Frequently Asked Questions

What better way to explore such an amazing country than at your own pace? A Spaceship offers you freedom, flexibility and convenience all in a vehicle which is like a good car to drive. Then there are the world class attractions, the golden sand beaches, amazing landscapes, first class campground facilities, and friendly locals. Travel New Zealand in a Spaceship and do what you want when you want!

Each Spaceship is a 4-seater “camper” with plenty of space and storage, unique design, specific features (large double bed, cooker, CD/DVD/MP3 Player with 15 cm screen, chiller, and water supply) and its own space name. All this comes in a vehicle that is fun, safe and easy to drive.

And few more extras:

• Space survival kit with Frisbee, playing cards, DVDs, iPod cord, maps and campground information.
• ‘How to use your Spaceship' manual with environmental information, driving guide, and Space Station information.
• Space Stations throughout New Zealand for access to our local guidance, support and DVD exchange.
• Travel Support Package is something truly helpful - as we believe that with a little bit of guidance and support you can get so much more of your adventure in our country.

Spaceships have a ‘customised’ seating system in the back, which enable them to uniquely seat up to four people in an Alpha and three people in a Beta, (great for small families, couples or extra friends). Click here to find out more.

Every Spaceship comes with a full size double bed. This bed can sleep 2 adults with a maximum of 3 people. You can sleep in the bed fully inside the vehicle or extended out the back into the canvas awning for 30% more space and ventilation. Click here to find out more info.

Yes, a double duvet, two pillows and a sheet (twice as much is provided in 4-berth Spaceship) are provided free of charge. A internal table, pot and pan, chopping board, plates, knives, forks, cups, bowls, can opener + much more is also included for free with your Spaceship.

The driver’s seat and steering-wheel are adjustable, so you will feel comfortable while driving through New Zealand.

The bed length dimensions are 1.4m wide by 1.92m long with additional space to 2.1 metres for taller people to stretch out.

We recommend that you bring soft bags (like a backpack). There is room for two of these in the rear storage area.

The measurements are:
- Rear Storage 1.30m wide by 65 cm across and 32cm deep
- Central main storage 60cm by 60cm and 32cm
- Storage behind fridge 35cm wide, 43cm long, 32 cm deep

A FREE ipod / MP3 cord is attached to the stereo so you can listen to your favourite tunes - just bring a charger that plugs into the cigarette lighter.
Please note: Due to the Hybrid’s special engine we cannot add the ipod/MP3 cord to this model Spaceship.

Spaceships are fitted out with CD/DVD/MP3 stereos with a 15cm fold down DVD screen, remote and a 4 speaker surround sound speaker system! So you can bring your ipod or favourite CD’s & DVD’s with you.

We do offer 4WD Spaceships for those more adventurous travellers that want to get further off the beaten track. These are also very popular in the winter months for the keen skiers and snowboards. Ask us about our Thule roof racks.

They are only available for hire from 1 June to 30 Sept as we cannot guarantee availability in a peak season.

We do have a lot of travellers requesting to travel in R2D2, THE HOFF, CHUCK NORRIS, YODA…

Unfortunately we are too busy to be able to allocate vehicle names. What ever Spaceship you get you will be sure to meet a few others to swap your DVDs with and exchange travel stories.

All Spaceships are Toyota Lucidas or Estimas (people movers), basically the same as Previas in Europe and Taragos in Australia. They are structurally and mechanically a very fine vehicle that drives like a good car.

Your Spaceship is fitted with an environmentally friendly (Euro 3) 2.4 litre mid-mounted engine for safety and stability. Average fuel consumption is 9 litres per 100km (depending on the terrain and how you are driving).

All Spaceships are petrol engines. They run on unleaded petrol. Fuel consumption is approximately 9 litres per 100 km. Average price of petrol is NZD$1.60, It is best to fill up in the built-up areas as petrol prices are normally slightly cheaper than in rural areas. It will normally cost around $80-$90 to fill up depending on the petrol prices at the time.

All Spaceships are 4 speed automatic transmissions with an electronic overdrive for better fuel economy. Being automatic makes them even easier to drive.

Spaceships are set up with two batteries - one runs the CD/DVD player, chiller and internal lights, and the other battery starts the engine. This allows you to operate the chiller/fridge and watch a DVD while the engine is not running - this will run the auxiliary battery down but the Spaceship will always start on the other battery, and then self-charge as you drive. The secondary battery in an Alpha should last approximately 2-4 hours (when watching DVD’s), depending also on charging during the day. The second battery in a Beta Spaceship should last up to 24 hours.
This means you do not have to pay for powered sites like you would in an ordinary campervan or motorhome to charge your vehicle, saving you money and enabling you to go further off the beaten track.

