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 Avis
Car Rental

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.

Avis is positioned as a premium brand, and as a result, its rental rates are generally higher than competitors. 

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 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 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.

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.

• 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. Supplies are limited, so ensure you request these when you make your booking.

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.

• 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.

• Age restrictions: Drivers must be at least 21 years old and a young driver surcharge may apply for drivers under 25.
• 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. 

When you rent a car with Avis in New Zealand there are three options for refuelling when you return the vehicle:

1. 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)
2. You can prepay for fuel at the start of your rental and return the car without refuelling
3. Avis can refuel the vehicle for you, however you will be charged for each litre of fuel required plus a refuelling surcharge.

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.

Customer reviews provide helpful insights into a company’s service and quality, giving you a clearer idea of what to expect.

Avis NZ receives mixed reviews on major review platforms. Avis was ranked the 4th best rated car rental company in the Canstar Blue 2024 awards. However, on TrustPilot, Avis only has 23 reviews and an overall 'Poor' rating with just 2.6 out of 5 stars. 

Depending on where you need a rental car, there are other top-tier competitors you may want to consider. These include Budget, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Europcar, and Hertz.