Happy Campers NZ information

Congratulations, you´re about to embark on your perfect happy holiday experience. By hiring a Happy Campers, you´ll be well on the road towards the best camper van holiday New Zealand has to offer.
If you´re a traveler with the freedom to explore, the bravery to create your own adventure and a dream of making happy travel memories that will last a lifetime;  Happy Campers are for you. We offer an extremely popular 3 berth camper for the small family or group, the more comfortable deluxe 2 berth and our own special, the compact sleepervan for the more adventurous or price-conscious traveler. This means you can spend your hard-earned dollars on the whole other range of adventures just waiting for you outside your van. All our camper vans offer spacious sleeping, easy cooking and comfortable, care-free living - the Happy Campers way!
You have the option of seeing New Zealand from one of its many convenient and campervan-friendly camp sites, or getting away from it all and finding your own perfect holiday hideaway within this unique country´s tranquil and remote landscape. Free Department of Conservation (DOC) camps can be found throughout New Zealand and provide a beautiful setting for happy camping. But these are recommended only for the most intrepid travelers, as they offer no facilities for a shower, toilet or cooking. Why Should You Choose Happy Campers?
- New Zealand owned and operated
- Personal touch with customer service
- Unlimited kilometres and no extra driver fees
- No one way fees between our two depots
- We offer local knowledge and experience
- Happy Campers cares for the environment and the impact of its customers
- NO HIDDEN COSTS!
- Late model, great quality campervans
- 24-hour emergency breakdown service
- Airport/hotel transfers at pick-up and return of vehicle
- Road maps, camping park directories and other tourist info on pick-up
- Modern European designed kitchens and high quality appliances   If you´re not the  Happy Campers type, we recommend doing it Kiwi-style and checking out Kiwi Campers. They have a larger range, of newer, bigger and flasher motorhomes for the discerning traveler who wants the full works all in one luxury vehicle.

Happy Campers NZ Rental Terms

Cancellations
Please note that your deposit is non-refundable. In addition, the following charge may apply:
20 - 28 days prior to pick up, 20% of rental is retained by Happy Campers
10 - 19 days prior to pick up, 40% of rental is retained by Happy Campers
1 - 9 days prior to pick up, 75% of rental is retained by Happy Campers
Cancelled on the pick up  day or No Show=100% of rental is retained by Happy Campers

If a vehicle is returned early for any reason there is no refund available. If an amendment is made to the rental dates within 28 days of collection, no refund will be madeif the length of hire is decreased (that is, the rental will be charged at the number of daysoriginally booked). A relocation fee may apply if the collection or return location is amended within 28 days of vehicle pickup or if notification occurs during the hire. Any amendment made to decrease the length of the hire more than 28 days prior to the rentalperiod will incur a NZ$50 administration fee. It is important to note that Happy Campers may at its discretion treat any amendment to decrease the booking as a cancellation.