Spaceships are set up with two batteries, one runs the CD/DVD player, chiller and internal lights, and the other battery starts the engine. This allows you to operate the chiller and watch a DVD while the engine is not running - this will run the auxiliary battery down but the Spaceship will always start on the other battery, and then self-charge as you drive. The secondary battery in an Alpha should last approximately 2-4 hours and the 24 hours in the Beta model (when watching DVD’s), depending also on charging during the day.
This means you do not have to pay for powered sites like you would in an ordinary campervan or motorhome to charge your vehicle, saving you money and enabling you to go further off the beaten track.

You sure can. We offer some great accessories for you trip. The most popular, especially during the summer, are table and chairs, side-awnings, chilly bins, solar showers, external 240vlt mains plugs. It is worth to book them in advance to ensure you will get them. For families with kids we can offer booster seats.

We also have some great packs like the Summer Pack and Winter Warmers to package up the most popular accessories at a better price.

With a Summer Pack you can get a table, 2 x chairs, a chilly bin (cooler/esky) and a solar shower all for $80!

Winter Warmers - 1 thermos bottle, 1 hot water bottle, extra duvet, oil heater, 240vlt power cord – means you can still be toasty in winter for only $80.

Solar showers are great. You simple fill the 25 litre bag with water and leave it in the sun till warm/hot and then hang on a tree or put on the roof of Spaceship (don’t forget it there). It means no matter where you are as long as there is some sun you can have a nice hot shower.

It is an external power cord, so it allows you to plug into powered campsites to run a heater, charge a cell phone, lap top, camera or even use a hair dryer. It only costs $50 to hire for the duration of your trip. Transformer or adaptor will be needed to fit NZ three point sockets.

There may be a ‘one way’ fee of $200.00 for hires of less than 14 days. This will show on your quick quote if applicable.

We do hire to drivers of 18 years of age. Please see our terms and conditions under “Spaceship features” in the main menu for more information.

If you are looking at a rental period of over 33 days feel free to email us for a better day rate or some special deal.

Bond is the insurance excess if an accident occurs during your Spaceship hire and for which you are deemed to be at fault. This is $1000 if the driver is over 25, $1500 for drivers between 21-24 years and $2000 for 18-21 years old drivers (choose the right age brackets according to the youngest driver). We do not deduct the bond from the credit card, but merely freeze the funds to deduct in an event of an accident. The funds are then released when the vehicle is returned provided no damage has occurred. Credit card details must be on all rental agreements and must be the credit card of the main hirer unless prior arrangements have been made. Where a credit card is not available, a cash bond will be held by Spaceships Ltd for 21 days following hire.

You can choose if you will pay Full or Half Bond Waiver and reduce your bond/excess or we will hold the full amount of bond to cover your liability - accident-damages costs plus any extra cost or any traffic infringements, losses or breakages.

Yes you can reduce your excess to zero by paying a non-refundable Full Cover bond waiver.

Please see below in - What insurance options do I have? What would you recommend?

Yes you can reduce your excess to half by paying a non-refundable Half Cover bond waiver.
Please see below in - What insurance options do I have? What would you recommend?

All Spaceships come with standard insurance included for no extra cost in the daily rate.
As the hirer you are responsible for the excess (bond) of NZ$1000 for drivers 25 and over, or NZ$1500 for drivers 21 -24 and $2000 for drivers 18 – 20 years old. This covers the cost of damage to Third Party property or to the rented vehicle, including single vehicle accident, towing and recovery costs, theft of the vehicle, fire, break in or vandalism.

A good option to reduce your liability is to reduce your excess by paying a non-refundable Full or Half cover option. By paying a full cover option this reduces your excess (bond) to zero. The other option is to pay less and reduce your excess (bond) to half. This will cost you half as much and reduce your excess by half.

Prices are according to age:
DRIVERS 25 AND OVER
- $20 per day = Full Cover Nil bond / excess
- $10 per day = Half Cover $500 bond / excess
DRIVERS AGED 21 -24
- $26 per day = Full cover Nil deposit / excess
- $16 per day = Half cover $750 deposit / excess
DRIVERS AGED 18 -20
- $33 per day = Full cover Nil deposit / excess
- $23 per day = Half cover $1000 deposit / excess

Windscreen or glass breakages are not covered by the standard hire insurance but are included in the Full and Half cover options. If you choose not to pay for Full or Half Bond Waiver, you can choose to pay separately for an additional non-refundable premium of $5.00 per hire day, which will cover you for the loss or breakage of windscreens or windows to the vehicle. This cover excludes the sunroof.

The insurance excludes damage to the roof and under-body of the vehicle, and damage to the tyres.

Insurance rates differ according to age. You need to choose the right age brackets according to the youngest driver. So in your case as you both want to drive it would be 21-24 years old drivers.

