Top Tips for Hiring a Campervan in New Zealand

Last Updated on September 26, 2020

Tips for Hiring a Campervan

I get messaged with a lot of questions about my experiences traveling around New Zealand, and a lot of them are from people looking for help or advice with hiring a campervan in New Zealand for the first time.

I’ll admit I was equally overwhelmed when I went on my first trip around New Zealand, so for everyone’s benefit here’s the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions I’ve received.

What Facilities Are Offered on Most Campervans?

Campervans offer plenty of great features that set them well above the average car, including showers, toilets, microwaves, fridges, stoves, bedding and (in some cases) air conditioning.

On top of this many camper companies will offer to throw in drinking glasses, crockery, a kettle, saucepans, linen / bedding, GPS units, childrens seats, and plenty of other accesories to make your trip that little bit easier

Keep in mind though that these different features will vary between companies and campers; and you will often have to pay extra to have all of these included.

Can the TV Be on While Driving?

While it is not legal for the driver to be watching TV while driving, many modern campers will be equipped to entertain young children on long trips, and this may include mounted displays for passengers that are perfectly legal.

Do the Travel Agents Offer Campervans for One Way Rental?

Yes. Generally you will need to pay an extra fee (possibly hundreds of dollars) and deliver them to a specific location. You may also be required to hire for a minimum number of days to justify the cost of transport for the rental company.

Some companies offer discount trips to travelers who are willing to return a camper from a location. In this case a one way trip may actually save you money, but this will be restricted to specific times and locations.

Where Can You Stay Overnight in a Campervan?

A wide network of holiday parks at tourist centers are available for campers to stay in overnight. These have facilities to dispose of waste water, and charge your van’s batteries, and will normally be located close to shops where you can re-stock.

While it is tempting to simply set up camp on a street or in a public carpark, there are often laws against this in many local districts, and you may find yourself moved on by the authorities and even fined if you don’t check ahead.

Will I Need to Pay Any Security Deposit?

Yes. You need to pay a security deposit at the time of collecting campervan. The travel agents will charge the security deposit to either your credit card or debit card.

Tips for Hiring a Campervan

 

Is There Any Age Limit for Hiring Campervan?

You will need to be at least 21 years old to hire a campervan, thanks to insurance. If you require a campervan and you’re under 21 you may just have to buy a small camper and sell it on your return.

Are Vehicles Equipped With Booster Seats for Children?

Yes and no. Backpacker vehicles are often equipped with booster seats. However, some campervans may not have booster seats readily fitted. You’d be best to indicate your preference for booster seats at the time of booking your campervan.

Are Campervans Auto or Manual?

Both, it depends on the vehicle. Be sure to do your research before booking if you are not able to drive a manual vehicle.

How Do I Book a Campervan?

Many travel sites allow booking campervans online. You just need to specify the pickup date, drop off date, type of vehicle etc.

The travel agent will send a quote to your email. I’d advise getting quotes for similar vehicles from two or three agents and booking the cheapest one.

Make sure you’re clear on all the terms and conditions of travel before making payment, you don’t want to get sprung with hidden costs like toll charges after the fact.

 

 

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