Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are the vehicles manual or automatic?
A. All KEA vehicles have manual transmission except for the KEA 2+2FT. We have found that motorhomes built on an automatic transmission are not powerful enough.
Q. Do you have vehicles that can accommodate more than 6 people?
A. Our largest vehicle is the KEA 6ST which can accommodate a maximum of 6 people.
Q. What is the storage capacity in the vehicles? Can we bring our suitcases?
A. Hard suitcases are not recommended. We recommend you travel with foldable, soft bags only, which can be stored under the bunks in the rear of the vehicles. Restrict your luggage to a minimum.
Q. How big is the vehicle safe - what size laptop will fit in there?
A. The following vehicles are equipped with a safe: KEA 2-Berth ST, KEA 4-Berth ST and KEA 6-Berth ST. Safe measurements are: Length: 35cm; Height: 16.5cm (door opening); Depth: 34cm.
Q. Do you have a tow-bar facility?
A. KEA vehicles are not equipped with a tow-bar.
Q. Do the campers have awnings?
A. KEA NZ vehicles do not have awnings, however we do have sun umbrellas available for hire at a cost of NZ$20.
Q. Do your campers have a bike rack facility?
A. We do not have bike racks for hire. You should be able to hire bikes locally at visitor centres and campgrounds.
Q. How long do the batteries last for free camping?
A. It all depends on a number of things. 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. A general rule of thumb is that if you move every couple of days then the alternator charging in addition to the solar power will keep the batteries charged.
Q. What if we want to free camp for longer than two days?
A. Now it becomes a question of minimizing 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, even by using recycled bottles filled with water, and turning the fridge off at night, or at least turn the thermostat down. Note that the fridge has an optimal setting, 7 o’clock on the dial. Parking the vehicle so that the fridge is on the shady side also reduces power consumption.
Q. What happens when the batteries run flat when I use the equipment? Will I be able to start my vehicle in the morning?
A. Your vehicle has a dual 12V battery system: one battery starts the engine and the other runs the house i.e. fridge, gas heating, entertainment, water pump and lighting. The batteries are isolated, so your engine battery will not be drained no matter how much you use the equipment in the vehicle. You will always be able to start the engine.
Q. Is power required to use the vehicle air-conditioning?
A. Yes, you need to be plugged into a power source on a campsite to use the air-conditioning in the living area of the 2ST, 4ST and 6ST models.
Q. Do the vehicles have power sockets?
A. Yes; however you need to be plugged into a power source on a campsite.
Q. How long will the gas bottle last?
A. In the larger vehicles (4 and 6 berth motorhomes), KEA 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.
Q. What works when the campervan is not connected to a 240v power supply?
A. When a KEA Camper is not connected to a 240v power supply, the fridge, water boiler, gas heater, house lights and the entertainment will run off the 12v batteries in the vehicle.
Q. Is there air-conditioning in the back while we are driving?
A. No, the air-conditioning in the living area only works while plugged in to 240V power supply (available on campgrounds). Please note that you cannot plug the power cord into normal household power outlets.
Q. Can we hire a GPS system from you? What is the cost?
A. We offer the Navman F20 unit for GPS at NZ$5 per day (minimum charge NZ$75; maximum charge NZ$250).
Q. Do you have vehicles for the disabled?
A. No, there is no access for wheel chairs and limited space inside. We are however able to advise other rental company details, who are able to do so.
Q. Can I recharge my laptop in the vehicle?
A. If you are plugged in simply use a power point in the vehicle. If you are not plugged in you may use your own converter (available from electronics stores such as Dick Smith for less than NZ$100 for a 300W).
Q. Can we rent a generator?
A. No, not available and cannot be used with our vehicles.
Q. Does the CD player/radio in the vehicle connect to MP3 players or iPods?
A. Excluding the 2+2 Fliptop the majority of our 2ST, 4ST and 6ST vehicles have an AUX input to the stereo/CD player. It is located inside the glovebox/storage compartment on top of the dashboard on passenger side. You will need to supply a cord (mono 3.5mm - looks like headphone pin).
