Frequently asked questions
You might find your answer in our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Please use the contact form, we are happy to help!
No worries! When you pick up the motorhome an instruction is given and there is plenty of time to answer any questions you might have. If you want to get prepared beforehand, take a look at these instructions videos.
Our campervans are easy to drive, have high performing turbo diesel engines, and all the added features of a modern European vehicle, including ABS and air bags.
There are no restrictions to the 100 km/hr (60 mph) road speed limit, and you only need the standard driver’s license.
Just be aware of the height and wider than normal car-body and you’re sweet!
Snuggle up after a day full of adventure!
Your comfortable bed is made, ready to go for the first night. A clean changeover set is waiting in the cupboard.
Explorer: 2.02m × 1.32m
Seeker: 2.05m × 1.35m
Our campervans are Certified Self Contained, you can freedom camp in places where permitted.
Please notice the difference between ‘free’ camping (at no cost) and ‘freedom’ camping (Certified Self Contained)…
Most DOC camping grounds are freedom camping, charging a low fee to cover maintenance.
Please respect the camping policies of each community and minimize the impact of your stop-over on our natural resources.
Bay of Islands Campervans are all well insulated and central heated by a gas heater.
You never have to feel the cold in one of these vehicles, regardless of what wild weather it may be out there!
Air-con is present is all front cabs when driving. The air-con can only be used when the motor-engine is running.
Included is comprehensive insurance (excess/deductible applies), unlimited miles, extra drivers, transfers at start and end of hire to agreed handover location.
Touring atlas, full gas bottle, cleaning, 24-hour breakdown service, outdoor chairs, table, BBQ, linen, bedding, kitchen equipment including utensils, crockery, glasses, pots, and pans. Even the first coffee, tea, and sugar are included!
Pretty much all you need is packed! Just bring your camera and clothes…
What is not? All vehicles are fully equipped with:
- Pillows & Duvets, Sheets(2x)
- Towels(4x)
- Dish Cloth (2)
- Tea Towels (2)
- Cooking Utensils, Pots/Pans/Fry pan
- Cutlery, Scissor
- Plates & Bowls
- Cups & Glasses
- Tin Opener
- Electric Toaster
- Coffee Plunger
- Chopping Board
- Gas BBQ
- Clothes Hangers
- Clothes Line & Pegs,
- Dustpan & Broom
- Dish Brush
- Waste & Fresh Water Hose
- Full LPG Bottle
- Fire Extinguisher
Is something missing? Just email us, and we will advise whether it is packed, or not!
The best places in New Zealand are usually off the beaten track, so we made sure you can camp without using 230V power for a couple of days.
The fridge, lights in the living compartment as well as the water pump and TV/DVD player (Seeker only) will all work whilst not plugged in.
Mains power (230V) is required for anything that needs to be plugged into the power points, such as a computer or phone charger.
You will be able to charge some devises using USB.
Sorry, no smoking or vaping!
No, we have no bike rakes on our vans.
In general, riding a push-bike on general roads is dangerous. There are many good bike rides, BMX parks, and they all have rental facilities. This way you can have the right bike for the track, including e-bikes.
Sorry, no.
Like most rental companies, we do not allow cats, dogs etc.
Our standard minimum hire period is 14 days when departing and returning from our home base Paihia, Auckland or Christchurch.
Minimum hire periods may increase over peak season and are subject to change without notice based on the season and availability. To check exact minimum hire periods, it’s best to make a request for your specific dates.
Our insurance covers drivers over 25 years of age that hold a full (not a learner) driver’s license. An inexperienced driver excess (NZ$1000) applies when the license is held less than 12 Months. You cannot buy down this access.
Most tourists do need a Visa to visit New Zealand.
See here for more info, and how to apply.
Pick up and drop off is possible from Auckland and Christchurch.
We also offer an Auckland transfer & Motorhome pick-up from The Bay of Islands (Paihia).
No. Extra driver fees are included in our daily hire rate.
We advise registering all travellers who hold a full driver’s license, even if they don’t be intent to drive. In case of an emergency, you may need to take over the wheel, to be covered by our insurance policy, anyone who drives the camper needs to be recorded on the rental agreement.
NO. On pick up of the vehicle, a full (non-provisional) and valid driver’s license must be presented in person by all people wishing to drive the vehicle. If you plan to use a foreign license that is not in English, an International driver’s license or valid, certified translation is also required. The minimum age to drive a Bay of Islands Campervan vehicle is 25 years, and the maximum age is 75 years.
You are liable up to NZ$7500 per incident (see T&C’s), unless you have purchased our additional insurance coverage.
You must notify us of any incident, mechanical or ‘cosmetic’, so we can take the appropriate steps. An additional bond will be taken per incident.
See here for available options to lower your excess to limit your risk.
Windscreen and tyre damage is especially common in New Zealand due to loose gravel, even on main roads. On average, one in three vehicles returns from its hire with some sort of damage.
Take out the Value Pack insurance and have peace of mind knowing that you are covered in the unfortunate event of damage to the vehicle.
When do I have to decide?
You can decide on the insurance excess at the time of booking until just before you leave by campervan. You cannot change your mind once handover has taken place.
We calculate Road User Charges on actual kilometres travelled in your campervan, so you only pay for what you use.
You can find out more about Road User Charges here.
One of the advantages of choosing for the Value Pack insurance is that Road User Charges are included, no matter how many miles you drive!
Pick up day and drop off day are counted as full days, regardless of the time you arrive or leave. This is an industry-standard for a motorhome rental.
The earliest hand over time (or transfer to Paihia) from Auckland airport is 10:00, latest hand back time is 16:00.
