What living and cooking equipment is included with the vehicles?
All campervans are fully equipped with cutlery, crockery, pots and pans, toaster, kettle, gas kettle and much more. There is an additional charge of $25 for linen packs.

Can a child seat be fitted to the campervan?
All of our campervans can be fitted with child seats.

Are the campervans automatic or manual?
The Happy Sleeper and Happy Hi 4 are automatic column shift. The Happier 3 Kuga and Happy Jackpot are 5 speed manual transmission.

How long will my batteries last?
All campervans (excluding the Happy Sleeper) have a separate house battery, which is independent of the engine battery and this battery charges whilst driving or if plugged into mains power. Using the house battery will not run the engine battery flat. This house battery, depending on usage, can last up to 48 hours (lights only) without driving or being plugged into mains power. It is recommend that you drive or plug the vehicle in for a charge once a day. Since the engine battery is separate, if you flatten the house batteries, you will still be able to start the engine and drive. The Happy Sleeper has a secondary battery designed to last the night.

How much water do I have on board?
The Happy 3, Happier 3 Kuga, Happy Jackpot and Hi 4 have around 45 litres in its water tank. The Happy Sleeper has a 4 litre fresh water tank which is interchangeable with another 4 litre tank if required. The fresh water tank can be refilled at holiday parks and often a service station when you refuel the vehicle.

Is there heating in the vehicle?
A 240 volt fan heater can be hired from Happy Campers, which will only work when plugged into power at camp sites. The Happy Sleeper has no heating as does not have 240v power connections available.

How long does the LPG last?
If you are free camping you may use a 4.5kg gas bottle every 10 days with average use.

Can I drive as much as I want? Any restrictions on kilometers?
We have unlimited kilometers with all our vehicles.

What do you mean by calendar days when we book?
All campervan operators in New Zealand charge by the day, not per 24 hour period. 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. This is somewhat like a hotel and a rental car company all in one as you can drive and sleep in your vehicle.

Does Happy Campers accept cash?
Happy Campers does not accept cash payments. A credit card, debit card or bank transfer is required to secure and pay for a booking.

Is it safe to use my credit card?
Yes. Security of our customer’s credit card is taken 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.

Which credit card types do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express (Amex). Please note that additional fees of 3% for Visa and Mastercard and 5% for American Express (Amex) are payable when using a credit card for payment. 

What currency will my Credit Card be charged?
All credit card transactions will be charged in New Zealand dollars. This applies to all bookings made through our website and when paying at Happy Camper’s depots.

How can I amend or cancel my booking?
If you wish to amend or cancel your existing booking, please contact us as soon as possible. This is so we can make sure any extensions are available for you and to reduce the cost to you for cancellations.

Is there a refund if I shorten my hire while on holiday?
Unfortunately, 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.

Do I need a special drivers licence to drive a campervan in New Zealand?
No, our campervans can be driven with a standard full car licence. License must be in English or an international drivers license is required.

How old do I need to be to drive a Happy Campers Motorhome?
We hire to anyone who holds a full drivers license.

Do I need snow chains in New Zealand?
This is dependent on where in New Zealand you intend to travel and over which season. Happy Campers does not recommend you drive anywhere that requires snow chains, but does rent them for a small fee for your peace of mind.

Can I Freedom Camp?
New Zealand has some laws regarding where you can freedom / overnight camp. Some free camping sites will only allow you to overnight camp if you are certified self-contained. The Happy 3ST, Happy 3 Kuga and Happy Hi-4 are certified self-contained under the current (new) rules. Unfortunately the Happy Sleeper is not self-contained. Always remember, if you are unsure, just ask!! Check out Freedom Camping in New Zealand

Is there a minimum hire period?
Summer Periods we have a minimum hire period of 5 days (October-April) – however, you can book for a shorter period, but the five day rate is apportioned over your length of hire.
Winter Periods we have a minimum hire period of 10 days (May-September) – however, you can book for a shorter period, but the ten day rate is apportioned over your length of hire.

Are there any roads I can’t drive on?
There are no sealed road restristions. If you driving on gravel or unsealed roads (this excludes access roads up to 100m in length, roadworks and roadside rest areas) you are fully liable for any damage. You are not allowed to drive on a beach.

What is the safe travel speed for driving the campervans?
The open road speed limit is 100km/hour but we suggest a comfortable speed for driving your campervan is 90km/hour, especially if you have never driven one before. Should you choose to travel below the speed limit, please show courtesy to other road users by allowing them to pass.

How much fuel am I likely to use on my holiday?
This all depends on how far you travel! The average fuel consumption does vary by vehicle and driving style but for average use you can expect of 10-12 litres per 100kms.

Do I have to pay for road tax?
No, all of our other campervans are petrol vehicles so do not incur a road tax.

Can I park and sleep in the campervan wherever I want, or do I have to stay in a campground?
It is not always necessary to go to a camp ground. It is acceptable to stop on the side of the road or in a bush reserve as long as there are no signs saying “No Parking/Overnight Camping”. Use commonsense and courtesy. Please remember to take any rubbish for proper disposal later. Camp grounds usually charge around NZ$15 – $20 per night per person.

Does Happy Campers supply a list of campgrounds around New Zealand?
Yes, we supply camp ground & regional guides as well as comprehensive New Zealand road maps.

Do I have to pre-book camping parks?
It is rare for powered sites to be full at camping parks. The only time it may be a problem is over the Christmas/New Year period continuing to the end of the second week of January and also the first two weeks of February. Bookings may be wise in some of the key tourist centres also.

Where are your offices located?
Happy Campers has two offices in New Zealand located in Auckland and Christchurch.

Can Happy Campers deliver a vehicle to our hotel/motel?
You need to come to our office to collect your vehicle so we can complete the necessary documentation and show you how to use your campervan. The whole process takes about 45 minutes.

Do I have to pre-book the ferry service across Cook Strait?
During the peak summer season, from December to March, it is advisable to pre-book ferry services in advance. We would be happy to arrange this for you before you arrive. Please let us know your preferred crossing date(s) and time(s) and the name and ages of those crossing on the ferry. 

Do you charge fees for one-way hires?
Where pick-ups originate from Auckland and return to Christchurch there is an additional one-way fee payable of NZ$359.00

What happens if I break down or need assistance during my holiday?
Happy Campers is supported by 24-hour emergency breakdown roadside assistance and a nationwide network of reputable service agents to deal with any problems that may arise. We can also authorize you to spend up to $100.00 in emergency repairs so that you can deal with minor matters speedily or when convenient to you, but please produce the receipt when you return from your hire for a refund.

Am I covered for windscreens and tyres?
Only if you purchase the Sure Thing or Worry Free excess reduction option.

What do the excess reduction options cover?
The excess reduction options restricts the maximum you are liable for in the event of an accident as long as you do not break the rental agreement terms and conditions. It does not cover you for any personal loss or injury. We suggest taking your own personal travel insurance.

If I have an accident and I am at fault, will I lose my entire excess?
You will be liable for up to the amount of your excess towards the repair cost. If the damage is minor, you will only be charged the repair costs and not the entire excess.

Do I have to pay the bond?
Happy Campers requires a pre-authorisation from the hirer’s credit card for the amount of the bond. These funds are not taken from your account, but ‘frozen’ or pending for the period of your hire.

I have Travel Insurance, which covers damage to the vehicle. Do I need to pay the vehicle excess reduction as well?
The Gambler (standard) excess reduction is included in our rates and this is compulsory. If you are covered by travel insurance you will not need to pay for any additional excess reduction.

What happens if I have an accident and it’s not my 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.