New Zealand Rental Terms & Conditions

Please be aware that Happy Campers & Escape Campers are affiliates of Travellers Auto Barn and therefore the terms & conditions will differ among the two parties.

Pick-Up/Drop Off Addresses

» Escape Campers Terms/Conditions

» Happy Campers Terms/Conditions

Happy Campers Agreement for Campervan Hire in New Zealand

Vehicle Pick-ups and Drop-offs

Vehicle pick ups are available anytime after 9:00 am. Vehicle drop offs must be before 4.30 pm

Free Transfers

A complimentary transfer is available to the airport on the day of pick up and drop off the vehicle in Auckland and Christchurch. The hirer must advise Happy Campers of pick up and drop off times one week prior to them occurring to be guaranteed the transfer at a certain time. Please note that complimentary transfers are only available between the hours of 10:00am and 3:00pm.

Branch Trading Hours (not pickup and drop-off times)

High Season: (01 Sept – 30 April)

Monday to Sunday 8:30am – 5:00pm

Public Holidays 10:00am – 3:00pm

Low Season: (01 May – 31 Aug)

Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm

Weekends & Public Holidays 10:00am – 3:00pm

Happy Campers' Auckland and Christchurch Depots are closed on the following days: 25th of December (Christmas Day) and the 1st of January (New Years Day).

Rental Period

Day one of the rental period is the day of pick up, regardless of the time, and the day the vehicle is returned is counted as the final day also regardless of the time.

Rental Duration and Kilometers

The minimum rental period is 10 days during high season 01 Sept- 30 April and 10 days during the low season 01 May – 31 Aug.

All vehicles are unlimited kilometers. Rates are in New Zealand Dollars.

One Way Rentals

Vehicles may be rented one way between our branches. There is a minimum of 10 days. Minimum rental periods are subject to change during peak periods.

Early Returns

There is no refund for early returns. Hirers are charged for the length of time booked, not the actual time used. We strongly recommend that all hirers take out their own premium travel insurance, in the event a hirer, for reasons of their own, needs to return a vehicle earlier than expected.

Late Returns

A 59 minute grace period applies to all rentals. Additional hours charged at 1/3 daily rate to a maximum of three hours, beyond which another full day will be charged. Vehicles overdue by 24 hours may incur a $250 per day fee and be reported to the police as stolen.

Rental Period Extensions

If the customer wishes to extend the rental whilst on hire, they must first obtain authorisation from Happy Campers New Zealand.

This is subject to availability. The extra cost of an extended rental must be paid immediately.

Change of Drop off Location

Any change of return location can only be authorized by Happy Campers New Zealand and depends solely on future bookings and availability. Subject to the change being approved. An unauthorized change of location drop off will see the hirer responsible for the entire cost of relocating the vehicle to its intended location or a $750 fee whichever is the greater.

Booking Amendments

If an amendment is made to the rental dates within 14 days of collection, no refund will be made if the length of hire is shortened (that is; the rental will be charged at the number of days originally booked). A relocation fee may apply if the collection or return location is amended within 14 days of vehicle pick up.

Cancellations

If cancelled within 28 days of pick-up: $200.
If cancelled within 7 days of pick-up: 50% of the total cost of rental.
If cancelled on the day of pick-up or non-appearance: No refund on total cost of rental.
There is no refund for late pick up or early return of vehicle.

It is important to note that Happy Campers may at its discretion treat any amendment to decrease the booking as a cancellation..

Driving Licenses

A valid full driving license (state, national or international) is required. If the driver’s licence is not in the English language (e.g.German, French, Chinese, etc) then an international driver’s licence is also required. The original driver’s licence must be shown at time of pick-up when the driver is present. Only those individuals who are named and are signatories to the rental agreement are authorized to drive the vehicle.

Minimum/Maximum Age

The minimum age for all drivers is 18 years old.

The maximum age for all drivers is 75 years old.

Maximum Number of Passengers

Rental vehicle may only be driven with the legal number of occupants. Driving the vehicle with more than the maximum allowed number of persons voids all insurance and coverage and could result in a $250 breach of duty charge or loss of the bond.

Extra Drivers

All Extra Drivers are free. Up to 5 additional drivers are allowed. All additional drivers must be noted and must sign the Rental Agreement at a Happy Campers branch.

Living & Camping Kits

All Campervans are supplied with living equipment (such as bedding, cooking equipment, eating utensils, bath and tea towels) free of charge.

Maps and Campground Guides

Some maps and tourist guides are available free of charge from pick up branches. A comprehensive Top 10 Holiday Park Guide/New Zealand Map is included in every vehicle.

