FAQs

We hope to address your immediate questions in our 4 FAQ sections listed below:

Booking with us - Before you get here - On the road - Waving goodbye

If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact us.

Booking with us

Do you provide transfers?
Yes, we go the extra mile. When you start or end your holiday, we will provide transfers from Auckland and Christchurch airports and city accommodation free of charge. [back to top]

Do I need a special licence to drive a Wilderness motorhome?
No. Visitors with a current driver's licence from their home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP) can legally drive in New Zealand. If you plan to use a foreign licence that is not in English, you will need an English translation or an IDP. Please click here for a list of translators. Licences are valid for one year from the date you enter New Zealand. [back to top]

Will there be any nasty surprises when I pick up or return my motorhome?
Absolutely not, Wilderness is about absolute transparency and our rates are all-inclusive. There are no hidden costs and the only surprises are good ones. Check out how our prices compare with other companies. [back to top]

Can I book a ferry crossing if I don't know what day we want to cross the Cook Strait?
Our Cook Strait ferry tickets are transferable and fully refundable at no extra cost. You can book a tentative date and change it closer to the time if needed. [back to top]

Should I book the ferry in advance? It depends on when you are travelling. You can get away with late bookings in winter but we advise you to book in advance if you are travelling during spring or summer. Rest assured you can change your crossing details at a later date provided there is availability on the boat.

What happens if I need to cancel my holiday?
If you cancel the hire agreement more than 35 days prior to pick up then the deposit is refunded; 35 days or less prior to pickup then the deposit is retained; less than 8 days prior to pickup then a cancellation fee of 50% of the total hire cost applies; on the day of pickup then no refund will be given. See terms & conditions. [back to top]

Will it cost extra to have two drivers? Not at all. You will both be covered by insurance. Click here to take the mystery out of rental vehicle insurance.

Is there a minimum age for hiring a Wilderness motorhome?
Yes. For insurance purposes, you must be at least 21 years old to drive our motorhomes. [back to top]

Will the bond be deducted from my bank account?
No. We are one of the few motorhome companies who don't take a cash bond on arrival or freeze funds on your credit card. Upon collection of your motorhome you will be asked to sign a credit card authorisation form. Only in the unfortunate case of an incident will the bond be deducted from your account. [back to top]

When do I need to pay for my motorhome holiday?
A deposit of 20% is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due in full 21 days before your adventure commences. View our terms & conditions. [back to top]

What is the best way to check exchange rates before i book?

As we all know exchange rates will change regulary click here to get the latest information

Are your motorhomes set up to sleep 2 adults and a small child?
Yes, our Base Jumper L4 has been specifically designed for this exact purpose. With a 4 beds and additional seatbealts, it's the perfect way to take the wee nippers on holiday. For more info please contact our Adventure Support team.

Are all your vehicles manual transmission?
Yes. The Fiat Ducato has a 6 speed gear box, cruise control and it is an absolute delight to drive up the hills and around the corners. [back to top]

Is the ferry crossing ticket for both the Base Jumper and us?
Yes. We wouldn’t let our Base Jumper travel across the water without you by her side... [back to top]

How much does it cost to hire a car seat for my child?
It doesn’t. We love family and we love it even more when they are safe. Just let us know if you are bringing you child or your baby and we will sort out the rest. If you would like to know more about New Zealand Government child restraint requirements, please click here.  For a list of our other free extras, please click here. [back to top]

Before you get here

When is New Zealand's busy tourist season?
The summer months (December, January and February) are predominately the busiest time of the year for tourism. As well as international visitors, many New Zealanders take their holidays from December 26th (Boxing Day) for approximately three weeks. This period is typically the peak of the season while Easter and school holidays can also be very busy. [back to top]

How do I know I will receive a quality vehicle?
Wilderness has the newest and best rental fleet in the whole country. That is a promise. RoadCraft Base Jumpers have been designed with comfort and unrivalled performance in mind and without a doubt, they're the cream of the crop - the Ferraris among the Ladas. Click here to read what our past clients say about the Base Jumper on Rankers. [back to top]

Does the Base Jumper offer enough room for 2 adults?
Our Base Jumper is undoubtedly the most spacious motorhome in its class. In fact, its interior space is comparable to the majority of 4 and 6 berth motorhomes. The Base Jumper has more unencumbered floor area, usable seating, accessible storage than any other similar sized motorhome and what's more - there is plenty of room to chill out on the wraparound couch. [back to top]

