Discovery Campervans New Zealand

Britz Terms & Conditions

Conditions for Campervan & Motorhome Rental (New Zealand)
Valid for Travel 01 April 2024 - 31 March 2025

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                   
Queenstown
8:00am-4:30pm          

Branches are open all public holidays except Christmas Day (25 December).

$115 surcharge will apply to all rentals picking up and/or dropping off on National public holidays

  • 1 April 2024
  • 25 April 2024
  • 3 June 2024
  • 28 June 2024
  • 28 October 2024
  • 15 November 2024 (Christchurch Only)
  • 26 December 2024
  • 1st - 2nd January 2025
  • 29 January (Auckland only)
  • 6th February 2025
  • 25 March (Queenstown only)

Standard Daily Rates Include

  • Unlimited Kilometres (Diesel Tax charged/100km- see RUCRF* note below)
  • Vehicle Insurance - Standard Liability
  • 15% GST (Goods & Services Tax)
  • Bedding & Linen Kits*
  • Kitchen Equipment*
  • General Equipment*
  • Extra Driver Fees
  • Customer Care 24 hour, 7 days per week Road-service Helpline (toll free)
  • Travel Wallet including map of New Zealand with driving tips and travel information
  • New Zealand leading attractions map including discounts to iconic tourist attractions

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

GST is a New Zealand Government imposed tax. GST is included in all Britz rates and is currently 15%. Britz reserves the right to amend GST upon Government intervention.

Bedding & Linen Kits

Includes pillow, pillowcase, sheet and towel per person plus one duvet per bed.

General Equipment

Includes pegs, dustpan/brush fire extinguisher, bucket/hose, broom, matches, coat hangers and toilet chemicals.

Kitchen Equipment

Includes plates, bowls, cups, glasses, knives, forks, spoons, bottle/can opener, mixing bowls, colander, saucepans, frying pans, cooking utensils, chopping board, kettle, teapot, toaster and tea towel.

*Road User Charge Recovery Fee (RUCRF)

The RUCRF fee will be calculated on return of the vehicle based on the kilometres traveled during the hire.

The vehicle rates per 100km are as follows:

Vehicle Cost per 100km
2 Berth Petrol   NIL
2 Berth Diesel $7.64
Voyager $7.64
2 Berth T/S $7.64
4 Berth   $8.04
6 Berth $8.04

Britz reserves the right to amend the Road User Charge Recovery Fee in response to changes in Government Road User Charges.

Stress Free Package

The Stress Free Package is payable per day in addition to the daily rental rate and can only be done via our website upon booking NOT on arrival at the branch.

Stress Free Package Inclusions

  • Liability Reduction Option - $0 Liability*
  • Single Vehicle Rollover Cover
  • Extra Driver Fees
  • Linen Exchange**
  • Unlimited Tyre & Windscreen Accidental Damage Cover
  • Outdoor Table & Chairs
  • Portable Heater
  • Snow Chains by request
  • Baby/Booster seat - on request (cannot be fitted in some vehicle categories)

*This option reduces the Liability Fee for Motorhomes from NZ$7,500 to NIL.

**Linen Exchange: This service allows customers to exchange their linen and bedding during their rental after seven days of travel at any Britz branch. The branch will need to be notified ahead of time to ensure items are available and ready for when customers arrive.

Standard Liability & Vehicle Insurance

New Zealand legislation provides limited coverage for personal injury. Except where such loss or damage is caused by Britz’s (or that of its employees) own negligence or breach of the Britz Rental Agreement Terms and Conditions, Britz does not accept liability for any loss or damage to any personal belongings or property of the Customer (or any person or entity related to the Customer).  Britz strongly recommend that all people travelling in New Zealand take out personal travel insurance. 

In the USA liability is referred to as the deductible.

All Vehicles are insured for the damage to the vehicle or to the property of a Third Party. The hirer is responsible for the first NZ$7,500 (NZ$5000 Hitop and Voyager) of ANY ACCIDENT COST of damage to Third Party property or to the rented vehicle, including single vehicle accident, windscreen and tyre damage (does not include single vehicle roll over), towing and recovery costs, theft, fire, break in or vandalism with the exception of the exclusions.  Where the damage is the customer’s fault, this also includes the cost of the daily rental rate for the period the vehicle is off fleet for accident repairs. The liability applies in respect of each claim, not rental.

The liability is applicable regardless of who is at fault and must be paid at the time the accident report is completed, not at the completion of the rental. The liability fee will be refunded if Britz is successful in recovering the cost of the damages from the Third Party. Please note that Third Party claims can take months to resolve.

