Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to assist with any questions you may have regarding any of the vehicles on our fleet. We have put together some of our most frequently asked questions to assist with your rental, however if you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to Contact Us.
No, unlike rental car companies that charge by 24-hour clock, all campervan companies in New Zealand charge by the day. So regardless of the time of collection and return, you will be charged for the day you collect and the day you drop your vehicle off. The above example would be an 8 day hire.
All vehicles come fully equipped with: Pillows & Duvets, Sheets, Fleece Bed Throws & Towels, Cooking Utensils, Pots/Pans/Frypan, Plates & Bowls, Cups & Glasses, Wine Glasses, Kettle, Electric Kettle, Scissor, Dish Cloth, Dish Brush, Tea Towels, Electric Toaster, Cutlery, Tin Opener, Corkscrew, Coffee Plunger, Microwave Cookware, Food Containers, Chopping Board, Clothes Hangers, Clothes Line & Pegs, Bucket, Dustpan & Brush, Fire Extinguisher, Waste & Fresh Water Hose, Hot water bottles and Toilet Chemical (for vehicles with shower & toilet)
Hard suitcases are not recommended. We recommend soft bags that can be folded and stored away under the bench seats in the vehicles. Alternatively, if you are picking up and dropping off your vehicle from the same depot, your luggage can be stored for you, free of charge, at the depot. If you are not returning to the same depot, we are happy to arrange for your empty suitcases to be transferred to another depot. The charge is NZ$50.00 per empty suitcase.
Our largest vehicle is the 4/5 berth which can accommodate a maximum of 5 people. Our Tui and Freedom Campers brand have 6 berth motorhomes for 6 people.
www.tuicampers.co.nz
www.freedomcampers.co.nz
No Budget does not provide hair dryers.
Budget does not provide irons or ironing boards. However you will find most camp grounds do have laundry facilities.
Yes; New Zealand (as well as Australia and New Guinea) uses different power plugs to the rest of the world. Transformer or adaptor will be needed to fit NZ three point sockets and you need to be plugged into a power source on a campsite to be able to use them.
Budget vehicles are not fitted with a tow-bar.
The Budget Slepervan, Budget finder 2/3 ad 4+1 all have optional awnings available to hire.
We do not have bike racks for hire. You should be able to hire bikes locally at visitor centres and campgrounds.
In the larger vehicle (Budget Escape 2/5 berth), Budget provides a gas fired heating system and gas hot water. If central heating, water heating and cooking are all being used then one bottle (4.5kg) may only last for 5-8 days; subject to use. In these larger vehicles a second bottle is provided. In the smaller vehicles, where water is heated by heat exchange from the engine, and particularly when central heating is not in use the bottle should provide up to two weeks of gas.
Yes, all our vehicles have 240 volt electric heaters. The Budget Seeker and Escape also have gas heaters. All vehicles have heating in the cab which operates when you are driving. Refer to the Motorhome Fleet page for full details of individual models.
No, there is no access for wheel chairs and limited space inside.
If you are plugged in simply use a power point in the vehicle. If you are not plugged in you can hire a 12v-240v inverter so you can recharge off the battery.
No, not available and cannot be used with our vehicles.
Budget Campers is a 3rd tier campervan company with all vehicles being 1999 - 2003 year, but our mates at Freedom Campers (www.freedomcampers.co.nz) will be able to suss you out for something a bit newer.
No, there is no refund if you return your campervan earlier than the reserved period. However your travel insurance may in some circumstances cover the unused portion.
Most parts of NZ have areas where free camping is available, provided the vehicle you have rented has toilet facilities on board. Free camping is illegal in some areas so you would need to check with the local Isite or DOC before free camping. We do ask that if you do free camp, please respect the environment, the locals and clean up after yourselves. The best rule is to obey local signage, and ask at the local information centre for suitable sites. All Tui vehicles that have toilets on board are certified self contained, which qualifies the hirer to stay over at Department of Conservation land (approx 300 sites around NZ)
Please visit www.camping.org.nz to find out more about free camping in New Zealand.
