• What sort of climate does New Zealand have?

New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. Summer is December to February whilst winter is June to August. The northern tip of New Zealand has a subtropical climate and the south enjoys a temperate climate. The warmest months are December, January and February and the coldest months are June, July and August. During summer the maximum temperature varies between 20 and 30 degrees en during the winter between 10 and 15 degrees.

• Is New Zealand safe?

New Zealand is a safe country. Crime rates are amongst the lowest in the world. Normal caution is advised. Try to travel during the day.

• What currency is used in New Zealand?

New Zealand Dollars (NZ$). Travellers’ cheques and most major international credit cards are accepted.

• What are the standard opening hours?

Many businesses and all banks operate only Monday to Friday. Banking hours are 9.30am to 4.30pm and are closed on public holidays. Increasingly, stores in major cities are extending their hours through to Saturday and Sunday. Those stores catering largely to visitors are open every day, often with extended hours. Most petrol stations are open every day.

• What medical and emergency facilities are there?

Medical and emergency services are available but not free to visitors. Please arrange insurance coverage before your departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.

• Is there a goods and services tax?

All goods and services purchased in New Zealand are subject to 12,5% Goods and Services tax. This is usually included in the price, although some hotels and restaurants may quote prices excluding GST. It is not possible to claim GST paid when you leave New Zealand

• What kind of electricity outlets are used in New Zealand?

Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 240 volts via a slant pin outlet. An adaptor or a converter can be bought for about $ 10.

• Do we need to tip?

New Zealanders do not depend on tips for their income and tips are not expected for normal service, however you may wish to show your appreciation for extra special attention.

• What sort of clothing should I take?

In keeping with New Zealand’s relaxed lifestyle, dress is informal on most occasions. A jacket is recommended only for those intending to visit a better restaurant or evening show. During summer time the maximum temperatures may vary between 20 and 30 degrees with possible colder days. It is advised to bring a jersey and a rain jacket. In winter maximum temperatures may vary between 10 and 15 degrees. In the mountains it can snow so clothing needs to be adjusted accordingly.

• What is the best time to visit New Zealand?

This depends on the attractions that one would like to visit. Climate will play a major role in determining your travel plans. In general the main season stretches from November to March. Winter months (June to August) are colder and rainy in winter. Prices are high during the peak season. Therefore it can be economical to travel outside the peak season.

• Dangerous animals?

In principle there are no dangerous animals in New Zealand.

• Is New Zealand expensive?

New Zealand is relatively inexpensive, also depending on the exchange rate fluctuations.

• What Drivers Licence will I need?

Most Hire Companies require the driver(s) to be over 21 years of age. A valid current car driver’s license is to be produced for everyone intending to drive the vehicle. State, Overseas or International Licenses are acceptable. However, the license must be in English characters.

• What is a good distance to travel each day on average?

We recommend travelling an average of 150 – 200 kilometres per day to enjoy New Zealand the most without being in to much rush.

• Can we travel with (small) children?

New Zealand is an attractive holiday destination for children with many interactive attractions and outdoors activities and many playgrounds for younger children.

• What is the cost of fuel in New Zealand?

Petrol (Gasoline) in New Zealand comes in unleaded and leaded grades, and is sold by the litre. Petrol costs approximately $ 1.20 and diesel fuel costs approximately $ 0.70 per litre and can be higher especially in country and remote outback areas.

• What road rules apply in New Zealand?

New Zealanders drive on the left side on the road and give way to the right. Urban areas have a 50 kilometres per hour (kph) maximum speed limit. On the highways the maximum is 100 kph. See: http://www.aatourism.co.nz/roadrules.html

• What travel documents will I need?

To visit New Zealand you will need a Visitor’s Visa unless you are a visa free visitor. Find out about visas and permits, and whether you need one through: immigration

• Can we leave the vehicle in another place than where we picked it up?

This is an advisable option to save time and by doing so adding holiday pleasure. Costs are relatively limited or nil and most airline companies offer the possibility to depart from another location than the city where you arrived.

• Where do we camp at night?

You can stay in a caravan park. New Zealand has an extensive network of caravan parks in all major tourist centres and in most towns. They offer excellent recreation facilities and of course have superb shower and toilet amenities. They also have provision for you to plug the vehicle into electricity. The approximate cost is $15 to $20 (New Zealand dollars) a night. Most national parks have areas set aside for camping. There are often shower and toilets, barbeques and picnic areas and of course national parks provide a scenic and peaceful place to stay at overnight. However these areas generally do not have facility for you to plug the vehicle into electricity.

• Do we need to make reservations on campgrounds?

There is ordinarily no need to book ahead. However in peak periods a telephone call the day before you are planning to arrive is recommended.

• Can we free camp?

Because of local council laws you are not permitted to camp on the side of the road in the vicinity of towns. However outside the towns and in country areas it is generally allowed. We recommend common sense in deciding about safety issues. Most battery systems will last approximately 12 hours when fully charged. Since the engine battery is separate, if you flatten one of the rear batteries, you will still be able to start the engine and drive.

• Why travel with a camper?

Travelling by camper will create a feeling of freedom. Travelling by camper means that one will have more options to unwind in nature. There is no need to unpack every night because you will take your house on wheels with you. It also offers the convenience to organize a picnic whenever and wherever it pleases you.

• Will I need vehicle insurance?

In the standard hire price a third Party and Public Liability Insurance is included. Every company insists on a bond which is fully refundable if the vehicle is returned in a clean undamaged position. It is strongly recommended that Bond Waiver Insurance is taken out.

• What options on a bond waiver insurance do I have?

With most companies you have 2 options. The first one reduces the excess to around $ 2500 – $ 2000. The comprehensive insurance reduces the excess to $ 250 - $ 0.

• What is supplied with the vehicle?

Each vehicle is supplied with complimentary living equipment (such as bedding, cooking equipment, eating utensils, bath and tea towels.) Also provided are comprehensive maps and camp ground guides. We strongly recommend that you use soft bags instead of suitcases for your luggage. Soft bags take up less room and fit easier into the storage cupboards and lockers in the vehicle.