Frequently Asked Questions

All Waka Campa prices are shown in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). If you're browsing from overseas, your bank or card provider may show an estimated conversion in your local currency, but the charge itself is always processed in NZD.

For bookings made more than 40 days before pick-up, we take a 20% deposit to hold your van, with the balance due 40 days before pick-up. If you're booking inside 40 days, the full amount is taken at the time.

You can pay by credit or debit card (a 3.7% processing fee applies), by bank transfer in NZD, or via Wise. We also accept cryptocurrency — just let us know when booking. For bank transfer details, email [email protected] and we'll send them through.

Every price you see includes GST, unlimited kilometres and tolls, and there are no Road User Charges because our fleet is petrol.

Yes. We accept crypto through our payment gateway, Pay It Now (PIN) — just let us know when you book and we'll send you the payment details.

Through Pay It Now we accept Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USDC, USDT and Litecoin, along with other leading cryptocurrencies. If you're not sure whether your coin is supported, just ask and we'll check for you.

It's available 24/7, there are no currency-conversion or foreign-transaction costs, and because payments are verified on the blockchain your booking is confirmed quickly rather than waiting on a bank transfer to clear. Paying in crypto doesn't change anything about refunds — they follow our normal refund process.

Full details are on our pay with crypto page.

When you book, you'll get an automatic reply straight away letting you know we've received your booking — so you'll never be left wondering whether it went through.

Your booking is officially confirmed once payment is made, and you'll receive a confirmation email the moment it's locked in. To finalise everything, we'll just need each driver's licence number, date of birth and full address — having those ready helps us confirm you faster.

If you have questions at any point, we reply within 24 hours — usually much faster — including on WhatsApp at +64 9 888 0708.

Your booking is officially confirmed once payment is made, and the confirmation email goes out the moment it's locked in.

Send us your full name and the email address used on the booking, and the team will get back to you and resend it. You can reach us on WhatsApp at +64 9 888 0708 or at [email protected].

It's worth booking as early as you can, especially for summer (December to March) when availability fills up fast; the off-peak months (June to September) are quieter and a little cheaper.

As for length of hire, for most of the year there's no minimum and no maximum — hire for as few or as many days as your trip needs. During peak season a minimum number of nights may apply so that vans stay available for everyone across the busiest period, and if a minimum applies to your dates you'll see it clearly when you book.

The minimum isn't negotiable, sorry — but it only applies to a short stretch of our peak season, so moving your dates a little often clears it.

Tell us the dates you had in mind and we'll happily look at the alternatives with you.

Our website shows live availability, so if a van doesn't appear for your dates it's already booked — we don't keep stock back off the site.

Two things worth trying: look at one of the other models for the same dates, or shift your dates slightly and see what reappears.

And do get in touch anyway. Email [email protected] or message us on WhatsApp at +64 9 888 0708 and tell us the trip you had your heart set on. We can't promise anything, but there are times we can sort something out. One thing to be clear about: we can only come back to you if you contact us — we don't watch dates and get in touch if something frees up.

Long-hire discounts apply automatically when you book online, so there's no code to remember. If you do have a current, valid promo code, you can enter it at either the quote or booking stage — both work — though we're not able to add a code once a booking is confirmed, so pop it in before you finish.

And if you ever find a lower price online for the same van and the same dates, just tell us and we'll match it — we'd much rather you booked direct and felt confident you got the best deal.

One thing to note: discounts can't be stacked or combined, so we'll always apply the single best offer available to you.

Our cancellation fees, as a percentage of the total hire, are:

• More than 30 days before pick-up — no fee
• 30 to 22 days — 25%
• 21 to 7 days — 50%
• Less than 7 days — 75%
• Less than 3 days — 100%

There's also no refund for unused days if you return early or pick up late.

Life changes, and we'll do our best to flex with you. To change your dates, extend, or switch to a different van, contact us as early as you can and we'll accommodate it subject to availability.

The drop-off location can't be changed once the trip has started.

And if you think you've booked twice by mistake, please get in touch as soon as you spot it. We'll find the duplicate, cancel it, and confirm in writing so you're only ever charged for one booking. Duplicate bookings don't cancel themselves, so letting us know is the surest way to keep everything tidy.

Ours. Waka Campa's cancellation policy applies to every booking, always, whichever agency you booked through — Cheap AZ, Roaver, GoSee or any other.

You may also want to check your agent's own terms, but our terms apply to your booking either way.

Yes. There's no minimum number that makes it a group — if you need two vans or six, get in touch and we'll organise it together rather than leaving you to book each one separately online.

We'll check availability across all your dates, hold the vehicles together, and give you a single point of contact so the whole convoy is organised in one go. Email [email protected], or message us on WhatsApp or call +64 9 888 0708.

On pricing, wakacampa.com/booking gives you live per-van pricing, so that's the quickest way to see what your trip costs. We don't publish a separate group rate — we look at each group's dates and requirements individually.

One honest good-to-know: each van is still its own reservation on our system, so you'll end up with a booking number per vehicle. That's just how the paperwork works — it doesn't mean you're on your own coordinating them.

We ask every client for a credit card number as part of the booking, and we completely understand wanting to know why. Your details are stored securely in an encrypted vault — we don't have direct access to the numbers ourselves.

The card is only ever used for the things set out in your rental agreement: the security bond if you chose Risk Taker, any damage not covered by your protection option, and any fines incurred during your trip. It's a standard security measure across the rental industry, and it's what lets us release bonds and settle anything quickly and safely.

We allocate the exact van to each booking close to pick-up (usually within the final 24 hours, as maintenance and schedule changes can shuffle the fleet), so we can't give the rego further in advance.

In practice this is never an issue — campsites and ferries are happy to take the rego on the day, or you can add it to a booking once you have it.

