Discovery Campervans New Zealand

Escape Terms and Conditions

Conditions for Campervan & Motorhome Rental (New Zealand)
Valid for Travel from 01 June 2026

This document contains a summary of some of the Rental Conditions. For full detailed Conditions refer to the Rental Agreement on pick-up.

Branch Opening Hours

Depot Branch Hours
Auckland
Christchurch
(*closed on weekends between 
June – September    

Monday - Friday
9:00am - 4:00pm
  
Saturday
9:00am - 3:00pm

Sunday
9:00am - 2:00pm

 
Public Holidays
Closed

  • Branches closed Saturday & Sunday between 1st June and 30th September every year
  • Branches are open all public holidays except Christmas Day (25 December) & New Years Day (1st January)
  • Branches closed Saturday & Sunday between 1st June and 30th September every year
  • After hours pick-ups or drop-offs may be possible subject to approval. Pickups outside these times can sometimes be arranged for an extra fee ($125 – $175), but you’ll have to check if this service is available with us first. And you will be charged this fee in addition to your daily hire, so we recommend our campervan hirers spend the first night in a hostel or hotel before collecting your vehicle, particularly after a long flight.
  •  

 

It’s safer, probably cheaper, and this also addresses any issues that may arise from late flights or missed connections.

Because of the time associated with grooming a vehicle for the next hire, Escape Rentals expects all drop-offs to be by 2:00pm on the day of return, or earlier.

Standard Daily Rates Include

  • Vehicle Insurance - Standard Liability
  • Unlimited Kilometres
  • 24 hour Roadside Assistance
  • 15% GST (Goods & Services Tax)
  • Up to 3 Drivers (no extra charge)
  • Linen
  • Beach Chairs
  • No Road User Charges with Escape
  • Escape Travel Guide – hints & tips for travelling around New Zealand.
  • Camping Booklet / Maps

*Goods and Services Tax (GST)

GST is a New Zealand Government imposed tax. GST is included in all Escape rates. 

Minimum hire periods

Escape Campervans have minimum hire periods as follows:

  • 5 Days (AKL/AKL or CHC/CHC) or
  • 7 Days (one-way hires)

Standard Liability & Vehicle Insurance

New Zealand legislation provides limited coverage for personal injury. We strongly recommend that all people travelling in New Zealand take out Personal Travel Insurance.

In the USA liability is referred to as the deductible.

Standard insurance is included in the daily rate, so there really are no hidden costs. However, hirers will be liable for any damage that may occur to the vehicle whilst it is on hire. This is capped though and the maximum liability* is $3,000. Many of our hirers choose to take out ‘excess waiver insurance’ which can reduce the maximum liability right down to nil (again, dependent on your age and the insurance option taken). Remember, this is completely optional. Check out the three options within the table below and choose the one that is best for you.

Liability Reduction Options (LRO)

  Standard
-
Option A
“Roll the Dice Bro!”
Option 1
-
Option B
"Middle Earth"
Stress Free
-
Option C
“No Worries Mate”

 

Liability

 

 

No reduction in liability

 

 

Reduced to $1,500

 

 

Reduced to $0 (NIL)

 

Standard Liability

 

 


$3,000

 

 


$1,500

 

$0

 

Single Vehicle Incident

 

 

$4,000

 

$2,500

 

$0

 

 

Bond

 

 

$3,000 frozen on credit card and processed in the event of any incident

 

 

$1,500 frozen on credit card and processed in the event of any incident

 

 

No Bond Required.

 

Daily Cost

 

n/a

 

 

Age 18-21: $25/day
Age 22+: $22.50/day

 

 

Age 18-21: $35/day
Age 22+: $30/day

 

 

Bond Cost

 

 

$3,000 required

 

 

$1,500 required

 

 

No Bond Required.

 

 

Max Cost

 

 

n/a

 

 

$1,250

 

 

$1,250

 

 

Coverage for Windscreen & Tyres

 

 

Not included

 

 

Not included

 

 

Included

 

 

Unsealed/Gravel Roads Coverage    

 

 

Not included

 

Not included

 

Included
(This is rare in NZ)

 

 

Additional Single Vehicle Incident Liability

 

 

$1,000 extra ($4,000 total)

 

 

$1,000 extra ($2,500 total)

 

 

No additional charge

 

Option A: “Roll the dice, Bro!”

