Terms & Conditions
Summary of rental conditions
This document contains a brief summary of our rental conditions. The full details of our rental contract do apply. For detailed conditions, refer to the rental agreement upon vehicle collection or a PDF copy of the rental agreement can be Downloaded Here. Rates quoted are in New Zealand Dollars.
Standard Rates include:
- Standard excess insurance cover
- Unlimited kilometers for all vehicle type
- Extra driver fee
- All living, kitchen & sleeping equipment
- Full water tank
- Nationwide roadside assistance & free phone help-line
- Maps and campground guides
- Complimentary transfers on the first and last day of rental to/from the Auckland or Christchurch airports or airport hotels to the Auckland or Christchurch depots
- Vehicle cleaning & grooming fee
- 15% G.S.T. (Goods and Services Tax)
- Rates on our website are available only to customers booking directly through Budget Campers
Rental Duration
Minimum rental period: 5 days. Minimum rental is extended to 14 days for travel between 20 December and 10 January for our Budget Escape model and 10 days all other vehicles . Vehicle rentals are calculated on a per calendar day basis, i.e. day of pick-up or drop off is always counted as a full day irrespective of what time it is collected or dropped off. Minimum rental period is subject to change during peak periods. Vehicles are required to be collected and returned within business hours.
Each day after the final hire day, that the vehicle is not returned, you may be charged double the daily gross rental rate.
Late pick-up or early return of vehicle does not entitle the hirer to any refund of the unused portion of the rental.
Branches
Budget Campers has branches close to Auckland and Christchurch Airports.
Office Hours
Monday to Saturday* 9:00am - 4:00pm
Vehicle Collection Hours 9.30am - 3.00pm
All branches are closed on Christmas Day (25 December) and New Years Day (1 January).
The latest vehicle collection time from the depot is 3pm, so please consider your hire start date with this in mind if your flight arrival does not allow sufficient time to be at the depot by these times. A $50 late collection fee can be pre arranged if you cannot arrive before this time. This is not guaranteed and applies only within 1 hour after closing time if agreed.
We reserve the right to close the depot on weekends and public holidays.
Deposits and payments
At time of booking a non-refundable deposit of NZ$500 is payable. The balance is due 28 days prior to commencement of the hire. If the balance is not received 28 days prior, Tui Campers reserves the right to treat the booking as cancelled.
Credit Cards
We only accept Visa/MasterCard Debit/Credit card. These cards will incur an additional 2% surcharge on any transaction. The following fee apply for the rental and any additional products (irrespective of chosen account e.g. savings, credit, etc.)
Payment at Branches
For security reasons we do not accept cash at our branches. We accept credit card and debit card for charges paid on rental pick-up and drop-off.
Pick Up/Drop Off Locations
Budget offers conveniently located New Zealand campervan rental depots on the North and South Islands. Not only do we offer one way rentals between these locations, we also provide free airport transfers to our Auckland or Christchurch branch for your convenience.
Auckland Depot
- 142 Robertson Road, Mangere East, Auckland
- Free phone 0508 226 737
- Phone + 64 9 275 3778
Christchurch Depot (Head Office)
- 520 Wairakei Road, Burnside, Christchurch
- Free phone 0508 226 737
- Phone + 64 3 977 4940 Fax +64 3 359 4132
- Email: info@budgetcampers.co.nz
- Web: www.budgetcampers.co.nz
Taxes
Our rates include GST of 15%.
Insurance
The vehicle has comprehensive insurance cover in case of accident damage or loss of contents (excluding personal belongings). The hirers liable up to the excess/deductible for 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 addition to the Liability, and where our Bond Waiver has been purchased, an administration fee of $150 will be charged per claim. Otherwise, the fee is $450.00 per claim.
Bond
When you collect your vehicle we take an impression of your credit card as the bond for your excess/deductible. This is the insurance excess for any single accident which may occur during your holiday. The impression of your credit card covers your accident-damage bond liability plus any extra costs such as fuel fill-up, emptying of the toilet at the end of hire, or any traffic infringements, losses or breakages. A credit card imprint must be on all rental agreements and must be the credit card of the main hirer unless prior arrangements have been made. We do not deduct the bond from the credit card, but merely hold the authority to deduct it in the unfortunate event of an accident. Where a credit card is not available, a cash bond will be held by Budget Campers for 28 days following hire.
Please Note: For customers who are using debit cards for the security deposit, 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 bond waiver is purchased and then a signed imprint will be taken.
Budget Escape, Budget Seeker – There is an excess of NZ$3,500 (NZ$4,500 for drivers aged under 25 years) included within our standard rates.
