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 (Budget & Freedom) who have 2 options for mobile internet NZ$100 for 3.5GB of data and NZ$130 for 5.5GB of data and the list is growing every day. Other companies offering internet are Maui , Britz & Mighty.

(Apollo Group: Star RV, Apollo & Cheapa) Skoot Unit-Free Of Charge (FOC) with all rentals. Skoot is an in-vehicle tablet which provides maps, information on travel routes, local attraction and activities, travel deals and also has GPs and Wifi capabilities. Skoot unit with GPS and Wifi activated (up to 1GB data per day)- $15 per day or Skoot unit with GPS and Wifi activated (unlimited data) - $25 per day

Most companies offer Courtesy Transfers on day of arrival and departure (There are a couple of exceptions) Most depots are close to airports and therefore the Courtesy Transfers are usually from the airport (or accommodation if within 3kms 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/child 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 most of 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 some sachets of tea, coffee & sugar, 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 through our web site we 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. This can be paid either by Credit Card or Bank transfer. 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 when you click on "FULL QUOTE AND BOOK NOW" This takes you to "Part One of the Booking Process" and at the bottom of that page the Bookings terms are clarified. You can either carry on with the booking or  go back to the vehicle. Please note although we can accept the deposit or full payment for any camper by Bank transfer you need a Credit Card for any Insurance excess applicable. This Insurance/excess info is also on is "Part One of the Booking Process"

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 after the rental period provided there have been no incidents or accidents, and the Terms & Conditions of hire have been met. (Usually within 10 working days to allow for any unpaid Traffic Infringements or Toll Road Charges, etc.)

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

Full 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'. With most bookings, insurance is included in the daily rate. If not then insurance must be purchased to cover the vehicle.

A standard excess applies (which you can choose to reduce). In the event of the vehicle becoming damaged during your hire, you will be liable for the applicable excess. This may be claimed back by yourself against your personal travel insurance, but this agreement is between your travel insurer and yourself.

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 MOTOR HOME OPERATORS OFFER BIKE HIRE - BRITZ SPECIALISE IN BIKE HIRE - ALSO MAUI CASCADE model

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 hybrid model, great for country trails and town riding or 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 3 days.
• All bike hire must be made at the same time as hiring a campervan and a bike rack to avoid disappointment in availability of bikes. Payment for bike hire must be made in full to Britz
• Bicycles are all general purpose mountain bikes suitable for both road use and off road conditions. Specialist bikes such as full suspension bikes, road bikes or touring bikes can be arranged for an additional charge
• Similar children's models are available on request
• Child seats are available and can be fitted on request
• A bicycle rack will be fitted to the motorhome at the campervan depot in Auckland or Christchurch. Clients will then be required to drive to the nearby Natural High Ltd location to collect their bicycles. This enables clients to receive a quality bike of the correct size and ensures that clients receive a full briefing on the use and maintenance of the bicycles. The locations are as follows:
  + Auckland – Natural High, 10 Uenuku Way, Mangere, Auckland,
  
  + Christchurch – Natural High, 690A Harewood Road, Harewood, Christchurch
• Natural High Ltd has the following hours:
  Summer: 1 October – 1 May:
  
  Monday to Friday - 09:00 – 17:00,
  
  Saturday - 10:00 – 16:00,
  
  Sunday - Closed
  
  Winter: 1 May – 1 October:
  
  Monday to Friday - 09:00 – 17:00,
  
  Saturday & Sunday - Closed
  
  Bikes will be available for pick up and drop off from the campervan depot at weekends during winter hours. At all other times bikes must be collected and dropped off at the Natural High depot.

• Please note that all bike bookings picking up in the weekend must be made at least 48 hours in advance
• A maximum of two bicycles can be carried on all 6 and 4 berth models in the Britz campervan fleet, and also on the Venturer and Venturer Plus models. Also the Maui Cascade model (only Maui model).
• Bicycle racks cannot be fitted to the Britz HiTop or Voyager models
• A helmet (compulsory in New Zealand), cycle lock and repair kit are supplied with each bicycle
• There is no extra cost for one way hire of bicycles
• The hirer is responsible for repair or replacement costs in cases of damage or loss of the bike and accessories. This includes but is not limited to scratches to bike frames, buckled wheels, damage by keas, missing pumps, locks, multi tool kits, tyre levers and computers
• A NZ$400 bond applies to bike hires. Insurance is available from Natural High for an additional charge. Without insurance Natural High reserves the right to charge for damage or replacement costs
• No refunds will be made for early returns, late pick ups, no shows or changing your mind on the day of the pick up
• In order to assist Natural High with providing appropriate bike size on collection we would appreciate it if you could provide them your height in advance. You can contact Natural High via email at team@naturalhigh.co.nz or or phone +64 3 9822 966. When contacting them please advise your booking reference, date and location of bike pick up.

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 (and to stretch legs) 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 as of 20 June 2018

The national price of fuel Fuel fell 2 cents per litre on 20 June bringing the price of 91 Octane petrol to $2.22/litre

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

2017 school holiday dates for New Zealand primary, intermediate and secondary schools.

Term 1

• Friday, 14 April 2017 until Sunday, 30 April 2017

Term 2

• Saturday, 8 July until Sunday, 23 July 2017

Term 3

• Saturday, 30 September until Sunday, 15 October 2017

Term 4

Primary & Intermediate Schools: 21 Dec 2017 (Thursday) to 6 Feb 2018 (Tuesday)

Secondary & Schools: 15 Dec 2017 (Friday) to Between 28 Jan 2018 (Sunday) and 6 Feb 2018 (Tuesday)

2018 school holiday dates for New Zealand primary, intermediate and secondary schools.

Term 1

• Saturday, 14 April 2018 until Sunday, 29 April 2018

Term 2

• Saturday, 7 July 2018 until Sunday, 22 July 2018

Term 3

• Saturday, 29 September 2018 until Sunday, 14 October 2018

Term 4

Primary & Intermediate Schools: 21 Dec 2018 (Friday) to 6 Feb 2019 (Wednesday)

Secondary & Schools: 19 Dec 2018 (Wednesday) to Between 27 Jan 2019 (Sunday) and 6 Feb 2019 (Wednesday)