No, sorry — the minimum age is 21, with no exceptions.

Every driver needs to be at least 21 and hold a full licence they've held for 2 or more years. A learner or restricted licence doesn't meet the requirement at any age, so please make sure everyone who'll drive holds a full one before you book.

There's no young-driver surcharge either — if you meet the rule, you pay the same as everyone else.

Everyone who'll take the wheel needs to be listed on the rental agreement. If someone who isn't listed drives the van, you won't be covered, so it's worth adding names at booking even if they only plan to drive occasionally.

Every driver needs to be at least 21 and hold a full licence they've held for 2 or more years. A full licence really is essential — a learner or restricted licence doesn't meet the requirements.

If your licence isn't in English, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an NZTA- or NAATI-approved translation. If that's tricky to arrange, just let us know and we can organise the translation for you for $80, so it's one less thing to think about before you travel.

If your licence is lost or stolen before pick-up, please arrange a replacement before you arrive — we need to see a valid physical licence for each driver on the day.

Yes — you're welcome to add additional drivers at no extra cost, as many as you like.

Just register each one to the booking and have them bring their physical licence to pick-up.

When you book, you choose one of two options for how the van is covered, and the choice really comes down to the bond.

With Peace of Mind, you pay a daily cover fee and no security bond is held against your card.

With Risk Taker, there's nothing extra to pay up front, but we hold a refundable security bond of NZD 4,500 — it's pre-authorised a few days before pick-up, frozen for the duration of your trip, and released when you return the van undamaged. It only ever shows as pending on your statement; it's a hold, not a charge.

Roadside assistance is included either way. The full detail of what each option covers is set out in Part B of your rental agreement (the Terms & Conditions), and we're always happy to talk it through with you. See our insurance page for more.

That's completely fine, and many travellers do — just keep in mind it works alongside ours, not instead of it.

A separate policy from another provider is a third party, not connected to Waka Campa, so our terms still require the security bond whenever you haven't chosen Peace of Mind. In other words, with Risk Taker the $4,500 bond is still held at pick-up even if you have your own cover.

If you'd rather not have a bond held at all, Peace of Mind is the way to go.

No — roof and underbody damage aren't covered by Peace of Mind.

The full detail of exactly what each protection option covers is set out in Part B of your rental agreement (the Terms & Conditions), and we're always happy to talk it through with you.

The cover and the excess that applies are set out in our insurance terms and conditions (Part B of your rental agreement), so that's the place to check for your booking.

If anything isn't clear, we're happy to talk it through with you.

We keep our fees simple and try to make sure nothing comes as a surprise. The main ones to know:

• Refuelling — please return the van with a full tank. If it's not full, we'll need to refill it and charge $5 per litre, so topping up near drop-off saves you money. There's no prepaid fuel pack.
• Cleaning — only charged if the van comes back unreasonably dirty ($200), or if the toilet hasn't been emptied ($100).
• Pets — dogs and pets are welcome, with a $200 pet cleaning fee.
• Rental days — charged on a calendar-day basis, so the first and last day each count as a full day.
• Lost or damaged items — charged at our standard rates, which we keep below retail. As a guide, a fresh-water cap is $50 and the outside table is $49. Lost items aren't covered by Peace of Mind.
• Snow chains — available to rent at $50 for your whole booking. Just add them when you book.

Any parking, speeding or toll fine picked up during your hire is your responsibility, and it always comes from the issuing authority — never from Waka Campa. If you're handed one on the road, the best thing is to pay it directly and promptly so penalties don't escalate.

If a notice reaches us as the vehicle owner instead, we don't pay it for you — we transfer liability to you with the issuing authority, so the notice is reissued in your name and you deal with them directly. We'll email you a copy of the notice as soon as it arrives, and a $100 administration fee (plus the 3.7% card fee) is charged to your card, as set out in your rental agreement — it covers preparing and witnessing the legal declaration the transfer requires.

If an unpaid fine ever escalates to a court fine, we're obliged to settle it, and the original fine plus the $100 admin fee is then charged to your card.

Roadside assistance is included for your whole rental, whichever cover you chose.

If you break down, contact us first — unless it's after hours (8pm–8am), when you can call AA directly. You won't be asked to pay AA on the spot: AA bills Waka Campa directly and sends us a report afterwards, and once we have that report we work out who covers the cost based on what it says (a genuine mechanical fault, for example, is on us).

Either way, you're looked after at the roadside and never out of pocket up front, so please don't hesitate to call. Our team is on 24/7 and the contact details are in your app.

All of our vans are certified self-contained 4-berth Toyota HiAce automatics — easy to drive, simple to set up, and comfortable for 2 to 4 adults. The only real difference between them is the age and finish of the base vehicle, so it really comes down to your budget.

• The Explorer Neo is built on a brand-new 2025 Toyota HiAce with a 2025 custom fit-out — our newest, top-of-the-range van.
• The Explorer is built on a 2018–2019 Toyota HiAce with a 2025 custom fit-out — the same fit-out as the Neo on a slightly older base.
• The Explorer Saver is built on a 2013–2015 HiAce with a 2018 fit-out — the budget option, with all the same essentials and a more basic finish.

Yes — every campervan has its own 360° virtual tour on its page. The best way to know exactly what you're getting is to take the tour before you book:

• Explorer Neo
• Explorer
• Explorer Saver

Yes — every van has a one-page spec sheet you can download, in English or French:

• Explorer Neo — English | Français
• Explorer — English | Français
• Explorer Saver — English | Français

Each van is around 5 m long, 2.70 m high and 1.90 m wide, weighs about 2,200 kg, and runs on a 2L petrol automatic engine using roughly 10–14 litres per 100 km depending on load and how you drive.