Where a customer chooses the standard liability option, any damage to their motorhome or any third party property during the hire  will need to be paid during the vehicle drop off process. Costs incurred will be calculated and recovered at end of the hire, regardless of any independent cover they may have. Customers choosing a standard liability option will need to allow sufficient time at drop-off to enable a damage inspection.

The maximum public liability is $20,000,000, sub limits may apply. Please note that the maximum public liability may change during the course of the

year for which these terms apply.

The Standard Liability can be reduced by purchasing one of the following:

Liability Reduction Options (LRO)

Liability Option Cost per Day Liability Fee Bond Payable
Standard Liability Included in rental $7,500 $7,500
Standard Liability (HiTop & Voyager) Included in rental $5,000 $5,000
LRO (HiTop & Voyager) $48 (max $2,400) $0 $0 (imprint taken)
LRO (All other Vehicles) $53 (max $2,650) $0 $0 (imprint taken)
Stress Free Package  (HiTop & Voyager) $60 (max $3,000) $0 $0 (imprint taken)
Stress Free Package  (All other Vehicles) $65 (max $3,250) $0 $0 (imprint taken)
Express Return Pack $379-$655 per rental* $0 $0 (imprint taken)
Express Return Pack (HiTop & Voyager) $459-$749 per rental* $0 $0 (imprint taken)

*Stress Free Package includes LRO  & Bonus Items. This option must be selected at time of booking or prior to pick up.

Tyre and Windscreen Damage

Where a NIL liability is present unlimited windscreen and tyres will be covered for accidental damage.

Exclusions

The Liability Reduction Option will not apply and the customer is responsible for all costs arising out of, or incurred in connection with:

1. Any use of the vehicle prohibited under the Britz Rental Agreement.

2. Any damage caused by wilful misconduct (e.g. sitting or standing on the bonnet or roof of the vehicle) or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or negligence. 3. Any loss or damage to any personal belongings or property of the customer (or any person or entity related to the customer), except where such loss or damage is caused by Britz’s (or that of its employees) own negligence or breach of the Britz Rental Agreement Terms and Conditions. Britz recommends the customer does not leave valuables in the vehicle and that they take out personal travel insurance.

4. Any damage where the customer is charged by local authorities for being careless, showing gross negligence or wilfulness in failing to abide by the local road rules, resulting in damage to the hired vehicle or third party vehicle/property.

5. Retrieving or recovering a vehicle, which may include, but is not limited to a vehicle that has become bogged, submerged, caught, trapped, stuck or restricted in anyway and/or has been abandoned, in each case in circumstances within the control of the customer.

6. Replacing keys, which have been lost or stolen, or retrieval of keys which have been locked in a vehicle. 7. Any overhead and underbody damage to the vehicle however caused, except where Liability Reduction Option or the Britz Inclusive Pack has been purchased.

8. Any single vehicle rollover except where the Britz Inclusive Pack has been purchased.

9. Damage caused to the vehicle because total load (kg) has exceeded recommended load as stated in vehicle manual. Vehicles are not to be used for the purpose of transporting and haulage of goods other than what might be reasonably expected of a leisure rental.

10. Damage caused by drivers not identified on the rental agreement and/or drivers whose licence has been cancelled or suspended and/or drivers who have a licence that is classified as a learners or probationary licence.

11. Any damage caused to the vehicle due to the incorrect use of snow chains.

12. Any damage associated with the incorrect use of fuel (fuel being diesel or petrol), which includes Biofuel which should not be used, or water or other contamination of fuel.

13. Any water related damage which includes, but is not limited to, vehicle submersion, contact with salt water, creek or river crossings, driving through flooded areas and beach driving.

14. Any damage caused to the vehicle by a customer’s cat or dog.

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 or debit card can be used for payment of bond. The credit or debit card holder must be present and able to sign for the vehicles security deposit upon vehicle collection. The credit or debit 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 or debit card.

Debited vehicle security deposits are subject to a 2.7% credit card administration fee in addition to the bond amount when the credit or debit card used is either Visa or Mastercard or 5.2% for American Express. The credit card administration fees are subject to change.

Britz recommend that customers use a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card for the Liability Deposit, as the credit card administration fee that applies when using American Express is not refundable.

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

If a Liability Reduction option is not selected, the security deposit is NZ$7,500 ($5,000 HiTop & Voyager) payable by credit or debit card. When no Liability Reduction Option or Option 1 is selected, it is important that the hirer have the funds available on the credit or debit card for the bond amount when the vehicle is collected, and that the amount does not exceed the hirers daily withdrawal allowance available on the credit or debit card.

