One choice open to any travellers is free Wifi, which anyone with a mobile (with a New Zealand number) can access. Wifi hotspots are expanding across the country all the time. However Wifi reception is still patchy in many areas outside of main cities. Also 'free' wifi is not always free as it may involve making a purchase, such as cup of coffee at a cafe before they give you the Wi-fi password.  

There is another option which is more dependable that more and more campervan rental operators are offering. It is a Mobile Broadband Device with a pre-paid data package. An example of this is Tui who have 2 options for mobile internet: $130.00 which gives you 512MB of data or $150.00 which gives you 2GB of data. Other companies offering internet are Budget, Freedom, Maui and United and the list is growing every day.

Most companies offer Courtesy Transfers on day of arrival and departure (There area couple of exceptions) Most depots are close to airports and therefore the Courtesy Transfers are usually from the airport (or accommodation if close to the airport). Companies offering the transfers will collect you in a shuttle bus and take you to their depot (they do not deliver the motorhome). Some companies ask you to take a taxi to the depot and will then refund you the cost of the taxi up to a given amount. Most companies offer return Courtesy

To idenify exactly what the Company of the Motorhome you intend hiring offers with regards Courtesy Transfers click on the link on "Important Arrival Information and Depot Location" which is on each motorhome page located just above the daily hire rate quote. Please note the Depots's operating hours. All information regarding Courtesy Transfers and Depot Location, Opening Closing hours etc is on your Email Motorhome Confirmation

This varies from company to company but almost all companies offer at least table and chairs and baby or booster seats. (Some companies include table and chairs for free). A lot of companies also offer GPS's as optional extras (if they are not included) and snow chains. Some offer bikes and bike racks (see Bicycle Hire section for more information). Other items that are sometimes offered are tents, BBQs, MP3 players, and portable heaters. All Hire items can be reserved for the Motorhome you intend to book when on Part one of the Reservation process.

If All Inclusive insurance is selected,(Part one) many hire items are included at no charge. The normal inclusions with All Inclusive insurance are a baby or booster seat, tables and chairs, Snow Chains  (and sometimes a GPS) Most Hire items can be booked at the Depot when collecting the Motorhome but prebooking can save time and ensure the item is available.

TOURISM RADIO IS FREE  OF CHARGE WHEN YOU RESERVE YOUR HIRE THROUGH NEWZEALAND MOTORHOMES WITH ANY OF OUR  BELOW  LISTED PARTNERS

Using the latest GPS technology, this automated personal tour guide will share the secrets of the surrounding scenery as you travel through New Zealand' fasinating and ever changing landscapes

You'll learn about the local area you're travelling through, prominent landmarks, scenic highlights and attractions as you approach them, there's even easy listening driving music to keep you entertained in between points of interest

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Starter Packs (or Welcome Packs) are available with all the motorhomes we offer. The contents of the Starter Pack will vary from company to company. The more upmarket/ expensive motorhomes may have more in the Starter Pack. By definition a Starter Pack contains everything you need to get started such as refreshments, a regional map and an activities guide. To find out more information, on a motorhome's web page, look under the heading "Daily Hire Rental Rate Includes".

Useful Motorhome Terminology

Deposit - When you make a booking you we will debit a sum of money to secure your campervan. This sum is the booking deposit, and is a percentage of the total amount to be paid. The deposit will be between 15 – 25%. If the hire starts within 30 days, some companies require us to take the full 100%. This information can be found on each motorhomes webpage.

Depot - A depot is the base for the campervan companies. Typically each company has a number of depots around the country, and these are where you pick up and drop off your campervan from. Most companies depots are in Auckland in the North Island and Christchurch in the South Island.

Berth - This refers to the number of people the vehicle is able to sleep, eg, a two berth campervan can sleep two people. It does not refer to how many beds are in the vehicle, as a two berth vehicle could contain one double bed.

Bond - This is a specified amount of money paid by the hirer to the campervan company in case of an accident or accidental damage. This is refunded at the end of the rental period provided there have been no incidents or accidents.

