Travellers Auto Barn Terms and Conditions

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

Vehicle Pick-ups and Drop-offs

Branch Opening Hours

Branches are closed on the following public holidays.

• New Years Day 
• Day after New Years Day
• Waitangi Day 
• Good Friday 
• Easter Monday 
• ANZAC Day
• Queens Birthday
• Labour Day 
• Boxing Day 

Minimum Rental Period (subject to change depending on seasonality)

For all vehicles, day one of the rental period is the day of pick-up, regardless of the time, and the day the vehicle is returned is counted as the final day, also regardless of the time. Please be aware that the minimum rental days can change at any time. In general the minimum rental days are 10 days. 

A 14 day minimum hire applies for the following dates

• Auckland to Christchurch - 1st November to 31st of March
• Auckland to Auckland & Christchurch to Christchurch - 1st December to 31st January
• Christchurch to Auckland - 1st December to 31st January

One Way Rentals

Vehicles may be rented one way between the branches. Please be aware that one-ways fees are seasonal, based on pick-up date as well as depending on chosen vehicle class - please also note that these can change at any time.

AUCKLAND to CHRISTCHURCH

• 1st April to 30th April - $100
• 1st May to 30th September - $100
• 1st October to 31st October - $300
• 1st November to 30th November - $300
• 1st December to 28th February - $300
• 1st March to 31st March - $250

CHRISTCHURCH to AUCKLAND

• 1st April to 30th September - $0
• 1st October to 31st October - $50
• 1st November to 30th November - $200
• 1st December to 31st January - $200
• 1st February to 31st March - $150

Standard Package Inclusions

The rates include the following:

• Vehicle Insurance - Standard Liability
• Unlimited Kilometers
• 24 Roadside Assistance
• Toll-free customer service number
• Free camping maps
• 8cents/Litre discount at Mobil Petrol Stations

Stress Free Package Inclusions

The rates include all the standard package inclusions plus;

• Reduced Bond|Liability - $0
• Windscreen Waiver (one windscreen)
• Tyre Waiver (two tyres)
• single vehicle write off / roll over cover
• Extra Driver
• Camp Table & Chairs (excl stationwagon)
• Pre- purchased Gas (excl stationwagon)

Standard Liability for Damage

Personal Injury

The vehicle has compulsory third party personal insurance cover. It is likely that any other vehicle involved in an accident also has third party insurance cover. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the renter may be entitled to claim for their personal injury against the third party insurance of the party responsible for the accident. The extent of such third party insurance varies in different states and territories and Travellers Auto Barn strongly recommends that all passengers take out their own Personal Injury Travel Insurance.

If the renter is responsible for the accident, the vehicle’s third party insurance should cover the renter for the liability except where the renter has committed a breach of the vehicle’s third party insurance, e.g. drink driving.

Property Damage

The vehicle is covered for damage to it or damage to the property of a third party. However the renter is responsible up to the amount of the applicable liability for the cost of such damage to third party property, or to the rented vehicle. The renter is also responsible for administration costs and the cost of demurrage for the period the vehicle is unavailable due to repairs. The liability applies in respect of each claim (accident), not per rental. In addition to the liability an administration fee of $190 will be charged per claim (accident).

The liability is applicable regardless of who is at fault and must be paid at the time the accident is reported to Travellers Auto Barn, not at the completion of the rental period. In the event of a no-fault accident, Travellers Auto Barn will make every attempt to refund to the hirer any costs recovered from the party at fault less a minimum $190 administration fee.

Damage Protection - Security Bond

A VALID VISA OR MASTERCARD CREDIT CARD IS REQUIRED FOR THE SECUIRTY BOND. If you do not have a valid Visa Card or MasterCard please contact us so that we can email you a credit card authorisation form which allows you to use the credit card of a family member. Cash Cards are not permitted.

A security bond is required upon pick-up of the vehicle. The amount of the security bond is determined by the applicable damage protection option you have chosen. Payment of the bond is only accepted by a signed credit card pre-authorisation (sufficient funds must be available), the amount of the bond will not be debited from your account at this time.

