GENERAL FAQ's
Why roof top tenting?
Why not. It’s easy, fun, and something different, and allows for easy and quick set up and pack down. The roof top tent has a comfy as mattress, and all your bedding and pillows can be left in the tent when you pack it down. Fall asleep to elevated sunset views and get closer to the stars.
Where can we camp on the island?
You may camp at the epic DOC campgrounds, listed here. You are required to pay the nighlty camping fee. You may also camp at private campgrounds. We can highly recommend Schooner bay & Sugarloaf campground.
Is freedom camping allowed on Great Barrier Island?
No. Freedom Camping is not allowed in our vehicles
When is the best time to visit Great Barrier Island (Aotea)?
The main busy season is from November through to end of April. This is when we experience our warmer and settled weather. Off season is still a great time to visit. It tends to be much quieter, and obviously much cooler.
Whats included in our Vehicle Rental?
The cost is inclusive of car hire, camping equipment, cleaning, mileage, insurance, and GST. For a full list of all-inclusive camping equipment, click here
What's Included In Your Vehicle Hire
Are there ATMs on the island?
No
Are there places to eat on the island and buy food?
Yes. There are plenty of dining options and shops - especially down the southern end of the island. Up in the North, there is Port Fitzroy Store for groceries, the Burger Bar for lunch, and the Boat Club for dinner.
Can I drink the water from the campground taps?
You can, but boiling the water before drinking is recommended. We supply you with a 20L water container filled with drinking water.
How do I dispose of my rubbish?
There are no rubbish bins on the island. You will be supplied with a rubbish bag and must drop off your rubbish at the tip (located 5 minutes from the airport). Click here for tip hours.
We ask that you do not store your rubbish inside the vehicles overnight in order to minimise odours, and instead hang from a tree or fence.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes.
You can purchase them here
RENTING LOGISTICS
What license do I need?
We require a full NZ driver’s license or a valid international driver’s license for all drivers of the vehicle.
Do I need a credit/debit card?
Yes. We are required by our insurance providers to hold the details of a valid credit/debit card. The cost of any damage or breach of contract will be deducted from this card.
How old do I need to be to rent a vehicle?
Must be 21 or older
Is there a minimum rental period?
Yes. Our vehicles must be rented for a minimum of 2 Nights.
Can I rent the vehicle out for longer than 2 Nights?
Absolutely. This is encouraged to make the most of your adventure.
Where do I pick up and drop off the vehicle?
Our depot is located a 2 minute walk from the airport. Simply exit the airport to the main road, turn left, and walk about 100m. We are located behind the Motu Bikes depot. We will meet you here at your chosen pick up / drop off times (chosen during your booking). We will run you through your rental on arrival and meet you again when you return. You will be required to return your rental to us at this location unless other prior arrangements are made.
What are pick up and drop off hours?
Pick up hours are between 2pm-6pm (You will choose your prefered time on the booking page)
Drop off hours are between 9am-11am (again chosen at time of booking)
Late checkout maybe available, but will be subject to availablilty and be discussed on your arrival.
Please note: Late Fees apply unless prior arangements are made.
Do you offer airport/accommodation pick ups?
We do not offer airport pick up (as our depot is an easy two minute walk from the terminal).
If you do require a pickup from the airport or somewhere else on the island, please contact us and we will do our best to arrange this.
There will be an additional fee for this service.
Can you pick me up from a different location?
Yes, with prior arrangement. This will incur an additional fee. Please contact us to arrange.
What is included in our vehicle rental?
The cost is inclusive of car hire, camping equipment, cleaning, mileage, insurance, and GST. For a full list of all-inclusive camping equipment, click here
What's Included In Your Vehicle Hire
Are there any other costs?
Petrol: You are required to pay for your own petrol. Your car will be rented with a full tank of petrol, and you are required to fill the tank upon returning the car.
Camping: Each campsite charges a small nightly fee, and you are responsible for paying this.
Cleaning: If the inside of the vehicle or camping equipment is left excessively dirty, you may be liable to pay an extra cost calculated at an hourly rate of $40/hr.
Rubbish: You are required to pay for the disposal of your rubbish at the local tip.