Budget Sleepervan, Finder 2/3 and 4+1- There is an excess of NZ$2,000 (NZ$3,000 for drivers aged under 25 years) included within our standard rates.
Optional Coverages
In addition to the insurance cover set out above, the hirer may also choose the Bond Waiver Insurance (BWI) options or Windscreen/Tyre Insurance (WTI) by so indicating on the Rental Document. The amount of that excess and the daily rate payable in respect of BWI is dependent upon the age of the hirer and the type of vehicle hired.
Bond waiver/excess reduction
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 50 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 50 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 50 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 50 days.
Please note that Budget 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 you hire.
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, two tyre replacements and multiple tyre punctures.
- Pre-purchased LPG bottle
- Road Tolls
- Lost/damaged key replacement costs
- Toilet Chemical Starter Kit
Exclusions
Bond waiver does not cover:
- Any water related damage, which includes but is not limited to:
a) Any vehicle submersion.
b) Creek or river crossing.
c) Driving through low plain flooded areas.
d) Beach driving. - Personal belongings: We recommend the hirer does not leave valuables in the vehicle.
- The contents of the vehicle supplied by us (including but not limited to: cooker, bedding, cutlery, CD/MP3 player, tables, chairs tents, power cords, GPS and WIFI units)
- Any other items hired from us
- The terms of the rental agreement are breached. The hirer will be responsible for the total cost of any damage. This will also include any damage caused by wilful misconduct (e.g. sitting or standing on the bonnet or roof of the vehicle) and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The incorrect use of fuel (fuel being diesel, petrol or AdBlue). The hirer will be responsible for any associated cost.
- The cost to retrieve or recover a vehicle which has become bogged.
- The cost to replace keys, which have become lost, or retrieval of keys, which have been locked in a vehicle. (included in Reduction Option 2)
- Driving on restricted roads.
- Damage is caused to the vehicle by the use of snow chains
- Damage is caused due to fuel being placed in the water tank
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.
Where Bond Waiver is not taken or Reduction Option 1 then the Bond can be refunded after we have the repair costs for any damage to our vehicle AND not before one month after the hire ends to cover any late notification of damage to 3rd party property that the hirer may not have disclosed.
Windscreen/Tyre Insurance (WTI)
This option can be purchased by paying an additional $9 per day to provide protection for damage to the front windscreen and tyres. Included is two tyre replacements, multiple tyre punctures, one windscreen and multiple windscreen chips.
Number of Claims:
Each insurance policy can only have one individual claim made by the hirer. The policy is cancelled after each accident and all payments are forfeited. Budget Campers reserves the right to agree to a renewal of any insurance policy or to cancel the hire at the hirers cost. The liability applies in respect of each claim, not per rental.
Road User Charges related to Diesel Vehicles
The New Zealand government imposes a road user charge on users of diesel vehicles. The Customer must therefore pay a road user charge recovery fee on return of the Vehicle to Budget. The road user charge recovery fee payable by the Customer will be calculated on return of the Vehicle based on the kilometres travelled during the hire and the category of Vehicle booked by the Customer.
The vehicle rates per 100kms are as follows
- 2 Berth S/T $7.40
- 4-5 berth $7.80
We reserve the right to amend the Road User Charge Recovery Fee in response to changes in Government Road User Charges.
Accessories
Accessories are available to hire off Budget Campers. It is best to pre order these to guarantee availability. You can still order the accessories at pick up but your first choice may not be available. Please note the hirer is fully liable for all costs if the accessories are lost, damaged or stolen regardless if Excess Reduction was taken.
Transfer
Vehicles must be collected and returned to our branches (not airports, unless agreed prior). A transfer to the Budget branch from the Airport and vice versa is provided free of charge. This also includes airport area accommodation. Please advise surname, reservation number, arrival terminal or hotel name and number of passengers requiring collection when you contact us. Our courtesy collection is normally within 30 minutes and operates up to 1 hour prior to close. Some delays may be unavoidable in busy times.
Exchange rate/currency variations
All credit card transactions are conducted in New Zealand dollars. Due to exchange rate fluctuations there could be some variance in the amount refunded compared to the amount initially charged. We do not accept any liability for variances up or down. Refunds by credit card can take up to 15 working days depending on the renter’s financial institution.
Driver’s licence, minimum age and additional drivers
A valid full (non-provisional) national drivers licence is required. Non-English language national drivers licences must be presented in conjunction with an official translation or valid international drivers licence. The minimum age is 21 years. Additional drivers must meet all Budget Campers rental requirements, be at the depot at time of vehicle pickup and sign the rental agreement.