Q. Does the DVD player play European formatted DVD’s?
A. KEA vehicles are equipped with multi-region (multi-zone?) DVD players.
Q. Can you get good TV reception everywhere?
A. NZ and Australia have very limited reception outside of the metropolitan areas. NZ has a problem with hills, and Australia with distances. The units in the vehicles are ideal for DVD movie playing, and limited TV viewing.
Q. Can we watch TV while driving?
A. For safety reasons, watching TV while driving is not permitted in any of our vehicles.
Q. Can I get internet access in campgrounds?
A. Yes you can. KEA has a special deal with the
Internet Access Company. KEA customers get 30 minutes free wifi access.
Q. Can we bring our own child seat?
A. Yes, if it has an ISO fix.
Q. Where do infants/babies sleep in the vehicles?
A. Most Portacots do not fit in our vehicles. For older children we do have a safety net for the top (Luton) bed in the 4ST and 6ST vehicles. For younger babies/toddlers, we suggest you consider one of these sleeping solutions for use during your holiday:
Kinderkot Retail Price: NZ$200 or available to rent for NZ$85;
SafeTsleep Retail Price: NZ$130.
Q. What is the vehicle equipped with?
A. 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 & Broom, Fire Extinguisher, Waste & Fresh Water Hose, Toilet Chemical (for vehicles with shower & toilet), Full LPG Bottle(s).
Q. Does the vehicle come with a hair dryer?
A. KEA does not provide hair dryers.
Q. Does the vehicle come with an iron and ironing board?
A. KEA does not provide irons or ironing boards. However you will find most camp grounds do have laundry facilities.
Q. Do I need to bring a plug adaptor?
A. New Zealand (as well as Australia and New Guinea) uses different power plugs to the rest of the world. New Zealand power outlets accept power plugs with 3 flat pins - 1 of which is an earthing pin (this is simply a safety measure). Some power plugs don't have the earthing pin but they still fit into the power outlets. Most likely, if you are coming from overseas you will need an adaptor.
Find out more about NZ power plugs here.
Q. Can we pick up and drop off at other locations throughout New Zealand?
A. We have depots in Auckland and Christchurch. These are the only two locations where a vehicle can be picked up and dropped off.
Q. Can you Freedom Camp in NZ?
A. Most parts of NZ have areas where free camping is available, provided the vehicle you have rented has toilet facilities on board. The best rule is to obey local signage, and ask at the local information centre for suitable sites. All KEA 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), and many Auckland Regional Authority Parks (approx 60 parks). Please visit
www.camping.org.nz to find out more about free camping in New Zealand.
Q. Do we have to book campgrounds in advance?
A. We advise to do so during peak periods such as school holidays, public holidays and long weekends.
Q. Can you send us a list with all the campgrounds?
A. Every vehicle comes with a free campground guide. Additional information is obtainable on the Camping Grounds page of our website.
Q. How and where do I dump my waste?
A. The customer service team will show you at pick up how to empty your waste water and toilet cassette. Please click here to see a list of dump stations in New Zealand.
Q. Can I connect the vehicle to a house electrical system when staying with friend’s and family?
A. 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.
Q. Where can I get a sim card for my mobile phone?
A. KEA Campers provides FREE 2 degree sim cards for their customers.
Q. Who pays the local Diesel Road User Tax?
A. KEA Campers in NZ has resisted calls to add this charge to our pricing. As part of our “no hidden charges” policy, KEA NZ pays this tax. The average cost would be approx $7 per day. Australia does not have this additional tax, it is included in the pump price for diesel.
