Backpacker Sleepervans information

Backpacker Sleepervans was formed in 1983. Their family operated business provides outstanding travel transportation services to visitors wishing to experience affordable, flexible and fun travel around the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

Backpacker Sleepervans offer low cost rental rates and comfortable New Zealand self-drive holidays for young budget adventure seeker travellers. The vehicles are modern, funky designed vans that capture the style and imagination of free spirited travellers. We realise that young independent globetrotters are not interested in ‘just being a number’ and lumbering around scenic New Zealand in large mass-produced, expensive motorhomes. With our sleepervans you are guaranteed to stand out from the crowd along the main routes or off the beaten track. Each of our economy vans has an exciting unique New Zealand theme professionally applied to the exterior of the vehicles, while the interior is packed with special design features not found elsewhere.

Backpacker Sleepervans Rental Terms

ALL INCLUSIVE HIRE CHARGES
All hire charges include New Zealands Goods and Services Tax (GST) and daily insurance. You have unlimited mileage. Freshly laundered linen and all cooking equipment, crockery and cutlery is supplied. There is a charge for additional equipment such as a colour TV, barbecue, snow chains, and child seat etc. Drivers licence Hirer and driver must be over 21 years of age and produce a valid drivers licence. New Zealand recognises drivers licences issued by your own country, as well as International drivers licenses. If you are a member of an Automobile Association bring your membership card with you and gain additional privileges and information on travel throughout New Zealand.

AA Nationwide 24 hour freecall helpline are there should you require assistance. If you incur any minor repair bills we will give you a refund (up to NZ$100). Just produce receipts. If major repairs are needed, protect yourself by getting us to authorise it first. Problems encountered with the vehicle or equipment must be reported to Backpacker Sleepervans as soon as practical. This gives Backpacker Sleepervans the opportunity to rectify the problem within the rental period. Failure to do so will compromise any claim that may eventuate after the hire is finished. In all cases the responsibility of Backpacker Sleepervans is limited to refunding for the time that the vehicle was actually in repair. No alternative accommodation or food items will be paid for during down time. Malfunction of Radio/Cassette/CD players TVs Videos, Microwave, Stove and Grill, Air-conditioning units, Heater, Fridge, Water pump are not considered mechanical breakdowns and downtime will not be paid for these items. Retrospective claims will not be accepted for all New Zealand Motorhome or Campervan, rentals.

HIRE PERIOD
Rates are charged on a calendar day basis. If you pick up your vehicle on a Monday and return it the following Sunday this hire will be calculated as a 7 day rental. The minimum rental period hire is 5 days. You can collect from 8 am onwards on your first day of hire but you must return your vehicle before 4.30pm on your final hire of day. If a vehicle is returned later than 5pm on the final hire day you will be charged an additional days hire. Each day after the final hire day, that the vehicle is not returned, you will be charged an additional days hire as well as a fifty dollar penalty per day.

Early return of a vehicle does not entitle the hirer to a refund of the unused portion of the rental.

ONE WAY HIRES
It is possible to commence your hire in Auckland and finish in Christchurch (or vice versa) at no extra charge if the rental period is a minimum of fourteen (14) days. One way hires of shorter duration are subject to availability. Please enquire.

ACCIDENTS AND BREAKDOWNS
The liability of Backpacker Sleepervans Ltd, or its agents, extends to either replacing your vehicle with a similar one, or refunding your hire charge for any days you lose the total use of the vehicle. Any problems associated with the vehicle, including equipment failure, must be reported to Backpacker Sleepervans as soon as possible and within 24 hours in order to give Backpacker Sleepervans the opportunity to rectify the problem during the rental. Failure to do so will compromise any claims for compensation. We do not accept liability for any claims submitted after this period.

Pets or livestock are not permitted in any Sleepervans.

INSURANCE
You are fully insured in case of accident damage or loss of contents (excluding personal belongings). There is an excess/deductible of NZ$1200 (NZ$2400 for drivers under 25 Years of age) This covers the cost of damage to Third Party property or to the rented vehicle, including single vehicle accident, windscreen and tyre damage (unless BWI is taken), overhead and underbody damage, towing and recovery costs, theft, fire, break in or vandalism. This also includes the cost of the daily rental rate for the period the vehicle is off fleet for accident repairs. This excess applies in respect of each claim, not rental.