General equipment
Each vehicle is supplied with complimentary general equipment (such as pegs and clothes line, dustpan/brush, fire extinguisher and bucket/hose).
Kitchen and personal kits
Each vehicle is supplied with complimentary living equipment (such as bedding, cooking equipment, eating utensils, bath and tea towels.)
Maps and campground guides
Each vehicle is supplied with a complimentary road atlas as well as campground guides.
Vehicle consultation
On pick up of the vehicle our staff will provide a complimentary vehicle consultation. This includes an explanation of all the interior and exterior features of the vehicle as well as driving tips.
Smoking and animal restrictions
Smoking in Budget Campers is strictly prohibited, and offenders will be charged a fume removal fee of NZ$500. Animals are also not permitted in any Budget Campers and the same cleaning fee will apply.
L.P. gas refill service fee
A service fee is payable on pick up of the vehicle (free if Reduction Option 2 is purchased):
- $28 - Hitop Campervan, 2 Berth Shower/Toilet Camper
- $38 - 4 and 6 Berth Motorhomes
The gas bottle(s) is supplied full. The gas bottle can be returned empty to Budget Campers at the completion of the rental. This is a compulsory fee and if the hirer chooses not to use the gas bottle the fee is non refundable.
Additional equipment for hire
Please browse our accessories for great rental rates on outdoor BBQ's, outdoor furniture, solar showers and other great products for camping in comfort and style.
*Please note the legal requirement in NZ for child restraints:
All children aged under 7 years old
- Must be properly restrained by an approved child restraint.
- They must not travel in the car if you can’t put them in an approved child restraint.
- Children aged from birth to approximately four years (birth-18kg) must use a child seat
- Children aged between four and seven years (15-36kg) must use a booster seat
- All child restraints must comply with the standards approved in New Zealand
Hiring a child or booster seat or bringing your own
- Child restraints are available for hire for NZ$40 per hire. To ensure available stock it is recommended that child restraints are requested at time of booking
- An AU/NZ Standard, European Standard or American Standard restraint that complies with New Zealand law is acceptable to use in New Zealand
Where your child can sit
- Baby or booster seat cannot be fitted in 2 berth shower/toilet Budget Seeker campers.
- International best practice recommends the use of an appropriate child restraint (or booster seat) until your child reaches 148 cm tall or is 11 years old. Child restraint and medical professionals recommend that you keep your baby in a rear-facing restraint until as old as practicable, at least until they are 2 years of age.
Multiple rentals
Consecutive rentals can be combined to qualify for a long-term discount rate. Rentals in Tasmania (Australia) and New Zealand can be combined to obtain a long-term discount rate, providing travel is within a 3 month period. If drop off of a vehicle and pick up of a new vehicle occurs on the same day then a day each will be charged per respective vehicle. Multiple rentals are treated as separate rentals under the one way fee and minimum rental period conditions.
Ferry reservations
The two main islands of New Zealand, the North Island and South Island, are separated by sea and require a ferry trip. If you wish to hire from Auckland to Christchurch or vice versa you will require a ferry. The ferry trip takes approx. 3.5 hours and there are several sailings per day in each direction.
During the peak tourist months, November to March, reservations are highly recommended. Ferry pricing is based on the length of the campervan/motorhome. Please consult our vehicle pages for the length of the vehicle.
Reservations are easy to arrange directly on the internet. We are not agents for the ferry companies but we are happy to book on your behalf using your credit card details as only a New Zealand server can access the cheaper fares on the Interislander. However as we charge $25 for our time. You may wish to check out the Bluebridge which does not have the same restrictions and you may find their prices competitive.
Travel restrictions
Budget Campers can only be driven on public roads sealed/unsealed. No vehicle is to be driven on the following roads: Skippers Canyon Road (Queenstown), Ball Hutt Road (Mt Cook), 90 Mile Beach (Northland), Cape Colville to Port Jackson Road (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.
Change of drop off destination
If the renter wishes to change the drop off destination after the rental has commenced, they first must obtain authorisation from Budget Reservations in Christchurch. Subject to the change being approved, a minimum additional charge of $750 may apply.
Rental extension
If the customer wishes to extend the rental whilst on hire, they must first obtain authorisation from Budget Campers in Christchurch who will advise of the additional costs. Rental extension is subject to fleet availability. The extra cost (gross rate) of an extended rental must be paid by credit card over the telephone or at an Budget Campers Branch immediately on confirmation of the rental extension.
