Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to assist with any questions you may have regarding any of the vehicles on our fleet. We have put together some of our most frequently asked questions to assist with your rental, however if you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to Contact Us.
All vehicles come fully equipped with: Pillows & Duvets, Sheets, Fleece Bed Throws & Towels, Cooking Utensils, Pots/Pans/Frypan, Plates & Bowls, Cups & Glasses, Wine Glasses, Kettle, Electric Kettle, Scissor, Dish Cloth, Dish Brush, Tea Towels, Electric Toaster, Cutlery, Tin Opener, Corkscrew, Coffee Plunger, Microwave Cookware, Food Containers, Chopping Board, Clothes Hangers, Clothes Line & Pegs, Bucket, Dustpan & Brush, Fire Extinguisher, Waste & Fresh Water Hose, Hot water bottles and Toilet Chemical (for vehicles with shower & toilet)
Our largest vehicle is the Tui Trail Explorer 6 berth which can accommodate a maximum of 6 people.
Hard suitcases are not recommended. We recommend soft bags that can be folded and stored away under the bench seats in the vehicles. Alternatively, if you are picking up and dropping off your vehicle from the same depot, your luggage can be stored for you, free of charge, at the depot. If you are not returning to the same depot, we are happy to arrange for your empty suitcases to be transferred to another depot. The charge is NZ$50.00 per empty suitcase.
The following vehicles are equipped with a safe: Trail Seeker 2 berth, Trail Blazer 4 Berth and Trail Explorer 6 Berth. Safe measurements are: Length: 35cm; Height: 16.5cm (door opening); Depth: 34cm.
Tui vehicles are not fitted with a tow-bar.
Unfortunately none of our campers have awnings.
We do not have bike racks for hire. You should be able to hire bikes locally at visitor centres and campgrounds.
No, we currently do not hire out this item, but New Zealand is very well suited for campers and free public facilities are available all over the country. If you specifically require one of these items our staff will point you to a local camping supply store where they can be purchased.
Tui vehicles have two batteries systems - one to run the engine and the other to operate the living equipment such as the fridge and lights. This battery will remain charged for approximately 12 to 48 hours but it all depends on a number of things you have running; use of lights, entertainment systems, gas heating (12V fan) and the number of times the fridge is opened. All our vehicles have solar panel backup, which helps restore the batteries when parked, but can’t keep up if everything is operating. If you flatten the battery you can switch on the engine where the alternator will start it again, but, you will need to plug the vehicle into 240V mains power for the battery to fully recharge. We recommend you stay in Holiday Parks to charge the battery at least every second night.
This depends on how much you minimise the power usage. The more equipment you use the quicker your batteries drain. If the weather is hot, try to keep the fridge closed as much as possible. A good tip is to keep the fridge filled by using recycled bottles filled with frozen water and turning the fridge off at night or at least turn the thermostat down. Parking the vehicle so that the fridge is on the shady side also reduces power consumption.
Yes, the inbuilt inverter will insure that all 12V functions continue uninterrupted. Since the engine battery is separate, if you flatten one of the house batteries, you will still be able to start the engine and drive.
Yes, you need to be plugged into a 240v power source on a campsite to use the air-conditioning in the living area of the TrailSeeker 2 Berth, TrailBlazer 4 berth and TrailExplorer 6 berth models. Please note that you cannot plug the power cord into normal household power outlets.
No Tui does not provide hair dryers.
Tui does not provide irons or ironing boards. However you will find most camp grounds do have laundry facilities.
Yes; New Zealand (as well as Australia and New Guinea) uses different power plugs to the rest of the world. Transformer or adaptor will be needed to fit NZ three point sockets and you need to be plugged into a power source on a campsite to be able to use them.
In the larger vehicles (4 and 6 berth motorhomes), Tui provides a gas fired heating system and gas hot water. If central heating, water heating and cooking are all being used then one bottle (4.5kg) may only last for 5-8 days; subject to use. In these larger vehicles a second bottle is provided. In the smaller vehicles, where water is heated by heat exchange from the engine, and particularly when central heating is not in use the bottle should provide up to two weeks of gas.
When a Tui Camper is not connected to a 240v power supply, the fridge, hot water, gas heater, house lights and the entertainment will run off the 12v batteries in the vehicle.
Yes, all our vehicles have 240 volt electric heaters. The Ford Transit Motorhomes also have gas heaters. All vehicles have heating in the cab which operates when you are driving. Refer to the Motorhome Fleet page for full details of individual models.
No, there is no access for wheel chairs and limited space inside.
If you are plugged in simply use a power point in the vehicle. If you are not plugged in you can hire a 12v-240v inverter so you can recharge off the battery.
No, not available and cannot be used with our vehicles.
Tui Campers is a 2nd tier campervan company with all vehicles being 2008 or newer, but our mates at Freedom Campers (www.freedomcampers.co.nz) will be able to suss you out for something a bit cheaper and older camper.
We always suggest as soon as you know the dates you wish to have your holiday - go online and book. To confirm we need a NZ$500 deposit and then the balance is due 28 days prior to your hire. The best way to submit your credit card details is through the bookings page on the Tui Campers website. This has a secure server for safety.
