Happy Campers

Campervan hire in New Zealand with pick-up in Auckland and Christchurch

Happy Campers is a New Zealand company dedicated to campervan rental for travellers touring the country. Its operation is based around two pick-up and drop-off points: Auckland and Christchurch, making it possible to plan routes across both islands. The fleet is presented as a low-cost option, with vehicles in different configurations and capacities.

Campervan fleet by capacity

The catalogue is organised into five models, all automatic and designed for couples, groups of friends or families:

• Happy Trail (2-Berth): 18-litre 12 V fridge, one butane burner, 240 V and 12 V dual battery system. Not certified self-contained.
• Happy Scout (2-Berth): cooler box, one butane burner. Not certified self-contained.
• Happy Horizon (2-3 Berth): 60-litre 12 V fridge, two gas burners, 240 V and 12 V dual battery system. Certified self-contained.
• Happy Summit (2-3 Berth): 44-litre 12 V/240 V fridge, two gas burners, 240 V and 12 V house battery. Certified self-contained.
• Happy Cruise (4-Berth): 60-litre 12 V fridge, two gas burners, 240 V and 12 V house battery. Certified self-contained.

Models certified as self-contained allow overnight stays at freedom camping locations, according to the company.

Booking and payment conditions

Bookings are confirmed with a NZ$99 deposit, refundable up to eleven days before pick-up. The remaining balance is not paid until the campervan is collected. The rate includes unlimited kilometres and no age surcharges apply, provided the driver meets the requirements of their driving licence. The company also offers a discount of eight cents per litre of fuel.

Cover and roadside assistance

Happy Campers includes nationwide roadside assistance available 24 hours a day, every day. As for the excess, customers can choose between standard cover with a NZ$3,000 excess at no daily cost or options with reduced or zero excess.

Service commitment

The company summarises its conditions under the name Good Times Promise, which sets out the commitment to provide the booked model or a higher one, clear prices with no hidden charges, a fully refundable deposit, pick-up within a maximum of 60 minutes —with a NZ$50 voucher if this is not met— and customer service during the trip.

Additional services for the road

Among the extras the company offers its customers are airport shuttle transfers, a 10% ferry discount, Mobil fuel discount, booking of cheap activities and carbon offset options. It also publishes route guides, such as Auckland-Gisborne, Tauranga-Raglan, Christchurch-Queenstown and Wellington-Marlborough.

Customer reviews

The testimonials on the site highlight the value for money of the vehicles, described as functional and suitable for trips of several weeks, as well as the friendliness of the counter staff. Several reviews mention high-mileage vehicles that ran without mechanical issues and a smooth pick-up and drop-off experience, although in some cases with waits.