  • Highest potential out-of-pocket cost.
  • No daily rate.
  • $3,000 bond required.

Option B: Middle Earth

  • Moderate liability and daily rate.
  • $1,500 bond required.

Option C: “No worries, Mate!”

  • No liability.
  • Daily rate.
  • No bond required.
  • Covers windscreen damage, flat tyres, and driving on unsealed/gravel roads.

Standard liability

The maximum amount you pay for damages in most incidents.

Single vehicle incident

Specific liability if only your camper is involved in the incident.

Bond

The amount held on your credit card during the rental period – you get this back if you return the campervan undamaged.

Daily cost

The extra daily charge for the insurance option.

Max cost

The maximum amount you need to pay for the bond over the rental period.

Duration Of Hire

The term of hire shall be for the calendar days stated in the Rental Agreement. Vehicle collections or drop offs outside the times and periods or locations detailed in the rental agreement will incur a fee not exceeding $1000.

Persons Who May Drive Vehicle - Licence

The vehicle may be driven during the period of hire only by authorised drivers, who are persons holding a current full driver’s licence valid in New Zealand (translated into English language where applicable) and appropriate for the vehicle, and who are named on the Rental Agreement.

Payments By Hirer

The hirer shall pay to the owner:

  • the rental charges for the hire of the vehicle for each day the vehicle is in the hirer’s possession. A surcharge may apply if the hirer or any authorised driver is under 22 years of age; 
  • the insurance excess specified in the Rental Agreement or the excess waiver amount on a per incident basis, payable at the commencement of the hire period and on the date of every accident or incident of loss or damage thereafter. Each subsequent excess waiver payment shall be proportionate to the number of days remaining of the hire period; and
  • any penalties relating to freedom camping, parking and/or traffic offences specific to the period of hire together with an administration fee of $75.00 in respect of each infringement.
  • any penalties relating to the late collection, or return of the vehicle or any penalties where the vehicle has been returned to a location which is not agreed within the rental agreement.
  • an insurance documentation processing fee of $50 when a vehicle is damaged and insurance has been exercised (excluding windscreen damage).

Upon vehicle collection, a security deposit is required. The amount is determined by the Liability Reduction Option selected. The vehicle security deposit is applicable regardless if the hirer has purchased private travel insurance.


Where there is more than one hirer, each hirer is jointly and severally liable for all obligations of the hirer pursuant to this Agreement.

The hirer will be liable for a late payment penalty of 10% (compounded daily) of the total amount due to the owner, together with any costs incurred in respect of collection of the amount due (including but not limited to legal costs, administration and debt collection costs). Such penalty will begin to accrue on the expiry of 14 days from the due date for payment.

Hirer’s Obligations

The hirer shall:

  • pay for all petrol used in the vehicle during the period of hire;
  • ensure that the water in the radiator and battery and the oil in the vehicle are maintained at the proper level and that the tyres are maintained at the proper pressure;
  • ensure all reasonable care is taken in handling and parking the vehicle and that it is left securely locked when not in use;
  • ensure that the vehicle’s distance recorder or speedometer are not interfered with;
  • ensure that no part of the vehicle’s engine transmission, braking, or suspension systems are interfered with; and
  • stop driving the vehicle and advise the owner immediately if a warning light is
    illuminated or the hirer believes that the vehicle requires mechanical attention.

The hirer will be liable for all damage, costs and expenses associated with any careless or negligent use of the vehicle, including but not limited to damage arising from failure to ensure appropriate levels of petrol, oil or water are maintained. 

Mechanical Repairs And Equipment Failure

The hirer will notify the owner and the owner’s roadside assistance representative of any mechanical irregularity immediately. The hirer shall not arrange or undertake any repairs (including purchase of replacement tyres) without the authority of the owner except to the extent that the repairs are necessary to prevent further damage to the vehicle. The hirer will comply with all reasonable instructions of the owner. 

The owner will be responsible for repairs or damage arising directly or indirectly from fair wear and tear of the vehicle.