Inside you'll find two double beds (each 130 x 180 cm) that sleep up to 4 adults and 1 child. There's 50 litres of fresh water and a 50-litre grey-water tank on board, and seat belts for all 6 seats — 3 in the driver's cab and 3 in the living area (belts are compulsory for everyone).

One thing tall travellers will love: the high-roof design gives you 2.05 m of standing height inside — one of the tallest in the category — so you can stand, cook and stretch comfortably without stooping.

A few honest good-to-knows so the van matches what you're picturing: no GPS is fitted (we recommend Google Maps with an offline NZ map downloaded before you go), there's no air conditioning in the living area (the cab air-con works while you're driving only), there's no tow-bar so the vans can't tow a trailer or boat, and there's no wheelchair or disability access.

The two double beds sleep up to 4 adults. Both are the same size (130 x 180 cm) — one is the fixed overcab double, the other is the dinette, which converts into the second double.

So 3 adults and a young child works comfortably. You can add a small child on top of 4 adults too, as long as they're little enough to sleep between two adults on one of the doubles — a family of five is fine if the youngest is small.

What won't work is 5 adults. There's no separate bunk or third bed, so four is the limit for full-sized people.

The upper bed is the fixed overcab double, and the lower is the dinette, which converts into the second double. We often suggest sleeping up top if climbing isn't an issue, as it keeps the lower level free as living space, and the top platform doubles as luggage storage during the day (just hook the cargo net to secure your bags).

To set up the bottom bed, fold the rear bench backrests down, pull the seat-floor lever and fold the seats forward, raise the rear bed-platform, then unfold the front platform so it rests on the back of the front seats, and lay out the bedding.

Each bed comes made up with a mattress and protector, a fitted sheet, a duvet and cover, two pillows with cases, two tea towels, and two outside chairs. Just let us know how many bedding sets you'd like when you reply to your booking confirmation — there's no extra charge for a second set.

We don't provide bath towels, mosquito nets or an outdoor shower curtain, so bring your own towels — and if you'd like extra duvets or pillows, just ask.

We want the van to match exactly what you're imagining, so here's the honest detail. The van does not have an indoor shower cabin, and you can't shower inside the van.

Washing happens outside: the kitchen tap pulls out to the back of the van to use as an outdoor shower, and the water comes through cold. For a warm wash, we provide a solar shower — a separate external accessory (a roughly 20-litre bag you hang outside and warm in the sun, with its own hose and head).

Because there's no shower cabin, please never use water to shower inside the van. This part really matters: any flooding inside damages the build, and the full cost of repairs and any replacements would be charged. We only mention it this firmly so there are no surprises later.

And one small thing to pack — bath towels aren't included (tea towels are), so please bring your own.

The van comes with a gas cooker, cooking utensils and crockery — everything you need for simple meals on the road. Two gas canisters are included, and each lasts roughly 2 to 4 hours depending on how you cook.

The fridge is a 60-litre Dometic compressor model that runs on both 12V and 230V — set it to Eco mode on 12V to look after the house battery, and start it by holding the button inside for 3 seconds.

Inside, each van is equipped with 4 of everything for dining — mugs, plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery sets — plus a peeler, sharp knife, scissors, utensils and tongs, a coffee plunger, kettle, strainer, a pan, a pot with lid, a cutting board, dish brush, sponge and dish soap, pegs and rope, a dust pan and brush, toilet product and paper, the solar shower, spare gas canisters, the outside table, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.

A few things we don't provide, so you'll want to bring your own: bath towels, a flashlight, handwash, toiletries, a phone holder, a hair dryer, shaver, iron or TV. Tea, coffee and food aren't supplied either — but the kitchen has all the gear to make them.

The cabin heater runs on 230V only, so it works when you're plugged in at a powered site; off-grid, only the lights, USB and fridge will run.

Every van comes with a Winter Pack — a 230V heater, two duvets and two hot water bottles — and you're welcome to ask for extra duvets or pillows if you'd like them.

When you use the heater, a couple of safety points keep everyone comfortable: it has a tip-over safety switch on the underside, so it needs to sit upright on a flat surface to turn on. Plug it directly into the outlet rather than an extension cord, give it about a metre of clearance, and let it cool down if it ever overheats.

New Zealand summers are warm rather than hot, and nights can be cool — especially in the South Island — so it's worth packing a layer or two.

The cab has air conditioning while you're driving; there's no air conditioning in the living area when you're parked.

For planning your route and finding campsites along the way, we recommend the CamperMate app.

New Zealand's official nominal standard is 230 volts at 50Hz, and 230V is the figure we publish.

You'll often see it written as “230/240 volts” — that's because the power delivered still operates safely within the historical 240V range, so anything rated for either will run perfectly happily. In short: if your device is fine on New Zealand mains, it's fine in the van.

There's no WiFi device in the van, so a local SIM with a data plan is your best bet — it's the same price at the airport. There's no GPS fitted either — Google Maps with an offline NZ map works well, and Campermate and Rankers are great for finding places to stay.

On audio: the Explorer and Explorer Neo head units have built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calls and music, plus CarPlay / Android Auto when you connect by USB. The Explorer Saver's audio system has no Bluetooth — it uses an AUX port instead, so bring the right adapter for your device (AUX-to-AUX, AUX-to-Lightning, or AUX-to-USB-C).

Bring your own phone holder if you'd like one (Kmart or The Warehouse have them cheaply). And for fresh air, the top side windows and the roof vent have fly screens.

Soft bags such as duffels and backpacks work far better than hard suitcases, and there's room for luggage for four (on the top bed by day, and tucked under the lower bed or on the front seats at night).

