Budget NZ - Terms and Conditions
1 – Terms & Conditions
The terms and conditions outlined herein are valid through 31 October 2027.
2 – Minimum Driver Age
Minimum rental age is 21 years, under net contracted rate.
3 – Rates
All prices quoted in our rate sheets and within these Terms and Conditions are expressed in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and are exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST), unless stated otherwise.
3.1 Inclusions:
- GST (15%)
- Unlimited kilometres
- Standard Motor Vehicle Damage Waiver
- Insurance Excess Reduction – NIL Excess
- Airport/Ferry fee
- Tyre and windscreen cover
- One additional driver per rental
3.2 Exclusions – unless specified in your schedule.
- One Way Fee
- Special Request Delivery Fees
- Optional extras
- Damage Excess Reduction
- Fuel
- If an additional driver is required, it will cost $5 + GST / day up to a maximum of $25 + GST per hire.
3.3 Validity Period
Rates apply for rentals picked up between:
• 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2027
• 1 April 2027 – 31 October 2027
If booked outside these periods, future seasonal rates apply once released.
4 – Car Group Type Reservation
Car groups are guaranteed, but not specific makes/models.
| Category | Groups |
|---|---|
| Passenger Vehicles | C, G, P, F, W, V |
| Commercial Vehicles | L, Z |
5 – One-Way Minimum Hire Length and Fees
One-way = pick up at Point A, return at Point B.
Fees are paid directly at the counter and charged per vehicle.
Same Island = start/finish on same island
Dual Island = crosses islands via ferry
Passenger Vehicles – One-Way Fees
| Item | 3–6 Days | 7+ Days |
|---|---|---|
| Same Island (Min 3 Days) | $200+GST | $0 |
| Dual Island (Min 7 Days, Groups C/G/P only) | N/A | $0 |
| Relocation SI → NI (via ferry, Groups C/G/P only) | No Min Days | $0 (Max days apply) |
6 – Relocation Rates
Valid 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2027.
| Route | Max Rental Length |
|---|---|
| South Island → North Island (via ferry) | 25 days |
| Wellington → Auckland | 6 days |
| Rotorua → Auckland | 3 days |
| Christchurch/Queenstown → Picton/Blenheim/Nelson | 6 days |
| Queenstown → Christchurch | 6 days |
Value adds: competitive daily rate, no minimum hire, no one-way fee.
Extensions beyond allowed days charged at best daily rate.
7 – Multi Hire / Dual Island / Continuous Hire
• Dual Island = one reservation that crosses the ferry
• Only Groups C, G, P may cross ferries
• Multi Hire = multiple reservations
• Next vehicle must be collected within 48 hours
• BCD codes must match total itinerary
Examples:
• 5 + 6 days → use 7–13 day BCD
• 7 + 5 + 5 days → use 14–20 day BCD
8 – Airport / Wharf Fees
$47+GST per hire, payable at rental counter.
9 – Damage Excess Reduction
Standard Motor Vehicle Damage Waiver included except with Inclusive rates.
Excess applies regardless of fault.
Standard Excess Amounts
| Vehicle Group | Excess (incl GST & fees) |
|---|---|
| C, G | $5,350 |
| P, F, V, W | $6,150 |
| L (Commercial) | $5,463 |
| Z (Commercial) | $5,175 |
Excess Reduction Rates (Paid at Counter)
| Group | Daily Rate | Reduced Excess |
|---|---|---|
| C, G | $36 | $1,025 |
| C, G | $47 | $0 |
| P, F, V, W | $35.65 | $1,300 |
| P, F, V, W | $51 | $0 |
| L, Z | $35+GST | $1,000+GST |
| L, Z | $50+GST | $0 |
Tyre/Windscreen charges:
• Windscreen replacement: $1500+GST
• Chip repair: $65+GST
• Tyre replacement: $250+GST (non-wear)
Inclusive rates include tyre/windscreen cover.
Roadside call-out for tyre change not included unless roadside assistance purchased.
10 – Credit Card Requirement
• Must present bank-issued credit/debit card
• Visa/Mastercard debit accepted
• Prepaid cards not accepted
• Cardholder must be present
• Extras charged directly to card
Pre-authorisation: $100+GST + extras.
Accepted cards (2–3% fee): Visa, Mastercard, Amex.
Additional deposit required for Local Renter Policy.
11 – Rental Period
Charged in 24-hour blocks.
Anything over 24 hours = full extra day.
12 – Driver Licence Requirements
• Minimum age 21
• Full valid licence required
• Non-English licenses need IDP or NZTA translation
• No maximum age
• One free additional driver
• Extra drivers: $5+GST/day (max $25+GST)
13 – Amendments and Cancellations
• Free before hire
• After hire begins: changes handled by branch, extra charges apply
• Upgrades charged at local rates
• Extensions charged at local rates
• No refund for early return
14 – Road Restrictions
No cover applies on:
• Skippers Road (Queenstown)
• Ninety Mile Beach (Northland)
• Unformed/dirt/beach roads
15 – Budget Care 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Services
Mechanical breakdowns covered; customer-fault issues charged.
16 – Optional Accessories / Coverage Options
| Item | Charge | Max/Month |
|---|---|---|
| Child/Booster Seat | $17+GST | $65+GST |
| Ski/Snowboard Racks / Chains | $12.50+GST / $90+GST | $160+GST |
| Ski Racks + Chains | $20+GST | $160+GST |
Notes:
• Available in Queenstown & Christchurch
• Available elsewhere on request
• Must be pre-booked
• Ski racks: Groups P, F, W only
• Not available in North Island
17 – Roadside Assistance Coverage
| Incident / Coverage | Roadside Assistance | Roadside Assistance Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Call-out fees (customer fault) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Up to $20 fuel delivery | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Lockout recovery / lost key replacement | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Tyre-related recovery (not tyre cost) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Towing up to 100km | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Jump-start | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Windscreen replacement | ✘ | ✔️ |
Roadside Assistance: $8+GST/day
Roadside Assistance Plus: $10+GST/day
Call-out fees without coverage start from $205+GST.
18 – Smoke-Free Fleet
Fleet is 100% smoke-free.
Cleaning fee up to $250+GST for smoke smell.
Budget NZ may amend conditions with 90 days’ notice.