Subject to clause 7.2, in the event of a mechanical breakdown, the owner will, at the owner’s discretion, either: 

  • provide a replacement vehicle, subject to vehicle availability or
  • refund the balance of the rental value, excluding insurance, for the period when the vehicle was unable to be used; or
  • provide compensation for budget accommodation to a maximum of $50.00 per vehicle per day or
  • extend the hire period to account for the period when the vehicle was unable to be
    used.

where a campervans living equipment has failed (e.g. accessories or campervan appliances), the hirer shall contact the owner to discuss options available which may include:

(a) The hirer purchasing replacement equipment to an agreed/ authorised cost, which will be reimbursed upon completion of hire.

(b) The owner providing replacement equipment.

(c ) The owner reimbursing the client an agreed level of compensation. In all instances, the owner will exercise one of the three options listed above, only during the hire and at the time the equipment failure/fault has been reported. The owner accepts no liability for equipment failure if it is only reported at the end of the rental agreement period. 

Without limiting any other provision of this agreement, in the event of a mechanical breakdown, if a replacement vehicle is not available or accessible to the hirer, the owner will not be liable for any personal expenses or costs associated with any missed activities or accommodation.  

Accidents

In the event of any accident or incident involving the vehicle, the hirer must:

  • Notify the appropriate New Zealand Emergency Service (Ambulance, Police, Fire) immediately by phoning ‘111’ if the accident or incident involves injury.
  • Notify the owner and advise the full situation and circumstances as soon as practicable and in any event, within of 24 hours from the time of the accident or incident.
  • Record full details of all parties, witnesses to and vehicles involved in the incident or accident.
  • Prepare a written statement of the facts signed by all parties, complete insurance documentation and obtain a copy of any relevant police report. 

    In the event of any accident or incident involving the vehicle, the hirer must not:
  • Make any admission of liability; or
  • Arrange to undertake any repairs or salvage without the owners prior authority, except to the extent that repairs or salvage are necessary to prevent any further damage to the vehicle and/or to other property.
  • The availability of a replacement vehicle is not guaranteed and is at the owner’s discretion, subject to availability, hirer’s location, accident circumstances and accident liability. Refunds for unused days or replacement vehicle requirements resulting from an accident or incident are at the sole discretion of the owner.

     Additional hirer charges may be incurred including as follows:
  • If a replacement vehicle is authorised by the owner, the hirer is responsible for making their own way back to the appropriate depot or designated location as dictated by the owner.
  • The hirer is responsible for the cost of transporting the hirer and any accompanying passengers away from the accident location.
  • The owner reserves the right to on-charge towing or salvage expenses to the hirer if it is a single vehicle accident or the accident is due to the hirers error/fault.
  • Provided the owner has complied with clause 2.1 the hirer must pay for any costs relating to the delivery of a replacement vehicle. These costs apply irrespective of any excess waiver insurance applicable to this agreement.
  • In the event that a replacement vehicle is given due to an accident, any insurance coverage or excess waiver insurance is not transferable to the replacement vehicle.
  • Without limiting any other provision of this Rental Agreement, in the event of an accident, if a replacement vehicle is not available or accessible to the hirer, the owner will not be liable for any resulting accommodation or living expenses that are incurred, nor personal expenses for missed activities unless such an accident has been caused by or contributed to by breach of this Rental Agreement or the negligent act, error or omission of the owner.

    No replacement vehicle will be provided without receipt of a completed damage claim form where one is required by the owner. An additional Insurance/Damage Administration fee of $50 (inclusive of GST) will be applied for processing insurance/damage claims. This fee applies to all damage claims regardless of whether the hirer elects to use excess waiver insurance or has made their own travel insurance arrangements. This fee may be refunded if it is proven that the damage was not due to the hirer’s behaviour or fault. No replacement vehicle will be provided and the Rental Agreement will be cancelled if any of the insurance exclusions detailed within clause 9.2 are exercised. 

Insurance

Indemnities: Subject to the exclusions set out below, the hirer and any authorised driver are:

  • fully indemnified in respect of any liability he or she might have to the owner in respect of the loss or damage to the vehicle and its accessories and spare parts and any consequential loss of revenue or other expenses of the owner including towing and salvage costs associated with recovery of the vehicle, subject to the clauses set out in section 8; and 
  •  indemnified to the extent of $1,000,000.00 in respect of any liability he or she might have for damage to any property (including injury to any animal) belonging to any person and arising out of the use of the vehicle.