Budget vehicles have two batteries systems - one to run the engine and the other to operate the living equipment such as the fridge and lights. This battery will remain charged for approximately 12 to 48 hours but it all depends on a number of things you have running; use of lights, entertainment systems, gas heating (12V fan) and the number of times the fridge is opened. If you flatten the battery you can switch on the engine where the alternator will start it again, but, you will need to plug the vehicle into 240V mains power for the battery to fully recharge. We recommend you stay in Holiday Parks to charge the battery at least every second night.
This depends on how much you minimise the power usage. The more equipment you use the quicker your batteries drain. If the weather is hot, try to keep the fridge closed as much as possible. A good tip is to keep the fridge filled by using recycled bottles filled with frozen water and turning the fridge off at night or at least turn the thermostat down. Parking the vehicle so that the fridge is on the shady side also reduces power consumption.
The inbuilt inverter will insure that all 12V functions continue uninterrupted. Since the engine battery is separate, if you flatten one of the house batteries, you will still be able to start the engine and drive.
We advise to do so during peak periods such as school holidays, public holidays and long weekends.
In your Budget Campers there is free information on camp ground & regional guides as well as a comprehensive New Zealand road map.
This includes information on The Department of Conservation “DOC” campsites. There are over 250 of these throughout New Zealand. They are set in some of the most stunning locations in New Zealand and have basic facilities for you to use. There is also information on the various other networks of more comfortable Holiday Parks with toilets and hot showers, powered sites, kitchens, TV rooms, Laundromats and internet.
The average cost for DOC campsites are $0-$10 a night; Holiday Park campgrounds have an average cost $15-35 for non-power campsites, $20-40 for powered sites.
We provide a selection of full colour brochures with all of the standard campsites and DOC campsites. You can also check these web pages to find more about campgrounds: www.doc.govt.nz, www.holidayparks.co.nz, www.top10.co.nz.
The customer service team will show you at pick up how to empty your waste water and toilet cassette. We also give you information showing the location of dump stations throughout New Zealand. All Motorhomes waste must be disposed off at dump stations.
Government regulations do not allow for connection directly into a standard 240 volt plug in a house or garage with a 3 pin plug. There is the possibility of overheating and fire at the plug if demand for power is high from the camper, such as the use of toasters, kettles etc all at the same time. If a fire occurs as a result of plugging directly into a house, your insurance may become void. Campgrounds in New Zealand use a 3 phase source of power supply, your vehicle is equipped with this and you can plug directly in to mains power at any campsite.
No. Smoking in Budget vehicles is strictly prohibited, and offenders will be charged a fume removal fee of NZ$500.
No, there is no refund if you return your campervan earlier than the reserved period. However your travel insurance may in some circumstances cover the unused portion.
When a Budget Camper is not connected to a 240v power supply, the fridge, hot water, gas heater and house lights will run off the 12v batteries in the vehicle.
Most Portacots do not fit in our vehicles. For younger babies/toddlers, we suggest you consider the Kinderkot available to rent for NZ$65.
We always suggest as soon as you know the dates you wish to have your holiday - go online and book. To confirm we need a NZ$500 deposit and then the balance is due 28 days prior to your hire.
The remainder of the balance is due 28 days prior to commencement of travel and will be automatically deducted from credit
card details given. If you wish to pay the balance by a different credit card then please send us an email prior to the due date and we will reply with a secure payment link to fill in new credit card details.
Customer service is our number one priority, therefore your request will be processed as quickly as possible, preferably within 24 hours of receiving your booking. If a vehicle is available for the dates you specified, your booking will be finalised and your credit card will be charged a $500 deposit. If you wish to cancel your booking after this, you will incur a cancellation fee (please refer to our terms and conditions). If a vehicle is not available, we will contact you with a suitable alternative and no payment will be incurred.
No reservation will be accepted or guaranteed without a part payment of hire cost made via a valid credit card number, cardholders name and card expiry date to be supplied at the time the reservation is made.