Failure to obtain authorisation will result in the renter maybe being charged double the daily gross rental rate.
Calculation errors
Budget will not honour calculation errors. Should a calculation error occur Budget Campers will charge for the shortfall.
Repairs
Although we run well maintained vehicles, it may happen that small repairs are required.
Repairs up to NZ$100 may be affected without authorisation and will be reimbursed upon presentation of a receipt. For amounts over NZ$100, Budget Campers will need to be informed in advance. Repairs will be approved provided the customer was not directly responsible for the damage. Receipts must be submitted for any repair or the claim will not be paid.
Customer care on road assistance
Any problems associated with the vehicle, including equipment failure, must be reported to Budget Campers as soon as possible and within 24 hours in order to give Budget the opportunity to rectify the problem during the rental. Failure to do so will compromise any claims for compensation. Budget do not accept liability for any claims submitted after this period.
Infringements and administration fees
Budget Campers reserves the right to charge the hirer for any speeding, toll way or parking fines and/or vehicle damage including third party property damage not reported on return of the vehicle. In addition to these costs, Budget Campers reserve the right to charge for associated administration costs for processing the fines (irrespective of excess) and/or all insurance claims in the event of the customer not having a NIL excess. In addition to the costs associated per fine and/or insurance claim, an administration fee of $60 will be applicable.
Change of vehicle
Should the vehicle booked be unavailable through unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to substitute an alternative vehicle without prior notification and at no extra cost. This shall not constitute a breach of contract and does not entitle the renter to a refund.
Vehicle category
Vehicles cannot be requested by make, model or year. Only by vehicle category.
Voluntary downgrade
Should the renter decide to take a lesser vehicle than booked within 14 days of pick up or during the rental then they will not be entitled to any refund.
Limit of liability
In the event of no alternative vehicle being available to the renter our liability is limited to a refund of the hire charge or in the case of mechanical failure (unless caused by the renter) the remainder of the hire period.
One way hires
Where pick-ups originate from North Island and return in South Island and the pick-up is between:
– 1 April and 30 September – a one way fee of NZ $100.00 applies.
– 1 October and 31 March – a one way fee of NZ $200.00 applies.
Where pick-ups originate from South Island and return to North Island and the pick-up is between:
– 1 April and 30 September – no one way fee applies.
– 1 October and 31 March – a one way fee of NZ $100.00 applies
It's is possible to commence your hire in Auckland or any other North Island location and finish it in Christchurch or any other South Island location (or vice versa) if the rental period is a minimum of fourteen (14) days .
One way hires of shorter duration are subject to availability. Please enquire.
On-road assistance - mechanical faults
The liability of Budget Campers extends to either replacing your vehicle with a similar one, or refunding your hire charge for any days you lose the total use of the vehicle. If the vehicle has any mechanical failures these problems must be reported to Budget Campers as soon as possible in order to give Budget Campers the opportunity to rectify the problems during the rental. The hirer is not entitled to any refund at the end of the hire period unless Budget Campers has been advised of the problem earlier, and has been given the opportunity to rectify the situation. Budget Campers does not accept any liability for any claims made after this point. Budget Campers is not liable for any delay in repair caused by the breakdown occurring on a weekend or a public holiday. A refund can be requested if the breakdown has directly caused a delay in travel of 48 hours or more, if the delay is less than 48 hours in one location Budget Campers can deny the refund request at its own discretion.
Maintenance and repairs - equipment faults
The hirer shall take all reasonable care to ensure that the vehicle is properly maintained. This shall include daily checks to the oil, water and batteries. The hirer shall be liable for any cost associated with the incorrect use of fuel (fuel being diesel or petrol), including putting fuel in the water tank. The failure of accessories such as TV, DVD, CD player, microwave, gas heater, air conditioning unit, fridge and hot water heater do not constitute a breakdown. Any problems associated with the vehicles equipment, must be reported to Budget Campers as soon as possible and within 24 hours in order to give Budget Campers the opportunity to rectify the problem. Failure to do so will compromise any claims as we cannot accept liability for any claims submitted after this period. Budget Campers will endeavour to facilitate on-road repairs however should the repair not be possible or fail the hirer is not entitled to a vehicle change or compensation. No alternative accommodation or food items will be paid for during down time.
Cancellations
Once a booking has been confirmed and a deposit paid the booking is considered live and is subject to the cancellation policy. The NZ$500 deposit is forfeited if bookings are cancelled 29 days and over of departure.
- 29 days and over deposit retained
- 20 - 29 days 20% of total reservation cost
- 10 - 19 days 40% of total reservation cost
- 1 - 9 days 75% of total reservation cost
- No Show 100% of total reservation cost.