Standard Rates Include:
Unlimited kilometres
Standard Happy Campers vehicle insurance (see below)
AA 24-hour roadside assistance throughout NZ
Vehicle living equipment
Complimentary airport transfers (see below)
Cleaning fees and pre-departure vehicle preparation
Goods & Services Tax (GST) of 12.5%
Basic cooking and living equipment supplied
Route Planners, Camping Park Directories and other tourist information available at depotsDaily Hire Charges
The daily hire charges are calculated on a daily basis, not a twenty-four hour day.Hours of Operation
High Season: (01 Sept – 30 April)
Monday to Sunday 8:30am – 5:00pm
Public Holidays 10:00am – 3:00pm
Low Season: (01 May – 31 Aug)
Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm
Weekends & Public Holidays 10:00am – 3:00pm Happy Campers' Auckland and Christchurch Depots are closed on the following days: 25th of December (Christmas Day) and the 1st of January (New Years Day).Drivers Requirements and Licence
All drivers must be 18 years of age or older and hold a current valid driver's licence at the commencement of the hire. An international or country of origin licence is acceptable. No special licence is required to drive any Happy Campers camper van or motor home in New Zealand. No maximum age limit applies. A full driver's licence, held for at least one year, shall be provided at the time of hire. If the licence is not in English format then an international driver's licence is also required.Minimum Hire Periods and One-Way Hires
For all rental vehicles there is a minimum period of five (5) days. However, please note that this minimum hire period increases to ten (10) days between 1 May and 31 September, and increases to fourteen (14) days for all 4 and 6 berth motorhome bookings between 15 December and 10 January. Minimum rental periods are subject to further change during peak seasons. It is possible to commence your hire in Christchurch and finish it in Auckland (or vice versa) at no extra charge at any time of year if the rental period is a minimum of fourteen (14) days.Transfers
A complimentary transfer is available from the airport or accommodation surrounding the airport on the day of pick up and drop off of the vehicle in Auckland and Christchurch. The hirer must advise Happy Campers of pick up and drop off times one week prior to them occurring to be guaranteed the transfer at a certain time. Please note that complimentary transfers are only available between the hours of 10:00am and 3:00pm.Deposit and payments
To secure the booking a non-refundable deposit of NZ$400 is required. This deposit may vary if the booking is through an agent of Happy Campers. The remaining balance of all rentals is due 28 days prior to the commencement of the rental period and will be deducted from the credit card provided when securing the booking. If after this date the hirer cancels their booking, then the cancellation policy will apply.Credit Cards
Our preferred payment method is by credit card or cash payments (NZ$). We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. A surcharge fee of 3.5% on any American Express transaction (including the bond) applies. Where possible, you will be charged in your credit card's country of origin currency.Road Restrictions
Hirers are permitted to drive their vehicle on any road in New Zealand except the following which are prohibited in all circumstances:
Ninety Mile Beach - Northland
North of Colville Township - Coromandel Peninsula
Tapu-Coroglen Road - Coromandel Peninsula
Skippers Canyon Road - Queenstown
Ball Hutt Road - Mt. Cook Any beach or unformed/ gravel road in New Zealand. The only exceptions to this are any recognised campground access roads less than 500 metres in length or road works.
Happy Campers reserves the right at its sole discretion to restrict vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions.
Please note that if these road restrictions are breached, all insurances will become null and void and the hirer will be liable for the full cost of any and all damages incurred.Vehicle Substitution and Design
Should the vehicle booked be unavailable through unforeseen circumstances, Happy Campers reserves 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 hirer to a refund.Smoking
All Happy Campers vehicles are designated Smoke Free and should anyone smoke inside one of Happy Campers' vehicles, a NZ$100 cleaning fee will apply.Insurance - Standard Rates
All Happy Campers standard rates include standard Happy Campers vehicle insurance (Bronze insurance cover). When you collect your vehicle we take an impression of your credit card for the bond. We do not deduct the bond from the credit card at the start of your hire, bu merely hold the authority to deduct it in the unfortunate event of an accident. The impression of your credit card covers your accident/ damage bond liability plus any extra costs such as refilling fuel, cleaning, emptying of the toilet at the end of hire or any traffic infringements, losses or breakages and any related surcharges. 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. Happy Campers does not accept Debit Cards for the bond imprint Where a credit card is not available, a cash bond will be held by Happy Campers for 21 days following the termination of the hire.Excess Reduction Options
