FAQs

Take a few of minutes and browse through the most asked questions.

If the answer you need isn’t in here, send us an email at info@luckyrentals.co.nz and we’ll take care of it.

Do I need a special drivers licence to drive in New Zealand?

Our campervans can be driven with a standard car licence. The driver must hold a current and valid drivers licence for the duration of the hire period. Please note that law enforcement in New Zealand requires your licence to be in English. If your licence is not issued in English an international drivers licence / translation will be required you will still be required to carry your licence at all times.

If your overseas driver licence or permit isn't in English you must carry an accurate English translation in order to be able to drive in New Zealand. The translation must be provided by:

  • A NZ Transport Agency authorised translation service.
  • A translation document issued by a Notary Public Office in China. 
  • 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). You will still need to carry your licence on you at all times.

If your licence is not issued in English Lucky Rentals highly recommends obtaining an English translation prior to pick up. Auckland Translations Limited can issue translations within 24 hours of pick up if required.

Do I have to pre-book camping parks?

It is rare for powered sites to be full at camping parks. The only time it may be a problem is over the Christmas/New Year period continuing to the end of the first week of January and sometimes the first two weeks of February. Bookings may be wise in some of the key tourist centres also.

What do the Excess reduction options cover?

The rental excess reduction options restricts the maximum you are liable for in the event of an accident (as long as you do not breach our Terms and Conditions). It does not cover you for any personal loss or injury.

Are the campervans automatic or manual?

The Lucky RodeoLucky Rambler and the Lucky Rover all have automatic transmissions making them super easy to drive around New Zealand.

If I have an accident and I am at fault, will I lose my entire excess?

You will be liable for up to the amount of your excess towards the repair cost. If the damage is minor, you will only be charged the repair costs and not the entire excess. If your excess is zero ($0) you will not be charged at all (as long as you do not breach our Terms and Conditions)

How long will my batteries last?

The Lucky Rodeo, Lucky Rambler and Lucky Rover have separate house batteries that are independent of the engine battery. This battery charges whilst driving or off 240 volt power if plugged into a campsite. Using the house battery will not run the engine battery flat. This house battery, depending on usage, can last up to 24 hours without driving or being plugged into a campsite. It is recommended that you drive or plug the vehicle in for a charge once a day. Since the engine battery is separate, if you flatten the house battery, you will still be able to start the engine and drive. 

Can I drive as much as I want? Any restrictions on kilometers?

We have unlimited kilometers with all our vehicles.

How long does the LPG last?

If you are free camping a gas bottle should last up to 10 days with average use however it is fully dependent on how much you use the gas cooker.

Do I have to pay the bond?

Yes, unfortunately we require a bank pre-authorisation of the insurance excess (bond) amount (or a NZ$250 minimum whichever is greater) from the hirer’s credit or debit card. 

Is there a refund if I shorten my hire while on holiday?

No, there are no refunds if you return your campervan earlier than the reserved period. However your travel insurance may in some circumstances cover the unused portion.

Can I use a debit card?

Amazingly yes, Lucky Rentals allows customers to use a debit card to make a booking / bond. Please note that a debit card differs from an EFTPOS card which we do not accept for a deposit or bond, however, you can use this card to pay for your hire at pick up.

Is there heating in the vehicle?

A 240 volt fan heater can be hired for $15.00 for the Lucky Rover or the Lucky Rambler as all these campervans have 240 volt power when plugged into a campsite.

I have travel insurance, which covers damage to the vehicle. Do I need to pay the vehicle insurance as well?

If you are covered by travel insurance (Third party cover) you will be required to provide a bank pre-authorisation for The Gambler excess reduction option ($2500). You will be required to pay the excess in the event of an accident and then you would need to claim back the excess from your travel insurer.

It is the hirers responsibility to claim back any monies owed from their third party provider. Lucky Rentals will provide an invoice for the charges.

Please note most standard claims through third party insruance providers take between 10-12 weeks to process. For this reason Lucky Rentals recommends taking the either Worry Free or Sure Thing cover which is directly held with Lucky Rentals.

How and when should I make my booking?

