.

Another veteran, Marvin E. Gilmore Jr., on the other hand, said he came away with newfound respect for Mr. Biden’s energy. “He greeted me very openly, very warmly and very, very, alert,” said Mr. Gilmore, who plans to vote for him. “There was nothing I saw in him that said he was an old man — and I am 99, three months from being 100.”

After several days in France, Mr. Biden flew home briefly and dealt with the family crisis of his son’s conviction. He hosted an early concert marking the Juneteenth holiday where he was spotted standing stiffly during a musical performance. One person who sat close to the president said that he had a “dazed and confused” expression during much of the event. This person said Mr. Biden had shown a “sharp decline” since a meeting only weeks earlier.

President Biden appeared to freeze up momentarily at a Juneteenth celebration at the White House.

[music playing]

After just a couple days at home, Mr. Biden turned around and flew back to Europe, this time to Italy for a summit of the Group of 7 leaders. Throughout the meetings, the pattern was the same, according to senior officials who attended.

Mr. Biden, one said, appeared “quite sharp in the meetings,” and was well prepared. He articulated American views. He appeared on his game at a news conference with Mr. Zelensky. But at one point Mr. Biden appeared to wander off from the group of leaders to talk to paratroopers and the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, came up behind him, and gently brought him back. A clip of the event that went viral had been edited to make it appear Mr. Biden had just walked away. In fact, he was greeting a paratrooper. But the image suggested he needed guidance from his host.

A senior European official who was present said that there had been a noticeable decline in Mr. Biden’s physical state since the previous fall and that the Europeans had been “shocked” by what they saw. The president at times appeared “out of it,” the official said, and it was difficult to engage him in conversation while he was walking.

Ms. Meloni and the other leaders were acutely sensitive to Mr. Biden’s physical condition, discussing it privately among themselves, and they tried to avoid embarrassing him by slowing their own pace while walking with the president. When they worried that he did not seem poised and cameras were around, they closed ranks around him physically to shield him while he collected himself, the official said.

Two administration officials who traveled with Mr. Biden to Italy said it is common for leaders to be guided to the day’s events. They said the hotel where the Group of 7 summit was taking place was a warren of confusing corridors filled with 25 world leaders and their security details. But they said Mr. Biden was articulate and sharp through hours of meetings.

Asked if one could imagine putting Mr. Biden into the same room with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia today, a former U.S. official who had helped prepare for the trip went silent for a while, then said, “I just don’t know.” A former senior European official answered the same question by saying flatly, “No.”

Some White House officials adamantly rejected the suggestion of a president not up to handling tough foreign counterparts and told the story of the night Iran attacked Israel in April. Mr. Biden and his top national security officials were in the Situation Room for hours, bracing for the attack, which came around midnight. Biden was updated in real time as the forces he ordered into the region began shooting down Iranian missiles and drones. He peppered leaders with questions throughout the response.

After it was over, and almost all of the missiles and drones had been shot down, Mr. Biden called Mr. Netanyahu to persuade him not to escalate. “Take the win,” Mr. Biden told the prime minister, without reading from a script or extensive notes, according to two people in the room. In the end, Mr. Netanyahu opted for a much smaller and proportionate response that effectively ended the hostilities.

Mr. Biden left Italy to fly directly to Los Angeles for a star-studded fund-raiser with Hollywood celebrities and former President Barack Obama, stopping back in Washington just long enough for Air Force One to be refueled. Aides pointed to the trip as an example of remarkable stamina for an octogenarian — or for anyone, for that matter.

But Mr. Biden appeared tired during a 40-minute discussion onstage at the event, seated between Jimmy Kimmel and Mr. Obama. A few times, the president stumbled over his words, and when the other men were speaking, Mr. Biden often stared into space, his mouth slightly open, like he would later do at the debate.

Two days after finally returning to the White House, Mr. Biden invited members of Congress, former administration officials and leading immigration experts to the White House to celebrate action taken under Mr. Obama to spare young undocumented immigrants, known as Dreamers, from deportation.

Two people with a clear view of Mr. Biden said his quiet, soft-spoken mumbling and occasional fumbling over the right words despite reading from a teleprompter left some in attendance concerned over his condition. He momentarily appeared unable to say the name of Mr. Mayorkas, his homeland security secretary, before recovering, leaving some in the audience jarred.

“Thanks to all the members of the Congress and Homeland Security Secretary — I — I’m not sure I’m going to introduce you all the way,” said Mr. Biden, who has contended with a stutter since childhood. “But all kidding aside, Secretary Mayorkas.”

President Biden momentarily struggled to summon the name of his Homeland Security secretary at an immigration event on June 18.

Thanks to all the members of Congress and Homeland Security Secretary — I’m not going to introduce you all the way. But all kidding aside, Secretary Mayorkas, as well as Secretary Becerra, and advocates and families for law enforcement, faith leaders, everybody is here.

While many were celebratory at the event, in which Mr. Biden announced a new program to grant relief to roughly 500,000 undocumented immigrants, some attendees shared their concerns about Mr. Biden’s condition with each other. “People were not feeling great,” one person said. Another person hoped it was just a “one-off” bad moment before Mr. Biden’s forthcoming debate.

Since the debate, Mr. Biden has tried to demonstrate that his trouble articulating himself that evening was not indicative of a larger problem. He gave a robust speech at a campaign rally the next day and attended a string of fund-raisers where he hoped to reassure nervous donors.

“He gave a strong speech, he didn’t stumble or mumble or look confused in any way,” said Judith Hope, the former chair of the New York State Democratic Party, who attended a fund-raiser in East Hampton on Saturday. “He was his old Uncle Joe self.”

Ms. Hope attributed the president’s debate troubles to his demanding schedule. “Are you aware of where he has been in the past seven days?” she said, raising her voice. “He continues to keep up a schedule that I could never dream of doing, that would totally defeat a younger person,” she added. “I think we need to examine our expectations.”

Reporting was contributed by Michael D. Shear and Erica L. Green from Washington; Matina Stevis-Gridneff from Brussels; Catherine Porter and Roger Cohen from Paris; Sarah Maslin Nir and Steven Erlanger from Berlin; and Andrew E. Kramer from Kyiv.

Peter Baker is the chief White House correspondent for The Times. He has covered the last five presidents and sometimes writes analytical pieces that place presidents and their administrations in a larger context and historical framework. More about Peter Baker

David E. Sanger covers the Biden administration and national security. He has been a Times journalist for more than four decades and has written several books on challenges to American national security. More about David E. Sanger

Zolan Kanno-Youngs is a White House correspondent, covering President Biden and his administration. More about Zolan Kanno-Youngs

Katie Rogers is a White House correspondent. For much of the past decade, she has focused on features about the presidency, the first family, and life in Washington, in addition to covering a range of domestic and foreign policy issues. She is the author of a book on first ladies. More about Katie Rogers

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