Bikes, boards, skis and snowboards all fit inside. With the rear seats folded there's a generous flat cargo area that swallows adventure gear surprisingly well — there are no bike racks, and you won't need them. The one rule: everything must be secured while you're driving.

Bikes: rest the fork over the folded rear seats and you're most of the way there — no complex harnesses needed, though we do recommend a couple of bungee tie-downs to keep them completely still on the road. One or two bikes fit comfortably (with up to 3 travellers, using the front seats for extra storage).

Surfboards, skis and snowboards: they slide easily into the cargo area — skis can even stand in the tall cupboard by the toilet compartment.

For reference, we've fitted a large 29-inch mountain bike, a medium 27-inch mountain bike, an adult road-bike hard travel case, an 8'0 Mini Malibu surfboard and adult-size skis — and there was room to spare.

New Zealand law requires every child to be in an approved child restraint until their 7th birthday, matched to their age and size, and it's the driver's legal responsibility to make sure each child is correctly secured.

We're very happy to provide seats — just reserve them when you book and tell us each child's age and weight so we fit the right type. As a rough guide, a harness seat suits roughly 1 to 4 years, and a booster suits about 4 years and up. You're also welcome to bring your own seat, as long as it meets an approved standard (AU/NZ, EU or US).

A note on the belts: the rear seats have two three-point belts plus one lap belt in the centre. Fit child seats to the two three-point belts rather than the centre, and bear in mind there's no ISOFIX (which is standard for campervans).

You can fit one rear-facing seat, one forward-facing and one booster, as long as one of them works with a lap belt only — just note that rear-facing seats are bring-your-own only, as we don't stock them. If you'd rather rent locally, Baby on the Move and The Baby Factory are good options.

Here's a helpful guide: Using child restraints in New Zealand.

Everything runs through the Waka Campa App, and the pick-up process tab is where you'll find your step-by-step instructions, access details and contact info. Because most of it is done before you arrive, you're usually on the road within about 30 minutes of starting. There are no fixed branch hours and no after-hours fee, and your van is always handed over with a full tank of fresh water and a full tank of petrol.

Each driver simply brings their physical licence to show at pick-up — and if a driver can't be there on the day, let us know in advance.

Getting to the van is easy: transport between the airport and our depot is included and available 24/7 at all three of our locations — Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. In Auckland and Christchurch that's our free shuttle. In Queenstown it's a complimentary Uber transfer by voucher instead, both to the depot when you arrive and back to the airport at drop-off.

Just note that only transport arranged through Waka Campa is covered under your rental agreement — if you make your own way to the depot, that trip is at your own cost.

No — there's nothing to install. The Waka Campa App is a web app: just open wakacampa.com/app in your phone's browser and it's there.

You won't find it on the App Store or Google Play, and there's no account or login to set up. If you'd like it easy to reach, you can save the page to your phone's home screen and it opens just like an app.

It's where everything for your trip lives: your step-by-step pick-up instructions and depot access details, the pick-up and drop-off forms, the walkthrough videos for your van, the mandatory pre-hire tasks, and the Mobil fuel discount barcode.

One practical note: you'll need internet on your phone to use it, so it's worth having a local SIM or eSIM sorted. There's free WiFi at all our depots if you need it on the day.

Your campervan is parked at Flyaway, 3 Verissimo Drive, Māngere, Auckland Airport 2022. Flyaway is a third-party parking operator that runs the site, the reception and the shuttle. Reception is open 24/7 — bring your physical licence or ID to reception for the key handover.

Please note a separate Auckland Airport Park and Ride sits at 42 Verissimo Drive — Flyaway is number 3, about 1 km along Verissimo Drive from the George Bolt Drive roundabout.

Getting there from the airport: a free shuttle runs 24/7 between the terminals and Flyaway, a 6–10 minute drive. From the International terminal, once you've cleared customs, exit Door 4 and follow the “All Shuttles” signs down the white covered walkway; at the end turn left to the pick-up point, then call or WhatsApp Flyaway on +64 21 431 823 to request the shuttle. From the Domestic terminal, head to the pick-up point opposite the Jetstar end — exit Doors 7 and 8 and walk across to the big white control tower — then call the same number.

At drop-off: return with a full tank — the closest and best-priced is Waitomo Mangere, and the nearest Mobil is Massey Road. Flyaway is open 24/7, so you can return at any hour. Allow at least 45 minutes to finish the form and catch the shuttle back to the airport, then hand the keys to Flyaway reception.

Christchurch — Airpark Canterbury Parking Island, 264 Russley Road, Avonhead, Christchurch 8042. Bring your physical licence or ID for the key handover. A free on-demand shuttle runs to the Parking Island, a 5–10 minute drive: once you've collected your bags, either use the Freephone at Door 7 on the ground floor and press M1, or call Airpark on +64 3 360 3113 and press 2 for the Parking Island team. Quote your name and “Waka Campa”, then wait at the Shuttles area outside Door 1. At drop-off, return with a full tank (Z Energy or Mobil are nearby), park in front of the office and hand the keys to reception.

Queenstown — Waka Campa Queenstown, at The Motor Club, 1 Hansen Road, Frankton, Queenstown 9300. The office is open 8am–5:30pm; bring your physical licence or ID for the key handover. A complimentary Uber transfer (by voucher) is available from the airport, about a 5-minute drive, or from anywhere in the Queenstown area — message us on WhatsApp or call +64 9 888 0708 to arrange your ride. From the airport, collect your bag, exit the terminal and wait at the Taxis area. At drop-off, return with a full tank (Mobil or BP are nearby) — there's a dump station right behind BP Frankton, next to the drop-off. Park outside the building and hand the keys to reception; a free Uber to the airport can be arranged.

At both, allow at least 45 minutes to finish the drop-off form and get to the airport.

