MOTOR RENTALS

For the truly independent soul, car rental is the ideal answer and with the right transport and guidance anyone can be an explorer.

New Zealand is such an ideal destination for a self-driving holiday, where you can plan your own schedule and travel at your own pace, stopping wherever you wish to discover the surroundings. Either or both of New Zealand's two islands can offer you a relaxing touring holiday and our extensive range of cars and 4-wheel drives, will give you the opportunity to do just that.

Those who seek variety and surprise will love the diverseness and beauty of New Zealand. The two major islands have some of the most magnificent natural features in the world, from the towering walls of majestic fjords, lush rain forests, tussock country and spectacular mountain and lake scenery of the South Island to the lush pasturelands, volcanic plateau and beautiful harbours of the subtropical North Island. The large fleets of rental cars available in New Zealand range from compact to intermediate and full size cars and from full size wagons to luxury vans or minibuses, with all vehicles being modern and fully reliable, each one fitted with air conditioning.

There are specially tailored and maintained 4-wheel drive vehicles are available to venture into the wilder and more rugged countryside of New Zealand. There are few restrictions where 4-wheel drives many be taken however to avoid any unnecessary risk to your safety and damage to the vehicle, you must stay on recognised tracks and gravel roads.

In New Zealand they drive on the LEFT-HAND side of the road and accept most country's driver licences, so it may not be necessary to have an International Licence, as long as you are over 21 years of age. In some cases is may be possible to pay a penalty if under this age.

When renting your car you will be asked to leave a deposit in the form of a Credit Card imprint. Cash deposits for car rentals are NOT accepted. In most areas you are able to drop your car off at a different location from the one at which you collected it but 'drop-off' fees do apply. Please read CAREFULLY the "Rental Information" sections for each motor rental company before making a reservation.

Budget

Budget was originally called the Team Rental Group; being renamed Budget Group, Inc. in 1997 when it acquired Budget Rent a Car Corporation from Ford Motor Company.

To transform Budget Rent a Car into a global vehicle rental company with consistent standards, the Budget Group began buying back a number of its licensee operations in the US and Europe. It also gained expertise in the insurance replacement market when it purchased Premier Car Rental. In June 1998, Budget Group acquired Ryder TRS, the nation's second largest consumer truck rental business.

Today Budget Group is one of the world's leading vehicle rental companies with its car rental division, led by Budget Rent a Car, being the third largest in the world and the only industry player to comprehensively serve leisure and business travellers as well as local and insurance replacement renters.

Budget have a large selection of cars available for rental in its various depots throughout New Zealand, with some having 4-wheel drive vehicles available for rental too.