You’ll need to know:
The pick-up location, date, and time.
The return location, date and time.
The type of vehicle you want to hire.
Your personal contact details.
A valid credit card to be used for the rental.
Should you wish to amend or cancel your existing booking, please contact us as soon as possible. Simply go to the Contact Us page which provides many options for contacting us, or email info@budgetcampers.co.nz. Please ensure you quote your confirmation number and one of our reservation consultants will get back to you as quickly as possible.
To allow us to proceed with your booking request, we require you to submit your credit card details for part payment of hire cost so we can secure your booking. Your credit card information is strictly confidential.
Yes. We treat the security of our guest’s information very seriously. To ensure your security, all credit card transactions are secured by SSL, which encrypts the credit card number so as to make it unavailable to any other party.
We accept Visa or Master Card. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge of 2%. We do not accept American Express or Diners.
All credit card transactions be charged in New Zealand currency.
Yes, we are happy to accept payment of cash by bank transfer as opposed to credit card. The balance must be transferred into our account at least 28 days prior to pick up.
It usually pays to make the deposit payment by credit card as the bank fee is more than the credit card surcharge but for the balance of hire payment then a bank transfer works well and must be transferred into our account at least 28 days prior to pick up.
Please contact us if you wish to to make a cash bank transfer and we can forward our banking details.
Yes, you can pay for the rental using a bank issued Visa or Mastercard debit card, an eftpos debit card, or a non-bank issued Visa or Mastercard debit card.
However, all rental agreements must be secured by a Visa, Mastercard credit card for the bond/excess. For customers who are using debit cards for the bond/excess, Due to the limitations within Terms of Use for Debit Cards these are treated as cash and the full excess will be debited unless the excess reduction is purchased and then
a signed imprint will be taken.
Toll Road Notices:
In the event that Budget receives an unpaid toll notice relating to the period the vehicle was on hire, Budget will process a statutory declaration stating that the vehicle was on hire and provide name, address, and driver licence details of the hirer. The third party who issues the toll road charge will then forward the infringement notice to the hirer requesting payment. Budget charges the hirer a $60 administration fee for the time taken to process the statutory declaration and transfer of liability notice.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Budget does not pay any toll charges and it is the sole responsibility of the hirer to pay all toll charges incurred during the rental period.
Rental Tip:
Save yourself money by paying the toll online the day before travelling on the toll road. This avoids costly administration fees that are levied for unpaid tolls. Review the NZTA website for toll road payment options.
Every once in a while, we have too many vehicles in one of our depots (Auckland or Christchurch) and they need to be relocated.
All our relocation deals will be posted on our Facebook Fan Page so please feel free to become a fan:
Please only ask for a relocation deal if you are able to travel within 3 weeks – unfortunately, we don’t know half a year in advance if we require a relocation deal 😉
Relocations are a fast, cheap way to travel. A maximum of five days is all you need to get you there. Dependant on availability and future bookings, our relocation rates start from as low as $1 per day!
Normal Terms and Conditions still apply.
Please refer to our website for a full list of Budget Rental Terms & Conditions. https://www.budgetcampers.co.nz/Terms-and-Conditions/
The minimum age for renting with Budget Campers is 21 years old. However, the renter must have a full and valid driver licence and credit card, and adhere to our Rental Terms & Conditions. Special conditions apply to drivers aged 18 to 20 years
Yes, you can nominate additional drivers at no extra cost.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Insurance cover is only valid for drivers named on the contract. Additional drivers will need to present their driver licence and any required translation documents at the time of rental.
No. There is no additional charge for having extra drivers on the rental contract.
To hire a vehicle you MUST have a valid full driver licence written in English, if the licence is not in English an approved translation is needed. Australian P2 Licences are the only exception to the Full Licence rule. You must carry your valid licence with you at all times when driving in New Zealand.
If you have an International Driving Permit you must also carry your current and valid driver licence.
If your overseas driver licence is not in English, you must carry an accurate English translation issued by one of the following:
A translation service approved by the NZ Transport Agency (a list is available at www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/residents-visitors/translators.html).