Yes — in Queenstown we cover your ride with a complimentary Uber voucher, and it works both ways.

On arrival, it takes you from the airport to the depot at The Motor Club, 1 Hansen Road, Frankton — about a 5-minute drive. It also works from anywhere else in the Queenstown area if you're not coming straight from the airport. At drop-off, we can arrange the same thing back to the airport.

Just message us on WhatsApp or call +64 9 888 0708 and we'll sort the voucher for you. One thing to know: if the ride comes to more than the voucher covers, the difference goes to your own payment method in the Uber app.

This is a Queenstown arrangement only. At Auckland and Christchurch you have a free airport shuttle to the depot instead.

Pick-up and drop-off happen at our trusted partner locations in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. Off-depot or city-centre handovers aren't something we offer as standard, but just ask and we'll let you know what's possible for your dates.

One-way trips are straightforward. You can pick up in one city and drop off in another, in either direction between Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown, for a one-way fee. One-way fees move with the season, so the surest way to see yours is wakacampa.com/booking — pop in your dates and your two cities, and any one-way fee for that exact trip shows in the live quote. Just let us know when you make your booking and we'll set it up.

One honest good-to-know: once your trip is underway, the drop-off location is fixed and can't be changed. The fleet is scheduled by location for the next booking, so the van needs to land where we're expecting it. If something urgent comes up mid-trip, contact us and we'll help however we can — call or text +64 9 888 0708.

You're welcome to park your own car at the pick-up location in most cases. One thing to keep in mind: the location is run by a private partner company rather than by us, so we're not in a position to make decisions about the facility — any parking fee is theirs and at your own cost.

For the same reason, you can't stay overnight in the campervan at the lot: it's a serviced airport parking facility, not a campsite. If your pick-up would finish late in the evening, it's best to collect the van in the morning or during the day instead.

Give the interior a light clean and stow the gear, empty both the grey-water and toilet tanks, and refill the petrol to a full tank. Then complete and sign the drop-off form in the App, return the keys to reception, and ask for the free shuttle to the airport.

Please return the van on time, as late returns are charged; bring the stove gas canister back full, replace any canisters you've used, and leave any extra hire items inside the van. Allow at least 45 minutes to finish the form and get to the airport, and please let us know ahead of time if you're running late.

Driving here is straightforward once you know the essentials. You drive on the left, keeping left unless you're overtaking and using the passing lanes where you can. Seat belts are compulsory for everyone, with approved child restraints where they apply. Speeds are in km/h — generally 100 on the open road, 50 in town, and lower near schools — and there's strictly no hand-held phone use (including for GPS or messages), so pull over if you need to. Drink- and drug-driving laws are strict, and you can't turn left on a red light.

Because campervans are tall and heavy, take wider turns, allow longer braking distances, mind your height under cover, and watch for crosswinds on coastal roads.

Even where the signs say 100 km/h, we suggest cruising at around 90 km/h in the van. It's a tall vehicle and it catches the wind — especially on coastal roads and open plains — and at 90 it stays planted, quiet and relaxed. You'll barely lose any time on a day's drive. And if you're taking it slower than the traffic behind you, do the Kiwi thing: pull over at the next passing bay, let them by with a wave, and carry on at your own pace.

If you've just stepped off a long-haul flight, please take it easy on day one. Jet lag and driver fatigue are real — reactions slow long before you feel sleepy, and you'll be driving an unfamiliar vehicle on the left. Keep your first day short: pick up the van, do a supermarket run, and stay somewhere within an hour or two.

New Zealand is yours to explore, with just five exceptions. Under your rental agreement, the van must not be driven on:

• Skippers Road (Queenstown)
• Ninety Mile Beach (Northland)
• Ball Hut Road (Mt Cook)
• Wanaka–Mt Aspiring Road, beyond the Treble Cone turnoff
• North of Colville township / Waikawau (Coromandel Peninsula)

These are rough, remote roads that campervans simply aren't built for, and neither protection option covers you there — any damage on these roads is fully your responsibility, whichever cover you chose.

The same goes for water crossings and beach driving: no fords, river or creek crossings, flooded areas, or driving on sand.

If a route on your itinerary makes you unsure, just message us — we'll happily tell you whether the van can go there and suggest the best alternative.

New Zealand has just three toll roads, all in the North Island: the Northern Gateway (SH1, just north of Auckland), the Tauranga Eastern Link (SH2) and Takitimu Drive (SH29, Tauranga). There are no toll booths — cameras read the plate and the toll is billed to the vehicle.

Here's the good news: you don't pay any of it. Tolls are included in every Waka Campa booking — drive through as often as your trip needs. Nothing to register, nothing to pay, nothing to think about.

On fuel: the vans run on standard 91, but because New Zealand is so hilly we recommend Premium 95 or 98 for better mileage — 91 does no harm at all. Expect to use around 10–14 litres per 100 km depending on load and how you drive.

You can also save 8 cents a litre at any Mobil station — the barcode is right in the Waka Campa App, so just open it and scan at the pump, or show it to the station staff before you pay.

Please return the van with a full tank; if it's not full we'll refill it and charge $5 per litre.

New Zealand has some long, steep mountain roads — the Crown Range, the Haast Pass, the Kaikoura hills, the drop down into Milford. The van handles them happily. There's just one thing worth knowing: on a long descent, let the gears slow you down, not just the brakes.

If you hold your foot on the brake the whole way down a long hill, the brakes heat up, and heat is their enemy. After ten or fifteen minutes of constant braking they can get too hot, start to smell hot or burnt, and slowly stop working as well as they should. It's the most common mountain mistake we see, and it's completely avoidable.