If a debit or EFTPOS card is submitted the funds may be debited immediately (this depends on your bank). Any fees or charges incurred as a result of a debit card transaction remain the responsibility of the card holder. This will be refunded back to the debit or EFTPOS card, less a $50 administration fee, within 30 days of the vehicle being returned on time and undamaged.

If there is damage to the vehicle on its return, the bond will be used to cover the cost of such damage up to the amount of the relevant liability. However, if the terms of the rental contract are breached and the bond is insufficient to cover the damage then any extra cost will be charged.

Reminder: It is one bond per accident/damage and not per rental, therefore once you report the accident to Travellers Auto Barn, another bond will need to be pre authorised, otherwise you cannot continue with the rental.

Accidents and any other damages must be reported to Travellers Auto Barn within 24 hours of the occurrence or all liability limitations and coverages are void.

All liability limitations and coverages are void if the Terms & Conditions or the Rental Agreement are breached.

Security Bond / Liability

Protection Plus & Protection Plus Value Pack payable to a maximum of 50 days.

If an excess reduction option has been chosen ($0 liability) a credit card imprint of the hirer’s credit card will be taken as security in case of any breach of the Terms & Conditions. No amounts will be taken using the credit card imprint unless there is a breach of the Terms & Conditions or Rental Agreement.

*A Single Vehicle Rollover may include, but is not limited to a Vehicle that has rolled, tipped or fallen over and has caused damage to side and/or roof area of the Vehicle.

*Additional Coverages

Windscreen Waiver: With the purchase of the windscreen waiver, the hirer is not responsible to pay in the event that the windscreen needs to be replaced (first windscreen only and side & rear windows are excluded). All vehicles = $4.50/day up to maximum $112.50

(Note: If no additional coverage, windscreen chips are charged at $60 each, any more than 3 chips will result in a windscreen replacement charge of $300)

Tyre Waiver: With purchase of the tyre waiver, the renter is not responsible to pay in the event that tyres need to be replaced (up to max of two tyres per rental). All vehicles = $4.50/day up to maximum of $112.50 payable

Please note: Personal items are not covered under vehicle damage protection cover. We recommend you do not leave your valuables in your vehicle because of possible theft. We strongly recommend that all hirers take out their own premium travel insurance.

Full Responsibility

At all times the renter is responsible for:

• Damage caused where the terms of Rental Contract have been breached.
• Damage caused due to Vehicle use in contravention to Use of the Vehicle clause.
• Damage caused by not driving in a prudent and cautious manner.
• Damaged caused by driving on unsealed roads or beach driving.
• Damage caused to the Vehicle in any way by part or total water submersion including flood water, river water, salt water,
• or any other source of water.
• Damage caused due to a single Vehicle write off or rollover.
• Damage caused to the Vehicle by the Hirer’s wilful conduct e.g sitting or standing on the bonnet or roof of the Vehicle.
• Damage caused to the Vehicle when using the Vehicle in contravention of any legislation or regulation controlling
• vehicular traffic.
• Damage caused to the interior of the Vehicle regardless of cause when no other vehicle is involved.
• Damage caused due to use of incorrect or contaminated fuel.
• Damage caused due to the use of snow chains.
• Damage or loss caused to any personal belongings.
• Damage to the awning, overhead (roof) or under-body of the Vehicle.
• Damage caused where you have failed to maintain all fluid and fuel levels or failed to immediately rectify or report to us
• any defect of which you become aware.
• All costs to replace keys which have become lost, broken, damaged, stolen or retrieval of keys which been locked in the
• Vehicle, or where the Vehicle has been stolen due to it being unlocked.
• Damage caused where it is deemed by local authorities to have been careless or willful in failing to abide by the local road
• rules, resulting in damage to the hired Vehicle and/or Third Party Vehicle or property.
• Damage caused if you fail to take reasonable measures for the safety of the Vehicle, its parts or accessories, or fail to
• comply with all restrictions on the use of the Vehicle or otherwise abuse or misuse it

Multiple Rentals

Consecutive rentals can be combined to qualify for a long term discount rate provided travel is within a three month period. If drop-off of a vehicle and pick-up of a new vehicle occurs on the same day then each will be charged separately per respective rental. Multiple rentals are treated as separate rentals under the one way fee and minimum rental period conditions.