Calendar Days - Campervan Rental is based on calendar days, which means the day off pick up and the day of drop off are included as a full day of rental, regardless of the time of day the pick up or drop off is made. So if the pick up is made at 4 pm, then the day is still counted as a full day.

Baby Seat - Baby Seats are for children aged 6 months to 3 years, (weighing 8 to 18 kilos). They are an external accessory manually fitted into the car, the requirement of which needs to be specified when making a booking.

Booster Seat - Similar to baby seats, these are for children aged 3 to 8 years (weighing 14 to 28 kilos).

Flex Rates - These are rates that change every week, ie 'flexible' rates. Generally speaking the closer you get to the pickup date, the higher the rates will be. The rate of the first day of your travel will apply to the whole duration of your travel.

Standard Rates - These rates do not change every week, they are set at the start of the year and remain at that rate for the duration of the season. If you cross over a change of season the rate you are paying will change too. It depends on the supplier whether they offer standard or flex rates.

Government taxes – GST  (Goods and Services Tax) is included in the daily hire rate. Diesel levy is tax the Government charges users of diesel vehicles. Some motorhome companies pass this tax on to the hirers of their vehicles. (This only applies to the diesel powered vehicles). This charge is based on the number of kilometers driven.

One Way Travel - Often people wish to pick up a campervan in one destination, then drive to another destination and drop it off there. This is 'one way travel', as it doesn’t involve a return trip.

Caravan Park - Campervan travellers normally spend lots of time in caravan parks. They are tourist-oriented resort locations where you can park up your campervan and plug it into electricity. There are other types of accommodation available on the same site, from camping to cabins to motel style accommodation. Laundry and kitchen facilities are normally provided, as are ablution blocks. Some have swimming pools and games rooms, and all are reasonably priced.

Holiday Park and Tourist Park - There is very little distinction between these type of resort parks and caravan parks. All are reasonable and accommodating places to enjoy your campervan holiday in.

National Park - A National Park is an area of land that the government has declared ownership off. It is protected by the government from human development, and is normally an area of natural beauty or attraction.

Battery System - The internal appliances of most campervans run on a battery system that is separate from the engine battery. These batteries recharge when you drive, and when plugged into mains power.

Transmission - This is the gear changing system of the car. It is either automatic, whereby the car changes gears for you, or manual, where the gear changing is done by the driver, or tiptronic which gives you a choice of manual or automatic.

Insurance Terminology

Ful or Comprehensive insurance - These are insurance policies with a broad range of cover. You are covered by the insurance whether you are in the right or the wrong, or whether the damage was caused by an unknown party or an 'act of God'.

Excess - When you are insured and you make a claim on your insurance, you will still have to pay the first part of that claim yourself. That amount you pay is the excess, and its amount depends on the excess options you take.

Excess Reduction - This is an amount of cash you pay each day that reduces the excess you have to pay in the event of an accident. The excess reduction you pay and the amount it reduces off your excess depends on the supplier.

Standard Liability- the standard liability amount is taken as a bond off your credit card at the start of travel, and is held for the duration of travel until the campervan is safely returned.

Third party - The third party is any other entity involved in an incident. So for example if you have an accident whereby you drive into the back of another vehicle, that vehicle is the third party. Third Party Insurance covers the costs that may be incurred by a third party as a result of your actions.

Demurrage - This is the monetary loss incurred by a supplier when their campervan is taken off the road as the result of an accident. The person who causes the accident is liable for demurrage.

Surcharge - this an additional sum added to a usual amount or cost.

The New Zealand Cycle Trail is a government led national project to build a network of world class cycle trails. There are currently 19 trails, catering for a range of cycling abilities from beginners and families, to more experienced and competitive riders.

Imagine riding through the cool of the New Zealand bush, dense with fern, dappled with light and the only sound is the call of native birds loud above the hum of your bike.

Or, imagine a trail that rounds a wide sweeping bend to a view that simply takes your breath away – stunning snowcapped peaks mirrored in a deep, still lake.