A simple rule of thumb: go down a hill in about the same gear you'd use to drive up it. If your shifter shows D, 3, 2, L, drive in D as normal, then at the top of a long downhill move the lever down to 3 for a gentle slope, 2 for a steeper one, or L for the steepest passes. If your shifter shows D and S with + and -, nudge the lever from D across to S, then tap - to drop into a lower gear.

Use the brakes in short, firm presses when you actually need to scrub off speed, then let them go so they can cool. If you ever notice a burnt or hot metallic smell, or the brake pedal starts to feel soft or spongy, pull over somewhere safe, drop into a low gear for the rest of the way down, and give the brakes 20–30 minutes to cool before carrying on.

New Zealand's weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains and along the coast. While the van is with you, you're in charge of it on the road, so please check the forecast and any official weather warnings before you set off each day — MetService and the NZTA Journey Planner are the best sources. In strong winds, slow right down, and if storms or warnings are out, it's safest to wait them out.

Frost, black ice and freezing fog are common on South Island highways through winter, with icy patches most likely in the early mornings. Conditions like these are very manageable with a little extra care:

• Ease off your speed and leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead
• Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns on frosty roads
• Take extra care on bridges and shaded corners, where black ice can hide
• Keep your headlights on in fog so you stay easy to see
• If a morning looks icy, there's no rush — give the sun and the grit trucks a little time before you set off

Please always trust your instincts. If the road doesn't feel safe, it's completely okay to wait an hour or change your plans.

If you're heading anywhere alpine in winter, snow chains are the one bit of kit worth having ready. We rent them for $50 for your whole booking — just add them when you book.

New Zealand's winter runs June to August, and mountain weather can turn in minutes. Most alpine passes require you to carry chains at all times through winter, and on some roads you can be fined for not carrying them. If a road is snowed in and you don't have chains fitted, you simply won't be let through.

The passes to watch are the Lindis Pass, Crown Range, Burke Pass, Lewis Pass, Arthur's Pass, and the Milford Road (SH94) to Te Anau. Before you head into any of these, check MetService for the weather and the NZTA Journey Planner for road closures, warnings and whether chains are required.

Our vans are rear-wheel drive, so chains always go on the two rear wheels. The golden rule: have a practice run in the driveway before you go, not for the first time in the cold on a mountain roadside. There's a fitting video here, and full step-by-step instructions come with the chains.

It happens more often than you'd think, and the single most important thing is this: don't start the engine — or if you're already driving, pull over safely and switch off straight away.

The wrong fuel only causes real damage once the engine runs and pushes it through the system. Leave the van off, and call us immediately — we'll organise the fix and get you moving again.

A heads-up so there are no surprises: damage from incorrect fuel isn't covered by either protection option, so acting fast is what keeps a small mistake small.

Our vans take petrol only — 91, 95 or 98, never diesel.

The fresh-water tank holds 50 litres, supplies the kitchen tap, and is provided full at pick-up. To refill it — at holiday parks, dump stations, petrol stations and public taps — use the fresh-water hose and adapter (not the wastewater hose), insert it around 50 cm into the filler, and turn the tap on.

One honest thing about the taste: the tank water is safe to drink, but it tends to have a slight off taste. That's down to the van's plastic plumbing, which is different from the pipes in a normal house — it doesn't mean anything's wrong. Most of our travellers buy bottled water to drink and use the fresh tank for cooking, cleaning and washing instead.

To use the tap, turn on the water-pump switch first and then the switch by the sink. The tap pulls out to the rear of the van to double as an outdoor shower. If you're using soap or shampoo, please catch the water in a bucket and tip it at a sink or dump point rather than into streams. And remember to turn the switches off when you're not using them, to save the house battery.

Water usage varies with cooking, cleaning and shower use — on average, travellers refill every few days. If the water filler cap feels stuck, no key is needed: push and turn anti-clockwise.

The van has a fixed-flush onboard toilet. The one important thing is to avoid flushing normal toilet paper, as it clogs — please use the super-soft, quick-dissolving paper we provide instead. Before using it, open the valve blade with the handle under the bowl; flush by moving the handle; and afterwards, close the valve blade and the lid.

Fill the flush cistern with fresh water only, via the rear fill door — the same hose fills both the fresh tank and the cistern. We provide two Porta-Pak sachets: drop one in and flush to dissolve it, and it'll keep things fresh for up to a week. You can pick up more at Bunnings or Mitre 10 along the way.

Plan to empty the cassette about once a week, and before the indicator turns fully red. Dump stations are widely available across New Zealand. To do it, release the blue lock, pull the tank out to the dump drain, turn the spout outwards, then press and hold the vent button while you pour. Give it a quick rinse and return it to its compartment.

The toilet must be emptied before drop-off — there's a $100 charge if it hasn't been.

The van has two separate 12V batteries doing different jobs. The starter battery, under the front passenger seat, runs the engine and the standard car systems — so keep your lights and accessories off when the engine isn't running. The house battery, at the rear, runs the campervan side of things: the DC and USB outlets, the fridge, the interior lights and the water pump.

The house battery charges three ways — while you drive, through the roof solar panel, and when you're plugged into 230V mains. Plugging into a powered site about once a week gives it a full recharge, which keeps the fridge efficient and the battery healthy.

On how long it lasts parked up: there's no single number, and honestly, in normal travel you'll never find the limit — since nearly all our travellers move the van most days, it just keeps topping itself up as the trip goes along.

If you're planning to stay parked in one spot for several days without driving, that's when to be a little mindful: run the fridge on Eco, keep lights and charging modest, and plan a powered site sooner rather than later.

On the control panel you'll find four switches, each with a light when it's on: the fridge/freezer, the ceiling lights, the water pump, and the DC outlet. Generators aren't supplied or permitted.