Please note: all vans now have an excess of $2000.00.
There are three levels of excess / bond reduction available to the hirer. The standardinsurance included in our rates is called the Bronze insurance cover. You are fully insured in case of accident damage or loss of contents (excluding personal belongings). The Liability is applicable regardless of who is at fault and must be paid upon the completion of the rental period. If the hirer is not at fault and the third party admits liability, then Happy Campers will refund the amount charged to the hirer upon receipt of payment from the third party. Please be aware that once an Excess Reduction Option is selected and confirmed with Happy Campers, the cost of the Excess Reduction Option is non-refundable.Bronze Insurance Cover
4 and 6 Berth- There is an excess of NZ$4,000 included within our standard rates.
2 berths and 2ST- There is an excess of NZ$2,000 included within our standard rates.Silver Insurance Cover
4 and 6 Berth - Our Silver insurance cover is an extra NZ$20 per day (to a maximum of fifty (50) days) and this reduces your excess to NZ$1,500.
2 and 2ST - Our Silver insurance cover is an extra NZ$10 per day (to a maximum of fifty (50) days) and this reduces your excess to NZ$750.Gold Insurance Cover
Kiwi 4 and 6 Berth- Our Gold insurance cover is an extra NZ$35 per day (to a maximum of fifty (50) days) and this reduces your excess to NZ$250.
Kiwi 2 and 2ST- Our Gold insurance cover is an extra NZ$17.50 per day (to a maximum of fifty (50) days) and this reduces your excess to NZ$125.Gold insurance cover includes the following extras:
- Picnic table & chairs (one chair for each person traveling)
- Baby seat and/or child booster seat
- One windscreen, multiple windscreen chips and two tires will be covered for accidental damagePlatinum Insurance Cover
Kiwi 4 and 6 Berth- Our Platinum insurance cover is an extra NZ$55 per day (to a maximum of fifty (50) days) and this reduces your excess to NZ$0.
Kiwi 2 and 2ST- Our Platinum insurance cover is an extra NZ$27.50 per day (to a maximum of fifty (50) days) and this reduces your excess to NZ$0.Platinum Insurance Cover includes the following extras:
- Free hire for all accessories including GPS
- Zero excess
- Carbon emission offsetting for all kilometres travelled
- Diesel Recovery Tax
- Multiple windscreen & multiple tire replacementThe hirer is fully liable for any damage to a Happy Camper or third party property if:
1. Damage is caused where the terms of the rental contract have been breached
2. Damage is caused by negligence
3. Damage is caused to the vehicle in any way by part or total water submersion or salt water
4. Damage is caused to the vehicle by the renter's wilful conduct
5. Damage is caused to the vehicle by the use of snow chains
6. Damage is caused due to a single vehicle roll over
7. Damage or loss is caused to any personal belongings
8. Damage is caused due to use of incorrect or contaminated fuel
9. Damage is caused due to fuel being placed in the water tank
10. Damage is caused to the vehicle when using the vehicle in contravention of any legislation or regulation controlling vehicular trafficOn-Road Assistance – Mechanical Faults
If the vehicle has any mechanical failures these problems must be reported to Happy Campers as soon as possible in order to give Happy 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 Happy Campers has been advised of the problem earlier, and has been give the opportunity to rectify the situation. Happy Campers does not accept any liability for any claims made after this point. Happy 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 Happy 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 and hot water heater do not constitute a breakdown. Happy 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.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, Happy 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 Happy Campers does not accept any liability for currency exchange rate fluctuations. Refunds are processed once a week.Traffic Infringements
All traffic infringements are the responsibility of the hirer. Happy Campers will charge your credit card using the bond imprint given to cover the cost of the fine, plus a processing fee of NZ$50. In the circumstances of credit card failure, or no credit card is supplied then Happy Campers reserves the right to pass on details of the hirer's home contact to the New Zealand Traffic Authorities.Fuel and LPG
All vehicles are supplied with a full tank of fuel and full bottle of LPG at the start of the hire, both must be returned full at the end of your hire. If the vehicle is returned without a full tank of fuel or LPG bottle, the hirer is liable for the cost to refill, plus a fee of NZ$25.Diesel Recovery Tax
The Diesel Tax Recovery fee is included in the Platinum insurance option.
If the Platinum insurance option has not been selected the Diesel Tax Recovery Fee will be calculated and collected on return of the vehicle based on the kilometres travelled during the hire.

