Rental Terms

1. Definitions

• "SOEL", "we", "us", "our" means SOEL Limited trading as SOEL Outdoors.
• "You", "hirer", "customer" means the person making the booking and any authorised drivers.
• "Vehicle" means the caravan or motorhome you hire, including all accessories and fitted equipment.
• "Rental Period" means the period from the agreed pick-up time until the agreed return time.
• "Agreement" means these Rental Terms and any booking confirmation or invoice issued by SOEL.

2. Eligibility and driver requirements

• You must be at least 25 years old (or such other age as approved by SOEL in writing) to hire and/or drive.
• You must hold a full, current driver licence valid in New Zealand (or an approved overseas licence with English translation if required).
• We may request additional information to verify identity and driving eligibility at any time before handover.
• You must comply with all road rules and any posted restrictions related to towing or vehicle size and weight.

3. Bookings, payments and bond

• A booking is confirmed once we accept your request and you pay the required deposit (if applicable).
• Full payment is due prior to collection unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• A refundable security bond may apply. Bond amounts and timing are shown at checkout or on your invoice.
• We may pre-authorise a card for bond and/or incidental charges.
• All prices are in NZD and include GST unless stated otherwise.

4. Cancellations and changes

• If you need to cancel or change dates, notify us as early as possible.
• Cancellation fees (if any) will be outlined in your booking confirmation and may depend on notice given, seasonality, and rebooking ability.
• Changing dates is subject to availability. Rate differences may apply.
• If, due to circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to facilitate your hire, including where the Vehicle becomes unavailable before your hire begins due to damage incurred during a previous hire, we will endeavour to resolve the issue before the scheduled start of your Rental Period. If that is not possible, we will endeavour to source a replacement vehicle of the same or better standard. If we are unable to do so, we will provide a full refund of all amounts paid for that booking.

4a. Booking extensions

• You may request an extension to your hire period at any time during your hire by contacting SOEL directly.
• Extension requests are subject to availability. SOEL reserves the right to refuse an extension where the requested additional days conflict with another confirmed booking or where the Vehicle is required for operational reasons.
• If an extension is approved and an additional charge applies, payment must be made within 48 hours of the extension being confirmed. Payment can be made via card or bank transfer through your booking page.
• Where an extension is granted at no additional charge, no payment action is required.
• Failure to pay the extension charge within 48 hours may result in the extension being withdrawn and the original return date reinstated.

5. Collection, handover and return

• Pick-up and return times are by appointment at our Christchurch location unless otherwise agreed.
• Allow sufficient time for a handover briefing and documentation check.
• The Vehicle must be returned on the day the hire period ends. A return on a later date is only permitted where SOEL has expressly confirmed this in writing prior to the original end date.
• You must return the Vehicle on time. Late returns may incur additional charges at our daily hire rate, and SOEL reserves the right to recover any costs arising from the delay.
• The Vehicle must be returned in substantially the same condition as collected, fair wear and tear excepted.

6. Use restrictions

• No smoking or vaping inside the Vehicle.
• No illegal substances. No unlawful behaviour.
• Pets are only permitted if approved in writing. Additional cleaning fees may apply.
• You must not sub-hire, lend, or allow unauthorised drivers to operate the Vehicle.
• You must not use the Vehicle for commercial purposes without written approval.
• You must follow any operating instructions provided during handover, including awning use and water or waste systems.

7. Insurance and liability

The Vehicle may be covered by insurance arranged by SOEL during the Rental Period, subject to policy terms, exclusions, and an excess. Details, including the excess amount, will be provided at booking or handover.

• You are responsible for any insurance excess and any costs not covered by insurance, including exclusions, negligence, or misuse.
• Insurance may be void if the Vehicle is used contrary to these terms or the law.
• You are responsible for damage to tyres, punctures, windscreen chips, and underbody damage unless covered by the applicable policy.

8. Damage, incidents and breakdowns

• You must notify SOEL as soon as reasonably possible of any accident, damage, theft, or breakdown.
• Do not authorise repairs without our approval, except where necessary to prevent further damage or for safety.
• You must obtain details of any third parties involved and, where required, report incidents to Police.
• Recovery or towing costs caused by misuse, driver error, or prohibited use may be charged to you.

9. Cleaning and condition

• Return the Vehicle in a tidy condition. A reasonable cleaning standard is expected.
• Excess cleaning, odour removal, stain treatment, pet hair removal, or biohazard cleaning may incur fees.
• Toilets and waste systems must be returned in a hygienic state as instructed at handover.

10. Contents and personal property

• We are not responsible for loss or damage to your personal belongings.
• Please check the Vehicle thoroughly at return. Unclaimed items may be disposed of after a reasonable period.

11. Fees and charges

Additional charges may apply including, but not limited to:

• late return fees
• excess cleaning fees
• damage, repairs, parts, and labour not covered by insurance
• lost keys, remote controls, and accessories
• toll or parking infringements and fines incurred during the Rental Period, plus an admin fee
• callout fees due to misuse or failure to follow operating instructions

12. GPS tracking and security

• Vehicles may be fitted with GPS tracking and security systems for safety, theft prevention, and fleet management.
• By hiring, you consent to the use of these systems in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

13. Privacy

We collect and use personal information to manage bookings, verify identity, provide services, and comply with legal obligations. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for more details.

14. General

• If any part of these terms is unenforceable, the remainder remains in effect.
• We may update these Rental Terms from time to time. The version in effect at the time of booking applies.
• This Agreement is governed by the laws of New Zealand and the parties submit to the jurisdiction of New Zealand courts.

15. Contact

If you have questions about these Rental Terms, contact us via the website contact form or your booking confirmation email.