FAQs

How much deposit do I need to pay to book?

Question: How much deposit do I need to pay to book?

Answer: We only require a $300 refundable deposit to lock in your campervan. You can cancel for a full refund within 10 days of booking or change your dates anytime before pick-up (subject to availability).

How old do I need to be to hire a campervan in New Zealand?

Question: How old do I need to be to hire a campervan in New Zealand?

Answer: There are no age restrictions, you just need to drive to the conditions of your driver’s licence. If your license or permit from another country is not in English, you must carry an accurate English translation. 

Can I drive a campervan in New Zealand on my regular car licence?

Question: Can I drive a campervan in New Zealand on my regular car licence?

Answer: Yes. All the campervans listed on Travel Nation can be driven on a standard car licence.

What excess reduction options (we legally can't call it insurance...) are available?

Question: What excess reduction options (we legally can't call it insurance...) are available?

Answer: All campervans include standard excess. You can upgrade to reduced the excess or choose an all-Inclusive cover for extra peace of mind. Details are shown during checkout.

Do your partners offer airport shuttle transfers?

Question: Do your partners offer airport shuttle transfers?

Answer: Yes. Free airport shuttles are available from Auckland and Christchurch airports from all of our partners. Details are included in your confirmation email.

Do the campervans have toilets and showers?

Question: Do the campervans have toilets and showers?

Answer: Some models, like the Happy 3ST, Euro 2+1, Paradise Deluxe and Euro 4 include self-contained bathrooms with shower and toilets. Smaller sleepervan models do not. 

Can I freedom camp in New Zealand?

Question: Can I freedom camp in New Zealand?

Answer: There are also still plenty of places where you can pull over and have a sleep, but have a look out for sign before you do, or you could face a $200+ fine. You can always freedom camp in certified self-contained campervans in designated areas. Always look for the green self-containment logo and check the CamperMate app for approved spots.

Is there a limit on how far I can drive?

Question: Is there a limit on how far I can drive?

Answer: No, all suppliers offered by Travel Nation provide hires with unlimited kilometres, so you can explore every corner of New Zealand without worrying about distance charges.

What if I break down or need help on the road?

Question: What if I break down or need help on the road?

Answer: 24/7 roadside assistance is included by all our booking partners. Just call the number provided in your rental agreement and help will be on the way.

What’s the difference between a campervan and a motorhome?

Question: What’s the difference between a campervan and a motorhome?

Answer: Campervans are compact and ideal for two travellers, while motorhomes are larger with bathrooms and more space for families or groups.

How long should I hire a campervan for in New Zealand?

Question: How long should I hire a campervan for in New Zealand?

Answer: Most travellers book between 7–21 days depending on their route. Allow a minimum of 10 days to explore each (either) of the South and the North Island. 

Does Travel Nation price beat or match competitors quotes?

Question: Does Travel Nation price beat or match competitors quotes? 

Answer: Yes, we have the Travel Nation Price Beat Promise and  back ourselves to find you the best price campervan in New Zealand. We deal with suppliers that offer the cheapest vehicles and also more premium for all types of travellers, from backpackers to those doing it with more of a budget. We can usually get a better deal for you that if you booked direct with the supplier due to our volumes! If you find a cheaper campervan deal in New Zealand for the same vehicle and dates, we’ll bend over backwards to beat it. Just send us the quote and give us a try! 

What is the relationship between Travel Nation and its campervan rental partners?

Question: What is the relationship between Travel Nation and its campervan rental partners?

Answer: At Travel Nation we partner with motorhomes operators in New Zealand. Due to our long-term relationships we can lock in great rates and pass the savings on! We are here for you, and will stand up for our customers to add the extra layer of support and protection. 

How do I find the cheapest campervan or motorhome?

Question: How do I find the cheapest campervan or motorhome?

Answer: Use our search to find everyday great deals! Typically the earlier you book, the better the deals. And remember our price promise - if you find better rates on campervan and motorhome hire in New Zealand, we will do our best to beat any other competitor's quote!

Are the vehicles on Travel Nation available for instant confirmation?

Question: Are the vehicles on Travel Nation available for instant confirmation?

Answer: Not always, but 95% of the time yes. Unless stated in our search results, you can book and get instant confirmation. If you book one of these, you will receive a confirmation email automatically. Sometime it might say "Limited Availability", which means the supplier is getting low on fleet and will require 24-48 hours to get back to you with availability. You will get an email stating the campervan is "On Request"

Where can I collect and return my campervan?

Question: Where can I collect and return my campervan?

Answer: You can pick up and drop off at Auckland or Christchurch depots. One-way hires are available for an extra fee, depending on season and vehicle type.

Are there any restrictions on kilometers? Can I drive as much as I want?

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

Question: Do I need a special drivers licence to drive in New Zealand?

Answer: You can drive campervans available through Travel Nation with a standard car license. However, your license must be current and valid throughout the rental period. New Zealand law requires that your license be in English. If your license is not in English, you will need an international driver’s license or a certified translation and must carry your original license at all times.

If your license or permit from another country is not in English, you must carry an accurate English translation. Acceptable translations can be provided by:

• An NZ Transport Agency authorised translation service.

