RENT JUCY MOTORHOME IN NEW ZEALAND

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Day 2: Rent Jucy motorhome in New Zealand

Rent a Jucy motorhome in New Zealand This is what we will talk about in this post, since this is one of the questions you have asked us most after making the trip to New Zealand in 36 days.

The first thing we want to highlight after our experience is how incredible this trip has been and how necessary it has been to have a motorhome to fully enjoy New Zealand. This form of travel has allowed us to sleep in unique places, stop to eat in dream enclaves and ultimately, move through one of the most incredible countries in the world with our piggyback house, allowing us to have total freedom of schedules and movements, something that on the other hand, we consider fundamental in this type of travel.

As we mentioned in the preparations for the New Zealand motorhome, in our case we were very clear that for this trip we wanted a relatively small motorhome but that had all comfort. This implied that we wanted him to have a bathroom, something essential for us and that his rent was also adjusted in a quality / price ratio.
After much searching and going around looking at different options, we found that Jucy was the alternative that best suited what we were looking for, so knowing that it was necessary to book early to get good prices, we directly booked with them.

Another thing that we think is important to know before you start talking about the more specific details of rent a Jucy motorhome in New Zealand, it is the need to book early if you want to get an adjusted price. In our case, we booked the camper in New Zealand 5 months in advance for about 110 euros / day with Stress Fee insurance, the maximum that Jucy offers and when looking at it a month before the trip out of curiosity, it had risen to almost 150 euros / day .

Rent Jucy motorhome in New Zealand

How to rent with Jucy in New Zealand?

The Jucy rental process in New Zealand is extremely simple. You just have to enter their website and follow the steps:

Select the type of vehicle you want. Keep in mind that Jucy also has campervans with cars, which you can also rent and depending on the type of trip, it can be equally recommended.
Put the data of the place of collection and return.
Enter the rental dates.
Once you have the results, you can choose the option that best suits your needs, taking into account the different types of Jucy motorhomes.

Remember that if you are interested in making a route through New Zealand by motorhome, you can also look at the Motorhome Republic page, where you can see all the available motorhome options, prices and even make the reservation directly.

Jucy in New Zealand

What Jucy have you rented?

As we told you before, it was essential for us to have a bath and shower, even if they were small. With this in mind, the only option we had to rent one Jucy motorhome With these specifications, it was the Jucy Chaser model.
After the experience we can only say that we are not mistaken and that it is a very comfortable model that covers all the needs for a trip like ours.

Jucy Chaser

More practical information to prepare your trip to New Zealand
- 10 essential tips for traveling to New Zealand
- 10 essential places to see in New Zealand
- The best travel insurance for New Zealand

What does the rental of the Jucy Chaser include?

We leave you the detail of the things that the Jucy rental in New Zealand so you can see that it is not necessary to buy or hire any extra.

For us something very important was that the rental of the motorhome in New Zealand had unlimited mileage since we were not sure how many kilometers we were going to do and we did not want to be conditioned thinking that if we did more, the price could be very expensive.
If renting with Jucy, with most of its models, unlimited mileage is included.
In addition to this, Jucy includes the transfer service from the airport to its facilities, which is very practical.
The Jucy Chaser motorhome comes standard with:
Compressor Refrigerator 50 liters
Sink with tap and drain
80 liter freshwater tank
85 liter gray water tank
Interior table
Shower
Bath
Radio and AUX
2 bench seats
2 double beds
Blinds
12v interior lighting
Power steering
Cabin Air Conditioning
12v dual battery system
240 watt network connection
In addition to all of the above, it includes:
Cutlery and crockery (for 3 people)
Sheets, pillows and comforter (for 3 people)
Bath towels and tea towel (for 3 people)
Frying pan, saucepan, kettle, toaster and bowls
Cutlery, bottle opener and kitchen utensils
Bucket and cleaning equipment

Jucy

As extras you can hire with them:
Chairs and picnic table (very necessary and for us, totally recommended)
Snow chains
Interislander Ferry Tickets
Aditional driver
Portable dvd player
GPS and GPS with Wifi

