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Frequently asked Questions
Most of the commonly asked questions about motorhome home and driving in New Zealand can be found in the FAQ's below.
How do I book a Camper?
- Complete enquiry form to check availability.
- Availability and quote sent.
- Rental agreement returned and deposit paid.
- Once deposit recieved you will recieve confirmation of booking
How does the insurance work?
KMH understands that you don’t rent a vehicle expecting to need insurance, but we understand that accidents do happen, so we want to assure you that KMH has you covered. KMH has a comprehensive commercial insurance policy which will provide cover for the vehicle (Awnings & hired mountain bikes & E-bikes are excluded from vehicle insurance) whilst on hire, this is included as compulsory as an additional amount and is subject to a standard excess/deductible/bond.
Excess reduction options are available as an Optional Extra.
Do I have to pay a Bond?
The bond/deductible or Insurance Excess is debited 14 days prior to pickup of the motorhome, if the motorhome is returned undamaged then the Insurance Excess or Bond is refunded at the completion of your hire.
The full excess amount will be payable for each separate accident/event regardless of fault.
If any accidental damage is sustained during the hire, including 3rd party vehicle damage, then the bond or Insurance Excess forms part of the repair costs, any difference between the Insurance Excess and the final repair costs will be refunded at the completion of the repairs.
KMH has a comprehensive commercial insurance policy which will provide cover for the vehicles whilst on hire, this is included in the daily rate and is subject to standard excesses.
Excess reduction options are available on request.
Is the Insurance optional?
Unfortunately not the insurance is compulsory, when you request a booking the comprehensive Insurance policy costs will be calculated and shown as a separate amount under the daily rate, we have elected to show as a separate amount instead of including in the daily rate like most other companies. An optional extra is offered to reduce the standard Deductible/Excess/Bond amount.
Are you open on Sundays & public holidays?
We are closed Sundays & Public holidays for pickup & drop offs to allow our valued staff some family/whanau time. We can accommodate special requests however an additional fee of $195.00 applies.
Please note- only available by special request.
What happens if I’m in an accident?
If you are in an accident or any accidental damage is sustained to the motorhome you need to notify KMH immediately, we will then assess your safety and the ability to safely continue driving the motorhome, we will discuss with you and endeavor to get you back on the road and enjoying your holiday as quickly as possible.
If the camper is not safe to continue driving we will try our best to secure an alternative vehicle to help get you back on the road, however we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do this on all occasions.
What happens if the Motorhome I have booked is involved in an accident prior to my hire?
KMH will endeavour all efforts are undertaken to organise a similar replacement vehicle where a vehicle has been damaged and cannot be repaired in time for the start of your hire.
If a similar replacement vehicle cannot be secured by KMH, then KMH will refund the full amount of any payment made by the hirer to KMH, this will then automatically terminate the hire agreement.
The Hirer agrees that KMH shall not be liable for any further additional costs incurred due to cancellation of the hire contract.
What happens if an accident happens but the camper is still safe to drive, can I continue my holiday?
The hirer is required to notify KMH in all accident related events as soon as any damages occur to the motorhome. If KMH assess and approve that the motorhome is still safe to continue driving then the hirer can continue on with their holiday.
At the end of the hire KMH will have the damage assessed and the bond or Insurance Excess will form part of any repair costs, and any difference between the Insurance Excess or bond amt. and the final repair costs will be refunded at the completion of the repairs.
The full excess amount is payable for each & every separate accident including any damage to 3rd party vehicles regardless of fault.
Why rent with KMH?
As a husband and wife owned and operated business it's important to us that we deliver the experience that we would want to recieve if we were hiring a motorhome
We know it's a big decision and often confusing when deciding who to book with, which is why we feel a sense of responsibility to help you experience everything great about Aotearoa (New Zealand), he tangata (our people) and he whenua (our land) so we’ve tried to make it easy and simple for you.
By offering an extensive list of items free of charge where other hire companies would normally charge you for, see our extensive list below.
As all of our vehicles are certified self-contained with solar panels you have the flexibility to explore off-the-beaten-track locations, so jump on a mountain bike (additional fee applies, based on availability) and within minutes you can be in a different world, and so your little darlings don't miss out on all the fun we can even include attachable children's bike seats (1-4 years - available for hire, based on availability).
And if you don't feel that energetic we can include e-bikes (additional fee applies) so anyone at any age or fitness level can experience everything Aotearoa has to offer.