Journeys such as these exist – they are real examples of what 'The New Zealand Cycle Trail' has on offer.  And it all started with an idea... 

The Great Rides are the premier rides on the New Zealand Cycle Trail.  They are predominantly off-road trails that showcase the very best of New Zealand's landscape, environment, culture and heritage. 

Further on-road cycle touring routes are also being added to the New Zealand Cycle Trail, with the long-term aim of developing a nationwide cycle network, enabling locals and international visitors to explore all of New Zealand by bike.

ONLY A FEW MOTORHOME OPERATORS OFFER BIKE HIRE  - BRITZ SPECIALISE IN BIKE HIRE

If you wish to book any of the below models select the Britz camper on our site then choose your Britz bike and bike rack from the list of additional hire items shown on Booking page (Click Full Quote to see and book hire items)

Choose from our hybrid model, great for country trails and town riding or our Britz mountain bike for some serious off road riding.

All the essentials you need, from helmets to pumps, are included in one low per day hire price and there plenty of optional extras available for those looking for that something extra.

Your Britz bike will be securely transported in our customised bike racks that are fitted to the back of the vehicle upon hire. Costs for bike rack hire below:

Below is an example of bikes/ prices available (from Britz)

What's included:

Helmet, flat pedals, bottle cage, rear rack, repair kit, pump, spare tube, tyre levers, multi tool and lock, and 0800 on road service.

How to book:

Simply select the Britz camper you wish to book then choose your Britz bike and bike rack from the list of additional hire items shown

Conditions

• Minimum hire period is 5 days.
• All Britz bike hire must be in conjunction with hire of Britz campervan and a Britz bike rack
• Payment for Bike hire must be paid in full to thl
• A $400 bond applies to bike hires. Insurance is available from Natural High for an additional charge
• Available for hire from Auckland Airport branch and Christchurch branch.
• One way hires allowed between Auckland and Christchurch
• Please note that all Britz bikes bookings picking up on the weekend must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
• Natural High who provides Britz Bikes and accessories, are no longer open on Saturdays and Sundays. If you are collecting your Britz Bike on these days, your bike and accessories will be available from the Britz branch you are collecting your vehicle from.  If you are due to return your Britz Bike on a Saturday or Sunday, you must return the bike to the relevant Britz branch.
• Insurance is available as an optional extra and must be booked through Natural High directly
• On receipt of the motorhome and bike rack from thl branch, bikes are picked up from the following locations:
  + Auckland – Natural High, 10 Uenuku Way, Mangere, Auckland
  + Christchurch – Natural High, 690A Harewood Road, Harewood, Christchurch

How Far to Travel in a Day

Remember that driver fatigue kills. Roads in NZ are often narrower and more windy than roads in other countries so taking a break from driving is even more important on these unfamiliar roads. If you are driving long distances it is recommended that you have more than one licensed driver and that you share the driving, giving each other a chance to rest.. If this is not possible, you should stop for a snack or a coffee every two hours.

The amount you would like to cover in a day obviously varies according to the nature of your holiday. Always remember that the landscape changes dramatically in New Zealand and distance does not always mean the same duration. Some drives involve mountains and winding roads which will slow your travelling time down, including stopping to be awed by the scenery.

Assume if you are on the open road in your campervan that you will be covering between 80 and 90 kilometres an hour, stops permitting. We would not recommend you travel no more than 4 or 5 hours in a day. Any further and the drive just becomes a tedious chore, and you fail to acknowledge or appreciate the scenery you are driving through. An ideal distance is between 200 and 400 kilometres, as that way you cover a fair distance but not enough to tire you out.

Remember, with the often stunning scenery it is not just about the destination, it is also about the journey. Play it safe with your driving, take the time to enjoy the passing landscape, and your holiday will be all the better for it!

Petrol and diesel prices from 20 June 2013

Motorhomes travel 8 - 12 km per litre of fuel depending on the size of the motorhome and how they are driven.