When Liability Reduction Option 2 is selected, the amount is taken as an imprint to the hirers credit or debit card when the vehicle is collected.

Britz reserves the right to retain an NZ$250 cleaning fee if the vehicle is not returned in a clean condition. This includes smoking related cleaning, as smoking is not permitted in the vehicle. The toilet and waste water tank must be emptied prior to the return of the vehicle, or an additional NZ$125 soiling fee will be retained.

The Security Deposit is fully refundable, including the credit card surcharge if the card used to provide the
vehicle security deposit is a Visa or MasterCard, provided the vehicle is returned on time, to the correct location, undamaged, with a clean interior and with full fuel tank (Fuel being petrol or diesel) and gas bottle. Except where the customer has purchased the express return pack, failure to return the vehicle with full petrol or diesel tanks and/or a full LPG bottle will result in refill charges, which will be advised upon returning the vehicle.

For Security purposes, only the hirers credit or debit 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. 

Exchange Rate/Currency Variations

All credit and debit card transactions are conducted in New Zealand Dollars.  If a refund is due, Britz will credit the amount due in full to the Customer's credit or debit card.  Britz does not accept any liability for credit or debit card fees or bank-imposed fees relating to currency conversion or foreign transactions, which may appear as a variation between the total debited and the total refunded. 

Credit and Debit Cards

The credit or debit card holder will be jointly and severally liable as a customer. Accepted credit or debit cards are Visa Card, Mastercard and American Express. A non-refundable 2.7% administration fee will apply to all Visa and Mastercard transactions (5.2% applies to American Express). Credit card administration fees also apply to debited security bonds and only the hirers credit or debit card is acceptable to use for the purpose of the security bond. (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

Calculation Errors

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

Licence

A current and full motor vehicle drivers licence is required and must be presented upon vehicle collection. Should a foreign licence be in a language other than English it must be accompanied by a current International Driving Permit issued in the same country as the drivers licence was issued. An accredited English translation will be accepted in lieu of an international driving permit.

Age Restrictions

Drivers must be 21 years of age or over.

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 - NZ$29 per rental
  • Picnic Chair - NZ$20 per rental
  • Baby / Booster Seat* - NZ$42 per rental
  • Portable Heater - NZ$18 per rental
  • Snow Chains - NZ$41 per rental (In vehicle. If seal is broken customer is charged)
  • First Aid Kit - NZ$40 for purchase (In vehicle. If seal is broken customer is charged)
  • Souvenir Road Atlas - From NZ$25 for purchase
  • Pre-Purchase Gas (PGO) - From NZ$32 - $42 (depending on vehicle choice)
  • Re fueling Pack** - $399.00 (hires 15 days and under) $539.00 (hires 16-24 days) $699.00 (hires 25 days+)
  • Portable Hand-Held Shower - NZ$16 per rental
  • Electical Adaptor - NZ$14 for purchase
  • Toilet Emptying Service* $85-$135
  • Bike Hire NZ$16 per day - (See terms at bottom of page)
  • Bike Rack NZ$58 per rental - (See terms at bottom of page)
  • Pet Fee* NZ$299 per rental

Charges for additional products and services will be charged per hire.

*On drop off of vehicle, customers will have the convenience of having the toilet emptied for them

** Refueling Pack - This includes: Road User Charge recovery fee, 1x fuel tank refill and 1x gas bottle refill.

Outdoor table and chairs, portable heater, (if required) and snow chains (if required) are included in the Stress Free Package.

*Baby/Booster Seat

Note that not all Britz vehicles can accommodate child restraint equipment. Child seats depending on the childs age are commonly used for children 3 years or less. Reversible child seats or capsules are used so that an infant can be accommodated when required. Booster seats again depending on the childs size are commonly used for children between 3 and 8 years of age. All child restraint equipment is to be fitted by the hirer facing forward, in the appropriate seat/s and cannot be situated on side facing seats.

*Pet Fee

Up to two cats or dogs may be carried in the campervan. A pet fee of $299 will apply per hire. Pets which travel must be registered, treated for fleas and be controllable. At pick-up and drop-off in our branch locations, customer must ensure that their pet is secure on a lead and is supervised by an adult outside of the branch. Pets must be clean and dry before entering the campervan. Whilst driving, pets must be restrained in the rear of the campervan, avoiding the possibility of distracting the driver. Britz reserves the right to charge the customer a $250 cleaning fee for any animal related soiling of the campervan.

