Stay High – Island Camping on Aotea, Great Barrier Island

~ In a day and age where reconnecting with yourself and disconnecting from what doesn’t serve you is becoming more and more important, experiencing the incredible beaches, walks, waterfalls, campgrounds, peace, and tranquillity that Great Barrier Island has to share provides the real Great Reset.

With the increasing demand of both rental cars and accommodation and the increasing cost of the latter, we bridge the gap in providing fellow adventurers with an easy, affordable, unique, and convenient way to explore The Barrier. We strive for low impact in creating a 'transport and accommodation in one' alternative, allowing you to enjoy Great Barrier Island camping, easy cooking, and epic adventuring at your own pace.

Stay High in our roof top tent, or Stay Grounded in our Kathmandu tents with all inclusive camping and cooking gear while cruising the island in style.

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

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).
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.

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 – Drop off hours are between 9am-11am
Late checkout maybe available, but will be subject to availability and be discussed on your arrival.
Please note: Late Fees apply unless prior arrangements 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.

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 cost

Do you hire car seats?
Yes. We have a car seat available for hire for ages 0 – 12 months. Please let us 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.

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 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.