Late Pick up or Early Return

There is no monetary refund for late pick up or early return of a Vehicle. Hirers are charged for the length of time booked, not the actual time used. We strongly recommend that all Hirers take out their own premium travel insurance in respect of the risk that a Hirer, for reasons of their own, may need to return a Vehicle earlier than expected. A credit voucher for the unused days in excess of 14 days may be issued if a request for an early return credit voucher has been approved by Travellers Autobarn in writing prior to returning the vehicle. The value is calculated using the daily rate only. The Hirer may also incur further applicable fees resulting from the change of date/location. The new daily rate will be recalculated based on the new drop-off date, the adjusted daily rate may be Higher than the originally booked daily rate. No credit is provided for optional extras or damage liability (Protection Plus or Protection Plus Value Pack). A $100 admin fee applies. The credit voucher can be applied to any new reservations made directly with Travellers Autobarn by the original Hirer, and subject to normal terms and conditions.

Late Returns

A 59 minute grace period after the return time stated on the Rental Agreement applies to all rentals, should the Vehicle not be returned within the grace period a $250 fee applies. Vehicles overdue may also incur an additional $250 fee per day and be reported to the police as stolen

Rental Period Extensions

If you, the hirer, wish to extend the rental whilst on hire, you must first obtain authorisation from Travellers Auto Barn. Please note, a casual conversation on the topic with a Travellers Auto Barn staff branch member does not constitute authorisation. Your requested extension is not authorised until expressly approved by Travellers Auto Barn CENTRAL RESERVATIONS, and you have nominated a specific date and the extension is paid in full. Calling a day or two before you are due to drop-off and requesting an extension may be rejected due to future bookings on your vehicle. Please communicate all extension requests by calling central reservations on 0800 348 348 at the earliest possible opportunity as all requests are subject to availability.

Change of Drop-off Location

Any change of return location can only be authorised by Travellers Autobarn Central Reservations and depends solely on future bookings and availability. The change of drop off location is not confirmed as approved until after the change of location fee has been accepted and paid. Please note; a casual conversation with a Travellers Autobarn staff member does not constitute authorization. An approved change of location may attract a fee to a maximum of $500. Please communicate all change of Drop off location requests by calling Central Reservations on 0800 348 348 our Customer Assistance Line at the earliest possible opportunity as all requests are subject to availability.

An unauthorised change of location drop off will see the Hirer responsible for the entire cost of relocating the Vehicle to its intended location plus a $500 fee.

Driver’s Licence

A valid driver’s licence (state, national or international) is required. For New Zealand driver licences holders.

If the driver’s licence is not written in English (e.g. German, French, Chinese, etc) then an international driver’s licence will also be required. An accredited English translation will be accepted in lieu of an international driving licence. The original driver’s licence must be shown at time of pick-up when the driver is present. Only those individuals who are named and are signatories to the rental agreement are authorised to drive the vehicle.

Minimum/Maximum Age

The minimum age for all drivers is 18 years old. The maximum age for all drivers is 80 years old.

Maximum Number of Passengers

Rental vehicles may only be driven with the legal number of occupants. Driving the vehicle with more than the maximum allowed number of persons voids all liability limitations and coverages and could result in a $250 breach of duty charge or loss of the bond.

Extra Drivers

A fee of $1 per day per extra driver is applicable and payable on pick up. Fees are payable up to a maximum of 25 days, thereafter no fees apply. Up to 2 additional drivers are allowed. All additional drivers must be noted and must sign the Rental Agreement at a Travellers Auto Barn branch. All drivers, which join the mid-rental, are required to pay for the full amount of all rental days of the booking. Only those individuals who are named and are signatories to the Rental Agreement are authorised to drive the Vehicle.

GPS Units & Tablets

A fee of $7 per day applies for the hire of a GPS unit. Fees are payable up to a maximum of 20 days, thereafter no fees apply (maximum $140).

A fee of $10 per day applies for the hire of a Tablet. Fees are payable up to a maximum of 15 days, thereafter no fees apply (maximum $150).