Customer service is our number one priority, therefore your request will be processed as quickly as possible, preferably within 24 hours of receiving your booking. If a vehicle is available for the dates you specified, your booking will be finalised and your credit card will be charged a $500 deposit. If you wish to cancel your booking after this, you will incur a cancellation fee (please refer to our terms and conditions). If a vehicle is not available, we will contact you with a suitable alternative and no payment will be incurred.
No reservation will be accepted or guaranteed without a part payment of hire cost made via a valid credit card number, cardholders name and card expiry date to be supplied at the time the reservation is made.
Should you wish to amend or cancel your existing booking, please contact us as soon as possible. Simply go to the Contact Us page which provides many options for contacting us, or email info@tuicampers.co.nz. Please ensure you quote your confirmation number and one of our reservation consultants will get back to you as quickly as possible.
To allow us to proceed with your booking request, we require you to submit your credit card details for part payment of hire cost so we can secure your booking. Your credit card information is strictly confidential.
Yes. We treat the security of our guest’s information very seriously. To ensure your security, all credit card transactions are secured by SSL, which encrypts the credit card number so as to make it unavailable to any other party.
We accept Visa or Master Card. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge of 2%. We do not accept American Express or Diners.
All credit card transactions be charged in New Zealand currency.
The open road speed limit in New Zealand is 100km per hour. The 4 and 6 berths can only travel at 90km per hour, all other vehicles will comfortably travel at this speed. Should you choose to travel at a slower speed, please show courtesy to other road users by allowing them to pass.
All vehicles are covered by the Automobile Association (AA) 24 hour roadside assistance service. We also supply a list of nationwide service centers and authorize you to spend up to $100.00 in emergency repairs so that you can deal with minor matters speedily or when convenient to you.
Between 1 May and 30 November it is the law to carry chains on the Milford Road. Usually snow chains are only required if you are going to be skiing, or if you are travelling in winter during bad weather mainly in the South Island and on the Desert road in the central North Island. Tui provides snow chains for a fee of $45 per rental.
Toll roads are roads which charge a fee in exchange for access through to your destination. If you are touring New Zealand's North Island, you may pass through the Northern Gateway Toll Road. When driving a rental vehicle in New Zealand, you are responsible for paying toll fees, so it is important to be aware of payment options before you travel. Visit the Northern Gateway Toll Road website (http://www.nzta.govt.nz/roads-and-rail/toll-roads/) for more information.
No we do not have depots at the Ferry terminals to be able to offer this service. You must take the vehicle on the ferry if you wish to cross the islands, saves you having to unpack and repack vehicles.
Recommended at peak times otherwise you may not get the crossing you want and at best fare. Not so important if you are planning an extended stay of over one month or out of peak season (April to October)
We would be happy to arrange this for you before you arrive. Please let us know your preferred cross date(s) and time(s) and the name and ages of those crossing on the ferry. The cost will be charged direct to your credit card details along with an administration fee of $25.
All Tui campervans and motorhomes can play MP3 CDs. However, most vehicles are not fitted with iPod jacks. You can purchase a radio FM transmitter at most electronic stores which will enable you to play your iPod through the radio in your Tui rental vehicle.
Tui vehicles are equipped with multi-region (multi-zone) DVD players.
For safety reasons, watching TV while driving is not permitted in any of our vehicles.
Yes, if it has an ISO fix.
Most Portacots do not fit in our vehicles. For older children we do have a safety net for the top (Luton) bed in the Trail Blazer 4 berth and Trail Explorer 6 berth vehicles. For younger babies/toddlers, we suggest you consider the Kinderkot available to rent for NZ$85.
Most parts of NZ have areas where free camping is available, provided the vehicle you have rented has toilet facilities on board. Free camping is illegal in some areas so you would need to check with the local Isite or DOC before free camping. We do ask that if you do free camp, please respect the environment, the locals and clean up after yourselves. The best rule is to obey local signage, and ask at the local information centre for suitable sites. All Tui vehicles that have toilets on board are certified self contained, which qualifies the hirer to stay over at Department of Conservation land (approx 300 sites around NZ)
Please visit www.camping.org.nz to find out more about free camping in New Zealand.
We advise to do so during peak periods such as school holidays, public holidays and long weekends.
In your Tui Campers there is free information on camp ground & regional guides as well as a comprehensive New Zealand road map.
This includes information on The Department of Conservation “DOC” campsites. There are over 250 of these throughout New Zealand. They are set in some of the most stunning locations in New Zealand and have basic facilities for you to use. There is also information on the various other networks of more comfortable Holiday Parks with toilets and hot showers, powered sites, kitchens, TV rooms, Laundromats and internet.
The average cost for DOC campsites are $0-$10 a night; Holiday Park campgrounds have an average cost $15-35 for non-power campsites, $20-40 for powered sites.
We provide a selection of full colour brochures with all of the standard campsites and DOC campsites. You can also check these web pages to find more about campgrounds: www.doc.govt.nz, www.holidayparks.co.nz, www.top10.co.nz.