In all cases the minimum amount retained is the deposit.
COVID-19 Cancellations: For new bookings made after 1st May 2020, In the event that travel is affected because of a pandemic then the following will occur.
Domestic
Any booking cancelled due to Level 3 or 4 restrictions will be subject to a cancellation fee of $100.00 which will partially cover our costs, or the full amount paid can be transferred to new dates without cancellation penalty.
During level 2 a doctors certificate must be produced for the above cancellation to apply.
International
1) Any booking cancelled up to 48 hours prior to pickup will be subject to a cancellation fee of $100.00 which will partially cover our costs. The balance of the hire amount can be held for a future booking occurring within 18 months from opening of borders or refunded at any time. This will allow hirers the option to preserve the value of their money against adverse exchange rate fluctuations.
2) In order to qualify for this exception, the hirer will need to provide medical proof that the hirer is unable to travel because of infection or that they are not permitted to travel because of Border restrictions
For bookings made from 1st May 2020, you should take into account the risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and associated government measures. We advise you to closely follow any travel advice from your local government and health organisations, and we recommend reading all terms and conditions in regards to cancellations so that you understand the impact in case your travel plans need to change.
No refunds for cancellations made after the travel or travel date has commenced. If the vehicle is returned early for any reason whatsoever after travel has commenced then no refund is available.
Booking amendments
- Amendments to increase the length of the booking can be made at no cost. Amendments to decrease the booking will be charged at a minimum of NZD$60.00 provided the amendments occur at least 30 days prior to departure date.
- If rental dates are amended within 14 days of vehicle pick up, no refund will be made if the hire is shortened.
- If the pick up or drop off rental location is amended within 14 days of vehicle pick up, a relocation fee may apply.
- Changes to the drop off rental location after the rental has commenced must be approved by Budget reservations. If approved a minimum charge of NZ$750 may apply.
- Rental extension, whilst on hire, must be approved by Budget Campers reservations team. The extra cost must be paid on confirmation of the rental extension.
Deposits and payments
At time of booking a non-refundable deposit of NZ$500 is payable. The balance is due 28 days prior to commencement of the hire. If the balance is not received 28 days prior, Budget Campers reserves the right to treat the booking as cancelled.
Extra Fees
- A compulsory Toilet Chemical Starter fee is charged at $8 to Budget Escape and Budget Seeker models. This is free if Reduction Option 2 cover is purchased.
- If the vehicle is not returned in an identically clean state as it was supplied, a fee of NZ$200 will apply
- Public Holiday vehicle collection and returns will incur a one off fee of $60 to be paid at pick up. Budget Campers is open on the
following public holidays: 2nd January, Waitangi Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, ANZAC Day, Queens Birthday, Labour Day, Boxing Day, Auckland and Christchurch anniversary days. - If the toilet (where applicable) is not returned empty, a fee of NZ$100 will apply
- If the waste tank (where applicable) is not returned empty, a fee of NZ$100 will apply
Refunds
Regretfully, no refunds can be given for any unused portion of your holiday. However, your travel insurance may in some circumstances cover the unused portion. Refunds for hires paid and cancelled prior to pick up will be subject to our cancellation policy. If it is determined that a refund is due, Budget Campers will process the refund back to the original credit card charged, or a refund cheque will be posted if payment was made by direct debit or cash. All refunds will be made in NZ$ and Budget Campers does not accept any liability for currency exchange rate fluctuations. Refunds are processed once a week.
Fuel
All vehicles are supplied with a full tank of fuel at the start of hire, and must be returned with a full tank at the end of your hire otherwise a refueling fee will apply.
Disclaimer
Illustrations and text in any of our brochures or website are a representation only of the vehicle depicted. Variances in the vehicles offered for rental may occur due to substitutions made by Budget Campers or modifications and/or upgrades to the vehicle design made by the manufacturer. Prices may be subject to change due to factors beyond the control of Budget Campers. Any changes in price affecting a client between the time of booking and payment received will be advised immediately. The company takes no responsibility for any detention, delay, loss, damage or injury that a hirer might experience no matter how it is caused or by whom. The company’s rental agreement is the sole contract for hiring the vehicle, between the company and the hirer. These conditions cannot be varied or altered or waived by any employee, agent or representative of the company or by anyone providing services or facilities. The company cannot be bound by any representative or statement unless it is confirmed in writing by the company’s directors or management. Your travel agent will forward deposits and other payments to us on your behalf, but your travel agent is not our agent for the purpose of the receipt of monies.