|
Frequently asked questions
Answers
What are the public facilities
like in New Zealand?
Unlike the UK and Europe, campsites are of a very high standard in New
Zealand with powered sites, full kitchens, TV and entertainment rooms,
hot showers etc. Escape will supply you with a Campsite directory free
of charge at the beginning of your trip. Prices are approximately $7-$15PP/Night.
Many camping grounds will allow you to use the facilities for a few dollars
without actually staying the night and there are also good public facilities
to use free of charge in many locations throughout the country.
Can I choose my favourite painted
Escape Camper?
When you book, list in the comments section your 3 favourite campers.
We cannot guarantee we will be able to meet your request, but we will
do our best.
Who paints your campervans?
We employ a range of very talented local artists who have achieved international
acclaim. Each artist has their own style which ads to the variety of flavours
in our fleet. If you are collecting a camper between August and November,
you may well see our artists in action.
Can I sleep anywhere or do I have
to stay in a campground?
New Zealand has very liberal laws regarding free-camping. As a general
rule you should be okay to park up in most places unless there are obvious
signs prohibiting overnight camping. The beauty of traveling in a Campervan
in New Zealand is the total freedom it gives you, allowing you to access
some of the most beautiful and unique spots in New Zealand. We do ask
that if you do freecamp, please respect the environment, the locals and
clean up after yourselves. The Department of Conservation runs a network
of basic campsites set in some of the most stunning locations in New Zealand.
Escape will provide you with a directory of the standard campsites, DOC
campsites and our own special spots recommendations.
Do you provide travel information?
Yes, we provide 'The Escape Guide'. This free publication has all our
hidden secrets on places to visit and things to do throughout NZ. It also
provides discounts on Adventure tourism activities along with Department
of conservation sites and much more. You will also receive this guide
in web format when you book.
What time do you open and close your offices?
Open 7 Days.
Monday to Saturday 9am – 4pm
Sunday and public holidays. 10am-3pm
Pickups outside these times can be arranged for an extra fee.
(Closed Christmas and New Years day!)
What about all the luggage I have?
Under the seats, there is 400 litres of storage space. This is more storage
than you will find in many 6 berths! We do recommend you bring soft bags
instead of hard cases though. If you still can't fit everything in, we
can either store bags in a secure lockup at our depots free of charge,
or assist you with posting bags to another drop off depot if you are on
a one way rental.
What age do I have to be to drive
an Escape campervan?
Escape has no minimum age. So long as you have a full drivers license,
you can hire an Escape campervan.
How far can I travel on a full tank
of fuel?
Our campers have 50 litre tanks. Depending on the driving terrain and
your driving style, you can travel approximately 450 kilometers on a tank.
What is the cost of fuel in New
Zealand?
The price of fuel is constantly changing. As a general rule, it's approximately
half the price of fuel in the UK or Europe.
How many people can travel in the camper with
me?
Three people including the driver can travel in an Escape Camper.
Is there a charge for
additional drivers?
No. Our costs include everything.
Is the vehicle insured?
Escape has very friendly insurance cover. All vehicles come with a standard
insurance policy that covers you for any damage to the vehicle and 3rd
party and liability cover. There is an excess that applies and in most
cases this is NZ$1200 (depending on your age). Unlike many companies,
Escape do not take the excess from your credit card before you leave.
We simply require a credit card imprint.
Can I reduce the insurance
excess?
Yes, there are vehicle reduction options available which will reduce the
excess you are liable for in the case of an accident or other vehicle
damage. More details are available here.
Am I insured to drive on unsealed
roads?
Yes, except for roads north or Colville Township, roads to Ball Hut Mt
Cook, Skippers Canyon in Queenstown and on 90 mile beach. Escape is the
most liberal company we know when it comes to where you can drive. Most
campervan rental operators will not let you drive on unsealed roads.
Do we need snow chains in winter?
Generally you only need snow chains if you are going to be skiing in New
Zealand. However, if you are travelling in the middle of winter and bad
weather is forecast for an alpine pass that you may be travelling, then
it may be handy to have chains. Chains are required by law to travel on
the Milford Rd between July and October. Escape can provide chains for
a one off $50.
Are campers transmissions manual
or auto?
We provide both manual and auto transmission campers. We take requests
for either. If you would like an Automatic guarantee, there is an additional
$10/day charge.
Will we be warm enough in winter?
You most certainly will. All our campers have heaters and two warm winter
duvets.
Do all campervans have stereos?
Yes, all campers have radios, some have tape decks, most campers have
CD players, some have MP3 and IPOD hookups. You can request your preference
and we will do our best to satisfy you.
How much is the ferry and how far in
advance do I have to book?
Our campers travel for the same rate as a car on the Bluebridge ferry.
A Campervan and two adults costs $240 on http://www.bluebridge.co.nz/.
In school holidays and the height of Summer it is best to book at least
7 days in advance, otherwise a few days and you should be OK.
Is bedding provided?
Clean sheets, duvets, covers, pillows and pillow cases along with cutlery,
pots, pans, cooking elements are all provided FREE, all you need is your
clothes.
Do you supply a campground
guide?
We sure do. We have a collection of campground guides in stock free of
charge.
Should I book camp sites
in advance?
Generally no, however if you are traveling between 15th December and 10th
January you may have to book the more popular sites in advance.
Can I hire extra items?
Yes, we hire picnic tables, TV's, DVD's, mobile phones, BBQ's, solar showers
and child seats.
What side of the road do you drive
on in New Zealand?
In New Zealand we drive on the left hand side of the road. The Land Transport
New Zealand website has a page dedicated to informing overseas drivers
about New Zealand driving laws. For more information, click on the following
link. http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/overseasdrivers/driving-in-nz.html
|
