Hiring a Car in New Zealand
Rental cars, campervans and mobile homes all require a valid driving licence and you must be at least 21 years old. The insurance premiums will be less for those aged 26 years and over. Because minor rental car accidents are very common, insurance premiums are high. Some companies will waiver the insurance excess for a daily payment of NZ$10-20. Some areas of New Zealand , like the Ninety Mile beach and unsealed country roads are not covered by insurance. Read the small print and compare rates as charges vary between large well known companies such as:
Avis - www.avis.com
Hertz - www.hertz.co.nz
Budget - www.budget.co.nz
Apex - www.apexrentals.co.nz
National - www.nationalcar.com
and the smaller independent companies:
Pegasus (0800 803 580) - www.rentalcars.co.nz
Shoestring (0800 746 378) - www.carhire.co.nz/shoestring
In Auckland , Wellington and Christchurch , ring about New Zealand Rental Cars NZ freephone 0800 455565 and ask for John Sommerville (excellent service and very reasonable). www.rentalcare.co.nz.
The easiest way to compare rates and offers is to phone around using Yellow Pages.
Always check kilometre rates, whether GST is included, minimum hire periods, bonds and insurance cover and carefully read the rental agreement before you sign. If you decide on the cheaper end of the market which is usually good value, do a thorough interior and exterior investigation of the upholstery, bodywork, tyres, damage to paint work, stone chips and lights with the company before you take the car. You will receive a form which you both sign to verify previous damage. It also pays to do a quick drive and check brakes and comfort before you leave as a lot of the cars are second-hand and there is a big turnover. Prices tend to be higher in summer and more competitive in Auckland so it is advisable to plan ahead and book in advance.
Campervans are an ideal way to see the country and there are numerous camping sites around the country with basic facilities. Or you can find a remote spot beside a beach or near a hidden hotwater stream, far away from the madding throngs. Most will sleep 4-6 people, and have toilet, shower and kitchen facilities.