The minimum rental period for return hires (e.g. Auckland to Auckland) is 5 days, a 10 day minimum hire applies for one way hires. Please note there may be greater minimum hire periods at peak times (December-February). This will vary based on availability.

There are no nasty hidden costs to surprise you when you arrive to collect your Spaceship. Tax (GST), standard insurance and unlimited kilometres are included in your daily rate along with extra driver fees, road user charges, all equipment, roadside support service, credit card fees etc.

There is no charge for up to as many as four additional drivers.

Unfortunately, We CANNOT combine Australia and New Zealand because of the different currencies. You can make a separate booking for New Zealand and ask for a special deal.

You can pick up and drop off your Spaceship in Auckland and Christchurch. To see if there are relocation specials please email info@spaceships.tv

If you have booked for 21 days or more please contact us to arrange a free airport transfer for you with Super Shuttle. This is only valid if you wish to pick up your Spaceship on the day you arrive into New Zealand and is one way from the airport to our office.

It always pays to be organised and book your travel well in advance. If you are looking to travel from 0ctober to May it would pay to book at least a couple of months in advance, through the winter at least 3 weeks in advance.

If you are looking at last minute options always email us as there are always a few cancelations and last minute availability is possible.

If you were to prebook it is not a problem to adjust your pick up/drop off dates (subject to availability). During peak season you will need to give us as much notice as possible. There is no cost involved to change your dates.

What payment methods do you accept? Online and phone bookings require non-refundable 20% deposits, these must be made by Visa or Mastercard. The balance of your rental can be paid with a different Visa or Mastercard if required or with cash.

If you would like to discuss other payment options, please contact us: info@spaceships.tv or 0800 SPACESHIPS.

Simply click on Book Now in the main menu or use the quick quote, enter your travel dates and follow the step by step booking form (enter personal & additional details → choose extras and any optional insurance options → check our Terms and Conditions → submit the form). After that you can confirm your booking and pay a 20% deposit via our secure online payment system which secures your booking or you can submit your booking details as a request and we will contact you to answer any questions you may have or arrange payment via phone, fax or email.

Yes. Your Credit Card information is encrypted and processed securely with our bank, and no information is stored at our offices or online.

You have to pay a non-refundable 20% deposit in order to secure a booking. If you would rather pay via phone, fax or email you can submit your booking details as a booking request and we will then contact you to discuss and arrange payment, or answer any questions you may have.

The remaining balance of your hire is required on the day you collect your Spaceship. This can be paid with Visa, Mastercard or cash. You will be asked also for a credit card imprint as we require this to cover the excess on your insurance.

If you would rather pay via phone, fax, email or other payment option you can submit your booking details as a request (no deposit will be paid at this stage). Please write all your comments, questions or further requirements in the comments box. We will contact you within 24 hours to arrange payment, answer any questions you may have and confirm your booking.

You can call the Auckland or Christchurch offices to make a booking.
Phone +64 (0) 3 377 6192 for Christchurch or freephone 0800 SPACESHIPS (if you’re in NZ) or +64 (0) 9 526 2130 (If you’re overseas) for Auckland.
Or you can use Skype (search for spaceships.team) to call our team.

Yes, we will provide our Travel Support Package - as we believe that with a little bit of guidance and support you can get so much more of your adventure in our country.

We will give you a Route planning DVD, Guide book with environmental info, campground guides, basic maps and 'how to use our Spaceship' manual.

When you are travelling you will also have access to our Space Stations throughout New Zealand for local guidance, support and DVD exchange. Just drop into one of our 20 Space Stations through out New Zealand to find out about places to stay, things to do and local events. Space Stations are also there for you to change your DVDs and meet up with other Space travellers.

We usually make bookings through BLUEBRIDGE (www.bluebridge.co.nz), because they have good rates all year around. Two and four berth Spaceships can be booked on as a “Private car” year round for only $130 (one-way crossing). Adults are $55 per person.

During winter we have access to even better deals like the driver goes for free or half price vehicle crossing.

In school holidays, around Christmas and New Year 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. We can arrange it for you when you will arrive to pick-up your Spaceship.

There are only a few places in New Zealand that free-camping is illegal though Spaceships ask you to respect all areas of New Zealand and not just camp anywhere. Please be responsible to the environment and dispose of all your waste correctly. You will find rubbish bags in your vehicles, please use these throughout your trip. There are lots of public toilet facilities to use free of charge all around New Zealand so please use these. In your Spaceships there is free information on The Department of Conservation “DOC” campsites. There are over 250 of these throughout New Zealand. They are set in some of the most stunning locations in New Zealand and have basic facilities for you to use. There is also information on the various other networks of more comfortable Holiday Parks with toilets and hot showers, powered sites, kitchens, TV rooms, Laundromats and internet.

