Wanaka Rental Cars
Here are the answers to most of our frequently asked questions
What are the Office Hours?
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Saturday 9am – 12noon
Sunday or Public Holidays by appointment
What are the Driver Licence requirements?
A full licence is preferred. Please contact us if your licence differs.
If an overseas licence is not in English you must have a translation.
If you have been in NZ for more than 12 months you cannot drive on an overseas licence.
Can I buy unlimited kilometres on a 1- 4 day hire?
Yes, just book online to see your options.
How can I get free unlimited mileage?
Book a 5 day or more rental.
Note: ALL Diesel vehicle will be charged $0.10c per KM upon return – this is due to Road User Charges that are payable in NZ
Can I get a refund if I return a rental car early?
No. There are no refunds for rental cars returned early.
Please choose your required dates carefully. You can always extend.
Can you hire to under 21 years
Yes if you have a full or restricted drivers licence.
Please note the insurance excess is $4000 and we will require as a bond. This can Insurance Excess can be reduced by paying more per day. NZ restricted driver conditions apply.
Please check online at NZ Transport Agency or contact us.
Can I drop the car off after hours in Wanaka?
Yes, we have an after hours drop off.
Can I leave the car in other locations?
Yes Wanaka Airport, Queenstown and Christchurch
Fees and conditions apply.
Can I get a Transfer to Queenstown Airport?
Yes, we can transfer you and your family with a car hire. Fees apply. Limited Availability.
Please just ask us.
Can you deliver a rental car to our motel/hotel?
Yes, we are happy to bring the car you in Wanaka.
Please just ask, no fees apply.
Can there be more than one driver?
Yes, there is no extra fee.
Is insurance included in the prices shown?
Yes, all prices include insurance with an Excess specific to the age of the Driver $2000 NZD excess for drivers aged 25 or over.
Drivers aged between 21 – 24 have an insurance excess of $2500
If aged 20 or under or full drivers licence has been held for less than 1 year then there is a $3000 NZ excess.
Please note the above applies to Car hires only. 10 & 12 Seater Van Excess amount will differ slightly to those stated above
Can I buy down the insurance excess?
Yes if you are over 25 years of age and on a full licence.
Drivers aged 18 – 25 can only buy glass cover.
Prices are shown when you book online.
Can I drive out to Rob Roy Glacier?
Yes – but only in a permitted 4WD vehicle.
All Thrifty and Economy Class class are excluded
This is due to road conditions.
On a 1 day hire is 150 kms enough to go to Rob Roy Glacier?
Yes the return trip totals approx 107 kms
Do you have automatic cars?
Yes all our cars are automatic.
What type of cars do you have to rent?
We have hatch backs, sedans and 4WDs, 8 seater 4WDs, 10 and 12 seater Mini Buses
We also have a luggage trailer for hire.
I wish to hire vehicle long term?
No problem, please just ask us and will work out the best rate possible.
What if I want to extend the car hire?
Please just contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your wishes.
What if I get a parking or speeding ticket?
We will notify you via email. There is a $30 fee for handling the ticket.
Parking Tickets: we will pay and debit your credit card.
Speeding Tickets: incur demerit points so must be transferred to the hirer.
What if I need to cancel a booking?
No problem, please let us know as soon as possible.
We require 10 full days notice for refund of deposit.
Cancellations will incur a $30.00 administration fee.
Cancellation 9 days or less before the hire starts incurs a minimum cancellation fee of $100. Up to a maximum of $500—dependant upon the rental period and how far out from the rental start date cancellation notification is received.
Can I rent a car after hours?
Yes please call the office number 03 443 6050
We are happy to help if we can.
There is a $50 call out fee
Do you rent child seats?
Yes, we hire full child seats or booster seats.
Can you hire snow chains?
Snow chains are included FREE in the price for all vehicles.
All 4WDs have free ski racks.
Do you have GPS for hire?
Yes.
How do the kilometres work?
Hires from 1 – 4 days have 150 free kms included in the price
Excess kms are charged out at .25cents per km
5 day + hires include unlimited kms.
Diesel Mini Buses are .10 cents per km
What if I return the car very dirty?
Rental cars should be returned in a good clean condition.
If a car is considered to be very dirty a fee of up to $150 will be charged for cleaning
If the car has been up to the ski fields should I put it through the car wash?
Yes, please. We are unable to check in a car that is covered in mud as we cannot check the exterior for any damage.
If I break or chip the windscreen am I liable to pay for it?
Yes – Unless you have paid for our Platinum Insurance option which has a Zero Excess. This is only available to drivers aged 25 years or older and with Car hires only.
Who pays if I get a flat tyre?
Flat tyres are the responsibility of the hirer as this has happened while the car is in your care.
What if the car breaks down?
All our rental cars are covered by 24 hour AA Roadside Assistance for your peace of mind.
What if I have an accident?
Please call 111 if someone is injured.
There are accident forms in the glove box.
Please take full details of any other cars and people involved.
Please contact us on 03 443 6050
What happens if I damage the vehicle?
The amount of the insurance excess will be debited from the credit card supplied.
The damage will be professionally assessed to establish the cost of repair and the time the vehicle will be off our yard.
We will account to you for all costs.
In the event of an insurance claim having to be filed, there is an administration fee of up to $350 payable.
How do I fit Chains
If you have never fitted chains before, have a look at this video that Cardrona Ski Resort have put together
Is there a website I can visit to learn about N.Z Roads and driving
Drivesafe have a great website http://www.drivesafe.org.nz/
Video on Driving in New Zealand
Click to look at a video on New Zealand roads and driving https://youtu.be/sZllG7XQwd0