Budget recommends the Trans National Ltd translation service (www.driverlicencetranslation.co.nz)
A diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate.
The authority that issued your overseas licence.
Budget accepts the new plastic photo ID Driving Licence, as well as the older paper licences. We do not accept the ‘Counterpart Driving Licence’ by itself.
You must present a full and valid driver licence when renting a Budget vehicle.
You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you’re licensed to drive in the UK.
If you’re using an overseas driver licence to drive in New Zealand and are then suspended or disqualified from driving by a New Zealand court, you can no longer use your overseas driver licence to drive in New Zealand. If you want to drive in New Zealand (after your disqualification or suspension has ended), you will need to get a New Zealand driver licence.
The open road speed limit in New Zealand is 100km per hour. The 4 and 6 berths can only travel at 90km per hour, all other vehicles will comfortably travel at this speed. Should you choose to travel at a slower speed, please show courtesy to other road users by allowing them to pass.
All Budget vehicles are covered by the Automobile Association (AA) 24 hour roadside assistance service for any vehicle related breakdowns. In the event that you need roadside assistance, please call the AA free phone number 0800 22 27 39. Please give them your car registration plate number and provide and directions to help them locate you.
If the AA are unable to assist you, please contact us on 0508 226 7377.
IMPORTANT NOTE: For non-mechanical (driver error) call outs, you will need to pay the applicable fee directly to the AA prior to their attendance.
Mechanical breakdowns covered by the AA Roadside Assistance service include the following:
Engine faults.
Electrical faults.
Cooling system.
Vehicle recovery.
For all Non-Mechanical breakdowns, the Automobile Association will charge you the relevant call out fees. Non-mechanical breakdowns include, but are not limited to, the following:
Running out of fuel.
Refilling the vehicle with the incorrect fuel (i.e. putting petrol in instead of diesel).
Damage to wheels and/or tyres.
Losing the keys or locking them inside the vehicle.
Having a flat battery due to the ignition or lights being left on.
A breakdown as a result of damage caused in an accident, including salvage.
We supply a list of nationwide service centers and authorise you to spend up to $100.00 in emergency repairs so that you can deal with minor matters speedily or when convenient to you.
Between 1 May and 30 November it is the law to carry chains on the Milford Road. Usually snow chains are only required if you are going to be skiing, or if you are travelling in winter during bad weather mainly in the South Island and on the Desert road in the central North Island. Budget provides snow chains for a fee of $45 per rental.
Toll roads are roads which charge a fee in exchange for access through to your destination. If you are touring New Zealand's North Island, you may pass through the Northern Gateway Toll Road. When driving a rental vehicle in New Zealand, you are responsible for paying toll fees, so it is important to be aware of payment options before you travel. Visit the Northern Gateway Toll Road website (http://www.nzta.govt.nz/roads-and-rail/toll-roads/) for more information.
No we do not have depots at the Ferry terminals to be able to offer this service. You must take the vehicle on the ferry if you wish to cross the islands, saves you having to unpack and repack vehicles.
Recommended at peak times otherwise you may not get the crossing you want and at best fare. Not so important if you are planning an extended stay of over one month or out of peak season (April to October)
We would be happy to arrange this for you before you arrive. Please let us know your preferred cross date(s) and time(s) and the name and ages of those crossing on the ferry. The cost will be charged direct to your credit card details along with an administration fee of $25.
All Budget campervans and motorhomes can play CDs. However, most vehicles are not fitted with iPod jacks. You can purchase a radio FM transmitter at most electronic stores which will enable you to play your iPod through the radio in your Budget rental vehicle.
Diesel is much cheaper than petrol in New Zealand as a seperate diesel tax is charged. However the rates at the pump fluctuate. For up to date fuel pricing go to PriceWatch (http://www.pricewatch.co.nz/pricewatch.aspx)
Road User Charges (diesel tax) on our diesel vehicles does apply. You will be charged per kilometre when you hire a diesel campervan.