Details of the Jucy motorhome take into account to travel around New Zealand

Initially the refrigerator will seem very small, but after the first purchase, you will see that many more things fit than initially may seem. It also has a small freezer, but with capacity for 2-3 freezer bags that will be great for your trip.
This also happens with kitchen cabinets. If you put together all the small utensils there are, the two drawers are wide enough to put the necessary food for 4-5 and even six days.
Keep in mind that the USB sockets work perfectly when the caravan is both running and when it is at rest, since the only thing that intervenes in this case is the internal battery of the caravan or the external one if it is running. The intern, once you start up again, will reload.
In the case of these plugs, do not forget that you will need an adapter and that they only work if you hit the power switch and you are connected to the power. That means that in order to use them you will have to be in a campsite where you have electricity. These plugs are used to charge laptops, toaster to work ... etc.
The USB plugs, of which the Jucy Chaser has two in the back and 2 lighter plugs, one in the back and one in the cabin, work simply with the battery, when it is running or with the load you have made during the time the caravan has been running.
If you think you are going to use them, it is highly recommended to carry a cigarette lighter adapter with several USB with which you can charge your mobile, Ipad ... etc
With the Jucy motorhome you will always have hot water, both in the shower and in the dishwasher, through a solar panel located on the roof.
It is important to control the height of the caravan since in some gas stations or parkings, it can only be accessed with a maximum of 2.5 meters.
It may seem very obvious but we recommend wearing some flip flops to be in the motorhome since normally when you are doing some trekking or doing some trekking, as in the campsites where there is grass, the footwear will fill you with mud and enter The caravan thus will make you have to scrub much more regularly. In addition the flip flops are perfect for when you leave the shower;).
Another of the very important things is the question about whether to carry a backpack or suitcase. Taking into account the drawers that are available, the most practical is to carry backpacks. You can put them in the bottom of the drawers and on top of the clothes, this being the most comfortable way. In case of carrying suitcases, these will have to be stored in the bed above, so that this will be disabled, in addition to that you should consider that both the bedding and pillows are stored in that area, so everything will be too much occupied.
And last but not least, comment that when we started preparing this trip, we often asked if it was more or less necessary to rent a larger motorhome. After the experience, we have to say that we believe that we have not been wrong choosing a caravan more adjusted in size but with a bathroom, since with it we have been able to move with enormous ease, at an adequate speed and we have spent less gasoline than other larger ones .
To this we add the ease to park and access the places of interest, in addition to the lightness with which you will move around the city.

Jucy Chaser in New Zealand

Basic things you should do if you rent a motorhome in New Zealand

If you have never driven a motorhome, this is probably the biggest fear at the time of considering taking a trip to New Zealand by camper.
In our case we had never used it and we had to use some video to see what were the basic things we should do to travel with our Jucy in New Zealand No surprises
After our experience, we leave you a list of things you should do, more or less frequently depending on the use you give:

Empty Gray water (wastewater generated by domestic activities such as dishwashing and bathing)
This is one of the most basic things. The Jucy Chaser has a kind of hidden hose on one side, just below the light switches. This hose must be plugged into the back of the motorhome, on the opposite side of the exhaust pipe, hit the lever and let the water tank that comes from the shower and sink drain completely.
Keep in mind that the place to be able to carry out this emptying is indicated as "Dump Station" and you will find it in all paid campsites and in some gas stations or in some cities.
The frequency of emptying will depend on the times you use the shower and the sink. We with 2 showers daily and 2-3 times washing the dishes every day, we had to empty every 3-4 days.

Dump station

Empty gray water

2. Empty water content
This is the most "delicate" and for the one who asked us the most. The first thing is to know that all the waste from the water goes to a tank that is in the back of the Jucy motorhome, in the shower and water area.

WC tank

To empty it you just have to squeeze the lever on the bottom and pull out the tank. Once you have it outside you just have to unscrew the lid and throw the contents into the "Dump Station". Keep in mind that most of the time there is a Dump Station for gray water and another for water. If you don't identify them, it is best to ask.
Once you have emptied it, with the water hose that is always next to it, rinse the tank, introduce the chemical blue liquid for decomposition of the waste (following the instructions on the package) and you can replace it.
Jucy will provide you with a pill of this chemical and some gloves. Think that you will need one every time you do this process, so it is worth buying in a supermarket that sells it, the price is about 15NZD the boat for 10 uses, like a box of latex gloves.
The frequency of emptying will depend on the times you use the water. We always tried to go to the public toilets of the campsites or in the restaurants or points of interest, which in 99% of the cases are super clean. In this way this is a process that we have saved many times.