New Zealand legislation provides limited coverage for personal injury. We strongly recommend that you have personal travel insurance while traveling.

BOND
When you collect your vehicle we take an impression of your credit card for the bond of NZ$1200. This is the insurance excess for any single accident which may occur during your holiday. For drivers aged 21-24 Years the bond is NZ$2400. (We do not deduct the Bond from your Bank account at the start of your hire). The impression of your credit card covers your accident-damage bond liability plus any extra costs such as fuel fill-up and emptying of the toilet at the end of hire or any traffic infringements, losses or breakages. A credit card imprint must be on all rental agreements and must be the credit card of the main hirer unless prior arrangements have been made. We do not deduct the bond from the credit card, but merely hold the authority to deduct it in the unfortunate event of an accident. Where a credit card is not available, a cash bond will be held by Backpacker Sleepervans for 21 Days following hire.

BOND WAIVER
You can choose to pay a non-refundable bond waiver as quoted on the website you have booked through. This reduces the excess/deductible to nil and is on a per incident basis. A new waiver is required for the remaining days of hire after an accident has happened, therefore you must report it to Backpacker Sleepervans. Failure to report any incident to Backpacker Sleepervans may result in the total Bond waiver being taken again. Bond waiver does not cover any damages arising from misjudgment of dimensions or articles, appliances and fixtures inside the vehicle unless in the case of Motor accident. Bond waiver is available for drivers under 25 Years of age at a higher rate than our general policy, but this must be arranged on pick up.

BACKPACKER SLEEPERVANS STRONGLY RECOMMENDS OUR CUSTOMERS TO TAKE THE BOND WAIVER REDUCTION TO MINIMISE EXCESS EXPOSURE AND TRAVEL WITH PEACE OF MIND.

EXCLUSIONS
Bond waiver does not cover:
- Any water related damage, which includes but is not limited to:
  a) Any vehicle submersion
  b) Creek or river crossing
  c) Driving through low plain flooded areas
  d) Beach driving.
- Personal belongings: We recommend the hirer does not leave valuables in the vehicle and that they take out personal insurance.
- If the terms of the Rental Agreement are breached the hirer will be responsible for the total cost of any damage. This will also include any damage caused by willful misconduct (e.g. sitting or standing on the bonnet or roof of the vehicle) and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The incorrect use of fuel (fuel being diesel or petrol). The hirer will be responsible for any associated cost.
- The cost to retrieve or recover a vehicle which has become bogged. The cost to replace keys, which have become lost, or retrieval of keys, which have been locked in a vehicle.
- Overhead and underbody damage to the vehicle.
- Any damage arising from misjudgment of dimensions
- Driving on restricted roads.

CONDITIONS OF HIRE
Read this carefully.
Prices may be subject to change due to factors beyond the control of Backpacker Sleepervans Ltd. Any changes in price affecting a client between the time of booking and payment received will be advised immediately. The company takes no responsibility for any detention, delay, loss, damage or injury that a hirer might experience no matter how it is caused or by whom. The company's rental agreement is the sole contract for hiring the vehicle, between the company and the hirer and passenger(s). No refunds are payable on accommodation, or Motorhome/ Campervan not being available, where a hirer or passenger amends, cancels or seeks to vary agreements after departure. These conditions cannot be varied or altered or waived by any employee, agent or representative of the company or by anyone providing services or facilities. The company cannot be bound by any representative or statement unless it is confirmed in writing by the company's directors or management. Your travel agent will forward deposits and other payments to us on your behalf, but your travel agent is not our agent for the purpose of the receipt of monies. The company reserves the right to provide a comparably high standard vehicle where a booked vehicle becomes unavailable through servicing or reasons beyond their control.

DRIVING FINES / INFRINGEMENTS
We reserve the right to charge the hirer for any speeding or parking fines and/or associated administration costs. The administration fee per fine will be NZ$40.
Once a booking has been confirmed and a deposit paid the booking is considered live and is subject to the cancellation policy. The NZ$500 deposit is forfeited if bookings are cancelled 29 days and over of departure.

