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Avis Car Rentals
MatesRates makes comparing car rentals quick and easy. We offer over 25 different NZ car rental brands, including Avis New Zealand.
This means you can easily compare Avis with a wide range of competitors and get the deal that best suits you.
Avis Car Rentals
Avis New Zealand is part of the Avis Budget Group which operates multiple rental brands worldwide. Founded in 1946, Avis has grown into one of the most recognised car rental brands globally, including a strong presence in New Zealand.
Avis offers a comprehensive range of vehicles across 35 locations throughout NZ, catering to both domestic and international customers.
What Sets Avis Apart
Avis is a premium quality car rental brand. Factors that make them stand out in the New Zealand car rental market include an extensive network of rental locations throughout NZ and their large fleet of modern high quality vehicles.
Locations
With 35 locations across New Zealand, Avis provides extensive coverage, making it convenient for travellers in both urban and remote areas.
Flexible Ferry Crossing Policies
Customers can take their vehicles on ferries between islands without switching cars, which is convenient and time-saving.
Vehicle Fleet
Avis offers a diverse fleet, including electric vehicles & commercial vehicles. The typical age of an Avis rental car in NZ is usually between 6 to 18 months.
Airpoints Partner
Avis is an official partner of Airpoints, allowing customers to earn Airpoints Dollars™ on their rentals.
Branch Locations
Avis operate in 35 locations across New Zealand, including major airports and cities:
North Island
- Auckland Airport: On-airport location. Hours: 24/7.
- Auckland City: 168 Victoria Street West, Auckland. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:00am - 3:00pm.
- Auckland Penrose: 202 Great South Road, Auckland. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm, Sat 8:00am - 12:00pm.
- Auckland North Shore: 56 Hillside Road, Glenfield, Auckland. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm, Sat 8:00am - 12:00pm.
- Gisborne Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Sun 7:00am - 7:30pm.
- Hamilton Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:00am - 12:00pm.
- Hamilton: 1/10 Liverpool Street, Hamilton. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm, Sat 8:00am - 12:00pm.
- Kerikeri Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Sun 7:00am - 7:30pm
- Kerikeri: 118 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm, Sat 8:00am - 12:00pm
- Napier Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Sun 7:00am - 9:00pm.
- New Plymouth Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Sun 8:00am - 8:30pm.
- Palmerston North Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Sun 7:30am - 8:30pm.
- Petone - Lower Hutt: 12 Western Hutt Road, Petone. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm, Sat 8:00am - 12:00pm.
- Rotorua Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Sun 7:00am - 7:30pm.
- Tauranga Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Sun 7:00am - 8:30pm.
- Taupo Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Sun 8:00am - 6:30pm.
- Taupo: 65 Rifle Range Road, Taupo. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:00pm, Sat 8:00am - 12:00pm.
- Wellington Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Sun 6:00am - 10:30pm.
- Wellington City: 25 Dixon Street, Wellington. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:00am - 12:00pm.
- Whangarei Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Sun 7:00am - 7:30pm.
South Island
- Blenheim Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Sun 7:00am - 9:00pm.
- Christchurch Airport: On-airport location. Hours: 24/7.
- Christchurch City: 150 Kilmore Street, Christchurch. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm, Sat 8:00am - 12:00pm.
- Christchurch Sheffield Crescent: 105 Roydvale Avenue, Christchurch. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm, Sat 8:00am - 12:00pm.
- Dunedin Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Sun 7:30am - 8:30pm.
- Greymouth: Greymouth Train Station, 164 Mackay Street, Greymouth. Hours: Mon-Sun 8:00am - 5:00pm.
- Hokitika Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Sun 8:00am - 6:00pm.
- Invercargill Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Sun 7:00am - 9:00pm.
- Nelson Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Sun 7:00am - 9:00pm.
- Picton Ferry Terminal: Hours: Mon-Sun 8:00am - 6:00pm.
- Queenstown Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Sun 7:30am - 9:30pm.
- Queenstown: 5 Lucas Place, Queenstown. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:00am - 3:00pm.
- Timaru Airport: On-airport location. Hours: Mon-Sun 8:00am - 6:00pm.
- Timaru: 21 Cains Terrace, Timaru. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm, Sat 8:00am - 12:00pm.
Vehicle Fleet
Avis New Zealand offers a broad range of vehicles, including economy cars, sedans, SUVs, luxury models, electric vehicles, and commercial vehicles like utes, vans and trucks.
The diversity of the fleet allows customers to choose the best option for their specific travel needs, whether for city driving, long-distance trips, or commercial purposes.
The typical age of an Avis rental car in New Zealand is usually between 6 to 18 months. Avis, like many major car rental companies, aims to maintain a relatively new fleet by frequently updating their vehicles. This means that most of their rental cars are less than two years old, ensuring that customers receive modern, well-maintained vehicles with the latest features and safety standards.
However, the exact age can vary depending on the specific vehicle category and location. Premium or luxury vehicles might be newer on average compared to more budget-friendly options.
Rental Rates
Avis rental rates are variable, depending on location, vehicle type, and rental duration. Economy cars might start around $40 per day, while SUVs and luxury vehicles can be significantly higher, around $80 - $150 per day.
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 here to get the latest rates for your rental period.