Dump station

3. Fill water tank
This is another of the things you should do regularly in your Jucy caravan in New Zealand. As in the previous points, the frequency will be determined by the use that you give to the shower and sink water.
To fill the tank you must do it at the specific points of the campsites where you will see a tap in which (in some) there are hoses and in others there (in these you must use the one provided by Jucy and it is in the bathroom).
In all cases you should always check that it is suitable water for this and not the tap to clean the gray water or water tanks.
The frequency of filling the tank will depend on the times you use the shower and the sink. We with 2 showers daily and 2-3 times washing the dishes every day, we had to fill every 3-4 days.

Fill water tank

4. Plug in electricity at a campsite
As we said before, connecting to electricity in a campsite is not necessary. This will depend on your needs and the use you give to the components that require this type of electricity.
In the campsites you will see that you can choose in "powered sites" or "unpowered sites". The price difference is usually very small, between 5-10NZD, so if you do not have a very tight budget and want to load laptops or use the toaster, it may be interesting to opt for the "powered site" option.

Powered Site

To plug in, you will only have to take out the extra long cable that Jucy provides you, it is stored in the same place as the gray water drain hose and connect to the lamppost that will be in the place reserved at the campsite.
Something very important is to remember to unplug the next day. There have been few times we have had to warn a caravan that started without unplugging.

Jucy electricity connector

4. Gas
Without gas there is no kitchen, so this is another important aspect to consider in the Jucy in New Zealand.
In principle the gas bottle should be full and serve you for a whole trip. In our case, it ended at 10 days and we had to fill it out at a CALPEX gas station. They manipulate the gas bottle and perform the entire process, so you should not worry about anything. The price was 7.50NZD for refilling the full bottle.

Jucy Chaser gas bottle

To use it you must open the compartment and unscrew the thread to the maximum. Once you have done so you can turn on the gas and use it. Do not forget to turn it off after use. Never.

5. Lights
The Jucy motorhome has lights both in the cabin and in the back, where the seats and the bed are, in the bathroom and in the outside area.
Those in the cabin work with the external battery, but the interiors work with the extra battery (which is recharged when you drive) or if you are plugged into a campsite, with electricity.

6. Plugs
As we mentioned earlier, the Jucy Chaser has USB plugs and cigarette lighter adapter, which work with the motorhome battery and you can use while you are driving and two plugs for laptops, toaster or heater, which only work when you are connected to the electricity.

7. Switches
For the lights, plugs, refrigerator or water tank to work, you must activate the switches of each of the services.
Do not forget to close them when they are not necessary.

Jucy switches

8. Gasoline
This is another important aspect at the time of rent a Jucy motorhome in New Zealand. The price in 2019 of 91 gasoline was between 199 and 225NZD a liter and we have been spending an average of 50NZD a day on a route of about 6000 kilometers for 33 days.
This is something to value and add to the budget of your trip since as you can see, it is not an especially low amount.

Gas station in New Zealand

Tips for driving in New Zealand

Another of the doubts or fears for which you ask us the most is about driving in New Zealand. We leave you some tips after our experience driving a motorhome in New Zealand for more than a month.

The first thing to know in New Zealand is driving on the left. Contrary to what it may seem, this is much simpler than it initially seems and surprisingly, your brain will get used in a few hours. Despite this, it is important not to forget it and take a benchmark to control the measures of the Jucy motorhome and not get off the road.
Pay special attention to roundabouts and crossings and before jumping on the road, think about the place you should occupy.
Do not lose sight of the speed. In New Zealand on most roads you can go 100 kilometers / hour less in towns where you must go 50km / h.
In works or special places, the speed is reduced to 30km / h.
In addition to the usual speed limits, on windy days, you will notice that the motorhome does it move more than normal. Do not worry, as this is common, although we recommend you to slow down in these cases and especially, until you are accustomed, pay attention to the circulation to avoid shocks.
Do not forget to bring the international driving license and a credit card to rent your Jucy motorhome in New Zealand. Both things are necessary.

Driving in New Zealand

In case it rains, something very common in New Zealand, before parking on the grass, check if there is a possibility of getting muddy. Most campsites have asphalt spaces to leave the caravans, surrounded by grass to avoid these setbacks when it rains.
One of the things that New Zealand has is that you will want to stop at every lookout point and every few kilometers by continuously driving through dreamlike landscapes. Before doing so, see that it is a place where you can stop safely and always try to do it in viewpoints enabled for it.
Although this is not a norm, there is an unwritten rule that says that when you meet another Jucy in New Zealand, you should whistle, greet with your hands or make lights. It's a curious thing to see how everyone does it 😉

Jucy in New Zealand

Recommendations for traveling by caravan through New Zealand

After our experience for more than a month with the Jucy in New Zealand, we leave you a series of recommendations and tips to enjoy the experience of traveling by motorhome.