The vehicle rates per 100km are as follows:
- Kiwi 2 Berth (Toilet Shower): NZ$4.70
- Kiwi 4 Berth: NZ$4.70
- Kiwi 6 Berth: NZ$4.85

Happy Campers reserves the right to amend the Diesel Tax Recovery Fee upon Government intervention.Extra Fees
- If the vehicle is not returned in a clean condition, a fee of NZ$100 will apply
- 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 applyChange of Drop-Off Destination
If the hirer wishes to change the drop off destination after confirmation of booking, they must first obtain authorisation from Happy Campers. Subject to the change being approved, a minimum additional charge of NZ$750 will apply.Rental Extension & Late Return
If the hirer wishes to extend the rental whilst on hire, they must first obtain authorisation from Happy Campers who will advise of the additional cost. Rental extensions are subject to fleet availability. Failure to obtain authorisation (i.e. a late return) will result in the hirer being charged their daily rate plus an additional NZ$200 per day for each day the vehicle is not returned.Important Note
Happy Campers reserves the right to amend these terms & conditions, vehicle specifications and tariffs at any time without prior notice.
Happy Campers reserves the right to refuse any rental at its own discretion.

Terms of booking on this website

Information disclaimer
The rates on this website are often heavily discounted. This is due to our negotiated rates and bulk buying power. On very rare occasions, a rate may be displayed incorrectly due to our, or a vehicle supplier's error. In such a case, if you book with us at a quoted rate that is incorrect, we will notify you of any price change and give you the option to proceed or cancel. We make every effort to keep information on our site up to date, but we cannot guarantee this website is free of errors or omissions and retain the right to update or change the information published at any time.

Liability
To the extent permitted by law we/the owners of this website will not be liable to you or to any third party (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise) for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage (including but not limited to any accident, injury, delay or loss of enjoyment) arising out of your reliance upon information contained on this website, including but not limited to your use (or inability to use) any products or services described or procured through this website.

When you pick up your vehicle, you will be required to sign a rental agreement with the supplier of the vehicle. Your rental and use of the vehicle will be governed by the terms of the rental agreement and any other documentation or information provided to you by the supplier at the time you pick up your vehicle. The rental agreement is between you and the supplier and we will not be liable to you or to any third party in relation to the terms of the supplier’s rental agreement or any other documentation provided to you by the supplier at the time of pick up.

While we will make reasonable efforts to ensure we are representing only reputable suppliers, we make no warranty about the fitness or suitability of any third party (supplier) product or service and will not accept responsibility for the quality or fitness of any vehicle. We welcome feedback from our customers on their experience with our suppliers. We may, at our discretion, provide you with reasonable assistance in resolving any dispute you may have with a supplier.

Our total liability to you in relation to your use of this website and the information contained on this website will not exceed the dollar amount of the deposit we have received from you in relation to your booking/rental. Refunds will not be made for bookings cancelled due to inclement weather. Again, we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance. Your use of this website is governed by the laws of New Zealand and the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.

Booking information
To make a booking you must complete our booking form which is easy to follow and secured with the latest encryption technology. Once we receive your form, we will, subject to availability, confirm your booking by emailing you a confirmation voucher and invoice. The deposit required to secure your vehicle (as shown on the secure booking page) will only be processed on your credit card when your booking is confirmed. Please note that a 1.75% credit card charge will be added when your payment is processed.

A booking is confirmed when you have been emailed a confirmation voucher and at this stage the deposit is processed on your card and becomes non-refundable and any cancellation fees stated in the supplier's terms apply. Upon receipt of your confirmation, please check your details carefully and notify us immediately if there are any incorrect details, as it may not be possible to make changes at a later date.

If you are booking via phone, please make sure you have read the terms and conditions of the vehicle you wish to rent first. Our reservations consultant will ask you if you have read the terms and agree to them before proceeding. The onus is always on the renter to ensure they make themselves fully aware of the terms displayed on our website.

Information disclosure
In booking on this website you acknowledge that we disclose your information to your selected Supplier in order to provide the requested rental services.

Amendments
Please note that some suppliers treat an amendment as a new booking and apply the rate current at the time the amendment is made to recalculate the entire booking amount (not just the days changed). If the rental period is increased, an additional deposit may be required. If the rental period is shortened which results in a reduction of the rental charges, the deposit amount will remain unchanged, and the difference between the original and revised deposit is forfeited (it cannot be used towards remaining rental charges). To request a change to a confirmed booking, please use the alterations request link on your confirmation. Any alterations are subject to availability and the approval of the supplier. In addition to the alteration policy of the supplier stated in their terms, the following charges will apply:
Car rental alterations (all charges stated in local currency):
To change dates or times that result in a recalculation of rental rates, or to change vehicles or locations: 25.00
To add or remove extras to/from a confirmed booking: 10.00
Motorhome rental alterations (all charges stated in local currency):
To change dates or times that result in a recalculation of rental rates, or to change vehicles or locations: 75.00
To add or remove extras to/from confirmed booking: 20.00
The alteration fee will not be charged if your alteration request is not possible.

Vehicle Capacity and fitness to drive
Under no circumstances are you permitted to carry more passengers than the vehicle you rent is legally registered to carry, and if you do your insurance may be invalidated. The number of seatbelts (and passengers) is indicated next to each vehicle on this website. Luggage capacity where shown is an indication only and we will not be responsible should you be unable to fit your entire luggage into a vehicle. It is your responsibility to choose a journey that is within your capabilities. A vehicle supplier can refuse to rent a vehicle to any person who is in their opinion unfit to drive or does not meet eligibility requirements. In such circumstances we will have no further liability to you.