The hirer will be liable up to a maximum charge of $250 should the GPS unit or tablet, mount, charger or carry case be lost, missing or damaged during the rental. The hirer must also ensure due care is taken with the GPS unit ensuring that it is kept protected and out of sight while the vehicle is unattended. The hirer must also follow all usage and safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer of the GPS unit and Travellers Auto Barn.

Travellers Auto Barn is not responsible for any harm, damage, loss or misadventure that occurs as a result of use of the GPS unit .

Living Equipment

Campervans will be supplied with living equipment (such as bedding, cooking equipment, eating utensils, bath and tea towels) for a fee of $45.

App, Maps and Campground Guides

Some maps and tourist guides are available free of charge from pick-up branches.

For the ultimate Road Trip guide, download the Campermate App from the App or Play store free of charge. The app can be used to find everything from things to do, locations of Camp Sites, Toilets, ATMs, Petrol Stations and much more.

Baby / Booster Seats

Baby seats can be supplied for a fee of $45 for use in compact cars and station wagons but cannot be fitted into the campervans. For children aged 4-7 years inclusive, a booster seat can be supplied for a fee of $45 which is suitable for use in all vehicles.

The supply of all child restraints is subject to availability and fitting of the restraints remains the responsibility of the hirer.

Vehicle Consultation

On pick-up of the vehicle our staff will provide a complimentary vehicle consultation. This includes an explanation of all the interior and exterior features of the vehicle as well as driving and travelling tips.

Cleaning Fee

All vehicles must be returned washed, vacuumed and tidy. Alternatively you can elect to waive the requirement to return the vehicle washed, vacuumed and tidy for a $100 fee, payable anytime. This does not allow hirers to return the vehicle in a complete mess and a minimum fee of $200 will apply if the Vehicle is returned in an unsatisfactory condition.

Cancellation Fees

• 20% or deposit paid if cancelling 15 or more days before pick up
• Loss of deposit plus $200 fee if cancelling 8-14 days of pick up
• 50% plus $200 if cancelling within 7 days of pick up
• 100% if cancelling within 24 hours of pickup
• No refunds will be given for any booking amendments to the rental dates within 14 days of collection (if the length of hire is shortened) and the rental will be charged at the number of days originally booked

Amendments An up to $250 change of booking fee may apply for any changes to same city return bookings within 28 days of the date of pick-up. An up to $500 change of booking fee may apply for any changes to one-way rental bookings within 28 days of the date of pick-up. 

Amendments  outside of 28 days of the date of pick-up are charged at a rate of AU$50 per change. This applies but is not limited to changing the client name, vehicle type, reducing the number of rental days, changing the pickup dates or locations. No refund will be given on the initial deposit paid.

If an amendment is made to the rental whereby the length of hire is shortened, no refund will be given on the initial deposit amount nor can it be transferred to the balance payable on pick up. In addition, if an amendment is made inside 14 days of pick up, the rental will be charged at the number of days originally booked. A relocation fee may also apply if the collection or return location is amended.

Where the hire is being extended, the amendment fee will not apply.

Please note that amendments may result in the daily rental rate to be recalculated at the rate applicable on the date of the amendment for the entire rental period

Rental Payment

The full balance due for the rental period is payable upon pick up of the vehicle. Payment can be made by travellers cheque, bank cheque debit or credit card. If you supply an overseas credit card for payment, transactions will be charged in your currency if eligible. If you require the transaction to be charged in NZD please notify us prior to the transaction being processed.

Debit, Credit and Charge Cards

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club. Visa and Mastercard will incur an additional 3% surcharge on any transaction. American Express and Diners Club will incur an additional 5% surcharge on any transaction.

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

Credit Card Surcharge - Discovery Rentals

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

Exchange Rate / Currency Variations

If your overseas debit or credit card has been charged in your home currency, the foreign exchange conversion rate applied is the exchange rate applied by our merchant supplier at the time the transaction is processed. Due to exchange rate fluctuations there could be some variance in the amounts charged or refunded compared to the amount initially charged. We do not accept any liability for variances up or down.

Refunds by debit or credit card can take up to 15 working days depending on the cardholder’s financial institution.

Taxes

GST is included in the rental rates.