The blue electrical lead is what connects you to 230V mains power. It's a 16A lead, stored in the rear of the van on all three models, and it has two different ends — a female end for the campervan and a male end for the campground outlet. They only fit one way round, so you can't get it wrong.

Uncoil the lead fully before you use it — a coiled cable under load gets warm — and if it has to cross a path, lay it flat so nobody trips on it. The van's outside socket sits high on the rear corner pillar, on the left (passenger) side, behind a hinged cap. Flip the cap up, push the female end in and twist until it seats. Do the same at the campground post, then flip the breaker ON inside the campground box and at the campervan. This is the step people miss most often — if only one is on, nothing happens.

Once you're connected, three things change inside: the battery charger starts topping up the house battery, you can switch the fridge from 12V to 230V, and the 230V power sockets go live. The electric heater runs on 230V only, so it'll work only while you're plugged in.

Before you drive off, unplug at the campground end first and then at the van, switch the fridge back from 230V to 12V so it keeps cooling, put the cap back on the van's socket, and coil the lead away in the back. Never drive with the lead still connected.

Topping up your supplies couldn't be simpler.

• Gas canisters — Bunnings, Mitre 10 or the major supermarkets. It's worth buying in bigger towns to be sure of stock, plus a spare or two for longer trips.
• Toilet sachets (Porta-Pak) — Bunnings or Mitre 10.
• Dish soap, USB cables and phone holders — The Warehouse, Kmart or supermarkets.
• Drinking water, food and coffee — any supermarket you pass.

Remember to bring the stove gas canister back full at drop-off, and replace any canisters you've used.

You've got real flexibility in where you stay. Powered sites usually don't need booking ahead, and while you don't need mains power — the house battery charges as you drive and through the solar panel — a powered site gives you 230V points, and plugging in about once a week keeps everything topped up.

The real joy is freedom camping. Because every van is certified self-contained, you can camp in places non-self-contained vehicles can't — which means you can save a lot on campsite fees by staying at free or low-cost spots along the way. You'll see the green self-contained sticker displayed on the van, the certificate is available if a site ever asks, and you can even check the van's entry yourself in the national register through the app (nzscv.co.nz).

You can freedom camp in many public areas across the country, but some places restrict or don't allow it, so always check the local signs and council rules before you settle in for the night — the Campermate app is a great guide for finding spots.

If your trip covers both islands, the ferry is booked separately from the van — and here's where we can help: book it through us and you'll get preferential prices via Bluebridge. Just tell us your preferred crossing date and time, and we'll arrange it.

The ferry needs the vehicle's length (around 5 m) and rego for the booking. Since the exact van is allocated close to pick-up, the rego is confirmed then — it's simple to add or update on the ferry booking, and it's never an issue in practice.

In peak season (December–March), crossings fill up, so lock the ferry in as soon as your dates are firm.

If something serious happens, make sure everyone is safe first, call emergency services if they're needed, and notify our 24/7 team straight away. Then document the scene with photos using the Accident Report form in the App.

In New Zealand, 111 is the number for Police, Fire or Ambulance — free from any phone.

Every van carries a 1 kg ABE dry-powder fire extinguisher and a first aid kit. You'll find the extinguisher clipped into its bracket on the wall right above the kitchen sink, beside the rear window. To use it: pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the lever and sweep side to side.

If a fire ever starts, turn off the gas and get everyone out of the van first. Only tackle a small, contained fire if it is safe to do so — otherwise step away and call 111.

• 111 — Police, Fire or Ambulance. The one number for any emergency, from any phone, free.
• *555 — from a mobile, for non-urgent road incidents: a breakdown blocking a lane, debris on the road, dangerous driving.
• 105 — the Police non-emergency line, for things that have already happened, like reporting a theft.

And for anything to do with the van itself, our own team is on 24/7 — details in the app, on WhatsApp at +64 9 888 0708, or by email at [email protected]. We reply within 24 hours, and usually much faster.

New Zealand roads throw up plenty of stone chips, so this is common — and it doesn't need to stop your trip.

If you chose Peace of Mind, windscreen damage is covered, and we'll arrange a repair at a convenient point on your route. Please report any chip or crack as early as you can, so a small chip doesn't have time to spread.

A note on responsibility, so there are no surprises: if you didn't choose Peace of Mind, the windscreen repair is your responsibility. And if a windscreen is left until drop-off and the van then has to go in for repair before the next traveller, you may also be responsible for the loss of use while it's off the road.

That's the biggest reason to tell us early — when we know in good time, we can usually sort it during your trip with no disruption to you at all.

Here's exactly how we handle it: we acknowledge your report, give you an ETA, sort it out with our team or a local partner, and come back to you.

If a reply takes a little longer than you'd like, it's usually because we're busy arranging the fix behind the scenes rather than because it's been forgotten.

You're always welcome to chase us — we'd rather you did than sit there worrying. Reply to the email thread, message us on WhatsApp, or call +64 9 888 0708. Our team is on 24/7. If it's urgent or safety-related, don't wait for a reply to land — call us straight away.

Every van carries a full-size spare wheel and a complete tool kit, so a puncture doesn't have to wreck your day. The tools live in a black pouch tucked into the left sliding-door step, with the jack mounted right beside them: a 2-tonne bottle jack, its wind-up handle rods, a wheel brace, two wheel chocks, a screw-in tow eye, and a reflective warning triangle. The spare itself is slung underneath the back of the van.

Before you start: pull well off the road onto firm, level ground, put the handbrake on and switch the hazards on. Set the warning triangle out behind the van, and chock the wheel diagonally opposite the flat so the van can't roll. Get everyone out and away from traffic while you work.

Full step-by-step instructions are in the walkthrough in the App. One honest tip: winding the flat back up into the cradle takes real strength — if it's a struggle at the roadside, don't force it. Lay the flat in the back, drive gently, and have a garage refit it when they fix the puncture.