Rental Duration

  • Rental days are charged per calendar day. When calculating the number of days a vehicle is rented, the day of pick-up is counted as day one of the rental. The day of the vehicles return is counted as the final day of the rental. Vehicles are required to be collected and returned within business hours.
  • Minimum rental periods is 5 days with the exception of hires with travel dates between  December and  January, which require a minimum of 14 days
  • Minimum rental period is 10 -14 days when a vehicle is going one way
  • Minimum rental period is subject to change during peak periods.
  • Late Pick-up or early return of vehicle does not entitle the hirer to any refund of the unused portion of the rental.
  • If a customer wishes to extend the rental whilst on hire, they must first obtain authorisation from reservations or any of the Britz branches. The rental extension is subject to vehicle availability. The cost of an extended rental must be paid by credit or debit card over the telephone on confirmation of the rental extension. The rate charged may not reflect the original rate booked. Failure to obtain authorisation will result in a daily fee of NZ$150 in addition to the daily rate.

Road Restrictions

Campervans can only be driven on sealed/bitumen or well maintained roads.

No vehicle is permitted to travel on:

  • Skippers Road (Queenstown)
  • Crown Range Road (Queenstown)
  • Ninety Mile Beach (Northland)
  • Ball Hut Road( Mt Cook)
  • North of Colville Township (Coromandel Peninsula)
  • All ski field access roads (from 01 June to 31 October)

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

Should a customer breach the road restriction rules by taking a vehicle on a restricted road, Britz may impose a fee on the customer of $300 on each occasion that is identified by Britz.

Change of Drop-Off Destination

If the customers wishes to change the drop-off destination, they must first obtain authorisation from the Reservations or Scheduling departments.

Subject to the change being approved, an additional charge of up to NZ$750 may apply.

Multiple Rentals

Should a customer have more than one consecutive rental they can be combined to qualify for longer-term hire discounts off the daily vehicle rates. Details are on application. 

One-Way Rentals

  • A one-way rental fee of NZ$180 applies where pick up originates from Auckland and returns to Christchurch or Queenstown, where pick-up is between 01 April and 30 September.
  • A one-way rental fee of NZ$280 applies where pick up originates from Auckland and returns to Christchurch or Queenstown, where pick-up is between 01 October and 31 March.
  • A one-way rental fee of NZ$180 applies where pick up originates from Christchurch or Queenstown and returns to Auckland, where pick-up is between 01 October and 31 March.
  • A one-way rental fee of NZ$180 applies where pick up originates from Christchurch to Queenstown, where pick-up is between 01 April and 30 September.
  • A one-way rental fee of NZ$85 applies where pick up originates from Queenstown to Christchurch

The one-way fee if applicable is charged per hire.

Minimum one-way rental period requirements are subject to change.

Queenstown Fees

Vehicle collections and returns in Queenstown incur a NZ$200 location fee (same city collection and return, one fee applies). This is in addition to the one-way fee if applicable.

Public Holiday Surcharge

A NZ$115 surcharge will apply to all rentals picking up and/or dropping off on  National public holidays.

Customer Self Check

Please note that it is mandatory for all customers to complete our Customer Self Check In service.

https://selfcheckin.thlonline.com/sci/start

Transfers

Branches are conveniently located near major airports, making pick-up and drop-off easy for our guests.

Britz provides free airport to branch and branch to airport transfers on the day of arrival and departure for our Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown branches.

Infringements

Britz 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, Britz 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. This fee will be applicable per offence.

If the Customer continues to exceed a speed of 110km or continues to exceed the posted speed limit, as determined by the Customer repeatedly ignoring the warnings of the telematics system fitted into the Vehicle, Britz may impose a fee on the Customer in the amount of AU$300.

Customer Care On-Road Assistance

Any problems associated with the vehicle, including equipment failure, must be reported to Britz as soon as possible and within 24 hours in order to give Britz the opportunity to rectify the problem during the rental. Failure to do so may impact any claims for compensation. 

Please contact us on free phone: 0800 788 558 or landline 0064 9 255 4471. 

Repairs

Repairs up to NZ$200 may be affected without authorisation and will be reimbursed upon presentation of a receipt. For amounts over NZ$200, Britz will need to be informed in advance. Repairs will be approved provided the customer was not directly responsible for the damage. Receipts must be submitted for any repair or the claim will not be paid.

Change of Vehicle

Should the vehicle booked be unavailable through unforeseen circumstances, Britz reserve the right to substitute an alternative vehicle without prior notification and at no extra cost. This shall not constitute a breach of contract and does not entitle the hirer to a refund.