CANCELLATIONS
The initial deposit paid is non-refundable. In addition to forfeiting your deposit, the following charges also apply:
Cancellation 32 days + prior to pick-up date - no further charges apply
Cancellation 23 to 32 days prior to pick-up date - 20% of Gross Rental (minimum NZ$250)
Cancellation 13-22 days prior to pick-up date - 50% of Gross Rental
Cancellation 3-13 days prior to pick-up date - 75% of Gross Rental
Less than 3 days or No-show - 100% of Gross Rental (includes deposit)
There is no refund for late pick up or early return of vehicle.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly recommend that clients ensure they take out the highest level of Travel Insurance. In many cases this will cover any losses incurred if you are forced to cancel your booking.

DEPOSIT
When you receive your confirmation of booking from Backpacker Sleepervans, a deposit is required to secure your booking - this is shown in the booking window at the time of booking. The balance owed for your hire to Backpacker Sleepervans must be paid 28 days before the first day of hire, so please ensure their are enough funds on your credit card around this time. Read above for cancellation fees.

Major Credit Cards accepted: Mastercard, Visa and Diners Club. Backpacker Sleepervans do NOT accept American Express.

EXCHANGE RATE / CURRENCY VARIATIONS
All credit card transactions are conducted in New Zealand dollars. Due to exchange rate fluctuations there could be some variance in the amount refunded compared to the amount initially charged. Backpacker Sleepervans does not accept any liability for variances up or down.

CHANGE OF DROP OFF DESTINATIONS
If the hirer wishes to change the drop off destination after the rental has commenced, they must first obtain authorisation from the Reservations Centre in Christchurch. Subject to the change being approved, an additional charge of up to NZ$500 may apply.

CHANGE OF VEHICLE
Should the vehicle booked be unavailable Backpacker Sleepervans reserves 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.

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

REPAIRS
Repairs up to NZ$100 may be affected without authorisation and will be reimbursed. For amounts over NZ$100, Backpacker Sleepervans will need to be informed in advance. Repairs will be approved provided the hirer was not directly responsible for the damage. Receipts must be submitted for any repair or the claim will not be paid.

FUEL
All vehicles are supplied with a full tank of fuel at the start of hire, and must be returned with a full tank at the end of your hire otherwise a refueling fee may apply.

ROAD RESTRICTIONS
Please note that vehicles are not covered by insurance when traveling on the following roads:
Ninety Mile Beach (Northland)
Skippers Canyon Road (Queenstown)
Ball Hutt Road (Mt Cook)
Cape Colville to Port Jackson Road (Coromandel)

TRAVEL INFORMATION PACK
Included in every campervan is a Travel Information Pack - this includes details on camping grounds, maps, New Zealand traffic rules, sightseeing brochures and general information.

FERRY RESERVATIONS
The Interisland Line offers daily ferry services across Cook Strait, linking New Zealand's North and South Islands. Cruise across on The Interislander in three hours. All vessels carry both passengers and vehicles.

TRANSFERS
We offer a complimentary transfer service from Auckland & Christchurch Airport and surrounding Airport Hotels, Motels to our depot. Please contact our office on your arrival to arrange your transfer.

BACKPACKER SLEEPERVANS LOCATIONS
Backpacker Sleepervans depots are conveniently located in Auckland and Christchurch, our two major international gateways. Please contact us to arrange your complimentary transfer. Latest pickup time is 4.30pm otherwise a late pickup fee will apply.

HOURS: Monday to Sunday 8 am - 5 pm (Closed Christmas day)

DISCLAIMER
Illustrations and text in any of our brochures or website are a representation only of the vehicle depicted. Variances in the vehicles offered for rental may occur due to substitutions made by Backpacker Sleepervans or modifications and/or upgrades to the vehicle design made by the manufacturer.

Child Restraints
By law in Australia all children under five years of age must be in an "approved" child restraint. An adult safety belt is not considered to be a suitable restraint for a child under five. An "approved" restraint is one which is suitable for the age, size and weight of the child.
Booster Seat is suitable for baby weight between 14 - 32 KG, and Child Seat is suitable for baby weight under 18 KG.Not all Sleepervans vehicles can accommodate all types of child restraint equipment.NOTE: TERMS & CONDITIONS AND RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Terms of booking on this website

Information disclaimer
The rates on this website are often heavily discounted. This is due to our negotiated rates and bulk buying power. On very rare occasions, a rate may be displayed incorrectly due to our, or a vehicle supplier's error. In such a case, if you book with us at a quoted rate that is incorrect, we will notify you of any price change and give you the option to proceed or cancel. We make every effort to keep information on our site up to date, but we cannot guarantee this website is free of errors or omissions and retain the right to update or change the information published at any time.

