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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of licence do I need?
You need a current, full New Zealand drivers license or an equivalent, valid international drivers license.
Do I need a credit card?
Yes. For insurance purposes we are required to hold a valid credit/debit card number. (Visa or Mastercard). The cost of any incidentals will also be taken from this card unless prior arrangement is made.
What is included in the cost?
Our rates are all inclusive of car hire, mileage, insurance and GST. The insurance excess is $2000 and you may be required to cover this if the vehicle is damaged in your care.
Can I drive on the beach?
No. Absolutely not? As soon a one of our vehicles is driven onto a beach the insurance is cancelled and no longer valid. You will be liable to pay an automatic $2000 excess if you take the vehicle onto the beach. This is part of the contract terms when you hire.
Do you hire car seats?
Yes. We have car seats available for hire.
How old do I need to be?
Over 25, though if you are between the ages of 21 and 24 and you have held your license for a minimum of one year you can hire a vehicle. This may be subject to a surcharge of $13 per day. If you have further questions about this get in touch.
Why do you want to know how many in the party and where we ware staying?
We want to make sure we provide you with a suitable vehicle. Sometimes it may be a case of whatever is available, but if we can, we like to ensure we match the vehicle to your needs. We tend to know the island well, and we know our vehicles. Two models be a similar size, but one is more roomy if you are a bigger party, or may have more luggage space. We can also let you know if you require a 4WD to reach your accommodation, and we know which vehicles will be most comfortable on those drives.
Can I reduce the insurance excess?
Unfortunately no. Our current insurance does not give us an option to do so. If you are worried you can look into domestic travel insurance. This can also come in handy to cover you if flights or ferries get cancelled due to weather conditions, and is usually quite affordable.
Are there any other costs?
Petrol: You are required to cover your own petrol costs. If we need to refill the vehicle after your use your card will be used to cover this costs and there will be a small surcharge. If you are aware you will not be able to (or weren’t able to) refill the car please let us know.
Cleaning: If the car is left in a mess, has been smoked in or requires additional excessive cleaning you will be required to pay a cleaning fee.
Punctures: You are responsible for the cost to repair any puncture incurred during your hire period.
Roadside Assistance: You may be charged for any call outs if you require road side assistance.
How do I pay?
You can pay by eftpos, credit card or cash on arrival (please have the right amount). You may also pay by bank deposit prior to arrival. Please note, regardless of payment method we still require a credit card number on your rental agreement for insurance purposes.
Do I need a 4WD?
Predominantly not. The vast majority of roads are sealed and there are very few places that require 4WD access. The exception is that some accommodation will require 4WD access in wet conditions, or year round. If you are unsure, just check and we should be able to let you know.
What happens if I am staying across a creek?
You will need to either walk across or arrange alternative options with the accommodation provider if they are available. Unfortunately insurance doesn’t cover any off road activity, and you will be liable to cover costs incurred by off road use. You may drive down private roads, driveways and access campsites where suitable, as long as you do not drive on, over, or through, any water or beach.
Do I need to book in advance?
It is highly recommended.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made within 72 hours of commencement of hire will incur a one-day hire fee.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of commencement of hire will incur a two-day hire fee (or the total hire fee if it is lesser).
Cancellations made within 24 hours of commencement of hire will incur a three-day hire fee (or the total hire fee if it is lesser).
No shows will incur a fee of the full hire cost.
If booked with Sealink, or one of the airlines servicing the Island and the service is cancelled due to whether conditions there will not be a cancellation fee. If these services are still running then the above cancellation policy still applies.