Vehicle Category

Vehicles cannot be requested by make or model, only by vehicle category.

Voluntary Downgrade

Should the hirer decide to take a lesser vehicle than booked they will not be entitled to any refund.

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 cancelled 31 days or more prior to pick-up = 20% or deposit paid (whichever is greater)
  • If cancelled between 21 to 7 days prior to pick-up = 40% or deposit paid (whichever is greater)
  • If cancelled between 6 to 1 days prior to pick-up = 70% of Rental
  • If cancelled within 24hrs of pick-up or No-Show = 100% of Rental
  • If vehicle is returned early there is no refund available for the unused days and a No Show is considered as 100% Cancellation.
  • The cancellation fee period is based on New Zealand Standard time.
  • Note: If vehicle is picked up late or returned early no refund is available for the unused portion of the rental

If a Customer changes the travel dates of their booking and subsequently cancels:

  • the cancellation fee applying to the original cancellation period will apply where the Customer has postponed their travel dates; and
  • the cancellation fee applying to the new cancellation period will apply where the Customer has brought forward their travel dates.

Amendments: If a bookings travel dates are amended within the cancellation fee period to be outside of the cancellation fee period and is subsequently cancelled, the cancellation fee for the original booking will apply. 

$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. If rental is shortened, no refund will be given on the initial deposit.  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.

If the amendment results in changing vehicle brands your deposit may not transferable.

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.

Any amendments within cancellation time period is subject to the supplier providing permission to amend the travel dates, or cancel the reservation and having to re-book.

If a bookings travel dates are amended within the cancellation fee period to be outside of the cancellation fee period and is subsequently cancelled, the cancellation fee for the original booking will apply.

Important

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

Animals

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

Bike Hire Terms

What's Included:

  • Helmet
  • Flat pedals
  • Bottle cage
  • Puncture repair kit, pump, spare tube
  • Tyre levers, multi tool and lock
  • 0800 freephone support service

Conditions

  • You will need to collect your bike/s from the Natural High depot, after you have picked up your campervan
  • Minimum hire period is 5 days
  • All bike hire must be made at the same time as hiring a campervan and a bike rack to avoid disappointment in availability of bikes. Payment for bike hire must be made in full to Britz
  • Bikes are all general purpose mountain/comfort bikes suitable for both road use and off road conditions. Specialist bikes such as full suspension bikes, road bikes or touring bikes can be arranged for an additional charge
  • Similar children’s models are available on request
  • Child seats are available and can be fitted on request
  • When making a booking, you will need to provide your height to the Britz Booking Host in advance to ensure Natural High have an appropriate bike size available on pick-up. If any child seats or children’s bikes are required, please also advise at this time.
  • A bike rack will be fitted to the vehicle at the campervan branch in Auckland or Christchurch. You will then need to drive to the nearby Natural High location to collect your bike/s. This enables you to receive a quality bike of the correct size and ensures that you receive a full briefing on the use and maintenance of the bikes.

Locations

Auckland
Natural High, 10 Uenuku Way, Mangere, Auckland
Christchurch
Natural High, 690A Harewood Road, Harewood, Christchurch

Opening hours

Summer: 1 October – 31 March
Monday to Friday - 09:00 – 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 – 16:00,
Sunday & public holidays - Closed

Winter: 1 April – 30 September:
Monday to Friday - 09:00 – 17:00
Saturday & Sunday & public holidays - Closed

  • Bikes will be available for pick up and drop off from the campervan branch on weekends & public holidays during winter hours. At all other times bikes must be collected and dropped off at the Natural High depot.
  • Please note that all bike bookings picking up on the weekend must be made at least 48 hours in advance
  • A maximum of two bikes can be carried on all vehicles that can have bike racks fitted
  • A helmet (compulsory in New Zealand), bike lock and repair kit are supplied with each bike
  • There is no extra cost for one way hire of bikes
  • No cancellation fee applies
  • Credit card details must be provided to Natural High, which will be held as an authority. The hirer is responsible for repair or replacement costs in cases of damage or loss of the bike and accessories. This includes but is not limited to scratches to bike frames, buckled wheels, damage by keas, missing pumps, locks, multi tool kits, tyre levers and computers. Insurance is available directly from Natural High for an additional charge, to reduce the customer’s liability for damage. Without insurance Natural High reserves the right to charge for damage or replacement costs
  • All bikes must be returned to Natural High before returning the campervan. If a customer wants to extend their bike hire while on the road they will need to contact Natural High directly. If returned late then late fees may apply. No refunds will be made for early returns, late pick ups, no shows or changing their mind on the day of pick up

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