For fuel price updates, click here

New Zealand offers many options

Travelling in a campervan gives you several options to choose from where to spend each night. Broadly the choices are: caravan parks and campgrounds, National Parks and even free stays!

The following guide will give you information on all of these, as well as providing important links that will help you plan your accommodation thoughout your journey.

Staying in Caravan Parks and Holiday Parks

Staying in a caravan park is the luxury way to experience your campervan holiday, but as you know, luxury costs money! The rates of most caravan parks are usually very reasonable, yet this will depend on location, time of the year and the type of accommodation option you choose.

Caravan Parks provide facilities that will make your campervan experience more comfortable. Many of the parks offer easy access to electricity and water, which allows you to replenish your onboard supplies and recharge your motorhome battery. They provide facilities such as toilets, showers, laundries and camp kitchens, which will make your stay just that little bit easier.

Many parks also feature swimming pools, tennis courts, recreation rooms and even spas. This will add a further element of luxury and comfort to your stay and will allow you to sit back, relax and unwind.

It is advisable to book ahead, especially at the places you really want to stay at. However, some caravan parks will let you stay without a reservation, but always be aware of peak times in the year, which often bring with them changing rates and availabilities.

Staying in a caravan park is essentially the best way to go about your campervan holiday. They are ideally positioned so that you can enjoy the surrounding scenery and attractions, therefore offering the best places to stay!

To find a caravan park to suit you, check out the following:

• Itineraries - each itinerary has several caravan parks that you can choose from to stay. View our itineries page.
• Kiwi Holiday Parks - come highly recommended and more information can be found at http://www.kiwiholidayparks.com/
• Family Parks New Zealand - is an independant group of holiday parks that provide a unique family atmosphere. For more information visit http://www.familyparks.co.nz/NewZealand.asp
• Top 10 Holiday Parks - offer affordable accommodation right across New Zealand http://www.top10.co.nz/
• Holiday parks - camping grounds http://www.holidayparks.co.nz
• Jasons - accomm and more camp sites http://www.jasons.co.nz/
• Great NZ Accommodation Directory - huge range of accommodation options in New Zealand http://www.greatnewzealand.co.nz/Directory/accommodation/

Staying in National Parks

The Department of Conservation manages over 200 areas of conservation throughout New Zealand, including many of its National Parks. The conservation parks feature lush forest, lake shores or sandy or pebbled beach settings, with each offering a wide range of camping grounds and facilities.

Conservation Campsites are a great place to relax, enjoy and explore the great outdoors. They allow you to get back in touch with nature and escape the crowds at an extremely affordable rate!

Licences and Permits - Licences and permits are required to undertake certain activities in the conservation parks. These activities include hunting, fishing and commercial activities, so insure that you plan ahead and apply for one if you are going to partake in any of these practices.

Camping - Bookings are required for all of the serviced and some of the standard camp sites. Fees vary depending on where the park is situated and whether or not it is serviced. You can find out more about the individual pricing by visiting http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/page.aspx?id=38355

For a comprehensive guide on the Department of Conservation and New Zealand's National Parks, visit their detailed website http://www.doc.govt.nz/

Free Stays ("Freedom Camping")

Motorhomes have dual battery systems, one for starting the campervan, one for the internal appliances such as lights, fridge and water pump. These batteries will last approximately 12 hours when fully charged depending on usage. Some vehicles have solar panels too. All these features make it possible to stay overnight without power or water facilities.

Free stays are handy to throw into travel as they can save you a bit of money, we recommend you mix these with Campgrounds and National Park stays though.

Local authorities maintain and regulate free stays in each region, so we recommend you check with the local information center on arrival. Free camping is permitted in most areas of New Zealand. However watch out for signposted areas where camping is prohibited as you may get fined.