In case you want to charge a laptop or camera batteries, if you do not want to pay a campsite, it is highly recommended to stop at a McDonald's. There are scattered throughout the country and while you drink a coffee you can use to charge both the laptop and batteries. In addition, most of them have free Wi-Fi, so you can also use it.
Whenever you can use public toilets. In New Zealand, for the most part, they are very clean and you will avoid having to empty the tank more regularly.
This can also be added to the shower. These are usually very clean and fully equipped in the campsites and also tend to be very close to the "powered sites". If you use them you will be more comfortable and you will not have to fill the water tank or empty the gray water tank as many times.

Camping in New Zealand

Although we have already mentioned it before, when you are in a campsite with electricity remember, above all, unplug the caravan before starting it and closing the gas.
If you have chosen an "unpowered sites" remember to always keep the lights on as little as possible, the refrigerator will usually be on and charge as little as possible, always trying to keep at least the maximum battery until you start the car again.
And as an end point and although we have already mentioned it before, after our experience with the Jucy in New Zealand, this is a trip that you must take once in a lifetime being highly recommended to do it in this country, one of the most prepared in the world to travel by caravan.

New Zealand

How many days can I go without connecting to electricity with the Jucy motorhome?

This will depend on the use you give and your needs, but in principle, if you do not use the 240-watt plugs and use the free DUMP services and the free water, you should never connect.
Despite this we tell you, normally these free services are not everywhere, so using the bathroom 2-3 times a day for two people, showering twice a day and washing the dishes 2-3 times a day, it will be You need to connect or go to a paid campsite, once every 3-4 days.

Jucy motorhome

Where to sleep in New Zealand with motorhome?

Contrary to what it may seem, you cannot stay at sleep with motorhome in New Zealand anywhere. The first thing you have to look at is that there is a cartel in which it is indicated that you can do night, in addition to that in most cases you can only do it if you carry a self-contained vehicle such as Jucy motorhomes in New Zealand.

In order to locate paid campsites, low cost or free areas in which to sleep, we recommend using the Campermate application where you can see all the existing ones in New Zealand, in addition to many other services such as supermarkets, free showers, dump stations, places of interest and even make reservations directly at many of the campsites.
For us the whole trip has been ours Bible in New Zealand

Also with this application you will receive messages with discounts as you get closer to some of the areas of the country. These offers can fit you according to the place where you want to sleep and save you some good dollars. In our case sometimes we get to save 20-25NZD depending on what areas taking advantage of these offers.

Camping New Zealand

Keep in mind that there are many areas of Free camping in New Zealand, being many of them located in beach areas, especially in the North Island. Of course, although on the map they may seem very large, they only have special sleeping places that are allowed without paying and only for self-contained vehicles, so it is advisable to go soon if you want to find a place.

What did we not like about Jucy?

Although our experience with Jucy in New Zealand It has been incredible and we have no complaints, quite the contrary, we do believe that there are certain aspects that could be improved:

Although at the time of collection they make you fill out a questionnaire in which you must indicate if it is the first time you take a motorhome and according to the answer explain some things or others, we believe that this is a type of vehicle in which You should include a vehicle model manual to identify any problems you have with it or ask any questions.
Similarly, although also at the time of collection a member of the staff spends almost 30 minutes with you explaining all the operation and doing an inspection of everything, we think it would be very interesting to include a small brochure, in all languages, with basic aspects to take into account such as emptying of gray water, emptying of the WC tank ... etc
Another thing that we have not finished liking is that they only provide a chemical tablet for the bathroom. We believe that for the price of the Jucy motorhome in New Zealand they could include 1 pill for every 3-4 days of rent and some extra gloves.

Sunset in New Zealand

That said and by way of summary, we can only say that this is one of the best motorhome trips and that the Jucy in New Zealand She has been the best travel companion.
You can get all the information about the rental on their website or follow them on their social networks @JUCYWorld.

Day 3: What to see in Auckland in one day: Mount Eden, Wynyard Quater, Viaduct Harbor, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Sky Tower