Damage/Replacement costs: $2,000 excess (as described in our terms and conditions) for car damage. If any rented equipment is damaged due to improper use, you will be charged the cost of repairing, cleaning, or replacing the item.
Fines: You are responsible to pay any fines or tickets while using the vehicle.
What is the insurance excess?
The excess is $2,000 if you are 25 and over. This meaning that if you damage the car or breach the contract, the excess of $2,000 will be charged to your account. If you are under 25 years of age and over 21 years of age, the excess is $3,000.
Unfortunately you cannot, as per our agreement with our Insurance Company, in anyway reduce the excess costs.
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for more information
Do you hire car seats?
Yes. We have a car seat available for hire for ages 0 – 12 months. Please let u know if you require a car seat for an older child and we will do our best to help. You can add a car seat rental to your trip when you complete your booking. Alternatively, you can bring your car seat over on the plane or boat at no additional cost.
What is your cancellation policy?
No cancellation fee will be charged and you will receive a full refund of your booking deposit if you cancel at least 30 days prior to the Pickup Date. If you cancel between 14-30 days before my Pickup Date, then you will receive a 50% refund. If you cancel within 14 days of the Pickup Date, you will not receive a refund of your booking or any other amounts paid to the Company and you will be responsible for 100% of the full reservation total.
Am I able to re-schedule my booking?
Yes.
You may reschedule your booking with no penalties / charges if you are more than 30 days out from your original booking start date, unless the change is due to impending weather. If the weather forecast for your trip is looking terrible in the days leading up to the booking, you may reschedule with us. Please give us a call.
If you need to reschedule within the 30 days, you will need to cancel your booking (See charges associated with this in the above quesiton) & create a new one.
If for any reason you can't get to the island or need to reschedule for another reason, see question below.
What if my flights / ferry is cancelled?
In the unlikely event that your transport to the island is cancelled due to weather conditions (Or other reasons outside of your control) you will be offered a chance to reschedule your booking within the next 12 months. This won't be at any extra cost to you.
If you require a refund because you are unable to complete a booking in the next 12 months, please contact us. Administration fees will apply.
You also have the option to transfer your credit to someone else if you cannot use it yourself.
Can I transfer my booking or credit to someone else?
Yes.
As long as any exisiting booking details stay the same (and are in line with our cancellation and rescheduling policies) you may change the name on a booking with an admin fee ($10).
The same is true for a credit.
Can I take the vehicle Off the Island?
No.
Is there a maximum rental period?
Yes.
Our Maxium rental period is 18 Nights. You may contact us for special requests.
OUR VEHICLES
Are the vehicles 4WD?
Yes
Are the vehicles automatic or manual transmission?
The Nissan Xtrail is automatic transmission.
The Suzuki Samurai is manual transmission. This car may only be rented by proficient manual drivers.
Can I drive off road or on the beach?
No. Our vehicles may only be driven on public or private roads. Any car that is driven off road including on the beach or used to cross streams or rivers, will immediately be liable to pay the excess. Our insurance provider doesn’t cover any “off road” activity
What is your insurance policy?
You can read about our Insurance policy here
What if my accommodation requires me to drive on sand or cross a creek or stream?
You will need to make other arrangements with you accommodation provider. If you need to cross an ankle high ford or similar, that is reasonable and fine.
What about if the road floods?
There are certain sections of road on The Barrier that will flood in heavy rains. Unless it’s an emergency, you may not drive through any flooded road, as this is not covered by our insurance provider.
When can I use 4WD?
Most roads on The Barrier are sealed. Few parts of the road require 4WD. Some accommodation have access roads that are steep and require 4WD. You may use 4WD: when stuck or when needing to use a road to access accommodation on private property, within reason. If you are needing to do this, please get in touch with us for written confirmation.
Can I tow a trailer or boat?
You may with the XTrail, but only if discussed and confirmed in writing via email. This will incur an additional fee.
How many people can fit in the vehicles?
Stay High Adventure Vehicle (XTrail): We recommend no more than 4, to assure that you can fit both your luggage and the supplied camping gear.
Stay Grounded Safari Vehicle (Samurai): No more than 2.
