The best road trips feel easier when the practical things are clear.
Before you pick up the keys, here is where you will find the important details: booking, insurance, pick-up and drop-off, driver requirements, driving in New Zealand, camping, what to bring, and how to return the van.
No drama. No guesswork. Just the things to know before hitting the road.
Bookings are made online through the Get Lost website.
A 20% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 30 days before pick-up. If you are booking within 30 days of your trip, full payment is required when you book.
Minimum hire periods:
Summer: 10-days minimum
Winter: 3-day minimum
Hire is charged by rental day. For example, a Friday pick-up and Sunday drop-off is charged as three days.
With full insurance:
Full insurance gives you access to 24/7 self-service pick-up and drop-off.
Your van will be ready on site, with keys available through a secure lockbox. This is ideal if you are arriving late, leaving early, or working around flight times.
With standard insurance:
Standard insurance bookings are required to use the concierge pick-up and drop-off service between 9am and 4pm.
The concierge service is $100 each way, which includes airport transfer and a full handover.
Every Get Lost van includes comprehensive insurance cover.
Standard insurance comes with a $5,000 excess. A no-excess insurance option is available for $59 per day.
* Concierge pick up is required with standard insurance, charged at $100 each way, available Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Concierge pick up is not required with full insurance, but can be requested at $100 each way, available Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
** Road user charges are charged at $76 per 1000km and part thereof.
Full insurance:
New Zealand roads are beautiful, but they can take longer than expected.
Distances can be deceptive, roads can be winding, and weather can change quickly. If you are visiting from overseas, give yourself more time than the map suggests, take breaks, and remember that New Zealand drives on the left.
With standard insurance:
Standard insurance bookings are required to use the concierge pick-up and drop-off service between 9am and 4pm.
The concierge service is $100 each way, which includes airport transfer and a full handover.
Useful reminders:
Road use note:
The vans are designed for normal roads and tracks suitable for 2WD vehicles. They are not designed for off-roading.
Driver basics:
The Get Lost vans are fully self-contained, which means they can be used in freedom camping areas that allow certified self-contained vehicles.
That freedom comes with responsibility. Always follow local signs, council rules, DOC guidance, and responsible camping practices.
Take only photos leave only footprints.
Camping notes:
You should bring:
Storage note:
Storage is limited, and there is no luggage storage at base, so soft bags are strongly recommended.
Before returning:
How do I book a Get Lost campervan?
Bookings are made online through the Get Lost website. Choose your dates, check availability, and follow the booking steps to secure your van.
If you need help with your booking or your desired dates aren’t showing as available, email us on lets@getlostinnz.co.nz
Is a deposit required?
Yes. A 20% deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 30 days before pick-up. If you book within 30 days of your pick-up date, full payment is required when you book.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit card and bank transfer. Card fees may apply.
Are there minimum hire periods?
Yes. Minimum hire periods apply by season. Summer has a 7-day minimum hire period. Winter has a 3-day minimum hire period. Hire is charged by rental day. For example, a Friday pick-up and Sunday drop-off is charged as three days.
Can I change my booking?
Booking changes may be possible, subject to van availability. If your plans change, get in touch as soon as possible so we can see what is possible.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation refunds depend on how far out you are from your pick-up date.
Are one-way hires available?
One-way hires may be available on request. A relocation surcharge applies.
Where do I pick up the van?
We offer a contactless pick-up service from the North/South Holiday Park located 5 minutes from the Christchurch Airport when full insurance is purchased. If you opt for standard insurance a concierge pick up is required, one of our team will collect you from the airport and give you an in-person handover. Exact pick-up details are provided after booking.
Can I pick up the van from the airport?
There is no direct airport pick-up for the van itself. Concierge transfer is available, and shuttle options may be available depending on your arrival time.
Is 24/7 pick-up and drop-off available?
Yes, with the no-excess / full insurance option. With this option, your van will be ready on site and the keys will be available through a secure lockbox, giving you more flexibility around late arrivals, early starts, and flight times.
How does pick-up work with standard insurance?
Standard insurance bookings use the concierge pick-up and drop-off service between 9am and 5pm. This includes airport transfer and a full handover. The concierge service is available at $100 each way.
What happens during handover?
The handover covers the essentials of using the van and getting ready for the road. This may include:
With self-service pick-up, key instructions and van guidance are handled through the web app.
What do I need to bring for pick-up?
If you have not taken out full insurance, you will need to present:
These details are uploaded before pick-up through the booking system.
What time can I drop off the van?
Drop-off is available 24/7 with the no-excess / full insurance option. With standard insurance, drop-off is through the concierge service between 9am and 4pm.
Is insurance included?
Yes. Every Get Lost van includes comprehensive insurance cover. Standard insurance includes a $5,000 excess. A no-excess insurance option is available for $59 per day.
What is the difference between standard insurance and no-excess insurance?
Standard insurance includes comprehensive cover with a $5,000 excess. The no-excess insurance option is available for $59 per day and gives you more flexibility, including 24/7 self-service pick-up and drop-off.
Is a bond or security deposit required?
A $5,000 bond applies if standard insurance is taken. The bond is taken at pick-up and released at drop-off, subject to the van being returned in the required condition.
What is generally covered by insurance?
Insurance generally covers:
What is not covered by insurance?
Insurance does not cover everything. Items not covered include:
Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially for personal belongings, trip changes, medical needs, cancellations, and anything outside the vehicle insurance.
What happens if I damage the van?
If the van is damaged, report it immediately through the app/portal or by email. This helps us understand what has happened and guide you through the next steps.