One-Way Rentals
One-way rentals are permitted between most Avis locations in New Zealand. However, availability may vary depending on the start and end locations, and additional fees may apply.
Additional Drivers
Additional drivers can be added to a rental contract with Avis New Zealand, usually for an additional fee of approximately $5-10 per day per driver. This allows for shared driving responsibilities, which is particularly useful for longer journeys.
Insurance Options
Avis provides a range of insurance options to suit different needs:
- Basic Cover: Included with the rental, but it comes with a high excess (deductible) in case of damage or accident. The standard liability excess varies depending on the type of vehicle and ranges from $4,025 to $5,980.
- Premium Cover: This option is an additional cost but provides peace of mind by significantly reducing the excess. The lower excess varies depending on the type of vehicle and ranges from $632.50 to $1,150.50.
- Premium Plus Cover: This option is the most expensive but eliminates the excess altogether.
- Additional Insurance: Options include Personal Accident Insurance and Liability Protection, which offer further coverage for drivers and passengers.
Additional Services
- GPS Navigation Systems: Available for rent, these units help drivers navigate unfamiliar territory.
- Child Safety Seats: Infant, toddler, and booster seats are available for an additional fee, ensuring the safety of young passengers.
- Wi-Fi Hotspot Devices: Portable Wi-Fi devices can be rented to provide internet access during your travels.
- Snow Chains and Ski Racks: Available for rent in locations where winter sports are popular. Sup[plies are limited, so ensure you request these when you make your booking.
Ferry Crossings
Avis allows vehicles to be taken on the ferry between the North and South Islands, which is a significant convenience compared to some competitors that require customers to switch vehicles. It is your responsibility to book vehicle and passenger ferry tickets. To secure passage, this should be done as early as possible, especially for travel during peak times.
Policies
- Cancellation Fees: if your reservation has not been pre-paid, generally no cancellation fee apply. However, If you have pre-paid your booking, cancellation fees apply. Should you cancel at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled pick-up time, the cancellation fee is $86.25. If you cancel within 24 hours prior to the scheduled pick-up time, there is a $172.50 cancellation fee.
- No-Show Fees: If you fail to cancel your reservation prior to the pick-up time and do not collect the vehicle on the pick-up date, the entire pre-paid amount will be forfeited.
- Late Return Fees: Avis usually allows a grace period of up to 29 minutes for late returns. Beyond this, additional hourly charges may apply.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Avis New Zealand is known for its generally reliable customer service, with staff praised for their professionalism and helpfulness. However, like many large companies, experiences can vary by location, with some customers reporting issues related to vehicle availability or unexpected charges.
Avis receives mixed reviews on various review platforms.
Common Praise
Common Complaints
Overall satisfaction levels of people who've booked with Apex is an average customer rating of 9.1/10 from over 500 reviews on our booking engine.
Check-In and Payment Process
The check-in process at Avis is straightforward, with options for online check-in through the Avis app or at the rental counter. Avis Preferred members get expedited service, which can reduce wait times.
The Avis "PhotoProofed" service documents the condition of rental vehicles with photographs taken before customer pick-up. This ensures any pre-existing damage is recorded and shared with the customer via email, providing transparency and peace of mind. Customers can review the images, sign off on them at the counter, and even upload their own photos if they feel something was missed, helping to avoid disputes about vehicle condition upon return.
If you choose to pay at time of booking or at the counter when you collect your vehicle. You must present a physical, valid credit/debit card at time of vehicle pick up regardless of how you choose to pay.
Avis accepted cards for payment include; Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Visa and MasterCard debit cards are also accepted.
Like most rental companies, when paying by credit or debit card a card transaction fee applies.
Fuel Policies
When you rent a car with Avis in New Zealand there are three options for refuelling when you return the vehicle:
- At the end of your rental you can stop at a petrol station to refuel and return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel (we recommend this option)
- You can prepay for fuel at the start of your rental and return the car without refuelling
- Avis can refuel the vehicle for you, however you will be charged for each litre of fuel required plus a refuelling surcharge.
Airport Pick-Up and Drop-Off
On-airport locations offer the convenience of check-in counters in the airport terminal, avoiding the need for shuttle transfers. After-hours return services are available at most locations, with secure key drop-off boxes for added convenience.
Roadside Assistance Options
Avis offers 24/7 roadside assistance, which is typically included in the rental price. This service covers mechanical breakdowns. Please note that charges will apply for any at fault issues including refuelling, flat battery, tyre replacement, lost keys or keys locked inside the vehicle. To avoid these costs, additional coverage options are available for more comprehensive protection.
Rental Conditions Comparison
- Age restrictions: Drivers must be at least 21 years old and a young driver surcharge may apply for drivers under 25.
- Additional driver fees: Additional drivers can be added to the rental agreement at no extra cost.
- License requirements: You must hold a full, current and valid driver licence appropriate for the vehicle you are using. A learner, provisional or restricted driver licence is not accepted.
If your driver licence is in any language other than English, it must be accompanied by an approved translation such as an International Driver Permit, issued in accordance with a United Nations Convention on road traffic. An international drivers permit is not a stand-alone document and must be carried with your valid domestic driving licence.