Budget Campers has branches close to Auckland and Christchurch Airports.
Unfortunately due to the size of our vehicle fleet and the distances between rental locations it isn't possible to guarantee a specific make, model or year of campervan/motorhome. Only by vehicle category.
Budget vehicles can only be driven on public roads sealed/unsealed. No vehicle is to be driven on the following roads: Skippers Canyon Road in Queenstown, Ball Hutt Road near Mount Cook, 90 Mile Beach in Northland, Cape Colville to Port Jackson Road in Coromandel.
Vehicles are not permitted on all ski field access roads in both the North and South Islands from 01 June to 31 October. This means you cannot drive your vehicle up to a ski field car park and/or any part of the access road to the ski field. You will be responsible for all damage if travelling on these roads.
No. Smoking is not permitted in a Budget Camper. If the vehicle is returned smelling of cigarette / cigar smoke you will be liable for the full cost of cleaning.
Yes, we allow one-way rentals between locations. However, if the vehicle is returned to a different location than that specified on the rental contract without the owner’s prior consent an additional fee of up to $750 may be charged at the owner’s sole discretion plus a one way fee.
No, we do not allow animals in the vehicles.
Budget vehicles are not fitted with a tow-bar.
No, not available and cannot be used with our vehicles.
No, there is no access for wheel chairs and limited space inside.
We offer a complimentary transfesr service on the first and last day of the rental to/from Airport and surrounding Airport Hotels, Motels. Once you arrive in New Zealand and you are ready for your transfer, please call us on 0800 324 939 and advise Surname, Reservation Number, Arrival Terminal or hotel name and Number of Passengers requiring collection. Our courtesy collection is normally within 30 minutes and operates up to 1 hour prior to close.
No, it is necessary for you to come to our Depot to collect your vehicle so we are able to complete the necessary documentation, and familiarise you with the operation of the campervan.
Vehicles must be picked up and dropped off at the Budget branch location.
Yes. We do need to sight all drivers actual, full, valid driver’s license (photo copies are not accepted) and all drivers do need to sign the rental agreement.
No, we do not allow pick ups after hours. If the delay is unexpected please contact your pickup depot directly for assistance. It is generally advisable to book a hotel for the first night if you will arrive after 3 pm.
Yes depending availability you can, we have yards in Auckland and Christchurch however while all care is taken we accept no responsibility or liability. There is a cost of $40 per rental period for vehicle storage.
No, we do not allow animals in the vehicles.
Yes, there are 7 days a week supermarkets open 8am-9pm and petrol stations open 24 hours close to each office, where you can park easily and purchase your supplies to start your holiday.
Yes, you can book your child safety seats when booking online. If you have forgotten to book a child safety seat, please contact us and they will amend your booking.
By law in New Zealand all children under eight years of age must be in an "approved" child restraint
Yes, it is the responsibility of the renter to check and ensure any child safety seats are fitted correctly prior to commencing the rental.
Yes, you may install your own child safety seat or capsule of any type in our vehicles at your own risk. Budget staff will not assist with the installation of non-Budget seats or capsules.
GPS navigation systems can be booked online or hired at the time of rental from the rental location. (free if paying for Reduction Option 2 waiver)
We have available to hire Vodafone pocket Wi-Fi's that can be used in most 3G mobile phone coverage areas. There are some remote places such as national parks, which may have limited or no mobile Internet coverage.
Devices must be pre-booked or check with our branch at the time of check-in to see if there is a device available for your trip.
No. You cannot tow a trailer using an Budget rental vehicle.
If you need to change the insurance coverage you selected on a reservation, please contact central reservations and they will be happy to help you select the appropriate insurance option.
The vehicle is fully insured in case of accident damage or loss of contents (excluding personal belongings).
There is an excess/deductible of NZ$3500 ($4500 for drivers under 25 years of age) for our shower and toilet motorhome models and NZ$2000 ($3000 for drivers under 25 years of age) for our Sleepervan and HiAce models.
