Compare
Ace
Car Rental
At MatesRates, comparing car rentals is a breeze. With access to over 25 car rental brands, including Ace Rental Cars, you can quickly find the best deal for your needs.
We offer clear, side-by-side comparisons of Ace and other rental firms, giving you the facts you need to make the right choice.
We don’t play favourites with car rental companies. Our goal is to provide unbiased objective information you can trust, helping you confidently choose the best option for your trip.
Ace Rental Cars
Ace Rental Cars provides budget-friendly rental options in New Zealand.
Drivers as young as 18 can rent from Ace and no extra fees apply for drivers under 25. Depots are located off-airport wth free shuttle services. Ace offers a range of vehicles, though many are older models. One-way rentals are available, but vehicles cannot be taken on ferries between the North and South Islands.
Acquired by Hertz in 2011, Ace operates as an independent subsidiary, specialising in off-airport, budget-focused rentals.
Pros
Cons
Ace Branch Locations
Ace Rental Cars operate in 9 locations across New Zealand, including major airports and cities. (Click on location names to see address, business hours, pick up & drop off details).
North Island
Off-airport location with a free shuttle service. 26 Verissimo Drive, Mangere. Open 7 days, 7am - 7pm. After-hours return available, but not pickup.
Hertz depot, 154 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD. Open Monday to Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 8:00am - 12:00pm; Sunday: Closed
Off-airport location with a free shuttle service. 38/44 Hania Street, Wellington City. Open Monday to Friday: 7:00am - 5:00pm; Sat/Sun: 8:00am - 5:00pm. After-hours pick-up and return not available.
South Island
Off-airport location with a free shuttle service. 166 Orchard Road, Harewood, Christchurch. Open 7 days, 8:30am - 5pm. After-hours pick-up and return available.
On-airport location (Hertz counter in terminal). Open Monday to Friday: 7.00am to 9:30pm; Saturdays: 8:00am to 5:00pm; Sundays: 8:30am to 9:30pm. After-hours return available, but not pickup.
Hertz counter at Greymouth Railway Station, 164 Mackay Street, Greymouth. Open Monday to Friday: 8am to 4pm; Saturdays: 11am to 2pm; Sundays: 10am to 3pm. After-hours return available, but not pickup.
Interislander Ferry Terminal, Auckland Street, Picton. Open 7 days, 11:30am to 1:30pm & 4:30pm to 6:30pm. After-hours return available, but not pickup.
Off-airport location with a free shuttle service. 50 Grant Road, Frankton, Queenstown. Open 7 days, 7am - 7pm. After-hours return available, but not pickup.
Hertz depot, 1-7 Earl Street, Queenstown. Open 7 days 8am - 5pm. After-hours return available, but not pickup.
Airport Pick-Up and Drop-Off
For airport locations, Ace provides a free shuttle service to and from their off-airport depots. The shuttle service operates within the business hours, and after-hours arrangements can be made upon request.
Vehicle Fleet
Ace provides a wide range of vehicles, from economical hatchbacks like the Suzuki Swift to larger vehicles such as SUVs (e.g., Mitsubishi ASX, Nissan X-Trail) and minivans like the Kia Carnival.
Vehicles in the Ace rental car fleet vary depending on the category you book. Premium category vehicles are the newest and 2+ years old. At the other end of the spectrum are older, high mileage 'Super Saver' category cars. Typically these are 10+ years old and have clocked up high kilometres (180K to 220K kilometres). These are popular with backpackers and others on a tight budget.
Rental Rates
Rental rates at Ace Rental Cars are highly competitive, catering to budget travellers. Prices can start from as low as NZD $25 per day for economy vehicles, depending on the season and location. Rates include unlimited kilometres and free basic insurance coverage.
Rental rates fluctuate significantly depending on factors like rental dates, hire duration and how early you book. (Usually the earlier you book, the lower the rate).
Click the button below to get the lowest rates for your travel dates.