How much storage space is there?
There is plenty of storage space. In fact, you can fit more luggage than most airlines let you carry. There is enough boot space to store your bags and if you intend to go snowboarding or skiing in New Zealand you're in luck - you can bring your gear over with you. Ski's and snowboards up to 185cm will fit in our motorhomes. [back to top]

How cold do New Zealand winters get?
Between June and August, the colder weather arrives in much of the country and rain is common in most North Island areas. Mountain ranges in both islands become snow-covered, providing beautiful vistas and excellent skiing. While the South Island has cooler winter temperatures, some areas of the island experience little rainfall in winter, so this is an excellent time to visit glaciers, mountains, and other areas of scenic beauty. The most comprehensive website for keeping an eye on the weather is Met Service. Don’t let the thought of a little snow put you off - the Base Jumpers are fully kitted out for winter adventures with diesel heaters and a drying room. [back to top]

When are the school holidays?
You can find this information on the New Zealand Ministry of Education website. [back to top]

Are there sandflies in New Zealand?
Yes, particularly in wet areas such as Fiordland, so don't forget to pack some insect repellent. Legend has it on the West Coast of the South Island some are big enough to carry away small people! (NB: if you are under 40kg and shorter than 4ft, bring weights and insect repellent...) [back to top]

What will is cost me if I have an accident?
Up to $5,000.00 if you do not have Zero Excess insurance or $0 if you take out Zero Excess.  [back to top]

Can I play movies from a USB memory stick?
Yes, provided they are saved as MPEG, Mp4, AVI or DivX formats.  [back to top

Are there any snakes, crocodiles or dangerous spiders in New Zealand?
Rest assured there are no snakes or crocodiles. We do have one poisonous spider (the Katipo) - sightings of which are about as common as that of the Yeti. The most dangerous creature you are likely to encounter is a grumpy possum. [back to top]

Is it true that sun in New Zealand is harsher than in the Northern Hemisphere?
Yes. You will burn very quickly in New Zealand. Protect yourself from sunburn by wearing a hat and regularly applying sun block if you are exposed to the sun for more than 15 minutes. The hole in the Ozone is no joke... [back to top]

What the easiest way to stay in touch with friends and family back home?
For those of you with a cell phone, global roaming rates can be horrendous so we recommend using a prepaid SIM card or a calling card when travelling in New Zealand. Vodafone, one of our biggest mobile phone providers, has branches all around the country including airport stores. You can purchase a SIM card for $35NZD (including $5NZD phone credit) at any Vodafone outlet or rent one for $2.50NZD per day. For those of you who don’t have a cell phone, there are a number of phone booths dotted around the country so you can still stay in touch with your loved ones. Please click here to for more information about calling cards. [back to top]

Can you recommend a hotel to stay in at the start or conclusion of our holiday?
Absolutely. Just let us know your budget and what style of accommodation you're into and we would be more than happy to give you some suggestions. Also, let us know if you would like to stay near the airport or in the city - there are a few options available. [back to top]

Should I spend a night in accommodation or set off as soon as I arrive?
If you are travelling on a long-haul flight, we strongly recommend you spend a night to catch up on some sleep. Often people think they have had a good rest on the plane but chances are you still have tired eyes and driving isn't the best option. If you are on a domestic flight or coming from the land of dingoes, you should be alright to hit the roads on the same day. [back to top]

Can I drive my Wilderness motorhome in my Australian or English rugby jersey?
Not a chance - it is absolutely forbidden (but I will lend you my All Black's one instead). [back to top]

On the road

Are your Base Jumper motorhomes equipped for travel in winter?
We pride ourselves on our motorhome equipped for 4 seasons. Our Base Jumper has an incredibly efficient diesel heater, SL grade polystyrene insulation and thermal backed curtains to keep you toasty warm day and night. Not to mention a hot shower, drying room and heated towel rail... For more information, check out our winter warnings [back to top]

Can I use the heater while driving?
Yes. Unlike gas and electric heaters, diesel heaters can be used 24/7 while you are driving. For more information, check out our winter warnings. [back to top]

How do I dry my clothes when I am on the road?
In the drying room of course! The Base Jumper is fully equipped with a heated towel rail and fully sealed room for drying your clothes. Diesel heaters put out dry heat instead of humid heat and 30 minutes will see all your clothes dry as a bone. Our unique drying room keeps the moisture out ensuring warm, dry and fresh smelling clothes day after day - we promise. For more information, check out our winter warnings. [back to top]