Exclusions: The indemnities set out in clause 9.1 above shall not apply where the relevant damage, injury or loss arises in circumstances where: 

  • The driver of the vehicle is under the influence of alcohol or drugs affecting his or her ability to drive;
  • The driver of the vehicle drives illegally or commits an offence while driving the vehicle;
  • The vehicle is in an unsafe or unroadworthy condition which arose during the hire period and which caused or contributed to the damage or loss and the hirer or driver was or ought to have been aware of the unsafe or unroadworthy condition of the vehicle;
  • The vehicle is driven with more than stipulated occupants i.e. 3 occupants for campervans and 5 occupants for rental cars;
  • The vehicle is driven by a person not holding a current full driver’s licence valid in New Zealand;
  • The vehicle is wilfully or recklessly damaged by the hirer or any authorised driver, or is lost as a result of wilful, negligent or reckless behaviour of any such person;
  • The vehicle is operated in any race, speed test, rally or contest or operated on any race or rally circuit;
  • The vehicle is driven by any person other than the hirer or an authorised driver;
  • The vehicle is operated in a careless or negligent manner, including but not limited to allowing the engine to overheat, incorrect use of gears, use of incorrect fuel, becoming locked out of vehicle, “bogging” of vehicle or any non-compliance with clause 6.1;
  • The vehicle is operated on any of the following roads and locations: Tasman Valley Road (Mt Cook), Skippers Canyon (Queenstown), Ninety Mile Beach, North of Colville township (Coromandel), or any beach site or other areas specified by the owner from time to time. It is also an exclusion (unless option ‘C’ - full insurance cover is purchased) on any unformed or unsealed roads. Note. If the vehicle is parked at any ski field, the designated parking area must be used;
  • The vehicle keys have become lost, broken or damaged, stolen or of retrieval of keys which have been locked in the vehicle, or the vehicle has been stolen due to it being unlocked. All costs associated with replacement keys (including roadside assistance/call out costs) are therefore the responsibility of the hirer. 
  • Any damage or loss caused to any personal belongings in the vehicle
  • There is a breach of any of these terms and conditions or the Rental Agreement, and in any of such circumstances the hirer will be liable for all costs associated with any incident, including but not limited to the full replacement or repair cost of the vehicle and any third party damage. 

    No insurance applies to personal property of the hirer or contents of the vehicle and the hirer will be responsible for all damage to the interior of the vehicle and to all damage to or loss of all property
    of the owner, including any documents related to the vehicle, except where such damage is a result of a vehicular collision to the extent that insurance (and any applicable excess) shall apply.

    Where any loss or damage is not covered by insurance, the amount due by the hirer in respect of such loss or damage is payable by the hirer from the date such loss or damage occurred. 

    It is agreed between the owner and the hirer that section 11 of the Insurance Law Reform Act 1977 shall apply with respect to the above exclusions as if this clause constituted a contract of insurance. In general this provision means that an exclusion will not apply if the hirer proves on the balance of probability that the damage or loss was not caused or contributed to by the matters referred to under the exclusion clause. The hirer acknowledges by signing the Rental Agreement that the hirer is aware of the above exclusions. 

Rejection of Excess Waiver Insurance:

If excess waiver insurance (option B or option C) is rejected, the hirer accepts by signing the Rental Agreement that: 

  •  the vehicle is hired at the hirer's own risk in respect of loss or damage to the vehicle and consequential loss by the owner;
  • he or she has no excess waiver insurance cover under this agreement in respect of any damage, injury, or loss caused to any person or property,
  • he or she may be liable to the owner for damage to or loss of the vehicle and consequential loss; and he or she may be liable for the higher ‘single vehicle incident’ excess, which is an additional charge of $1,000 over and above the $3,000 bond (campervans) or $2000 bond (rental cars).