Traffic Infringements

A non-refundable $75 processing fee will be charged per infringement, toll notice or offence to cover processing costs in relation to any speeding, parking fine, traffic infringement, toll notice or Freedom Camping offences. The Hirer agrees that we may pass your credit card and any other relevant personal details in relation to the rental of the Vehicle to a third party who is responsible for contacting you directly regarding processing of these notices. All enquires in relation to infringements and notices should be forwarded to info@penaltymanagement.org. The Hirer remains liable for the payment of the original fine or toll.

Road Restrictions

Unsealed Roads

ALL vehicles may only be driven on sealed roads/bitumen roads or well maintained access roads less than 500 metres long to recognised campgrounds and parking areas. Travel on unsealed roads voids all liability limitations and coverages. The renter is liable for the total cost of any damage to all parties involved whilst travelling, or having travelled, on unsealed roads.

Vehicles are not permitted on Ninety Mile Breach (Northland), Skippers Road (Queenstown), Crown Range Road (Queenstown), Ball Hut Road (Mt Cook) or the Coromandel Peninsula North of Colville Township. Vehicles are also not permitted on all ski field access roads between 1st June and 31st October. Any damage caused if travelling on these roads voids all liability limitations and the Hirer is fully responsible for the associated costs.

 Travellers Autobarn reserves the right at its sole discretion to restrict Vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions.

If Travellers Autobarn has reason to believe that your Vehicle may have been driven on unsealed roads the Vehicle bond will be retained until a complete inspection of the Vehicle determines if any damage has occurred. The Hirer will be liable for any damage found. If it is determined that the Vehicle has been off-road but no damage is evident you will still be charged $250 for breach of duty.

Self Contained Certification  (This is only up to 7th December 2023)
Due to Government regulations no Travellers Autobarn vehicle will be classed as self contained after this date.

Select campervans are provided with a self-contained certificate. To take advantage of the certificate a $50 fee applies on pick up which entitles you to a porta potti (portable toilet). Please note without the porta potti the certificate will not be valid. You must ensure that the porta potti is emptied and clean prior to returning the vehicle otherwise a charge of $150 will apply.

Stationwagons, Hitop & Chubby are not self contained.

Customer Care On-Road Assistance

AUTO CLUB 24 Hour Road Side Assistance service is provided, if the Vehicle requires Roadside Assistance please call 0800 500 444, Only after Roadside Assistance has assessed the Vehicle should you call Travellers Autobarn. Please note that call outs from Roadside Assistance due to the Hirer’s error or non-mechanical issues such as running out of petrol, flat battery resulting from leaving lights/engine on, keys locked in Vehicle will result in a charge of $180 to the Hirer.

TRAVELLERS AUTOBARN ON-ROAD ASSISTANCE. Travellers Autobarn provides a FREECALL CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE TELEPHONE LINE 0800 348 348. If you have any questions at all during your rental.

TRAVELLERS AUTOBARN CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE TELEPHONE LINE service operates 09:00 to 19:00 Monday to Saturday and 11:00 to 17:00 on Sundays and Public Holidays.

WEEKEND & PUBLIC HOLIDAY LIMITED SERVICE - The Travellers Autobarn CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE TELEPHONE LINE is offered as a courtesy to Hirers who may find themselves in desperate need of our support. On weekends, most support services such as mechanical garages, etc are closed and therefore limited help is available, in any case.

Please restrict weekend calls to the CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE LINE to EMERGENCY CALLS ONLY. Note the CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE Line is 0800 348 348.

If your call relates to servicing, administration, extensions, accounts enquiries, etc or minor mechanical issues please call Monday to Friday 09:00 to 19:00.

Travellers Autobarn does not offer a 24/7 customer assistance line.

Repairs

Travellers Autobarn Vehicles are maintained and serviced to a high standard, however this does not prevent the occasional mechanical malfunction. Minor repairs of a mechanical nature costing less than $100 may be effected without our authorisation and will be reimbursed upon completion of the rental if tax invoices are produced.

If you experience any problems, even minor, you must ring our 0800 348 348 Customer Assistance Line for further assistance and advice. For amounts over $100, Travellers Autobarn must be informed and approve repairs. We will approve repairs provided the Hirer was not directly responsible for the damage. Tax invoices must be submitted or the claim will not be paid.

