Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Maui
( 0800 651 080, 09-255 3910;
www.maui.co.nz
)
United Campervans
( 0800 759 919, 09-275 9919;
www.unitedcampervans.co.nz
)
Budget players in the campervan industry offer slick deals and funky, well-kitted-out
vehicles for backpackers. Rates are competitive (from as low as $25 per day May to Septem-
ber; from $95 per day December to February). Operators include the following:
name says it all.
plus outdoor barbecues for hire.
millennium.
vans.
iated with the Britz/Maui/Kea empire.
'Swiss Army Knife of campervans' that folds out for extra space.
FREEDOM CAMPING
NZ is so photogenic, it's tempting to just pull off the road at a gorgeous viewpoint and
camp the night. But always ask a local or check with the local i-SITE, DOC office or
commercial camping ground, as rules and regulations differ from region to region. If
you are freedom camping, treat the area with respect - if your van isn't fully self-con-
tained you can't stay in designated camping sites that don't have toilets. Legislation
allows for $200 instant fines for camping in prohibited areas, or improper disposal of
waste (in cases where dumping waste could damage the environment, fees are up to
$10,000). See
www.camping.org.nz
for more freedom camping tips, and
www.tourism.govt.nz
for info on where to find dump stations.
CAR HIRE
Competition between car-rental companies in NZ is torrid, particularly in the big cities and
Picton. Remember that if you want to travel far, you need unlimited kilometres. Some (but not
all) companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old − ask around.