Excess and excess waiver:

  • In the event of an accident the hirer is responsible for ensuring that the correct insurance forms are fully completed. The owner will take no responsibility for the hirer’s failure to do so or any lack of insurance cover arising from such failure.
  • In the event of an accident, the excess amount will be charged to the hirer by the owner regardless of who is at fault. The excess amount will be reimbursed to the hirer where a third party is deemed by the owner’s insurance company to be at fault and repair costs have been recovered from the third party or that party’s insurer.
  • (c) Where an accident or damage involves a third party, the hirer will be liable for the excess amount (regardless of who is at fault) if: the hirer fails to obtain the full and correct contact details of the third party; or it is not possible to obtain the insurance excess amount from the third party. 
  • The owner will hold the excess amount (or the credit card payment slip for the excess amount) for a period of 42 days from the date the vehicle is returned and where no excess is required to be paid in respect of any loss or damage or fines incurred, the owner will then refund the excess amount to the hirer or ensure the credit card payment slip is not processed.
  • Where the hirer has chosen the excess waiver option and damage or loss has occurred to the vehicle but the hirer has not reported such damage to the owner, the owner may for insurance purposes deem that such damage occurred on the first day of the hire period;
  • Where the actual cost of repair or replacement for loss or damage is less than the excess amount, the owner will refund the difference to the hirer once the relevant costs have been established. 

Accessories

The owner holds your request for accessories with your reservation, however cannot guarantee  availability until rental pickup.  Reliability of directions provided by GPS units is not guaranteed.  The hirer is responsible for all costs in the event of lost, stolen or damaged accessories and/or any  of their components.

The renter agrees to release and hold the owner harmless for any GPS unit failures. 

Use Of The Vehicle

The hirer shall not:

  • Sublet or hire the vehicle to any other person;
  • Permit the vehicle to be operated outside his or her authority;
  • Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated in circumstances that constitute an offence by the driver against any of sections 56, 57 and 58 of the Land Transport Act 1998 (which relates to driving under the influence of drink or drugs);
  • Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated in any race, speed test, rally or contest, or operated on any race or rally circuit;
  • Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated in breach of the Transport Act 1962, the Land Transport Act 1998, the Traffic Regulations 1976, or any other Act, regulations, rules or bylaws relating to road traffic; 
  • Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated for the transport of more than the number of passengers or more than the weight of goods specified in the certificate of loading for the vehicle;
  • Drive or allow the vehicle to be driven by any other person if at the time of driving the vehicle the driver does not hold a current full valid driver's licence appropriate for the vehicle;
  • Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated to propel or tow any other vehicle;
  • Transport any animal in the vehicle (with the exception of guide dogs for visually impaired people);
  • Operate the vehicle on any of the roads set out in clause 9.2j park the vehicle in any area of a ski field not designated as a car park.
  • Smoking in the vehicle will be deemed to be soiling the vehicle, in which case the owner reserves the right to charge a minimum cleaning fee of $200.00.
  • Returning any self-contained campervan without first cleaning the portable toilet will be deemed to be soiling the vehicle also, in which case the owner reserves the right to charge a minimum cleaning fee of $200.00

Cancellation Of Rental Agreement By Owner

The owner reserves the right to cancel the rental agreement (and vehicle hire) when advised by the NZ Police that the vehicle has been witnessed as and /or reported as being driven in an unsafe manner. When this occurs, the hirer must present the vehicle keys to the NZ Police Officer as requested and the vehicle hire will be terminated with immediate effect, without recourse or refund. The hirer is also liable for the towing costs associated with the relocation of vehicle back to the nearest Escape depot. Under these circumstances, the hirer is not entitled to any refunds or compensation. 

Cancellation and Amendments

You must put any request to Cancel or Amend in writing or we cannot action.  The date of the email will determine the following Cancellation fees:

  • If you cancel your confirmed Escape reservation more than 22 days before your scheduled pick up date, we will refund your deposit in full. If vehicle is returned early there is no refund available for the unused days and a No Show is considered as 100% Cancellation.
  • If you cancel your confirmed Escape reservation within 7 to 21 days before your scheduled pick up date, you will be charged a cancellation fee of $300 (lose your deposit) or 20% of your total hire cost, whichever is higher.
  • If you cancel your confirmed Escape reservation within 1 to 6 days before your scheduled pick up date, you will be charged a cancellation fee of 50% of your total gross rental cost.
  • If you cancel your confirmed Escape reservation on day of pick up, or you ‘no-show’ (fail to collect your vehicle on the agreed date) then you will be charged 100% of your gross rental cost.
  • If you collect your Escape Campervan later than your booked/scheduled pick up date, there is no refund for any unused days and any unused days cannot be transferred to the end of the hire
  • If you return your Escape Campervan early for any reason whatsoever after travel has commenced, then no refund is available.

