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 The Bay of Islands
 Car Rental

Rental companies offer a range of vehicle types, including compact cars, sedans, and SUVs. When booking, consider your needs for luggage capacity, fuel efficiency, and the number of passengers. Always check the vehicle specifications to ensure it meets your requirements.

The terms 'economy' and 'compact' cars are used inconsistently by rental operators to describe smaller cars. That said, economy cars tend to be older vehicles supplied by some of the local rental operators.

Kerikeri is gateway to the Bay of Islands, one of NZ's most popular holiday destinations. So it's a good idea to book your rental car early, especially for travel during peak periods.

For peak travel seasons it’s wise to book as early as possible to secure availability and better rates. If you book later you may find your choices are limited and rental rates higher, compared to booking earlier. The general rule of thumb is to book as early as possible.

International visitors need a valid overseas driver’s license. If the license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Always carry both your original license and the IDP when driving.

Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a minimum of one year of driving experience. Drivers under 25 may incur an additional young driver surcharge. Be sure to check the specific age requirements and fees with your rental provider before booking.

Rental rates are generally based on the rental duration, type of vehicle, and any additional services or insurance options selected. Additional fees may include charges for GPS, child seats, extra drivers, or young driver surcharges. Make sure to review the terms and conditions with your rental provider.

Beyond the base rental cost, be aware of potential additional fees such as young driver surcharges, additional driver fees, GPS rental, child seats, and after-hours service charges. Ensure you understand all included costs and any potential extra charges. If you require additional services such as GPS navigation or child seats, it's advisable to request these services at the time of booking, rather than when collecting your vehicle to ensure availability.

Most rental companies accept major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Some also accept debit cards, but cash payments are generally not accepted. Check with your specific rental company to confirm their payment policies.

Rental companies provide various insurance and coverage options. These typically include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection, and Third-Party Liability. Additional coverage options may be available for personal accident insurance or roadside assistance. Make sure to understand what each option includes and excludes to choose the best coverage for your needs. We highly recommend having adequate insurance. While it's an unwelcome extra cost, the potential expenses of not having insurance far outweigh the price. We never rent a car without taking insurance.

Collect your bags and then follow signs in the terminal to the check-in counter for the rental company you're booked with.

After completing the rental agreement paperwork at the check-in counter, you will be directed to the pick-up area for your vehicle.

When returning the vehicle, enter the main airport car park from Wiroa Rd. Rental cars are typically parked on the right after you enter the parking area. Park the vehicle in the designated space and return the key to the car rental desk in the airport terminal.

If returning after hours, check with your rental company for specific instructions

Many rental companies offer free cancellations up to 24-48 hours before the scheduled pickup time. If you cancel at the last minute, cancellation fees may apply. Always review the cancellation policy of your rental company when making a booking.

Yes, you can rent a car from Kerikeri Airport and drop it off at another location, such as Auckland or Wellington. One-way rentals often include an additional fee. 

In case of an accident or breakdown, contact the rental company's emergency assistance number immediately. Follow their instructions and, if necessary, contact local emergency services. Ensure you document the incident and obtain a police report if required.

New Zealand rental companies generally do not permit smoking in their vehicles. If evidence of smoking is found in a returned vehicle then cleaning charges will be applied. These vary by rental firm, but typically are $200 or higher. 

The fuel policy varies by rental company. Some operate on a full-to-full basis, meaning you return the car with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up. Others may offer pre-purchase options or charge for refuelling if the tank is not full upon return. Check your rental agreement for specific details.

If your rental needs to be returned with a full tank then it's a good idea to top up the tank at a petrol station near the depot. The extra 5 or 10 minutes this takes will definitely save you money.

If you drop off a rental car at a car hire depot with less fuel than when you picked up it up then the car hire company will charge a high price to top up the tank. These charges can be excessive, such as a $2.50 a litre surcharge additional to the fuel cost. Not a nice surprise to later find this charge on your credit card.

The closest petrol stations are in Kerikeri (BP and Caltex). If you're driving from the north on Highway 10 there are two petrol stations at Waipapa (Gull and BP).

Rental companies expect vehicles to be returned in a reasonably clean condition. It's generally understood that the car should be returned in a similar state to how it was received.

If a rental car is returned excessively dirty, the rental company may withhold some or all of your security bond to cover cleaning costs.  When you return a rental car, its condition will be assessed by the rental company. This assessment likely includes cleanliness as well as any damage.