New Zealand is a wonderfully easy destination to travel around. Our road network is very well maintained for self-drive rental cars. Because New Zealand is a relatively small country, do not be mislead into thinking that you can see the country in a few days. Please let us help you with your itinerary planning to ensure you see it all in a reasonable time-frame.

Our New Zealand travel pass combines accommodation and self drive rental cars for flexible New Zealand self drive tours - late model, low mileage Thrifty Car Rentals vehicles to suit your transport needs.

Self Drive Rental Car

The Thrifty Car Rentals Advantage Their fleet of vehicles are all late model, low mileage and carefully maintained  by their qualified personnel. As their vehicles all run on unleaded petrol, you not only help to protect the New Zealand environment, but save money at the pump. Thrifty Car Rentals has a 24 hour help line, regardless of the trouble or whereabouts, they'll be there to help you. Courtesy of Thrifty Car Rentals, you will be provided with maps and information when you pick up your vehicle. Accessories such as baby seats and roof racks are available on request. Included in your rental car hire unlimited kilometres comprehensive motor vehicle insurance including 3rd party and public liability. In the event of damage to the vehicle, the hirer is responsible for the insurance excess of $2925 . An accident excess reductions (AER) is available which reduces the excess to $270 . (see below) 12.5% Goods & Services tax (GST) New Zealand map a 24 hour tollfree emergency breakdown service Not included airport/ferry collection fee of NZ$33.75 will apply for hires commencing at an airport or ferry terminal Cars - Accident Excess Reduction (AER) - this can be purchased direct from Thrifty when you pick up your vehicle for $27 (incl GST) per day, $126 per week (5-7 days) or $360 per month (28-30 days). Payment of the AER reduces the excess to $270 . 4WDs - Accident Excess Reduction (AER) - this can be purchased direct from Thrifty when you pick up your vehicle for $27 (incl GST) per day, $126 per week (5-7 days) or $360 per month (28-30 days). Payment of the AER reduces the excess to $337.50 . fuel (see note below) baby seats, ski racks & chains, GPS navigation units are available for hire (see below) Security Deposit Thrifty will collect a deposit on pick up of the vehicle to cover additional charges such as AER and sundry items. Thrifty accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club cards. Total Protection Package (TTP) If you wish to reduce your insurance excess to zero, you may purchase the Total Protection Package when you uplift your vehicle.  For all vehicle types the rate is NZ$33.75 /day, NZ$168.75 /week or NZ$506.25 per month. Additional Rental Equipment Ski racks NZ$13.50 /day (1-5 days), NZ$67.50 /5+ days Snow Chains NZ$13.50 /day (1-5 days), NZ$67.50 /5+ days Baby capsules (0-6 months), child seat (6 months-3.5 years), booster seat (3.5years +) NZ$39.40 per rental sector GPS NZ$11.25 /day, NZ$67.50 /week, NZ$270 /month Vehicle Chains in Queenstown Lakes District Area Please note that during the months between May and November in the Queenstown Lakes District area (including Queenstown and Wanaka), you may be asked by an enforcement officer to fit snow chains to your rental vehicle.  If you are unable to comply you may be fined NZ$150 . Vehicle Collection & Drop Off It is normally expected that clients will make their own way to the Thrifty depot to collect or return their vehicle. Free vehicle delivery can be arranged within 10km radius of the Thrift location but must be prebooked. This service is available between 9am and 4pm Monday - Friday (excluding public holidays). Fuel Information The vehicle is rented with a full tank of petrol. You need to return the vehicle with a full tank otherwise a refueling charge applies. Locations Click here for Thrifty branches. Restricted Roads Some restrictions apply to unsealed and outback roads and to some alpine regions during the winter. Click here for details. Standard Terms & Conditions The following conditions apply to all vehicle hires: Driver Qualifications All drivers must be 21 years of age or over, with a current full drivers licence that has been held for at least one year, valid for the period of the rental. Probationary licences are not acceptable nor are photocopies. Current International licences are acceptable when accompanied by a licence of origin. For identification purposes, a credit card is also required. Photocopies are not acceptable. Vehicle Type We will always do our best to provide you with your preferred car, though we do reserve the right to substitute for another similar vehicle of equivalent or better specification. Inter Island Hires Inter Island hires are available for clients who wish to travel through both islands of New Zealand. Cars are returned to our depots in Picton and Wellington and a fresh vehicle is provided when clients disembark the ferry on the other side.  A complete set of terms and conditions is contained in the Thrifty Car Rentals Agreement. Please enquire for more information. Driving Tips Click here for Driving Tips Driving Distances/Times These charts provide you with a convenient way of determining driving times and distances between any 2 points. North Island travel distances and times South Island travel distances and times