How does the Base Jumper handle on wet and icy roads?
The vehicle drives like a car - it has excellent traction, a superb ABS braking system and a low centre of gravity which will see you firmly grounded to the roads. For those snow dumps the weatherman never predicts we've kitted out every single Base Jumper with FREE snow chains to keep you going. For more information, check out our winter warnings. [back to top]

How do front wheel drive vehicles compare to rear wheel drive vehicles in the snow?
Front wheel drive vehicles tend to have better traction with snow chains on as the weight of the motor is over the wheels. 70-80% of braking is done with the front wheels so it makes sense to have snow chains on the wheels that need traction for both braking and driving. It is also ideal to have snow chains on the front wheels as most of the vehicle steering is done with the front wheels. With snow chains on the back of a rear wheel drive vehicle, you risk losing traction on the corners and potentially having an accident.

Four wheel drive vehicles are always going to be best for driving in snowy conditions but front wheel drive vehicles are always going to outperform and be much safer than rear wheel drive vehicles.

Can I get the Base Jumper up the mountain to ski?
Absolutely! We will give you snow chains to use and you can rest easy knowing the engine won't freeze over, you won't need to spend $8 on a pie for lunch and you can relax in a toasty warm campervan after making new tracks in the snow. For more information, check out our winter warnings. [back to top]

Where can I put my skis or snowboard?
In the boot and out of the way. There is nothing worse than having a campervan where you have to store all your gear in the living area. The Base Jumper has a huge amount of boot space and skis and snowboards under 185cm will fit nicely. Click here to see a photo. [back to top] 

Can I use my mobile phone when driving?
No, it is illegal in NZ [back to top]

Do your vehicles have a Mp3 player input for my roadtrip playlist?
The Base Jumper is set up with a system that can handle just about any format you can think of (CD/MP3/MP4 or radio) - all in 4-channel surround sound. The stereo in the front cab will play the radio and CD's and you can hook your iPod into the auxiliary input in the back stereo to keep those classic hits coming! We will include the lead (which is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm jack ) and don't worry - it's not specifically for iPod's so, you can bring any Mp3 player with you. [back to top]

What is the performance and safety like on your Base Jumper motorhomes?
We specifically built our vehicles on a Fiat chassis as Fiats are one of the safest vehicles around. The Euro 4 16-valve Multijet engine offers unrivalled performance across all driving conditions. Forget about traditional campervans, the Base Jumper has long wheel base, it is low to the ground, has airbags and corners well. Quite simply, it drives just like a car and you can forget about holding up traffic - it's not going to happen. We have also bolted down a safety box to keep your prized possesions in (it's only small so, you're fresh out of luck if you're into elephants). [back to top]

I've never driven a motohome before, how does it feel?
The Base Jumper is an absolute delight to drive - it's lightweight (800kg under the maximum weight) and is similar to driving a car. We have moved away from the larger cab-over motorhomes as they are similar to driving a truck. Our Base Jumper's windscreen is large and you are high up so your vision isn't restricted. It has a 6 speed gear box and cruise control so, driving is a real breeze. 

What is the cost of diesel?
Diesel is cheaper than petrol in New Zealand but, like most of the world it increases often.  Our Base Jumpers are very fuel efficient. They use approx 11L per 100km and the diesel heater costs about 30c per hour to run. For up to date fuel pricing go to PriceWatch. [back to top]

What does it mean to be self-contained?
A self contained motorhome is designed to meet the ablutionary and sanitary needs of the occupants for a minimum of three days without requiring any external services or discharging any waste. Fresh water for drinking and cooking is stored in tanks. Waste water is collected in waste water tanks and disposed of via a dump station facility, connected to a proper sewerage scheme. A self contained vehicle used properly will have no adverse effects on the environment and presents no risk to public health. Our Base Jumpers meet all the standards for self containment. [back to top]

How do I dump my waste?
Have you seen Runaway Vacation? I recommend you watch it for some tips... There are many dump stations for waste water dotted around New Zealand. We will show you how to offload your waste when you arrive at our base but, please click here for a list of dump stations across New Zealand. [back to top]

How do I know where I can freedom camp in NZ?
Please read the freedom camping section on our website [back to top]

What does it mean to be self-sufficient?