If you'd rather not change it yourself, or anything doesn't feel safe, contact us — roadside assistance is included for your whole rental, and our team is on 24/7.

Modern vans have a lot of sensors, and every now and then a light comes on. The simplest rule is this: if any new warning light appears, please contact us straight away. We'll help you understand what it means and what to do next — there's no need to worry or to try to diagnose it yourself. A photo of the dash helps us a lot.

If you'd like to check the engine oil on a longer hire, the dipstick is tucked under the front passenger seat: unhook the clips just below the front of the seat, fold it forward and lift it up, and you'll find the dipstick at the far end, close to the driver's side.

If a socket isn't working, don't worry — it's almost always one of three simple things rather than a fault.

1. Your USB and DC outlets need the DC outlet switch on the control panel to be ON (it shows a light when it's on). These run off the house battery, so the engine doesn't need to be running.
2. The cigarette-lighter socket only works with the engine running, and you'll need your own adapter as we don't supply one.
3. The 230V wall sockets only work when the van is plugged in at a powered campsite — off-grid they're dead by design, which is why charging a laptop or running the heater needs a powered site.

If you've checked the switches and a socket still won't work: if just one switch is dead while the others are fine, it's likely a single blown fuse — please contact us before replacing any fuse. If all four switches are dead and the voltmeter reads low or nothing, the main breaker has probably tripped and needs resetting, so give us a call.

Nine times out of ten this isn't a fault at all. It's the child lock, and it takes a few seconds to switch off.

Each rear sliding door has a small child lock switch on the edge of the door — you'll only see it with the door open. When it's flicked to LOCK, the door still opens from the outside but not from the inside. You'll spot the little “Child Protector” label right beside it.

To fix it, open the door from the outside, slide the switch away from the LOCK position, then try the door again from the inside. Check both rear doors, as either side can be locked on its own.

If the child lock is already off and the door still won't open from the inside, please don't force it — get in touch instead and we'll help you sort it. Our team is on 24/7.

The most likely cause isn't a fault at all — it's the window lock. There's a small button on the driver's door that switches the passenger windows off, and it's easy to knock by accident.

Look at the driver's door armrest, near the window switches. Alongside the switch marked AUTO you'll find a small button with a crossed-out window symbol — that's the window lock. When it's on, the passenger windows stop working while the driver's window still goes up and down normally. Press it to switch the lock off, then try the passenger window again.

If you've switched the lock off and the window still won't budge, please don't force it. Call or text +64 9 888 0708 — same number for WhatsApp — and we'll help you troubleshoot.

Almost certainly not. Especially after driving on gravel or unsealed roads, there's nearly always a simple explanation: a small stone or pebble has worked its way into the brake area and is rubbing as the wheel turns. It sounds alarming, but it isn't a fault and it isn't a safety issue.

It usually sorts itself out. Just keep driving as normal and take a few gentle turns and slow-downs over the next few kilometres — the movement almost always shakes the stone loose on its own.

If the noise doesn't clear after that, or if you notice anything else alongside it — a change in how the brakes feel, a warning light, or the van pulling to one side — stop somewhere safe and call us on +64 9 888 0708.

The wastewater from the sink collects in the 50-litre grey tank under the van. A handy rule of thumb: when the fresh tank is empty, the grey tank is full — so always drain grey before refilling fresh. You can empty it at camp sites and public dump stations: attach the wastewater hose to the drain outlet under the rear bumper, turn the red valve to drain, then close it and stow everything away.

If the sink won't drain, the grey tank is most likely full, so empty it first. Please never put food down the drain — the pipes aren't domestic and clog easily.

If it's still blocked, start with the sink plunger (it lives in the kitchen equipment storage, bottom shelf): remove the grey-water tank cap at the back, open the valve, and plunge the sink. That creates airflow through the line and clears most blockages for good.

If you've plunged and water is still being forced back up, that usually means the grey tank's breather line is blocked — the full step-by-step fix is in the App. And if none of that sorts it, just message us and we'll get a local handyman or plumber onto it.

Please always call us first before any tow, so we can arrange the right recovery and make sure it's done safely. Our team is on 24/7 and the details are in your app.

There is a screw-in tow eye in the tool kit for recovery. Pop off the small cover in the front bumper, screw the tow eye in firmly by hand, and attach the rope or strap there.

The important part: never attach a tow rope to the bumper or bodywork. It has to go on the tow eye — anything else will damage the van and isn't safe.

Yes. If you have an audience who travel — whether that's a blog, a social following, a travel business or just friends who keep asking about our vans — you can earn from recommending Waka Campa.

Commission is 5% on the bookings you refer. It's free to join. Full details and the application form are at wakacampa.com/affiliate-program.

We work with three kinds of partner:

• Content creators in travel, van life, outdoors and lifestyle
• Travel and tourism businesses, blogs and community groups
• Past customers who already recommend us to friends and family

Audience size matters less to us than genuine engagement and a real fit with what we do. A small, active following in the right niche is worth more than a large, quiet one. We do review each application, so being a good match matters more than follower count.

What we can offer you: detailed van descriptions, photos, videos, 360° virtual tours and spec sheets, plus a team that speaks both English and French.

Fill in the form on our affiliate program page. It's free and takes a couple of minutes — we ask who you are, where your audience is, and a bit about the content you make.

We review every application ourselves rather than approving automatically, so it isn't instant. Once you're approved, one of the team will email you to set you up and walk you through how it all works. Payment terms are confirmed with you when you're approved.

The affiliate terms and conditions are linked on that same page — worth a read before you apply. If you haven't heard back, or you have a question in the meantime, email [email protected].