• A translation document issued by a Notary Public Office in China

• A diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy, or consulate

• The authority that issued your overseas license (an International Driving Permit may be acceptable)

  It's recommended to obtain an English translation before you pick up the vehicle. Auckland Translations Limited can provide translations within 24 hours if needed.

Can I rent a campervan with a Restricted or P Plate license? (AU/NZ residents)

Question: Can I rent a campervan with a Restricted or P Plate license? (AU/NZ residents)

Answer: Yes, you can drive our partners' campervans with a Restricted or P Plate license (both Red and Green). The driver must hold a current and valid driver's license for the entire hire period and abide by the conditions imposed by the issuing government.

What is the safe travel speed for driving the campervans?

Question: What is the safe travel speed for driving the campervans?

Answer: The open road speed limit is 100km/hour but we suggest a comfortable speed for driving your campervan is 90km/hour – 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.

Can I park and sleep in the campervan wherever I want, or do I have to stay in a campground?

Question: Can I park and sleep in the campervan wherever I want, or do I have to stay in a campground?

Answer: 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 you keep within the freedom camping law / guidelines. Use common sense and courtesy. Please remember to take any rubbish for proper disposal later. Campgrounds usually charge around NZ$10 – $25 per night per person. Lucky Rentals recommends staying at Family Parks.

What does "calendar days" mean when booking?

Question: What does "calendar days" mean when booking?

Answer: All campervan operators in New Zealand charge by the day, not per 24-hour period. This means that regardless of the time you collect and return the vehicle, you will be charged for both the day of collection and the day of drop-off. It’s similar to a combination of a hotel and a rental car company since you can both drive and sleep in your vehicle.

Is a bond required to rent a campervan via Travel Nation?

Question: Is a bond required to rent a campervan via Travel Nation?

Answer: Yes, a bank pre-authorisation of the insurance excess (bond) amount (or a minimum of NZ$250, whichever is greater) is required from the hirer’s credit or debit card.

What do the insurance excess reduction options cover?

If I have travel insurance, do I need to pay for vehicle insurance as well?

Question: If I have travel insurance, do I need to pay for vehicle insurance as well?

Answer: If your travel insurance includes third-party cover, you will need to provide a bank pre-authorisation for any excess / bond. In the event of an accident, you must pay the excess and then claim it back from your travel insurer. It is the hirer's responsibility to claim back any monies owed from their third-party provider. Our partners will provide an invoice for the charges.

If I damage my campervan do I contact Travel Nation or the supplier?

Question: If I damage my campervan do I contact Travel Nation or the supplier?

Answer: If you damage your vehicle, make sure to contact the supplier of the vehicle (the company you picked up the vehicle from). You can find their contact details on your booking confirmation, or on their website.

When and how should I make my booking?

Question: When and how should I make my booking?

Answer: We recommend booking online as soon as you know your travel dates. To confirm a booking, a deposit is required, with the balance payable when you pick up your campervan. The best way to book is through our secure server booking page. A credit or debit card is needed for either method.

How can I amend or cancel my booking?

Question: How can I amend or cancel my booking?

Answer: 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 and to reduce the cost to you for cancellations. Simply go to the contact page and make an enquiry, or email [email protected]. Please ensure you quote your confirmation / reference number of your booking.

What currency will my credit card be charged?

Question: What currency will my credit card be charged?

Answer: All credit card transactions will be processed in New Zealand dollars (NZ$). This applies to all bookings made through our website.

What credit card types can I use?

Question: What credit card types can I use?

Answer: You can use Visa, MasterCard, and American Express (Amex). Please be aware that using Visa or MasterCard incurs an additional fee of 3.0%, while Amex cards incur an additional fee of 5.0%. There are no fees if you choose to pay in cash.

Why do I have to include my credit card number? Is using my credit card secure?

Question: Why do I have to include my credit card number? Is using my credit card secure?

Answer: We require a credit card for the NZ$300 deposit to secure you booking. Your credit card information is strictly confidential and secure. And yes, it is secure. The safety of our customers' credit card information is a top priority. All credit card transactions are protected by SSL encryption, ensuring that your credit card number is not accessible to any other party.

I have submitted my booking form and credit card – what happens now?

Question: I have submitted my booking form and credit card – what happens now?

Answer: If your booking does not confirm instantly (it will tell you online and you will get a email right away), your request will usually be processed within 24 hours. If the vehicle is available for the dates you specified, your booking will be finalised and your credit card should be charged a NZ$300 deposit within 3 days. Please note that the credit card payment is not automatically charged when booking. If the vehicle is not available there will be no charge to your credit card.

How do cancellations and refunds work?

Question: How do cancellations and refunds work?

Answer: Travel Nation is here for you, if you cancel outside of 10 days, we will refund you back 100% of the money paid. No small print, you book, change your mind for whatever reason at least 10 days out and we will have your back. If you cancel 1 – 10 days prior to pick up, it is 50% of the rental (including accessories and excess reduction option) is payable to Travel Nation and/or the campervan rental operator. If cancelled on the day or no show, it is 100% of the rental (including accessories and excess reduction option) is payable to Travel Nation and/or the campervan rental operator.