We've made it easy for you-
- Fantastic Top 10 Camp ground membership allowing discounts on camp grounds & ferry crossings (additional fee may apply)
- Customized pickup & drop off locations available by special request only such as Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Nelson & Christchurch regions (additional fees will apply)
- Full comprehensive insurance cover (with standard $7,500.00 excess)
- Bike Racks (max 2 mountain bikes)
- 2 x adult size mountain bikes (additional fee applies)
- 2 x E-bikes are subject to availability (additional fee applies)
- Children’s car seats & booster seats
- Outdoor camping table and chairs
- All required linen & bedding
- Essential Kitchen Items- plunger coffee, tea, salt, pepper, cooking oil, paper tissues, dishwashing liquid & even toilet paper
- Customized & flexible hire packages such as Golf, New Zealand's top great walks & weddingmoon pacakges
- No additional drivers fee
- DVD’s, games and books
- Free airport & airport hotel pickup/drop off’s Monday to Friday (11.00am-4.00pm)
- Unlimited kms (RUC’s, NZ road user charges are additional)
- No cleaning fees
- Bank secure payment system and direct bank payment options
- WhatsApp customer service number Monday to Friday (8.00am -6.00pm)
- 24/7 Emergency WhatsApp number
- 24/7 AA Roadside Assistance
- No booking fees
Can I extend my trip?
Yes, we will do our best to help you extend your adventure which will depend on availability. Once you let us know that you would like to extend we will check and confirm availability, any extension will be booked as an additional hire and paid at time of the extention.
Are there restrictions on roads and locations where a vehicle/camper can be driven?
We don't ever want to be a holiday spolier but as we know all insurance policies have restrictions placed on where the vehicle can be driven, also NZTA (NZ Road Transport Assoc) have a list of prohibited NZ roads on there website, so we strongly recommend all of our guests read carefully our KMH rental agreement and Terms & Conditions on our website, a copy of our Insurance policy is also available on request.
What happens if I return the vehicle late?
A late fee of 125% of the pro-rated normal hourly hire rate will need to be paid, if the late return impacts our next rental the unfortunately 150% of the full daily rate will be due.
Do I need to clean the vehicle before returning it?
Unless you have chosen for the optional extra 'Dump & Run' option then you will need to empty the toilet (casette), empty the grey waste water tank, also re-fill the motorhome diesel tank, Ad Blue (if applicable) and LPG gas bottle, all personal rubbish must be taken out and the motorhome should be returned in a clean condition (inside motorhome) otherwise an additional cleaning fee will apply.
Can I rent and drive with an international license and do I need to be over a certain age to hire?
All drivers and hirers must be aged over 25 years old (unless agreed by KMH) and
- Hold a current valid driver license for the vehicle being hired and:
- You’ve not received a disqualification or suspension in New Zealand and have arrived into NZ less than 12 months ago, and
- Your overseas license is in English, if it’s not, It must be accompanied by an accredited English translation. The translation must be provided by a NZ Transport Agency authorised translation service or a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, or the authority that issued your overseas licence. (An International Driving Permit may be acceptable as a translation if in English).
- You’ve not been granted a New Zealand driver license, and
- You have not renewed, requalified or reinstated a New Zealand driver license since you last entered New Zealand.
Visiting us from overseas?
If your license is in a language other than English, please ensure two things:
- The license is appropriate for a full size motor vehicle (not restricted or learner).
- It must be accompanied by an accredited English translation. The translation must be provided by an an NZ Transport Agency authorised translation service or a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, or the authority that issued your overseas licence. (An International Driving Permit may be acceptable as a translation if in English).
What happens if I cause minor damage to the camper/vehicle?
You must notify KMH of any damage as soon as it happens so the insurance company can be informed.
If any accidental damage is sustained during the hire period to the motorhome or 3rd party vehicle regardless of fault then the bond or Insurance Excess will form part or all of the repair costs. Any difference between the Insurance Excess or bond amt. and the final repair costs will be refunded at the completion of the repairs.
The full excess amount will be payable for each separate accident regardless of fault while on hire.
Is there a minimum rental period?
Yes, 7 days off peak and 14 day’s during peak season.
What happens if I cancel my booking after it has been accepted?
We do recommend you are very certain and double check your booking prior to confirming your booking with KMH. However, KMH also understands that plans sometimes need to be changed so please refer our cancelation schedule.
Cancelation schedule
Cancellation period / Cancellation fee
- Period: 30+ days before commencement of Rental Period Fee:
25% of Rental Price - Period: 8-30 days before commencement of Rental Period
Fee: 50% of Rental Price - Period: 0-7 days before commencement of Rental Period
Fee: 100% of Rental Price
Can I take my pet with me?