Baby / Booster Seats

Baby seats can be supplied for a fee of $45. The supply of all child restraints is subject to availability and fitting of the restraints remains the responsibility of the hirer.

Vehicle Consultation

On pick up of the vehicle our staff will provide a complimentary vehicle consultation. This includes an explanation of all the interior and exterior features of the vehicle as well as driving and travelling tips.

Cleaning Fee

All vehicles must be returned washed, vacuumed and tidy. A minimum fee of $100 will apply if the vehicle is returned in an unsatisfactory condition.

Reservation Deposit

For direct bookings - A deposit of $400 is required when making a reservation to secure your booking. Bookings are not be confirmed until the deposit is received

Rental Payment

The full balance due for the rental period is payable upon pick up of the vehicle. Payment can be made by cash, bank transfer or credit card. All forms of payment must be made in New Zealand dollars.

Credit Cards

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club. American Express and Diners Club will incur an additional 3.5% surcharge on any transaction (including bond) when picking up the vehicle. Where possible, you will be charged in your credit card's country of origin currency. For online reservation we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club. Visa and MasterCard will incur an additional 2% surcharge on any transaction. American Express and Diners Club will incur an additional 5% surcharge on any transaction.

Exchange Rate / Currency Variations

Due to exchange rate fluctuations there could be some variance in the amount refunded compared to the amount initially charged.

We do not accept any liability for variances up or down. Refunds by credit card can take up to 15 working days depending on the cardholder’s financial institution.

Taxes

12.5% GST is included in the rental rates. (New Zealands Goods and Services Tax)

Traffic Infringements

We reserve the right to charge the renter for any speeding or parking fines, traffic infringements or road toll fines. An additional administration fee of $50 per fine will apply to cover the costs of processing. You authorize Happy Campers to debit your credit card bond with these charges.

Road Restrictions

Unsealed Roads

Vehicles can only be driven on sealed roads/bitumen roads or well maintained access roads less than 500 metres long to recognized campgrounds and parking areas. Travel on unsealed roads voids all insurance and coverages. The renter is liable for the total cost of any damage to all parties involved whilst travelling on unsealed roads.

If Happy Campers New Zealand has reason to believe that these vehicles may have been driven on unsealed roads the vehicle bond will be retained until a complete inspection of the vehicle determines if any damage has occurred. The renter will be liable for any damage found. If it is determined that the vehicle has been off-road but no damage is evident you will still be charged $250 for breach of duty..

Prohibted Roads

• Ninety Mile Beach - Northland
• North of Colville Township - Coromandel Peninsula
• Tapu-Coroglen Road - Coromandel Peninsula
• Skippers Canyon Road - Queenstown
• Ball Hutt Road - Mt. Cook
• Any beach or unformed/ gravel road in New Zealand. The only exceptions to this are any recognised campground access roads less than 500 metres in length or road works.

Happy Campers reserves the right at its sole discretion to restrict vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions.

24 Hour Road Side Assistance

Call Roadside Assistance (AA) on 0800 500 222. Only after Roadside Assistance has assessed the vehicle should you call Happy Campers New Zealand. Please note that call outs from Roadside Assistance resulting from driver error or non-mechanical issues such as running out of petrol, flat battery resulting from leaving lights/engine on, keys locked in vehicle will result in a charge of $60 to the hirer.

Customer Care On-Road Assistance

Freecall 0800 customer assistance line

Happy Campers provides a FREECALL 0800 customer assistance line if you have any questions at all during your rental. The number can be found on the front of your orange wallet and your key ring.

This service operates 0900 to 1700 Monday to Sunday.

Repairs

Happy Campers New Zealand vehicles are maintained and serviced to a high standard, however this does not prevent the occasional mechanical malfunction. Minor repairs of a mechanical nature costing less than $50 may be affected without authorization and will be reimbursed upon completion of the rental if tax invoices are produced.

If you experience any problems, even minor, we recommend you ring our Free Call number for further assistance and advice. For amounts over $50, Happy Campers New Zealand must be informed and approve repairs. We will approve repairs provided the renter was not directly responsible for the damage. Tax invoices must be submitted or the claim will not be paid. In all cases the responsibility of Happy Campers New Zealand is limited to refunding the time that the vehicle was actually in repair.

No alternate accommodation, food items, will be paid during downtime. Replacement vehicles will not be supplied.