The earliest hand over time from Christchurch is 10:00, the latest hand back time is 16:00
We do not offer an after-hours service.
A 20% deposit is required to secure your booking.
The remaining balance is due 42 days before your adventure commences.
We will send you a reminder when your final payment is due.
We think the best and most cost-effective way to pay is by (International) bank transfer.
All information you need will be in your rental agreement, which you receive upon booking.
We accept VISA and Mastercard credit cards (surcharge applies)
Fiat Automatic gearbox Fiat
The Fiat Ducato automatic gearbox makes driving a breeze! All Bayofislandscampervans are on a Fiat Ducato base, one of the most used vehicles for modern motorhomes. Sunlight, Carado, but also for the Burstner, Dethleff and many other motorhomes have thesse installed. You can use the easy of driving in the automtic setting, still able to gear up or down when preferred.
Kitchen appliances
All our motorhomes in New Zealand have a good size kitchen. Most of them with a gas oven built in. Freedom camping is so easy with a modern motorhome. The dishes you still have to do yourself: No dishwasher in our motorhomes. There also heaps of places you can swap a bottle.
Fridge Freezer,
Our Explorer and Seeker motorhome models have a 3-way RV fridge freezer on board. Some of them are manual and others are automatic fridges, but all work on GAS, 240V and 12V. Ideal for freedom camping as you can choose the most economical source.
Please have a look at this video to find out how they work. Both are easy to use and have plenty of space inside to keep all your products cool.
Digital hot water display
All our motorhomes in New Zealand do have hot water heating and hot air heating. Some of them have a digital display. We do have a paper manual in the motorhome, but some like to watch instead of reading. You can watch this instruction video for our digital Truma unit here.
Hot Water and Central Heating (Analogue)
Hot Water and central Heating, you can’t go without! For the best comfort in your motorhome, RV, you have the luxury of pressured hot water wherever you are. In this video we show you use how easy it is to make your campervan nice and cozy.
Fresh water
The fresh water holding tank is 120 litres. This is enough to stay off-grid for about 4 days before filling up again. A lot depends on how long, and often, you shower for (2 minute showers are the norm!) The average use is 20–22 litres.
You can use the water from the tank to cook, coffee and tea, though we do not recommend using the tank water for drinking without boiling first.
Use of gas bottle
After using your motorhome appliances for a while, you have to check your gas bottle. If you use the shower and oven every time, you have to check it more often. Especially in winter with the central hot air heater going, you have to do this every week, and otherwise every second week should be enough. Gas stations can fill them up for you. No self-service! There also heaps of places you can swap a bottle.
Empty grey water and Toilet
After using toilet and shower for a few days you have to empty the toilet cassette and grey water tank. You also need to top up the fresh water tank. Most camp grounds will have a dump station you can use if you stay overnight. Also, many towns will have a dump station, most of the time owned by the local council.
Open Windows, use Fly screens and- Block-outs
All our motorhomes have opening windows, roof vents, including blinds and fly screens attached to the windows and roof vents. Easy to use when following these simple instructions. pole(s) Other models have a little handle on each outside of the poles. All straightforward.
Seeker motorhome: Set up Awning
Our bigger Motorhome models will have come with an awning. They all work more or less the same. Occasionally you have to unlock the poles in the middle by pushing in the spring of the pole(s) Other models have a little handle on each outside of the poles. All straightforward.
There are a few things that you may not be used to when driving in New Zealand.
We drive on the left side of the road, using a hand -held mobile while driving is illegal.
Please check the New Zealand Transport Agency website before you start driving.
All Bay of Islands Campervans run on diesel and use between 9 litre/100 km and 11 litre/100 km depending on driving style and terrain.
Diesel is cheaper than petrol in New Zealand. Keep in mind, you might need to pay Road User Charges (RUC) unless you have taken out the Value Pack insurance.
You can find the best deals on Diesel using the gaspy app.
Travel times and distances in New Zealand are often misjudged.
Highways (except around a few cities) are comparable to 80Km roads in Europe, USA or Australia. Mountains, mostly two lane windy roads, prevent you a quick ride from A to B. Use on average 60 kilometres per hour to calculate how long your trip will take you. Kiwi’s will always tell how long a trip takes in time, hardly ever the distance to travel.
To get an idea about travel times, we advise to use the Click here travel time calculator. Don’t be surprised to find the same distance taking you twice as long in remote areas!
Our campervans are Certified Self Contained, you can freedom camp in places where permitted.Please notice the difference between ‘free’ camping (at no cost) and ‘freedom’ camping (Certified Self Contained)…
Most DOC camping grounds are freedom camping, charging a low fee to cover maintenance.
Please respect the camping policies of each community and minimize the impact of your stop-over on our natural resources.
Supermarket opening hours vary, but most are open from 7Am in the morning until 9PM in the evening (some even 24 hours).
You can even I buy groceries on most public holidays, except Christmas day.
Holidaying is twice the fun when you can share it with your friends back home!
Our campervans are fitted with on-board WiFi, simply bring your mobile WiFi device and connect.
Internet data is included when you take out the Value Pack insurance. Otherwise, you need to buy one of our pre-pay data packages, See our extra charges page for more details.
New Zealand uses different power plugs to the rest of the world. New Zealand power outlets (230V) accept power plugs with 3 flat pins – 1 of which is an earthing pin (this is simply a safety measure). Some power plugs don’t have the earthing pin, but they still fit into the power outlets.
Most likely, if you are coming from overseas, you will need an adapter.
After you have booked with us, we will send yo a list of sites you can use to plan your holiday.