We always suggest that you should book online as soon as you know the dates you wish travel. To confirm a booking we only need a NZ$300 deposit with the balance payable when you pick up your campervan. The best way to book a campervan is via our secure server booking page. Or if preferred, just give us a call! You will need a credit or debit card either way.

Where is Lucky Rentals based?

Lucky Rentals is a New Zealand owned and operated business for trading/registration purposes.

Is it safe to use my credit card?

Yes. Security of our customer’s credit card is taken very seriously. To ensure your security, all credit card transactions are secured by SSL that encrypts the credit card number so as to make it unavailable to any other party.

What happens if I have an accident and it’s not my fault?

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) you are liable for the damage caused to the vehicle until we receive payment for such damages from the third party involved. Please note that third party insurance is not compulsory in New Zealand so you payment may never be received or it could take some time!

Which credit card types do you accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express (Amex). Please note that Visa and Master Card have an additional fee of 3.0% when used and Amex cards have an additional fee of 5.0% when used. There is no fees for paying in cash.

VisaMCAmex

Do I get a discount for multiple rentals?

Of course, bookings can be combined to qualify for duration of hire discounts if all travel is within a 6 month period. Do note that if the drop off of one vehicle and the pick up of a new vehicle occur on the same day then each day will be charged separately per respective rental.

What do you mean by calendar days when we book?

All campervan operators in New Zealand charge by the day, not per 24 hour period. 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. This is somewhat like a hotel and a rental car company all in one as you can drive and sleep in your vehicle.

What is different about driving in New Zealand?

In New Zealand we drive on the left hand side. Some rules may be different to what you are used to. You can take a short test here to start learning the differences.

Can I hire on my Restricted or P Plate licence?

(AU/NZ residents)

Yes, our campervans can be driven with a Restricted or P Plate licence (both Red and Green). The driver must hold a current and valid drivers licence for the duration of the hire period as well as abide by the conditions of the licence imposed by the issuing government.

What living and cooking equipment is included with the vehicles?

All vehicles are equipped with basic cooking equipment which includes cutlery, crockery, pots and pans, toaster (if vehicle has 240v power), kettle (or gas kettle) and a little more. A Bedding Pack can be purchased for $25 and includes a queen duvet, queen sheet, 2 towels, 2 pillow cases and a tea towel.

I have submitted my booking form and credit card – what happens now?

If your booking does not confirm instantly (it will tell you online and you will get a email right away), your request will usually be processed within 24 hours. If the vehicle is available for the dates you specified, your booking will be finalised and your credit card should be charged a NZ$300 deposit within 3 days. Please note that the credit card payment is not automatically charged when booking. If the vehicle is not available there will be no charge to your credit card.

Can a child seat be fitted to the campervan?

The Lucky Rambler and Lucky Rover can be fitted with a child seat.

How much water do I have on board?

The Lucky Rodeo has 25 litres, the Lucky Rover has 55 litres and the Lucky Rambler have 80 litres in their respective water tanks. The fresh water tank can be refilled at holiday parks and some service stations when you refuel the vehicle.

Why do I have to include my credit card number?

We require a credit card for the NZ$300 deposit to secure you booking. Your credit card information is strictly confidential and secure.

What is your Reservation Policy?

To secure a booking we do require a NZ$300 deposit. No reservation will be accepted or guaranteed without a deposit.

Can I Freedom Camp?

New Zealand has some laws regarding where you can freedom / overnight camp. Some free camping sites will only allow you to overnight camp if you are certified self-contained – the Lucky Rambler and the Lucky Rover which has a portable toilet are both certified self-contained vehicle. Always remember, if you are unsure, just ask!!

For more information please see our Guide on Freedom Camping in New Zealand

What currency will my credit card be charged?

All credit card transactions will be processed in New Zealand dollars (NZ$). This applies to all bookings made through our website.

How can I amend or cancel my booking?

If you wish to amend or cancel your existing booking please contact us as soon as possible. This is so we can make sure any extensions are available and to reduce the cost to you for cancellations. Simply go to the contact page and make an enquiry, or email info@luckyrentals.co.nz . Please ensure you quote your confirmation / reference number of your booking.

How old do I need to be to drive a campervan or car?

There is no age restriction to hire a campervan or car from us. The only restriction is that you drive on the conditions of your drivers licence.