In all cases the responsibility of Travellers Autobarn is limited to refunding the time that the Vehicle was actually in repair. This can be in the form of a rental extension or refund (the cost of the protection package is not included). No alternate accommodation, travel costs, or food items will be paid during downtime. Replacement Vehicles will not be supplied.

Any problems associated with the Vehicle, including equipment failure, must be reported to Travellers Autobarn as soon as possible and within 24hrs in order to give Travellers Autobarn the opportunity to rectify the problem. Failure to do so will compromise any claims as we can not accept liability for any claims submitted after this period.

Malfunctions of stereo systems, cabin lights, air-conditioning, fridges, microwaves, sink water pumps etc., are not considered mechanical breakdowns and downtime will not be paid.

Towing and retrieval of accident damaged Vehicles is not covered.

Fuel/Fluids

For your convenience the fuel tank is full on pick up and should be returned full by the Hirer. The charge for re-filling is $2 per litre plus $50 this covers the additional labour time taken to refill the Vehicle. Fuel receipts must be produced on return of the Vehicle to show that you have refilled the Vehicle within 10KMs of return location.

IMPORTANT – OIL & WATER LEVELS

The Hirer is responsible to check, at least daily and maintain all fluid levels and must immediately rectify and report to Travellers Autobarn by calling 0800 348 348 Customer Assistance Line any defect of which you become aware of, however slight. Topping up a Vehicle that is losing water somehow is not rectifying the problem. Rectification means a fit and proper diagnosis and repair. Travellers Autobarn cannot stress enough your responsibility in this regard. Continued operation of the Vehicle after a defect has occurred may lead to serious consequential damage to the engine for which you will be held responsible.

****If you are adding more than ½ litre of water to your car every day YOU HAVE A PROBLEM AND NEED TO CALL US

IMMEDIATELY (Immediately = NOW, not 2 days time) ***********************

IMPORTANT – AVOIDANCE of OVERHEATING

We cannot stress enough the risks of continued driving if your car begins to overheat, or if it has a known cooling system problem of any kind. If your temperature gauge moves in a direction that is a departure from normal, stop immediately, investigate and call Travellers Autobarn on the 0800 348 348 Customer Assistance Line. Do NOT wait for it to cool and drive again as you may cause further catastrophic damage to your engine, for which you WILL be held liable. Driving with an inoperative temperature gauge voids all liability limitations and coverages and may result in the Hirer being held liable if overheating occurs.

IMPORTANT – WATER CROSSING & CHARGES

Do not drive across flooded roadways. Regardless of damage liability cover selected, the Hirer remains fully responsible for any damage caused as a result of driving or immersing the Vehicle in water.

Animals, Pets, Smoking, Candles & Mosquito Coils

Smoking, the carriage of pets or other animals, and/or use of candles or mosquito coils are expressly prohibited. Guide dogs excepted. In the event of a breach of these conditions the rental bond will be retained and used against the cost of having the vehicle professionally cleaned and fumigated.

Change of Vehicle

We reserve the right to substitute a comparable or superior vehicle at no extra cost where unforeseen circumstances dictate. This shall not constitute a breach of contract and does not entitle renter to any refund.

Voluntary Downgrade

Should the renter decide to take a lower cost vehicle than booked they will not be entitled to any refund.

Limit of Liability

In the event of no alternative vehicle being available to the renter our liability is limited to a refund of the hire charge or in the case of mechanical failure (unless caused by the renter) the remainder of the hire period.

The Hirer shall keep Travellers Auto Barn indemnified in full against all losses, damages, injury, costs, claims, and expenses (including legal and other professional fees and expenses) suffered or incurred by Travellers Auto Barn which are caused or contributed to by:

a) a breach of this Rental Terms and Conditions and Part A by the Hirer;

b) any negligent, reckless, or wilful act or omission of the Hirer (its officers, employees, contractors, agents or any other person for whom the Hirer is vicariously liable).

Rental Refusal

Travellers Auto Barn reserves the right to refuse any rental at our discretion.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that hirers ensure they take out the highest level of Travel Insurance.

Rates, Terms and Conditions

The rates and terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. For details on our privacy policy, please see our website.