Is my personal property covered?
No. Personal property is not covered by the vehicle insurance. We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance to cover your belongings and wider travel plans.
Is travel insurance recommended?
Yes. Travel insurance is highly recommended. Vehicle insurance only relates to the van and specific vehicle-related events. Travel insurance can help cover things like personal belongings, medical issues, cancellations, travel changes, and other unexpected situations.
How old do I need to be to drive?
Drivers must be at least 21 years old.
What licence do I need?
You need a full driver licence that is valid for driving in New Zealand. If your licence is not in English, you may need an international driving permit or an approved translation.
Can international visitors drive?
Yes, international drivers are accepted, as long as they have a valid licence for driving in New Zealand. Depending on your licence, you may also need an international driving permit or approved translation.
Can I add another driver?
Yes. Additional drivers are included, as long as their licence is uploaded/provided and accepted before travel. All drivers must meet the driver requirements.
How many people can the van sleep?
The Get Lost campervan sleeps two people. It also has two seats and two seatbelts.
Is the van automatic or manual?
The van is automatic.
What fuel does the van use?
The van runs on diesel.
Is heating included?
Yes. A diesel heater is included as standard. This is a key part of making the van comfortable for cooler nights, shoulder-season travel, and colder parts of New Zealand.
Is there air conditioning?
The vehicle has air conditioning while driving. There is no living-area air conditioning, but the van includes a roof vent.
Is the van self-contained?
Yes. The van is fully self-contained. This means it can be used in freedom camping areas that allow certified self-contained vehicles. Always follow local signs, council rules, DOC guidance, and responsible camping practices.
Does the van have a toilet?
Yes. The van includes a cassette toilet. The toilet must be emptied before return.
Does the van have a shower?
Yes. A solar shower is included. There is no hot water system in the van.
What is included in the van?
The van includes the practical essentials for sleeping, cooking, power, water, storage, and road-trip living. Included items include:
What is not included?
To keep the van simple, practical, and uncluttered, some items are not included. Not included:
Can I bring hard suitcases?
Soft bags are strongly recommended. Storage is limited, and there is no luggage storage at base, so bulky suitcases are best avoided.
Can I stay off-grid?
Yes, the van is set up for flexible travel away from powered campsites. It includes a 100amp lithium battery, 200w solar, USB charging, water tanks, toilet, and practical onboard systems. In summer, the solar setup helps keep essentials charged while you travel. If the van is parked completely stationary in winter, realistic off-grid time may be closer to two to three days, depending on use, weather, and power needs.
Do I need a powered campsite?
No, the van does not have 240V plug in so you can book a non-powered site. The van is set up to support time away from powered sites. Paid campgrounds are still useful for facilities like hot showers, laundry, and a reset during longer trips.
How much water does the van carry?
The van has a 25L fresh water tank and a 25L grey water tank.
Where do I empty grey water and the toilet?
Grey water and the toilet cassette must be emptied at approved dump stations. Please follow local signs, campsite guidance, DOC guidance, and responsible camping practices.
Can I drive on gravel roads?
The van is designed for normal roads and tracks suitable for 2WD vehicles. It is not designed for off-roading. Always drive to the conditions and avoid roads that are not suitable for a 2WD campervan.
Can I take the van on the ferry?
Yes. Inter-island ferry travel is allowed. Make sure your ferry booking suits the vehicle size and your travel plans.
Can I drive to ski fields?
Ski field roads may be possible, subject to road conditions. Always check current road conditions and chain requirements before travelling. Snow chains are not currently included with the van.
Do I need to know anything about driving in New Zealand?
Yes. New Zealand roads can take longer than expected. Drive on the left, allow more time than the map suggests, take breaks often, and drive to the conditions. Roads can be winding, narrow, scenic, and affected by weather, especially in winter.
Can I freedom camp?
Yes, where freedom camping is permitted for certified self-contained vehicles. Always check local signs, council rules, DOC guidance, and responsible camping expectations before staying overnight.
Should I use paid campgrounds?
You can. Paid campgrounds are useful for hot showers, laundry, facilities, and a reset during longer trips. Powered sites are not required for normal van use.
Are DOC campsites a good option?
Yes. DOC campsites can be a great option for many New Zealand road trips. Check availability, access, facilities, and vehicle suitability before you go.
Are pets allowed?
No. Pets are not allowed.
Are children allowed?
Children are allowed as long as there are only two guests in total and the child no longer requires a car seat under New Zealand law.
Can I smoke or vape in the van?
No. Smoking and vaping are not allowed in the van.
Can I cook inside the van?
The cooker must be used next to the sink, outside the van.
What condition should the van be returned in?
Please return the van in a reasonable, tidy condition. A full clean is completed by Get Lost before the next handover, but the van should be returned respectfully.
What do I need to do before returning the van?
Before returning the van:
What happens if I return the van late?
Late returns may be charged as an additional rental day.
Are there cleaning or soilage fees?
If the van is returned extremely soiled, including stained seats or cushions, a soilage fee may apply.
Are there any damage fees I should know about?
Yes. Damage to kitchen panels from hot pots may incur a $1,000 fee. Always use the cooking equipment as instructed and avoid placing hot pots or pans directly onto kitchen surfaces. A bamboo chopping board is included with the van which is suitable for placing hot pots on.
What happens if I break down?
If something goes wrong on the road, contact Get Lost through the support details provided with your booking. We will help guide you through the next steps.
How do I contact Get Lost during my trip?
Your booking information will include the correct support contact details for your trip.
