Terms & Conditions

Rates are based on a minimum rental period of one day (24-hours from the time the rental starts). At Thrifty we allow a 59-minute grace period, after which an extra hour is charged at one fifth the daily rate, to a maximum of four hours after which a full day will be charged.  On wholesale (inclusive tour voucher) rentals an extra full day will be charged.

All multi-island hires (rentals covering both islands) must have a minimum of 3 days rental on any one way sector in each island or a $562.50 one way fee will apply to the hire. ie; A 6 day Auckland to Christchurch booking must have 3 days in the north island and 3 days in the south island. Please note that multi-island hires require return of vehicles when crossing between the islands at Wellington in the North Island or Picton in the South Island and collecting a subsequent vehicle upon arrival in the other island. We will contact you to confirm your island crossover dates.

Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance including third party and public liability is included in our rates.  An accident damage excess (ADE) does apply.   

ADE applies to all rentals. This excess may be reduced (at the renter’s option) at the time of rental by purchasing Accident Excess Reduction (AER) or Total Protection Package (TPP).  The rates of ADE are subject to change without notice, but current rates (including GST) range from $3375 - $3712.50.

Purchase of AER at time of hire currently reduces the ADE to $562.50.

Purchase of TPP at time of hire currently reduces the ADE to $0.

Rentals commencing at airports and inter-island ferry terminals are subject to a nominal Service Charge (AFSC).

Thrifty New Zealand welcomes payment by credit cards, debit cards, cash or eftpos.  Thrifty accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club cards.  A credit card surcharge of 1.5% will be applied to any credit card transaction on all reservations made on and after 15 February 2010. The credit card or debit card must be in the name of the authorised renter. We do not accept personal cheques.

Renters will be required to leave credit card or debit card details as a deposit.  Renters with no credit card or debit card will be required to leave a cash or eftpos deposit equivalent to the applicable excess plus a further NZ$100 fuel bond. Cash or eftpos deposits are refundable when the vehicle is returned undamaged and full of fuel.  Refunds may take up to 10 working days to process. Cash or eftpos is unable to be refunded at the branch. Refunds can be issued as a cheque posted to an address provided, or direct credited to a nominated bank account.

The minimum rental age is 21 years.  There is no maximum rental age.  All intending drivers must present a valid full national driving licence.  A current International Driving Licence must accompany driving licences issued in a language other than English.

There is no extra charge for additional drivers.   Minimum rental age and other requirements for additional drivers will be the same as for the renter.  Additional non employee authorised drivers must be notified to Thrifty and listed on the rental agreement.

In the event this booking is cancelled within 48 hours of scheduled pickup or if a booking is not cancelled and the customer does not pick up the vehicle (no-show), the customers credit card will be charged with a cancellation fee equivalent to the first days rental charges (as calculated should the rental have taken place). The standard credit card surcharge will apply.