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NZ Campervan - Frequently Asked Questions

How and when should I make my bookings?
We always suggest as soon as you know the dates you wish to have your holiday - go online and book.

What do you mean by calendar days when we book?
Most campervan operators in New Zealand charge by the day, not per 24 hour period. So regardless of the time of collection and return, you will be charged for the day you collect and the day you drop your vehicle off.

I have submitted my booking form and credit card details - what happens now?
Your request will be processed within 24 hours of receiving your booking or we will get in contact with you. If a vehicle is available for the dates you specified, your booking will be finalised and your credit card will be charged a deposit. If a vehicle is not available, we will contact you with a suitable alternative and no payment will be incurred.

Why do I have to include my credit card number?
We require a credit card for the deposit to secure your booking. Your credit card information is strictly confidential and this is a faster method for securing your booking compared with Cash or Cheque.

Is it safe to use my credit card?
Yes. Security of our customer's credit card is taken very seriously. To ensure your security, all credit card transactions are secured by SSL, which encrypts the credit card number so as to make it unavailable to any other party.

What is my Credit Cards 3 or 4 Digit Security Number?
The 3/4 digit security number is a code found on the back of your credit card, just after the last 4 digits of your Visa/Mastercard number.

Which credit card types do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard

What currency will my Credit Card be charged?
Your deposit will be charged in New Zealand Dollars. The remaining balance of your rental is charged by the rental company. Please check their Terms and Condtions regarding currency and at what point they will charge the remaining balance.

How can I amend or cancel my booking?
If you wish to amend or cancel your existing booking, please contact us as soon as possible. This is so we can make sure any extensions are available for you and to reduce the cost to you for cancellations, where possible.

Is there a refund if I shorten my hire while on holiday?
No, there is no refund if you return your campervan earlier than the reserved period. However your travel insurance may in some circumstances cover the unused portion.

Do I need a special drivers license to drive a campervan in New Zealand?
In most cases the answer is no, but please refer to individual rental company's Terms and Conditions for a definitive answer. License must be in English or an international drivers license is required.

How old do I need to be to drive a Campervan or Motorhome in New Zealand?
This differs from one rental company to the next. Please refer to the rental company's Terms and Conditions, or contact Find A Camper if you are not sure.

Do I need snow chains in New Zealand?
This is dependent on where in the country you intend to travel and over which season. Most rental companies will provide snow chains for hire. Check the extras list when booking a van.

Is there a minimum hire period?
Typically you have to hire the van for at least 5 days, however this differs between rental companies.

Are there any roads I can't drive on?

What is the safe travel speed for driving the campervans?
The open road speed limit is 100km/hour for the 2 berth campervans and 90km/hour for the 4 and 6 berth motorhomes. We suggests a more comfortable speed for driving your campervan is below the maximum allowed speed, especially if you have never driven one before. Should you choose to travel below the speed limit, please show courtesy to other road users by allowing them to pass.

How much fuel am I likely to use on my holiday?
This all depends on how far you travel! As a rough guide, most 2 berth campervans use around 12 litres per 100kms and 4 and 6 berth motorhomes use around 14 liters per 100kms.

How long does the LPG last?
If you are free camping you may use a 9kg gas bottle every 10 days with average use.

Do I have to pay for road tax?
This differs depending on which rental company you choose. Please read each rental company's Terms and Conditions for specific details.

Can I park and sleep in the campervan wherever I want, or do I have to stay in a campground?
It is not always necessary to go to a camp ground. It is acceptable to stop on the side of the road or in a bush reserve as long as there are no signs saying "No Parking/Overnight Camping". Use common sense and courtesy. Please remember to take any rubbish for proper disposal later.
Camp grounds usually charge around NZ$15 - $20 per night per person.

Does Find A Camper supply a list of campgrounds around New Zealand?
Yes, we supply camp ground & regional guides as well as comprehensive New Zealand road maps on request. Most rental companies will provide these on collection of your campervan.

Do I have to pre-book camping parks?
It is rare for powered sites to be full at camping parks. The only time it may be a problem is over the Christmas/New Year period continuing to the end of the second week of January and also the first two weeks of February. Bookings may be wise in some of the key tourist centres also.

How do I collect my vehicle?
Many rental companies offer a free courtesy pick up/drop off service from your hotel, motel, airport to their depot. Be sure to check each rental company's Terms and Conditions for details. Please note that you should advise us in advance of your flight and accommodation details.

Do I have to pre-book the ferry service across Cook Strait?
During the peak summer season, from December to March, it is advisable to pre-book ferry services in advance. We would be happy to arrange this for you before you arrive. Please let us know your preferred crossing date(s) and time(s) and the name and ages of those crossing on the ferry. For a sailing itinerary please look on our website or visit www.bluebridge.co.nz. Find A Camper books ferry crossing for its customers on BlueBridge, as it is a New Zealand based company and has fantastic rates.

Do you charge fees for one-way hires?
This differs from one rental company to the next. Please check individual rental company's Terms and Conditions for details.

What happens if my campervan breaks down or I need assistance during my holiday?
Most rental companies listed on Find A Camper offer 24-hour emergency breakdown service and a nationwide network of reputable service agents to deal with any problems that may arise.

What does the rental insurance cover?
The rental insurance cover restricts the maximum you are liable for in the event of an accident as long as you do not break the rental agreement terms and conditions. It does not cover you for any personal loss or injury. We strongly suggest taking your own personal travel insurance in addition to rental insurance.

If I have an accident and I am at fault, will I lose my entire excess?
You will be liable for up to the amount of your excess towards the repair cost. If the damage is minor, you will only be charged the repair costs and not the entire excess. Please check individual rental company's Terms and Conditions for full details.

Do I have to pay the bond?
This depends on the rental company you choose. Please check the individual rental company's Terms and Conditions for specific details.

I have Travel Insurance, which covers damage to the vehicle. Do I need to pay the vehicle insurance as well?
If you are covered by travel insurance you will not need to pay for any additional insurance excess reduction.

What happens if I have an accident and it's not my fault?
In the event that something happens to the campervan and you are not at fault, (either a vehicle accident where someone strikes the vehicle or damage occurs while the vehicle is parked) you are liable for the damage caused to the vehicle until the renal company is able to receive payment for those damages from the third party.

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