To be self-sufficient means everything works without needing to be plugged in at the mains. We have installed an extended life battery in the vehicle so you are able to go bush for days on end. There is also a 600W inverter so you can charge your appliances. Anything larger than 600W, you will need to be plugged in for it to work. back to top] 

Will I be able to start my motorhome in the morning if I leave the fridge going all night?
Yes. Your motorhome has a dual 12V battery system: one battery designated to start the engine and the other to run the fridge/freezer, water pump and lighting. When the engine is running the batteries are charged. When the engine is not running they are isolated so no matter how long you leave the fridge running you will always be able to start the engine. [back to top]

Do I need to carry snow chains in New Zealand?
You will require snow chains if you are travelling in the South Island during winter. Snow chains will be provided free of charge and we will point out how to put them on. If you're at a loose end when you get to the snow, don't worry - I'm sure the locals will lend you a helping hand.[back to top] 

What happens if I have problems with my motorhome?
Our vehicles are all late model campers so, you're off to a great start. They are well maintained and as Fiats are one of the best quality vehicles around, you should have no problems. However, Wilderness Motorhomes is a member of a nationwide service and recovery group with a 24-hour free-phone to deal with any issues you may have. Likewise, we are available 24/7... [back to top]

Is it safe to drink water everywhere in New Zealand?
Tap water is safe to drink but use common sense when drinking water from sources likes lakes or rivers. To protect yourself from Giardia, a water-born parasite that causes diarrhoea, boil, filter or chemically treat water before drinking. You could always pick up a water filter from an outdoor store if you are planning to do a lot of hiking. [back to top]

Do all your motorhomes come with roof racks?
Roof racks are not standard on our Base Jumpers but we do have a very limited amount of motorhomes in our fleet with racks fitted. It is best to check with our reservations team to confirm availability. There will be an additional charge of $35 per day for this option.

Where can I find some more information about camping in New Zealand?
Please click here to go to the camping page on our website. You will find information about freedom camping, the Department of Conservation and other camping grounds dotted around New Zealand. [back to top]

Should I bring my Mp3 player’s lead and charger?
We include a lead with a 3.5mm jack but, you will need to bring your charger with you. There is a 12V cigarette lighter port and a USB connection if you don’t have a wall charger. [back to top]

Can I drive with the diesel heater turned on?
Yes. You can dry your towels from last night’s shower as you drive down State Highway 6. [back to top]

Do I need to bring a plug adaptor?
New Zealand power outlets accept plugs with two flat oblique blades, with a vertical ground (or inverted V) - click here. Very few other countries use this format, so you will probably need a travel plug adapter.. [back to top]

Will I need a voltage converter?
Electricity supply voltage is 240 volts, with a frequency of 50Hz. We have installed a 600W inverter that converts electricity from 12V to 240V but, if you travel to New Zealand with a device that does not accept this, you might also need to bring a voltage converter. [back to top]

Do you hire out GPS systems?
We don’t hire them ourselves but, are more than happy to arrange one for you if you would like us to. The cost would be around NZD$10.00 per day to rent a Tom Tom (incl. NZ maps) from here. Just let us know if this is something you would be interested in. [back to top]

Can you connect to Wi-Fi at camping grounds?
A number of camping grounds and cafes have public access wireless (called hotspots). It just depends on where you are and what provider you use. Bear in mind our terrain is mountainous so, sometimes you will not be able to get signal if you are out of town. Please click here to go to a website which will show you where Telecom hotspots are located across New Zealand. If you need to get a data card for your Laptop, you can also purchase one through Telecom. Just so you know, Telecom’s main competitor is Vodafone – it pays to check both companies. [back to top]

Waving goodbye

What days am I able to pick up and drop off my motorhome?
We are available Monday through Saturday. [back to top]

Can I get a reduced rate if I return my motorhome early on the last day of hire?
You will be charged for a full day regardless of the time of day you pick-up or return your motorhome. [back to top]

If we shorten our holiday will we receive a refund?
No, if you terminate your hire early no refunds will be paid. [back to top]

If we are having loads of fun, can we extend our hire?
Definitely, however, this will depend on availability but we will do everything we can to accommodate you. Rental extensions require confirmation from the company. [back to top]

Where can I tell people about my adventure with Wilderness?
On the Rankers website or, at the pub... [back to top]