The great news is KMH is pet friendly and we are open to discussing each request case by case, we would love to allow your little treasures and family members to enjoy your adventure with you however as our hirers safety & comfort is our priority we do have to be mindful that some hirers can be very sensitive and alergic to animals.
Happy to discuss and confirm each request seperately.
Can I bring my own children's car or booster seat?
Yes you are welcome to bring your own car or booster seat as long as it is not expired and is approved in NZ for your darling.
We are happy to offer child restraints & booster seats with your hire, to ensure we have some available for you it is recommended that child restraints are requested at time of booking along with your childrens age, height and weight.
An AU/NZ Standard, European Standard or American Standard restraint that complies with New Zealand law is acceptable to use in New Zealand.
Ultimately it is your responsibility as the driver and hirer to ensure the child restraint is applicable and suitable for the child, please feel free to refer to NZTA website for all details.
Where your child can sit?
Front passenger seats with air bags child restraints or children under seven years of age.
Child or booster seats are not permitted in the rear facing seats of any vehicle.
We highly recommend that children are kept rear facing until approximately two years of age, please refer NZTA website for details on child restraints.
What happens if the Motorhome I have booked is involved in an accident prior to my hire?
KMH will endeavour all efforts are undertaken to organize a similar replacement vehicle where a vehicle has been damaged and cannot be repaired in time for the start of the hire.
If a similar replacement vehicle cannot be secured in time by KMH, then KMH will refund the full amount of any payment made by the hirer to KMH, this will then automatically terminate the original rental agreement.
The Hirer agrees that KMH shall not be liable for any further additional costs incurred due to cancellation of the hire contract.
Can I drive on roads partly covered with snow or any ski field access roads?
Our primary focus is on our guests safety, as all of our motorhomes are large 2 wheel drive vehicles we prohibit all driving on any roads that are partly or fully covered with snow, including any ski field accesss roads.
Please see our Terms & Conditions and Rental Agreement for additional info or email info@kiwimotorhomes.co.nz for further information.
Posted on Kim VairekaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. International and Kiwi Travellers, awesome friendly Whanau, I highly recommend kiwi Motor homes if you’re looking for a weekend getaway or holidaying with your family. The camper van ticked the boxes cozy on a winters night, with all amenities on board, it’s like Home away from home. Was an easy process from the start to the finish. 10/10Posted on A. M. WennekesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have had a really great time in the Campervan. Going from Christchurch to Auckland in the RV was an amazing experience.Posted on kelly pauesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an incredible experience exploring New Zealand's South Island with Kiwi Motorhomes. From start to finish, everything was smooth, professional, and well organised, making it easy for us to relax and enjoy the adventure. The motorhome was clean, comfortable, well-maintained, and equipped with everything we needed for our trip. It quickly became our home away from home as we travelled through some of the most spectacular scenery New Zealand has to offer. A special shout-out to Mike in Christchurch, who was absolutely awesome. He made the pickup process effortless, took the time to explain everything clearly, and was genuinely friendly, welcoming, and helpful. His outstanding customer service really set the tone for a fantastic holiday. We highly recommend Kiwi Motorhomes to anyone planning a New Zealand road trip and wouldn't hesitate to book with them again. Thanks for helping make our South Island adventure so memorable!Posted on Aileen TerribleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you to Mike from Kiwi Motorhomes for setting us up with a great motorhome and even dropping us off at the airport.Posted on Sarah O'RourkeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic experience hiring this motorhome. It was clean, comfortable, and had everything we needed for our trip. Mike was an absolute legend—friendly, helpful, and great to deal with from start to finish. He even went out of his way to drop us at the airport, which we really appreciated.Posted on Vicky PaekauTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fast and effective replies, on arrival of pickup in Christchurch Mike explained everything with regards to all functional uses of motorhome it was equipped with everything we needed for our use we had no issues at all highly recommend to anyone who wishes to use this business.Posted on Ammon AcarapiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Caleb was brilliant to work worth with throughout the process. I had to change my plans a couple of times and Caleb was very accommodating where possible. Highly recommended.Posted on Judith & Peter FeakinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I had a wonderful time north of Auckland in the KEA they call Charlie. This van suited our needs for two people. Caleb did a great job [a bit over the top] in explaining everything before we took off. Being able to leave our car safely at the pick up was a great bonus and we enjoy dealing with a family business. We would recommend Kiwi Motorhomes. Peter and Judith from Wellington.Posted on Mark and Fiona StilwellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great communication, loved the van, easy company to deal with and very efficient. Highly recommend.