Return Of The Vehicle

  • The hirer shall, at or before the expiry of the term of hire, deliver the vehicle to the agreed rental location described in the Rental Agreement or obtain the owner's consent to the continuation of hire. Return to a location other than that specified in the Rental Agreement may incur a fee of up to $1,000 at the owner’s discretion. No refund will be given where the vehicle is returned prior to the scheduled return date. 
  • The Owner reserves the right to charge a late return fee for any vehicle returned late. The late return fee will be charged at the full applicable daily rate or part thereof plus any other costs incurred, including any costs associated with loss of subsequent hire, to a maximum penalty of $1,000. 

Immediate Return Of Vehicle Where Default Or Damage Occurs

The owner shall have right to terminate the hire and take immediate possession of the vehicle if:

  • the hirer is in breach of any term of this Agreement; 
  • the hirer has obtained the vehicle through fraud or misrepresentation;
  • the vehicle is damaged;
  • the owner reasonably believes that the vehicle has been abandoned;
  • the vehicle is not returned on the agreed return date or the owner reasonably believes that the vehicle may not be returned on the agreed return date;
  • the owner considers, on reasonable grounds, that the safety of the hirer, the passengers or the condition of the vehicle is compromised; or
  • the owner believes, on reasonable grounds, that payment for any charges associated with the hire have not or will not be paid to the owner. 

    The termination of the hiring under clause 12 shall be without prejudice to the other rights of the
    owner and the hirer.

    Where the hiring is terminated under clause 12, no refund of any part of the rental charges will be given and the hirer will be liable for all reasonable costs of repossessing the vehicle including but not limited to towing costs and any charges imposed by persons whose property is entered onto by the owner for purposes of repossession. 

Indemnity

Subject to the insurance arrangements agreed with the owner, the hirer hereby indemnifies and shall keep indemnified the owner, its employees or agents against any claims, demands and expenses (including legal costs) incurred or sustained by the owner, its employees or agents or any of them by reason of the hirer’s use and/or possession of the vehicle. 

Privacy Act

The hirer acknowledges that the owner will collect, hold and use the hirer’s personal information for purposes related to the hire of the vehicle and the provision of related customer services, including direct marketing and assessing customer satisfaction with products and services of the owner. The hirer further acknowledges that such personal information may be disclosed to debt collection agencies in the event that the hirer defaults in the payment of any monies owing to the owner and the hirer hereby authorises the disclosure of its personal information for such purpose. 

Good And Services Tax

The prices featured on this Rental Agreement are inclusive of Goods and Services Tax of 15% 

Vehicle Security Deposit or Bond

Upon vehicle collection, a security deposit is required. The amount is determined by the Liability Reduction Option selected. The vehicle security deposit is applicable regardless if the hirer has purchased private travel insurance.

For security purposes, only a credit card can be used for payment of bond. The credit card holder must be present and able to sign for the vehicles security deposit upon vehicle collection. The credit card holder is jointly and severally liable for any damage to the rental vehicle. Any type of prepaid travel card is not acceptable as a means to provide a vehicle security deposit. Visa and MasterCard debit cards are acceptable provided the card is being used as a credit card.

PLEASE NOTE: Electronic Credit cards are not accepted for Bond Payments. An electronic credit card is one where the numbers are not raised.

Debited vehicle security deposits are subject to a 2% credit card administration fee in addition to the bond amount when the credit card used is either Visa or Mastercard or 4.6% for American Express. These surcharges will be refunded when the vehicle security deposit is refunded.

(Discovery Rentals cannot accept American Express, these cards can only be used at time of pick up)

For Security purposes, only the hirers credit card can be used for the Refundable Bond.

Important Information

We strongly recommend any international visitors arriving off long-haul flights stay overnight prior to picking up their motorhomes.  Please also take the time to visit www.drivesafe.org.nz which provides educational information in regards to safe driving practices on New Zealand Roads.