Q. Why is it important to take the full cover insurance option when renting a KEA?
A. There is nothing worse than finishing your holiday and having to argue over the cost of seemingly minor damages. Panel repairs and parts are very expensive for these vehicles. Also note that in NZ up to one third of all other vehicles on the road are not insured, which means that even if the fault is not yours, your bond would be withheld. Other common incidents are windscreen replacements and tyre damages.
Q. Why should I pay for the whole day if I pick up after lunch and drop off early morning?
A. In New Zealand, campervans and motorhomes are hired out on a daily basis.
Q. Is my bond refunded immediately?
A. If the vehicle is returned without damage, we refund the bond immediately, but it can take up to 5 working days for the funds to be credited to your account.
Q. Are there additional fees for extra drivers?
A. No extra fees apply.
Q. What if I have an accident or medical emergency?
A.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 website
www.acc.co.nz. However KEA recommends that all visitors to New Zealand take out additional travel insurance for medical emergencies.
Q. Do you offer seniors discounts? Is there a maximum age limit for drivers?
A. We offer NZ SuperGold Card holders 10% off our regular daily rates, not combinable with other discounts. The SuperGold Card is a free discount and concession card available to New Zealand residents who are aged 65 years or over, and those under 65 years receiving New Zealand Superannuation or the Veteran's Pension. Offer is also valid for holders of the Australian ‘Pensioner Card’. Please quote your membership number at the time of booking and present the card upon pick of your KEA campervan/motorhome. There is no maximum age limit for KEA hires in NZ.
Q. We received a quote from a travel agent and it was cheaper than what you offer directly. Why is that?
A. Travel agents generate a large volume and receive volume-based discounts plus they hedge the currency.
Q. Do you offer industry discounts?
A. Yes, these must be requested through our marketing department.
Q. We rented a KEA 3 years ago, can we get a discount?
A. This will depend on many factors including the length of the hire and our availability. Contact us directly.
Q. How much does diesel cost?
A. KEA 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.
Q. Do you offer transfers to and from the depot?
A. KEA offers complimentary transfers on the first and last day of the rental to/from the airport or a city hotel.
Q. Can we leave/pick up the vehicle at the airport or can you deliver it?
A. Vehicles must be picked up and dropped off at the KEA rental location.
Q. Does every driver have to be there on pick up?
A. 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.
Q. Can we leave our luggage at your depot?
A. Yes, KEA is happy for you to leave your suitcases in the secure luggage room. 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.
Q. My flight arrives late. Can I pick up after hours?
A. 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 on weekdays or after 12 noon on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Q. Can we leave our car in your yard? If yes, is it secured? Is there an extra cost?
A. Yes you can, we have fully, electric fenced yards in Auckland and Christchurch.
Q. Can we bring our pet?
A. No, we do not allow animals in the vehicles, except for guide dogs.
Q. Can we smoke in the vehicle?
A. No. We do not permit smoking in any KEA vehicle.
Q. Do you offer relocations for your vehicles? How can I find out about them?
A. Yes we do - contact us directly as the requirements change every day.
Q. What are the rules for freedom camping?
A.On 17 August 2011, the New Zealand Government passed the Freedom Camping Bill in order to prevent polluting and dumping of waste. While there are some areas where freedom camping is not permitted, with KEA vehicles there are still plenty of options. You can choose to stay at the local camping grounds and Department of Conservation sites, and because our vehicles are certified self-contained, our guests are welcome to stay in areas that allow freedom camping.
It is important to understand the responsibilities of freedom camping, so please read
this brochure provided by the Department of Conservation, and if you are unsure then ask at a local ISite, DOC Visitors Centre or DOC office.
Instant fines can be given out to campers who: Camp overnight within 200m of a sign that designates ‘no freedom camping’; Camp overnight with a non-self-contained vehicle within 200m of a sign that designates ‘freedom camping only for self-contained vehicles’; Deposit waste while freedom camping.
Because fines are issued to the vehicle, all rental operators are allowed to recover freedom camping infringement fines from the hirer’s credit card in the same way they can with traffic infringements.