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 Budget
 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.

Budget in name, if not nature!

Despite their name, Budget's rental rates can be anything but "budget". In fact they are often some of the highest and sometimes they even exceed Avis and Hertz who are generally the most expensive rental brands. 

Budget imposes a $47 fee for airport pickups/drop-offs. Similar fees are commonly charged by other 'on-airport' rental firms but can vary.

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. 

Budget offers one-way rentals in New Zealand, allowing customers to return their rental car to a different location from where they picked it up. While this provides flexibility for travel plans, one-way rentals typically incur an additional fee. 

This fee, known as a one-way fee, covers the cost of returning the car to its original location. It is usually calculated based on the distance between the pickup and drop-off locations.

Not all locations support one-way rentals, so it is essential to check availability during the booking process. Some one-way rentals may also have a minimum hire period.

You can add additional drivers to your rental agreement, allowing others to drive the vehicle. This is particularly useful for sharing driving responsibilities and reducing the risk of accidents.

To be covered, additional drivers must be present at pick-up with their licence and meet the same conditions as the main driver. Drivers under 25 may incur a surcharge.

For Fastbreak members, adding additional drivers is free. It’s also free to add the main driver’s spouse, employer, employee, or business partner, provided the rental is for business purposes. For other bookings, the cost is $5 per day, with a maximum of $25 per person.

It's important to know that drivers not named on a rental agreement are not covered in the event of an accident.

Budget provides a range of insurance options to suit different needs:

1. Standard Cover (Included with Rental)
   This basic cover is included in the rental price but comes with a high excess (around NZD 3,000 or more), which is the amount you would be liable for in the event of damage or an accident.
2. Excess Reduction Cover (Optional)
   This option reduces the excess significantly, often down to NZD 300-350. It typically costs around NZD 25-35 per day, depending on the vehicle.
3. Full Protection (Optional)
   This cover removes the excess entirely, meaning you won’t have to pay anything for damage or accidents. The cost for full protection is generally NZD 40-50 per day.
4. Personal Accident Insurance
   Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers in case of injury during an accident. This is an optional add-on, usually for a small daily fee.
5. Windscreen and Tyre Protection
   Some rental agreements include coverage for windscreen and tyre damage. If not included, you can purchase this as an add-on.
   
   These options help to lower your financial liability in case of an incident, but exact prices and terms may vary, so it’s best to confirm when booking.

• FastBreak: Customers enrolled in this free membership program enjoy a faster rental process by skipping queues, signing a single master rental agreement, and benefiting from expedited drop-offs. FastBreak also provides access to exclusive deals and rewards, making it a valuable option for frequent renters.
• Child Safety Seats: Infant, toddler, and booster seats are available for an additional fee, ensuring the safety of young passengers.
• 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.
• GPS Navigation Systems: Most of Budget's vehicles are not equipped with inbuilt navigation systems and Budget no longer offers GPS units for rent in New Zealand. These have largely become redundant with most renters having Google or Apple Maps on their phones.

Budget allows customers to take their rental vehicles on the ferry between the North and South Islands, offering greater convenience compared to competitors that require vehicle swaps.

It is the renter’s responsibility to book both vehicle and passenger ferry tickets. To ensure availability, especially during peak seasons, it’s advisable to make ferry bookings well in advance.

• 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: Budget usually allows a grace period of up to 29 minutes for late returns. Beyond this, additional hourly charges may apply.

• Minimum Age Requirement: Budget sets a minimum age of 21, with an underage surcharge applying. This is typical in the market.

• Driver’s License Requirements: Budget requires a full, valid license in English or an approved translation/International Driving Permit. This is consistent with industry standards.
• Restricted Roads: Certain roads, such as Skippers Road and Ninety Mile Beach, are off-limits. Such restrictions are usual, though the specific roads may differ.

Budget vehicles are supplied with a full tank of fuel. When you rent a car with Budget 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. (Ensure you retain a receipt in case there is a dispute and Budget incorrectly charge you for refuelling).
2. You can prepay for fuel at the start of your rental and return the car without refuelling. Convenient, but a more expensive option.
3. Budget can refuel the vehicle for you, however you will be charged for each litre of fuel required plus a refuelling surcharge. We don't recommend this because it's an expensive option.

Budget includes Basic Mechanical Breakdown Assistance with all rental cars, covering mechanical faults during your rental.

For additional peace of mind, customers can opt for Roadside Assistance (RSN), which covers non-mechanical incidents, such as lock-outs, flat batteries, and tyre-related issues (excluding tyre replacement costs). RSN also provides up to $20 in fuel delivery and towing up to 100 km. This option costs $9.20 per day, capped at $92 for a 30-day rental.

For more comprehensive coverage, Budget offers Roadside Assistance Plus (RSP). This includes all RSN benefits, plus windscreen replacement, at a rate of $11.50 per day, capped at $115 for 30 days.

Without these optional coverages, renters could face a $205 call-out fee for non-mechanical issues caused by customer error. 

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

Budget NZ receives mixed reviews on major review platforms. Budget was rated the NZ top hire car company in 2024 by the Canstar Blue customer satisfaction awards. However, on TrustPilot, Budget only has 40 reviews and an overall 'Bad' rating, with just 1.4 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 Avis, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Europcar, and Hertz.