Deposits and payment

  • When you make a reservation with Escape Rentals, a deposit of NZ$300 is required. This is a secure payment made online via credit card (Mastercard and Visa). You then simply pay the balance and any other costs when you collect your vehicle. There is a 3% surcharge when you pay by credit or debit card. You’ll receive a booking confirmation via email once you’ve secured your booking with us.
  • Check out the three insurance options available. Important – Please note that if you choose Option A (‘Roll the dice’) you will need to ensure you have sufficient funds available on your credit card to enable us to freeze your refundable* bond ($3,000). This is transacted when you collect your vehicle.
  • Escape Campervans operate with seasonal pricing. If your intended travel dates cross over two different rate periods, your rental will be charged based on the number of days of campervan hire incurred in each period.
  • Escape Campervan rates are charged on a calendar-day basis. If you pick up your camper at midday on Saturday and drop it off at midday on Sunday, this hire would be calculated as two days hire, not 24 hours. This is because campervans take some time to groom and prepare. This is standard within the wider New Zealand campervan industry.

*Bond is refundable provided the van is returned in the agreed condition, at the agreed depot and on the agreed date.

Credit and Debit Cards

The credit or debit card holder will be jointly and severally liable as a customer. Accepted credit cards are Visa Card, Mastercard and American Express. A non-refundable 2% administration fee will apply to all Visa and Mastercard transactions (4.6% applies to American Express). Credit card administration fees also apply to debited security bonds and only the hirers credit card is acceptable to use for the purpose of the security bond.

Credit Card Surcharge - Discovery Rentals

(Discovery Rentals cannot accept American Express, these cards can only be used at time of pick up)

Credit card fees are payable when using Visa or Mastercard as these are subject to change Find out the current rates for your card here

Calculation Errors

We will not honour calculation errors. Should a calculation error occur we will charge for the shortfall.

Age Restrictions

Drivers must be 18 years of age or over with a full licence.

Additional Items

Additional items are to be requested at time of reservation or upon vehicle collection and paid by customer on the day of vehicle collection (in NZ dollars):

  • Picnic Table $40 per rental (free with stress free package) *subject to availability.
  • Portable BBQ $50 per rental - Includes 1 gas cartridge. *subject to availability.
  • Towel $10 per rental - Clean, soft towel ready for your adventure. *subject to availability.
  • Kettle $10 per rental - Perfect for your morning brew on the go. *subject to availability.
  • Kettle
  • Portable Hand-Held Solar Shower - Free subject to availability(Sun-heated shower bag is included in every campervan.)
  • Snow Chains - Free subject to availability
  • Two person tent $80 - Room for two — simple setup, yours to keep.
  • Sleeping bag $75 - Snug, durable sleeping bag — perfect for the road and after.
  • Additional bed linen $60 - Additional two sheets and two pillows for extra comfort on the road.
  • Mobile window mount $15 - Simple window mount to hold your phone safely in view.
  • Auxiliary cord $12 - Plug in your tunes and play your own music on the road.
  • Lightning to Aux adaptor $25 - Play music from your iPhone through the camper’s stereo.
  • USB-C to Aux adaptor $25 - Play music from your USB-C device through the camper’s stereo.

Other than general costs associated with your trip (like your daily hire, petrol, food, entertainment, attractions and activities, campgrounds etc.) there are a couple of other costs you need to be aware of:

  • Optional insurance excess reduction options.
  • Optional accessory items (picnic table, BBQ etc).
  • One way hire fees (if applicable – subject to hire type)
  • All parking, camping and traffic infringements, including toll roads. Travel smart guys.
  • And that’s about it! See, there really are no hidden costs.

Infringements

Escape reserves the right to charge the hirer for any speeding, parking, freedom camping or tollway fines, associated administration costs and/or accidents including third party property damage not reported on return of the vehicle. In addition to these costs, Escape reserve the right to charge for associated administration costs for processing the fines (irrespective of liability) and/or all insurance claims in the event of the customer not having NIL liability. In addition to costs per fine and/or insurance claim, the administration fee of NZ$60 will be applicable.

Important

Escape reserves the right to refuse any rental at its discretion.

Animals

No animals are permitted in our vehicles, excluding guide dogs.

Note: Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.