Do I need snow chains in New Zealand?

Between May - September it is likely that snow chains will be required. Lucky Rentals highly recommends carrying snow chains during these months. Snow chains are available to rent for $50 per hire for your peace of mind.

Is there a minimum hire period?

We do have minimum hire periods however they do change dependent on availability. They start off at 5 days (you cannot hire for less than that, well you can but you have to pay for the 5 days) however it is best to put your dates into our live availability search on our website to find the current minimum hire periods for your dates.

Are there any roads I can’t drive on?

You can basically drive anywhere as long as you are not on a beach, in water or somewhere that causes damage to the vehicle. On gravels roads you are fully liable, but you can drive – just be careful!

What is the safe travel speed for driving the campervans?

The open road speed limit is 100km/hour but we suggest a comfortable speed for driving your campervan is 90km/hour – especially if you have never driven one before. Should you choose to travel below the speed limit, please show courtesy to other road users by allowing them to pass.

How much fuel am I likely to use on my holiday?

This all depends on how far you travel! Most of our campervans have an average fuel consumption of 12-14 litres per 100kms, however, if you are driving up hills you will of course use more fuel.

Do I have to pay for extra diesel / road tax?

All of Lucky Rentals vehicles are Petrol, there are no extra costs for the Road User Charges with these vehicles.

Can I park and sleep in the campervan wherever I want, or do I have to stay in a campground?

It is not always necessary to go to a camp ground. It is acceptable to stop on the side of the road or in a bush reserve as long as you keep within the freedom camping law / guidelines. Use common sense and courtesy. Please remember to take any rubbish for proper disposal later. Campgrounds usually charge around NZ$10 – $25 per night per person. Lucky Rentals recommends staying at Family Parks.

Do you supply a list of campgrounds around New Zealand?

Yes, we supply campground & regional guides as well as New Zealand road maps.

Where are your offices located?

We have two depots in New Zealand located near Auckland and Christchurch Airports.

Can you deliver a vehicle to our hotel/motel?

Unfortunately Lucky Rentals no longer offers a hotel pick up or drop off service.

How do I collect my vehicle?

Make your way to the Lucky Rentals depot and we will sort your paperwork and get you on the road! Please note that Lucky Rentals offers an airport shuttle service which runs between 10am and 3pm over Summer and on-demand over winter.

 

For more information on the airport shuttle please click here.

Can I pick up after hours?

Unfortunately Lucky Rentals no longer offers an after hours service for our Campervans. 

Do I have to pre-book the ferry service across Cook Strait?

During the peak summer season, from December to March, it is advisable to pre-book ferry services at pick up. We would be happy to arrange this for you and we get some really great prices with flex fares!

Do you charge fees for one-way hires?

There is a NZ$349 one off fee if you pick up in Auckland and drop off in Christchurch (Southbound). If you travel in the opposite direction there is no one way fee.

What happens if I breakdown or need assistance during my holiday?

Our campervans are supported by a 7 day, 24-hour emergency breakdown service of nationwide reputable service agents. They will deal with any mechanical problems that may arise. We can also authorize you to spend up to NZ$100.00 in emergency repairs so that you can deal with minor matters speedily or when convenient to you however please produce the receipt when you return from your hire for a refund.

Do you offer a zero ($nil) excess?

Yes, for our campervans if you take our Sure Thing excess reduction option at an extra NZ$25 per day or Worry Free excess reduction option at an extra NZ$40 per day you have a zero ($nil) excess. For our cars if you take our Sure Thing excess reduction option at an extra NZ$15 per day you have a zero ($nil) excess. It is well worth it and we do recommend you take the full excess reduction option.

Am I covered for windscreens and tyres?

Only if you opt for the Sure Thing or Worry Free excess reduction options.

I cannot afford NZ$40 per day, are there any other excess reduction options?

Yes, for our Campervans we have excess reduction options for as little as NZ$15 per day which is called “On the Fence” and reduces your excess to only NZ$1500. Check out the below table for a summary of our excess reduction options:

Reduction Option Cost (per day) Excess
The Gambler $0 $2,500
On the Fence $15 $1,500
Sure Thing $25 $0 (nil)
Worry Free $40 $0 (nil)