Surfboards, fishing equipment, and other long items may be stored on the roof, using the supplied roof racks and straps.
Am I responsible for cleaning the car & equipment?
You are responsible for endeavouring to return the vehicle as it was supplied. You must dispose of your rubbish at the local tip, BEFORE returning the car. If the interior of the vehicle or any of the rented equipment is returned excessively dirty or with rubbish, you will be charged a cleaning fee at an hourly rate of $40/hr. This will be charged to the credit/debit card that you have supplied to us at the time of your booking. You will NOT be charged extra for external cleaning of the vehicle as this is out of your control.
What happens if the vehicle breaks down?
If this happens, please call us immediately. If another vehicle is available, we will drop it off to you immediately. If another vehicle is not available, you will be offered a refund for the remainder of your booking, or offered another alternative.
EQUIPMENT
What Equipment is included with my Vehicle Rental?
You can view all equipment included here >>
Can I add additional camping equipment if I have more people in my party?
Yes.
For the Stay High Advenure Vehicle, we have an additional Camping Package you can rent. We also have a camp & cook package available. You can view all our extra gear rentals here
What equipment is available to add on to my booking?
Please get in touch with us if you have any special requests other than the listed items below. We will do our best to accommodate you.
Surfboard - $40/day
Organic veggie box from our garden: - $30
Carseat - $5/Day Or $25/Week
You can choose from one of our packages listed in the next question below
Can I rent camping equipment from you if I am not hiring a vehicle?
Yes.
The main Package we offer is the Camp & Cook Package - $70/Day
This includes:
Camping Gear:
3Personal Kathmandu tent, 2 sleeping bags + sleeping mats, sheets, pillows with pillowcases, sleeping bag liners, blankets, 2 Camping chairs, 1 Camping table, 1 20L Drinking water container, 1 Head torches with spare batteries, 1 Set fairy lights, 1 Rubber Mallet for tent pegs (Stay Grounded), 1 Bar Soap
Cooking Gear:
Double burner stove with 4L propane and grill lighter, 1 25L Chilly bin, 1 Kettle, Frying Pan and Pot, All cooking utensils: Knife, Spatula, Spoon, Chopping boards, Can opener, Plates, Bowls, Mugs, Silverware, Food Storage containers, Scrubbing brush, Soap, Washing Basin, Tea towels, 1 Pack Baby Wipes, Rubbish Bags, Tea, Rice Bran Oil, Salt, and Pepper
If you require additional items please feel free to contact us with any questions and we will do our best to accomodate you subject to availability.
Is bedding supplied?
Yes
What do I need to bring?
You must provide you own food, clothing, towels, water bottle, suncream, and insect repellent. We hope that our gear will give you everything else you need for a great trip.
How long does it take to set up the roof top tent?
It will take you about 10 minutes on your first go. Setting up the roof top tent is incredibly easy, and we are confident that you will be able to set up in about 5 minutes come your second time. The tent can be set up with either 1 or 2 people. We supply NZ made Feldon Rooftop tents. Our vehicle comes with an iPad with our own instructional video on how to set up the tent. We require you to use our video when setting up
Is the equipment suitable for camping in the rain?
Both the roof top tent and the ground tent are fully waterproof. However in heavy rains, we cannot guarantee that the ground tent will stand up to the infamous Barrier downpours. We ask that you do your best to dry everything out before packing away in the vehicle. The roof top tent can be set up or packed away in the rain.
Can I use the cooking equipment inside the vehicle? What about when it’s raining?
No. No cooking may take place inside the vehicle. Anyone found to be doing this will be liable to pay the insurance excess. You'll find most campgrounds on the island have a cooking shelter for use if it’s raining.
Can I cook and fillet fish with the cooking equipment?
Yes you can, however, you must ensure to clean the scales and any equipment vigorously. Also, you are not allowed to make a fish stock or soup, as that can leave an odour that is almost impossible to get rid of.
How long does it take to set up the shade awning?
This takes no more than two minutes. It does however require two people for set up. Our vehicle comes with an iPad with our own instructional video on how to set up the awning. We require you to use our video when setting up
Questions not answered above, Or have a custom request?
Contact Us
We look forward to hearing from you