This covers the cost of damage to third party property or to the rented vehicle, including single vehicle accident, windscreen and tyre damage overhead and underbody damage, towing and recovery costs, theft, fire, break in or vandalism. The liability applies in respect of each claim, not per rental.
In the unfortunate event of an accident, please do the following:
1. Notify Tui as soon as possible. The phone number will be printed on your rental contract. Alternatively, you can contact Tui Campers Reservations toll free on 0800 324 939 for further assistance.
2. Notify the police if the accident involves injury.
3. If possible, prepare a written statement of the facts signed by all parties. If agreement cannot be reached, obtain a copy of the police report.
4. Do not make any admission of liability, as this may prejudice your insurance coverage. Record full details of all parties and vehicles involved in the accident (drivers name, address, telephone number, mobile phone number, email address, vehicle registration number, vehicle make/model/year, insurance company, and apparent damage).
5. Record full details of all parties and vehicles involved in the accident (drivers name, address, telephone number, mobile phone number, email address, vehicle registration number, vehicle make/model/year, insurance company, and apparent damage).
When you return the vehicle, you will need to allow at least 30 minutes to complete a full accident report form.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Unless you have purchased Bod Waiver Insurance (BWI) cover, you will be required to pay all vehicle damage up to a maximum of the insurance excess. If you have a camera, please take photographs of all damaged vehicles and the accident site to verify the damage and circumstances to assist us with our claim.
The excess can be reduced by purchasing one of the following Reduction Options:
Reduction Option 1:
Budget Escape, Budget Seeker –
This option can be purchased by paying an additional NZ$25 per day (NZ$30 per day for drivers under 25 years) reduces excess to NZ$1,200 and only a credit card imprint is required. Maximum charge is for 40 days.
Budget Sleepervan, Finder 2/3 and 4+1–
This option can be purchased by paying an additional NZ$15 per day (NZ$20 per day for drivers under 25 years) reduces excess to NZ$800 and only a credit card imprint is required. Maximum charge is for 40 days.
Reduction Option 2:
Budget Escape, Budget Seeker –
This option can be purchased by paying an additional NZ$40 per day (NZ$45 per day for drivers under 25 years) reduces excess to NZ$0 and only a credit card imprint is required. Maximum charge is for 40 days.
Budget Sleepervan, Finder 2/3 and 4+1 –
This option can be purchased by paying an additional NZ$30 per day (NZ$35 per day for drivers under 25 years) reduces excess to NZ$0 and only a credit card imprint is required. Maximum charge is for 40 days.
Budget Campers strongly recommends our customers to take the bond waiver insurance to minimise excess exposure and travel with peace of mind.
Inclusions
Reduction Option 2 cover includes the following extras:
Free hire of the following accessories which are;
GPS
Baby seat and/or child booster seat (on request)
Picnic Table and Chairs (one chair for each person travelling)
Snow Chains (on request)
Zero excess (subject to exclusions below)
One windscreen replacement, multiple windscreen chip repairs and two tyre replacements
Pre-purchased LPG bottle
Road Tolls
Lost/damaged key replacement costs
Toilet chemical Starter Kit
This Excess Reduction also has a nil excess that covers any accidental damage to windscreens including replacement plus accidental damage to tyres. Excess Reduction does not cover you if you have a misjudgement of dimensions, eg hit a stationary object.
Please note that Excess Reduction is completely optional and can be decided upon collection of your vehicle. This additional insurance only covers you for one incident where after your standard excess applies. You can apply to purchase this cover for the remaining days of your hire.
For your peace of mind during holiday, the Bond Waiver Insurance is the best way to minimise your liability when travelling in your Budget Camper. If you do not take the Bond Waiver Insurance you run the risk of being responsible for considerable costs associated with damage to, or theft of, the vehicle. This applies even if the damage was not your fault.
In the event that something happens to the campervan and you are not at fault, (either a vehicle accident where someone strikes the vehicle or damage occurs while the vehicle is parked) you are liable for the damage caused to the vehicle until we are able to receive payment for those damages from the third party