Traveling between New Zealand's North and South Islands often involves ferry transportation, which can pose unexpected challenges when renting a car.
Most rental car companies have policies that require returning the vehicle in Wellington or Picton and renting a new one for the other island.
This blog post provides a comprehensive comparison of the inter-island ferry policies of various rental car companies in New Zealand.
By understanding these policies, you can plan your journey more effectively and have a smoother travel experience.
| Contents 1. AVIS Car Rental (Multi Island Hire, Return and Re-rental) 2. BUDGET Car Rental (Island Hopper, No Returns, Ferry Use Allowed) 3. HERTZ Car Rental (Return and Re-rental) 4. APEX Car Rentals (No Returns, Ferry Use Allowed) 5. EURO CAR Rental (Return and Re-rental) 6. Summary |
1. AVIS Car Rental (Multi Island Hire, Return and Re-rental)
Despite the name "Multi Island Hire," which suggests continuous travel between islands, AVIS allows you to make a single reservation to travel between the North and South Islands, returning and renting a car in Wellington and Picton, respectively. AVIS does not permit ferrying rental cars between islands, and if you return a car to a different island than where you rented it, an additional NZD 450 may be charged.
https://www.avis.co.nz/en/discover-nz/multi-island-hire
2. BUDGET Car Rental (Island Hopper, No Returns, Ferry Use Allowed)
With BUDGET New Zealand, you can use the Island Hopper process to travel between the North and South Islands with the same vehicle. You can leave your luggage in the car and board the ferry without the hassle of unpacking and repacking. Some rental conditions may apply, such as a minimum rental period or one-way fares. If you prefer not to take the rental car on the ferry, you can make separate reservations for each island.
https://www.budget.co.nz/en/driving-new-zealand/interisland-travel
3. HERTZ Car Rental (Return and Re-rental):
While you can make a reservation starting on one island and ending on the other with HERTZ, you must return the vehicle on the island where you rented it. Ensure to provide ferry information in the reservation comments section to guarantee that a vehicle will be available on the disembarking island. If you do not return the car on the same island, relocation fees of up to NZD 1,000 may apply.
4. APEX Car Rentals (No Returns, Ferry Use Allowed):
APEX Car Rentals allows you to rent a car and travel across Cook Strait using the ferry. When renting a vehicle for travel between the North and South Islands, ferry tickets are automatically included in the reservation.
https://www.apexrentals.co.nz/travel-tips/interisland-travel
5. EURO CAR Rental (Return and Re-rental):
EURO CAR vehicles cannot be taken on ferries. Therefore, if you wish to travel between the North and South Islands, you must return the car at the ferry terminal on one island and pick up another car at the ferry terminal on the other island. EURO CAR treats reservations for North and South Island travel as separate bookings.
https://www.europcar.co.nz/car-hire-services/inter-island-rentals
6. Summary:
The process of returning and re-renting a car during your journey can be cumbersome and inconvenient. It may involve additional fees when transporting a rental car on the ferry, and novice drivers may feel apprehensive. Be aware that there are cases of confusion and delays when dealing with weekend return and re-rental processes. Additionally, some local rental companies have received negative reviews regarding poor vehicle conditions and customer service. It is crucial to research and gather information before making a decision.
Note: Policies may vary, so it is recommended to check the specific terms and conditions on each rental car company's website or contact their customer service directly.
Please note that this information is based on the policies and information available as of 2023, and it is always advisable to verify the current policies with the respective rental car companies before making any reservations.
Safe travels and enjoy your journey in New Zealand!