One-Way Rentals
One-way rentals are available, allowing customers to pick up a car at one location and drop it off at another. This service is particularly useful for those traveling between the North and South Islands. One way hires are permitted. Minimum hire periods and one way fee’s may apply.
Additional Drivers
Additional drivers can be added to the reservation at time of pick up. All drivers’ details must appear on the Rental Agreement.
Additional drivers are at a cost of NZ$5 per day, capped at 5 days. There is no charge if the Ace PLUS option is selected.
Insurance Options
Ace provides basic insurance cover with all rentals. Customers can opt for additional coverage, such as excess reduction insurance, to lower the deductible in case of an accident. The insurance terms are straightforward, with options for more comprehensive coverage at an additional cost.
Additional Services
- GPS Units: Available for an additional fee of $10 per day, capped at 5 days.
- Child Seats: Various child seat options are available for an additional fee of $10 per day, capped at 5 days.
- Snow chains: Available in winter for all vehicles ($40 per rental).
- Ski racks: Available in winter for SUV and Minivan rentals ($25 per rental).
Ferry Crossings
Ace does not allow vehicles to be taken on the ferry between the North and South Islands. Customers travelling between both islands are required to switch vehicles. While this is not as convenient, it does save renters the cost of paying ferry vehicle charges which can be high.
Policies
- Cancellation: Customers can cancel their booking without penalty if done within the specified timeframe.
- No-Show Fees: Charges apply for no-shows.
- Late Returns: Unauthorised late returns will be charged at $25 per hour up to four hours. Thereafter they will be charged at $100 per day.
Rental Conditions
- Age Restrictions: Drivers must be at least 18 years old. (Many rental firms have a minimum age of 21). No young driver surcharge applies for drivers aged 18-25, which is a distinct advantage compared to many other rental companies.
- License requirements: Drivers must hold a valid, full driver's license. Provisional, restricted, or learner's licenses are not accepted.
Drivers visiting from overseas can drive on their overseas license for one year from entering New Zealand providing that it is a valid, full license in English. If the license is not in English, they must have an official translation or an International Driving Permit.
An official translation can be obtained from the authority that issued their overseas license. The client’s original, valid license must also be carried along with either the translation or the International Driving Permit at all times. NOTE: Digital Driver Licenses are not accepted.
Check-In and Payment Process
Check-in is straightforward, with a clear process for collecting and returning vehicles.
Ace accepts cash, Debit cards and all major Credit Cards including Visa, MasterCard and Amex for the payment of the rental.
Transaction charges apply for credit cards and debit card transactions.
Bonds are required and vary based on the insurance options chosen. The bond will be held on your credit card for the duration of your rental. This is refunded if cars are returned undamaged.
Fuel Policies
Vehicles are provided with a full tank of fuel and should be returned with a full tank. If not returned full, the cost of fuel plus a NZ$50 refueling fee will be charged.
Roadside Assistance Options
Ace provides complimentary 24/7 roadside assistance with every rental, ensuring help is available for any mechanical issues encountered on the road. Call-outs for driver-related errors such as keys locked in car or out of fuel, will incur a service fee and any additional costs relating to driver error. Optional Premium Roadside assistance can be purchased which covers all call-outs including those for driver-related errors.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customer reviews provide helpful insights into a company’s service and quality, giving you a clearer idea of what to expect.
Ace has over 1,100 reviews on TrustPilot and an overall 'Excellent' rating with 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Customer reviews are mixed. While some customers praise the company for its affordability and ease of booking, others have reported issues with older vehicles and cleanliness.
Common Praise
Common Complaints
Competitors
Depending on where you need a rental car, there are other budget-tier competitors you may want to consider. These include Bargain Rental Cars, Big Value, Dollar, Drive NZ, EZU, Keddy, NZ Discount Car Rentals, Omega Rental Cars, RaD, Rental Cars 247, U-Save, Yes Rentals and YesAway.