The average cost for DOC campsites are $0-$10 a night; Holiday Park campgrounds have an average cost $15-35 for non-power campsites, $20-40 for powered sites.

We provide a selection of full colour brochures with all of the standard campsites and DOC campsites. You can also check these web pages to find more about campgrounds: www.doc.govt.nz; www.holidayparks.co.nz; http://www.top10.co.nz

Please see our environmental page for the care code while travelling in New Zealand. This is on the website at http://www.spaceships.tv/eco-travel-nz/ as well as in your Spaceship.

Also check out Ask a local about camping our way in New Zealand

Travelling from December - February you may have to book the more popular campgrounds in advance so not to be disappointed. Otherwise you will be fine.

Spaceships come with Space survival kit with Frisbee, playing cards, CD/DVD player with screen and entertainment DVDs, IPod/mp3 plug-ins; Guide book with environmental info, campground guides, basic maps, 'how to use your Spaceship' manual and route planning DVD; and access to our great deals as listed under http://www.spaceships.tv/nz-campervan-discounts/

Depending on how you drive and the terrain you should average around 450-500 km per tank. Fuel consumption is approximately 10 litres per 100 km.

Petrol prices are constantly going up and down. The average price is around NZD$1.60, it will cost approximately $80.00-$90.00 to fill up. It is best to fill up in the built-up areas as petrol prices are normally slightly cheaper than in rural areas.

You can drive on most unsealed roads like some South Island ski roads and country roads. Be careful if you pull off to the side to stop as there can be loose gravel and you may get stuck. There are three roads our insurance policy does not cover.

ROAD RESTRICTIONS
Please note that vehicles are not covered by insurance when travelling on the following roads:
- Skippers Road (Queenstown)
- Ball Hut Rd (Mt Cook)
- Ninety Mile Beach (Northland)

Generally you do not need chains unless you are looking at doing a lot of skiing. We do have 4WD options for those that would prefer that peace of mind over the colder months. It pays to watch the weather forecasts during the winter and if in doubt stay put as you will be better off than getting stuck in the snow for a day or so. We can advise you on where to hire chains around the country if required – for example chains are required by law to travel on the Milford Rd between July and October. You can pick a set up in Queenstown and drop them off on the way back up if you are looking at exploring Milford Sound during these months.

Winter is a great time to see New Zealand. The crowds are gone, the weather is cool but still ok and the snow capped mountains are breathtaking.

Unlike a steel van (like a Hiace or other vans) Spaceships are insulated like a good car keeping you naturally far warmer. We also include an extra duvet for free and have a great winter warmers pack for only $80. This includes a 240volt mains plug, heater, hot water bottle and thermos.

You can take warm showers in standard campsites (or Holiday Parks) if you are staying overnight, but many camping grounds will allow you to use their facilities for a few dollars without actually staying the night.

Campsites are of a very high standard in New Zealand with powered sites, hot showers, full kitchens, TV and entertainment rooms. When you hire a Spaceship a large variety of information is included on all the campground options in New Zealand. This includes the 250+ DOC campgrounds (some of which are free camping).The average nightly rate will be between NZD$6-$15PP/Night. Some camping grounds will allow you to use their facilities for only a few dollars without actually paying to stay the night and there are also good public facilities to use free of charge in many locations throughout the country. We have listed the top 10 toilets as voted by travellers’ - http://www.spaceships.tv/campervans-for-hire-in-nz/

There is an external power cord (240 volt mains plug) This allows you to plug into powered campsites to run a heater, charge a cell phone, lap top, camera or even use a hair dryer. It only costs NZD$50 to hire for the duration of your trip. Transformer or adaptor will be needed to fit NZ three point sockets

For rental of mobile phones or SIM cards in NZ go to: www.vodarent.co.nz. They are offering these services directly at both Auckland and Christchurch international airports.

Otherwise visit our 2 mobile operator's websites for further information at: www.vodafone.co.nz or www.telecom.co.nz.

Yes you can! The Spaceships office is located in Kent which is very convenient to Dover for you to catch the train or ferry to France. To be covered by insurance while you are in Europe you will need to let us know the dates you will be travelling there and it is an extra flat fee of £6 per day (please note if you haven’t paid for any day you are in Europe you will not be covered for that day in the event of an accident).

A Spaceship will classify as a car on the ferry to France.  For 2 adults and 1 Spaceship return the prices range from £38 - £80.  If you want to go through the channel tunnel Spaceships will also be classified as a car and the prices range from £96 - £397! Most of the time you won’t need to pre-book but you can get early bird or last minute specials!

With your standard Spaceship insurance you will not be covered in Europe. To be covered you need to let the office know the dates you will be in Europe and pay a flat fee of £5 per day to ensure you are covered while you are there.