Liability
To the extent permitted by law we/the owners of this website will not be liable to you or to any third party (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise) for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage (including but not limited to any accident, injury, delay or loss of enjoyment) arising out of your reliance upon information contained on this website, including but not limited to your use (or inability to use) any products or services described or procured through this website.

When you pick up your vehicle, you will be required to sign a rental agreement with the supplier of the vehicle. Your rental and use of the vehicle will be governed by the terms of the rental agreement and any other documentation or information provided to you by the supplier at the time you pick up your vehicle. The rental agreement is between you and the supplier and we will not be liable to you or to any third party in relation to the terms of the supplier’s rental agreement or any other documentation provided to you by the supplier at the time of pick up.

While we will make reasonable efforts to ensure we are representing only reputable suppliers, we make no warranty about the fitness or suitability of any third party (supplier) product or service and will not accept responsibility for the quality or fitness of any vehicle. We welcome feedback from our customers on their experience with our suppliers. We may, at our discretion, provide you with reasonable assistance in resolving any dispute you may have with a supplier.

Our total liability to you in relation to your use of this website and the information contained on this website will not exceed the dollar amount of the deposit we have received from you in relation to your booking/rental. Refunds will not be made for bookings cancelled due to inclement weather. Again, we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance. Your use of this website is governed by the laws of New Zealand and the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.

Booking information
To make a booking you must complete our booking form which is easy to follow and secured with the latest encryption technology. Once we receive your form, we will, subject to availability, confirm your booking by emailing you a confirmation voucher and invoice. The deposit required to secure your vehicle (as shown on the secure booking page) will only be processed on your credit card when your booking is confirmed. Please note that a 1.75% credit card charge will be added when your payment is processed.

A booking is confirmed when you have been emailed a confirmation voucher and at this stage the deposit is processed on your card and becomes non-refundable and any cancellation fees stated in the supplier's terms apply. Upon receipt of your confirmation, please check your details carefully and notify us immediately if there are any incorrect details, as it may not be possible to make changes at a later date.

If you are booking via phone, please make sure you have read the terms and conditions of the vehicle you wish to rent first. Our reservations consultant will ask you if you have read the terms and agree to them before proceeding. The onus is always on the renter to ensure they make themselves fully aware of the terms displayed on our website.

Information disclosure
In booking on this website you acknowledge that we disclose your information to your selected Supplier in order to provide the requested rental services.

Amendments
Please note that some suppliers treat an amendment as a new booking and apply the rate current at the time the amendment is made to recalculate the entire booking amount (not just the days changed). If the rental period is increased, an additional deposit may be required. If the rental period is shortened which results in a reduction of the rental charges, the deposit amount will remain unchanged, and the difference between the original and revised deposit is forfeited (it cannot be used towards remaining rental charges). To request a change to a confirmed booking, please use the alterations request link on your confirmation. Any alterations are subject to availability and the approval of the supplier. In addition to the alteration policy of the supplier stated in their terms, the following charges will apply:
Car rental alterations (all charges stated in local currency):
To change dates or times that result in a recalculation of rental rates, or to change vehicles or locations: 25.00
To add or remove extras to/from a confirmed booking: 10.00
Motorhome rental alterations (all charges stated in local currency):
To change dates or times that result in a recalculation of rental rates, or to change vehicles or locations: 75.00
To add or remove extras to/from confirmed booking: 20.00
The alteration fee will not be charged if your alteration request is not possible.

Vehicle Capacity and fitness to drive
Under no circumstances are you permitted to carry more passengers than the vehicle you rent is legally registered to carry, and if you do your insurance may be invalidated. The number of seatbelts (and passengers) is indicated next to each vehicle on this website. Luggage capacity where shown is an indication only and we will not be responsible should you be unable to fit your entire luggage into a vehicle. It is your responsibility to choose a journey that is within your capabilities. A vehicle supplier can refuse to rent a vehicle to any person who is in their opinion unfit to drive or does not meet eligibility requirements. In such circumstances we will have no further liability to you.