Any problems associated with the vehicle, including equipment failure, must be reported to Happy Campers New Zealand as soon as possible and within 24hrs in order to give Happy Campers New Zealand the opportunity to rectify the problem.

Failure to do so will compromise any claims as we can not accept liability for any claims submitted after this period.

Malfunctions of radio-cassettes, cabin lights, air-conditioning, fridges, etc., are not considered mechanical breakdowns and downtime will not be paid. Towing and retrieval of damaged vehicles is not covered.

Fuel/Fluids

For your convenience the fuel tank is full on pick up and should be returned full by the hirer - this also applies to LPG bottles. The charge for re-filling is the normal pump rate plus $25 fee.

Animals, Pets, Smoking, Candles & Mosquito Coils

Smoking, the carriage of pets or other animals, and/or use of candles or mosquito coils are expressly prohibited. Guide dogs excepted. In the event of a breach of these conditions the rental bond will be retained and used against the cost of having thevehicle professionally cleaned and fumigated.

Change of Vehicle

We reserve the right to substitute a comparable or superior vehicle at no extra cost where unforeseen circumstances dictate. This shall not constitute a breach of contract and does not entitle renter to any refund.

Voluntary Downgrade

Should the renter decide to take a lower cost vehicle than booked they will not be entitled to any refund.

Limit of Liability

In the event of no alternative vehicle being available to the renter our liability is limited to a refund of the hire charge or in the case of mechanical failure (unless caused by the renter) the remainder of the hire period.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that renters ensure they take out the highest level of Travel Insurance.

Excess Reduction Options

There are three levels of excess/bond reduction available to the hirer. The standard insurance included in our rates is called the

Bronze insurance cover. You are fully insured in case of accident damage or loss of contents (excluding personal belongings). The Liability is applicable regardless of who is at fault and must be paid upon the completion of the rental period. If the hirer is not at fault and the third party admits liability, then Happy Campers will refund the amount charged to the hirer upon receipt of payment from the third party. Please be aware that once an Excess Reduction Option is selected and confirmed with Happy Campers New Zealand, the cost of the Excess Reduction Option is non-refundable.

Bronze Insurance Cover

Toyota Hiace - There is an excess of $2000 NZD included within our standard rates. Under 21 ($2500)

Silver Insurance Cover

Toyota Hiace - Our Silver Insurance Cover is an extra $10 NZD per day (to a maximum of fifty (50) days) and this reduces your excess to $750 NZD.

Gold Insurance Cover

Toyota Hiace - Our Gold Insurance Cover is an extra $17.50 NZD per day (to a maximum of fifty (50) days) and this reduces your excess to $125 NZD.

Gold Insurance Cover includes the following extras:

Platinum Insurance Cover

Toyota Hiace - Our Platinum Insurance Cover is an extra $27.50 NZD per day (to a maximum of fifty (50) days) and this reduces your excess to $0 NZD.

Platinum Insurance Cover includes the following extras:

• Free hire for all accessories including GPS
• Zero excess
• Carbon emission offsetting for all kilometres travelled
• Multiple windscreen & multiple tyre replacement

The hirer is fully liable for any damage to a Happy Camper or third party property if:

• Damage is caused where the terms of the rental contract have been breached
• Damage is caused by negligence
• Damage is caused to the vehicle in any way by part or total water submersion or salt water
• Damage is caused to the vehicle by the renter's willful conduct
• Damage is caused to the vehicle by the use of snow chains
• Damage is caused due to a single vehicle roll over
• Damage or loss is caused to any personal belongings
• Damage is caused due to use of incorrect or contaminated fuel
• Damage is caused due to fuel being placed in the water tank
• Damage is caused to the vehicle when using the vehicle in contravention of any legislation or regulation controllingvehicular traffic

Important

Happy Campers reserves the right to amend these terms & conditions, vehicle specifications and tariffs at any time without

Diesel Recovery Tax

If the Platinum insurance option has not been selected the Diesel Tax Recovery Fee will be calculated and collected on return of the vehicle based on the kilometers travelled during the hire.

The vehicle rates per 100km are as follows:

Happy 2 Berth (Toilet Shower): NZ$4.70

Happy Campers reserves the right to amend the Diesel Tax Recovery Fee upon Government intervention.

Escape Rental Agreement for Campervan Hire in New Zealand

The Escape rental agreement is required on the day you hire your campervan in New Zealand. You will receive a copy of the Escape rental agreement when picking up the campervan. It covers the following:

Daily Campervan Hire Charges

The daily Campervan hire charges include unlimited kilometres, comprehensive insurance and all taxes. All charges are calculated on a daily basis.
For all rental Campervans there is a minimum period of ten days.