The customer service team will show you at pick up how to empty your waste water and toilet cassette. We also give you information showing the location of dump stations throughout New Zealand. All Motorhomes waste must be disposed off at dump stations.
Government regulations do not allow for connection directly into a standard 240 volt plug in a house or garage with a 3 pin plug. There is the possibility of overheating and fire at the plug if demand for power is high from the camper, such as the use of toasters, kettles etc all at the same time. If a fire occurs as a result of plugging directly into a house, your insurance may become void. Campgrounds in New Zealand use a 3 phase source of power supply, your vehicle is equipped with this and you can plug directly in to mains power at any campsite.
No. Smoking in Tui vehicles is strictly prohibited, and offenders will be charged a fume removal fee of NZ$500.
No, there is no refund if you return your campervan earlier than the reserved period. However your travel insurance may in some circumstances cover the unused portion.
Road User Charges (diesel tax) on our diesel vehicles does apply. You will be charged per kilometre when you hire a diesel campervan. If you get our Bond Waiver insurance at $25 per day with a zero excess this includes your Road User Charges (in other words you don’t pay diesel tax!).
For your peace of mind during holiday, the Bond Waiver Insurance is the best way to minimise your liability when travelling in your Tui Camper. If you do not take the Bond Waiver Insurance you run the risk of being responsible for considerable costs associated with damage to, or theft of, the vehicle. This applies even if the damage was not your fault.
For example, you are liable if someone runs into you or if a rock from a passing car hits your windscreen and causes damage. Also, you are responsible for the subsequent costs if you are unlucky enough to puncture a tyre.
Bond Waiver Insurance gives you peace of mind in such circumstances, as you will only be liable for a limited amount unless you breach the terms and conditions of the rental contract.
In the event that something happens to the campervan and you are not at fault (either a vehicle accident where someone strikes the vehicle or damage occurs while the vehicle is parked, if you are unable to supply Tui Campers with details that enable recovery of the costs, then unfortunately you will be liable.
With most bookings, insurance is included in the daily rate. If not then insurance must be purchased to cover the vehicle. A standard excess applies (which you can choose to reduce). In the event of the vehicle becoming damaged during your hire, you will be liable for the applicable excess. This may be claimed back by yourself against your travel insurance, but this agreement is between your travel insurer and yourself. Make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully of your insurance.
No, unlike rental car companies that charge by 24-hour clock, all campervan companies in New Zealand charge by the day. So regardless of the time of collection and return, you will be charged for the day you collect and the day you drop your vehicle off. The above example would be an 8 day hire.
Our vehicles can be picked up or dropped off between 8:00am and 4:30pm daily in Summer, Winter hours are between 9.00am and 3.30pm (Queenstown is by prior arrangement). All Tui branches are closed on 25 December.
We suggest you allow one hour for the check-in/check-out process. To save time you can fill out our online pre-registration form. By providing us with your details in advance our branch staff can process your rental vehicle faster, allowing you to get on the road with a minimal wait time.
The Terms and Conditions Flyer (that will be presented to you to sign at time of pick-up) is also available for you to read here prior to arrival.
No extra fees apply.
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) is the sole and compulsory provider of accident insurance for all work and non-work injuries for all residents and visitors to New Zealand. The ACC Scheme is administered on a no-fault basis, so that anyone, regardless of the way in which they incurred an injury, is eligible for cover under the Scheme.
Due to the Scheme's no-fault basis, people who have suffered personal injury do not have the right to sue an at-fault party. For more details, please see the ACC website (http://www.acc.co.nz/). However Tui recommends that all visitors to New Zealand take out additional travel insurance for medical emergencies.
This will depend on many factors including the length of the hire and our availability. Contact us directly.
Tui pays the diesel tax therefore diesel is much cheaper than petrol in New Zealand. However the rates at the pump fluctuate. For up to date fuel pricing go to PriceWatch (http://www.pricewatch.co.nz/pricewatch.aspx)
Yes we do - contact us directly as the requirements change every day.
We offer a complimentary transfesr service on the first and last day of the rental to/from Airport and surrounding Airport Hotels, Motels. Once you arrive in New Zealand and you are ready for your transfer, please call us on 0800 324 939 and advise Surname, Reservation Number, Arrival Terminal or hotel name and Number of Passengers requiring collection. Our courtesy collection is normally within 30 minutes and operates up to 1 hour prior to close.
No, it is necessary for you to come to our Depot to collect your vehicle so we are able to complete the necessary documentation, and familiarise you with the operation of the campervan.
Vehicles must be picked up and dropped off at the Tui branch location.
Yes. We do need to sight all drivers actual, full, valid driver’s license (photo copies are not accepted) and all drivers do need to sign the rental agreement.
No, we do not allow pick ups after hours. If the delay is unexpected please contact your pickup depot directly for assistance. It is generally advisable to book a hotel for the first night if you will arrive after 3 pm.
Yes depending availability you can, we have fully fenced yards in Auckland and Christchurch however while all care is taken we accept no responsibility or liability.
No, we do not allow animals in the vehicles.
Yes, there are 7 days a week supermarkets open 8am-9pm and petrol stations open 24 hours close to each office, where you can park easily and purchase your supplies to start your holiday.