Also, be considerate of the environment and be sure not to litter or leave the area damaged. “Freedom campers” have coped a lot of flak in recent times in New Zealand for leaving behind unsightly messes including human waste. Please leave our environment in the same condition you found it! Doing this will ensure that free stay across New Zealand remains available for many years to come!

http://www.camping.org.nz/



New Zealand Weather Overview

The weather in New Zealand varies, to a degree that is difficult to describe it in just a few words. New Zealand's weather is one of the main attractions that draw in tourists all year round. The sharp contrasts between the distinctive seasons are unique and different to any other country in the world. Both the South and North Island enjoy mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall and many hours of sunshine. However, you should always be prepared for sudden climate changes, as cold fronts and tropical cyclones quickly blow in.

Weather is at times unpredictable wherever you go. Below is a basic breakdown of what you should generally expect during each New Zealand season. This will give you an idea of when the best times to travel are. This will help you plan your campervan holiday and ensure that you can enjoy the weather you are seeking.

Temperatures

New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are the opposite to those in the northern hemisphere.

New Zealand generally enjoys a pleasant temperate climate, with the average temperature decreasing as you travel further south. In general, the warmest months of the year are December, January and February (with average temperatures of 22 degrees Celcius), with the coldest weather occurring in June, July and August (with average temperatures of 9 degrees Celcius).

The North Island benefits from more of a subtropical climate, with more noticeable subtropical weather in the summer. The South Island mainly enjoys a temperate climate, with the inland alpine areas of the far south getting as cold as -10 degrees Celcius in the winter months. These sharp contrasts of temperature allow visitors to experience the best of both worlds in the one country, which is essentially what makes New Zealand's climate so unique.

New Zealand Seasons

Summer

Summer in New Zealand occurs in the months of December, January and February. During the summer months the temperatures are high and there are more hours of sunshine then in the other seasons. The days are generally long and sunny and the nights mild and pleasant. Summer in New Zealand is perfect beach weather, with tourists flocking to the many stunning beaches to soak up the rays of sunshine and enjoy the pleasant heat.

Autumn

Autumn in New Zealand occurs over the months of March, April and May bringing about cooler weather. This is one of the best times of year to visit New Zealand as the excellent weather and colourful changing leaves create a pleasant atmosphere of colour and vibrancy. Autumn is the ideal time to visit the Central Otago and Hawke's Bay regions as this is when they come to life and shine. The sharp autumn colours make New Zealand a magnificent sight that is essentially beautiful from every angle.

Winter

Winter starts in June and continues through the months of July and August. This is when the mountain ranges become snow covered and the locals and the tourists take out the skis and snowboards and experience the joy and fun of the white blanketed landscape. The weather is generally very cold so it is advisable that you pack your warm clothes and be prepared to spend countless nights snuggled up in front of the heater or fireplace.

Winter in New Zealand also brings about more rain, which can at times put a damper on your outdoor adventures. When it is not raining, winter is the perfect time to discover stunning glaciers and solid lakes. New Zealand becomes a true winter wonderland over these months and the beauty is simply breath taking.

Spring

Emerging buds and blossoms signal the start of spring in the months of September, October and November. The weather can change from cold and frosty to warm and hot, with many of the mountains remaining snow capped, well into September and October. The season of spring is celebrated in Central Otago and Hastings with a blossom festival, which highlights the emerging colours and wildlife that spring brings forth. Spring is the perfect time to visit New Zealand if you are seeking pleasant weather that is not too hot and not too cold, but just right!

School Holidays

 1. Primary and Intermediate Schools

 Term 1  2011

Between Monday 31 January and Monday 7 February to Friday 15 April 

Term 2  2011

Monday 2 May to Friday 15 July

 Term 3  2011

Monday 1 August to Friday 7 October

 Term 4  2011

Tuesday 25 October to No later than Tuesday 20 December*

 * or a day in December which ensures that the school has been open for instruction for 390 half-days in 2011.

 2. Secondary and Composite Schools

 Term 1  2011

Between Monday 31 January and Monday 7 February to Friday 15 April

 Term 2  2011

Monday 2 May to Friday 15 July

 Term 3  2011

Monday 1 August to Friday 7 October

 Term 4  2011

Tuesday 25 October to No later than Tuesday 13 December*

 *Or a day in December which ensures that the school has been open for instruction for 380 half-days in 2011.