Licence

You will need to bring your licence with you when you hire the Escape campervans from Auckland or Christchurch. The licence from your country will be fine. For people from Asian countries, we recommend having an International Licence.

Insurance for campervans

Insurance is included in your cost of rental (included in daily rate). Comprehensive insurance covers third party property and public liability to NZ$1,000,000. The hirer is liable for the first NZ$1200.00 (NZ$1700.00 for drivers between 21 and 25 years, NZ$2200.00 for drivers under 21 years) of any damage caused in any one accident.

Accident excess

A credit card imprint on your Rental Agreement is all we require to cover the excess on your insurance (please see chart below)
This is not deducted from your bank account prior to your hire and is ONLY processed to cover any breakages, loss, fines or damage that occurs - and then only then you are deemed to be the person at fault.

Excess (Deductible) Waiver (All prices are in NZ $)

You can reduce the amount of the excess (the amount you are liable to pay in the event of an accident).Campervan insurance prices are according to age:

Deposit and payments

When you receive your campervan confirmation a deposit of NZ$300 is required to secure the booking. This deposit goes towards the overall campervan rental cost and balance is payable on pick up. Cancellation fees apply.
Escape Campervans accept all major credit cards, New Zealand Eftpos and NZ dollars at no extra fee. Paying by American express incurs a 5% handling fee.

Cancellations

If cancelled within 28 days of pick-up: $200.
If cancelled within 7 days of pick-up: 50% of the total cost of rental.
If cancelled on the day of pick-up or non-appearance: No refund on total cost of rental.
There is no refund for late pick up or early return of vehicle.

Booking amendments

It is possible to extend your rental without incurring a fee so long as we have availability.

It is possible to shorten your rental within 21 Days of pick up. Shortening a rental will be quoted as a new rental and will be calculated at the retail rate with any current specials not applicable.

Shortening a booking within 21 days of pick up is at the discretion of management. Fees or cancellation policy may apply.

Number of drivers

Escape Campers are licensed to carry a maximum 3 persons. Anybody can drive the campervan providing their name, address and signature is on the rental agreement. Each person who wants to drive the campervan will need to sign the rental agreement. There is no charge for additional drivers.

Escape Depots

Escape have permanent full time depots in Auckland and Christchurch. The remote depots of Wellington and Queenstown are available in the non peak Months of April to November

Minimum age to hire a campervan

There is no minimum age, as long as a the hirer has a full, valid drivers license.

Restricted Roads

You can drive the campervans on all roads public roads in New Zealand, except for the areas listed below. There are signs at the starting points of some of these roads advising the danger.

1. 90 mile beach - this is at the very top of the North Island, You can purchase a trip on a tour bus to travel down the beach.
2. Skippers Canyon - This is in the South Island of NZ, near Queenstown. Tour buses operate on this route regulary.
3. Mt Cook Road - This road up the side of Mount Cook. You can however drive the rental car or campervans as far as the visitors centre
4. North of Colville township (In Northern Coromandel)

Important

The renter is fully liable for any damage to the Escape Campers campervan or third party property if:

The terms of the rental contract are breached.

1. Damage to the campervan is caused by careless, wilful or reckless driving.
2. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
3. Driving on restricted roads.
4. Water submersion or saltwater damage caused through own fault.

In case of any damage to the Escape campervan or third party property a second bond will be collected to cover the excess for any subsequent damage.

Extra Equipment:

BBQ $50; Picnic table $40;Mobile Phone $50; Car Seat or booster seat $50; Snow Chains NZ$50, Solar shower $40 per hire. All extras should be pre-booked to ensure availability.

One Way Hires

Any applicable one way fee will be disclosed at the quote stage of your booking. We do not add these on later. There are no hidden costs!

Refunds

We regret that no refunds can be given for incomplete trips or no shows.

Smoking Escape Campervans are a smoke free zone

Credit Cards

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club. American Express and Diners Club will incur an additional 3.5% surcharge on any transaction (including bond) when picking up the vehicle. Where possible, you will be charged in your credit card's country of origin currency. For online reservation we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club. Visa and MasterCard will incur an additional 2% surcharge on any transaction. American Express and Diners Club will incur an additional 5% surcharge on any transaction.

Hours: Open 7 Days.
Monday to Saturday 8.30am – 5.30pm
Sunday 10am-4pm
Public holidays 10am-4pm
Pickups outside these times can be arranged for an extra fee.
(Closed Christmas day!)