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What size Rental Car should I choose?

Self-driving holidays are one if the most relaxing ways of enjoying New Zealand's landscape. Many of our roads are scenic and traffic is low when compared to international standards.

It is important not to underestimate driving times. Although distances may seem short, our roads often include hilly or winding terrain, which slow down your journey.

If you're used to driving in the city, you should take care when driving on the open country roads.

In New Zealand, all motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road

All road distances are measured in kilometres

When turning left, give way (yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right

When the traffic light is red, you must stop. There is no left turn rule as in North America
The speed limit on open roads is 100km/h (approx 60m/h). In urban areas the speed limit is 50km/h
Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times, in both front and rear seats
Make sure that you have plenty of sleep before a long drive. Take regular breaks - one every two hours and when you feel sleepy
Do not drink alcohol before driving in New Zealand - drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced

International Driving Licences and Permits

You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Recent law changes mean all drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their licence or permit at all times when driving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21 years.

Make sure your driver's licence is current. If your licence is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you, or obtain an IDP. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an IDP.

Group D: Full size car, typically a Ford XR6 or similar. 3-3.8L automatic 4 door car with air-conditioning, power steering, CD player and air bags.

Suitable for 4 adults with 2 suitcases and 2 soft bags.

Group D FDAR

Group I: Intermediate 4WD, typically a Hyundai Tuscon or similar. 2.5L automatic 5 door with air-conditioning, power steering, CD player and air bags.

Suitable for 4 adults with 2 suitcases and 2 soft bags.

Group I IFAR

Group F: Large 4WD, typically a Hyundai Santa Fe or similar. 6 cylinder automatic 5 door with air-conditioning, power steering, CD player and air bags as well as Hi-Lo ratio.

Suitable for 5 adults with 2 suitcases and 2 soft bags.

Group F FFAR

General Hire Conditions

Below is a summary of some of the Rental Conditions. For full detailed Conditions please contact us. Please note all prices quoted in this document are in New Zealand dollars. Rates and conditions quoted in our brochures and/or documentation are subject to change without notice.

1.	Rental Days: Calculated on a 24 hour basis.
2.	One-way Hire: One-way hires are available between any Europcar depot - minimum hire of 3 days or a NZ$75.00 fee payable direct to Europcar.
3.	Insurance Excess: An insurance excess applies in the event of accident or damage to the vehicle. This amount is capped at NZ$3,094. A credit card imprint is taken for the bond on initiation, and destroyed at termination of the hire, providing the vehicle is returned in the same condition that it left the depot.
4.	Insurance Waiver: An insurance excess waiver is available on initiation of the hire at an additional charge. The charge is NZ$21.38 per day reducing the excess to NZ$337.50.
5.	Meet & Greet: Europcar be available at their airport counters to meet all clients upon arrival or deliver to inner city hotels/motels on request. Flights or arrivals after 7pm will incur a NZ$35.00 after hour fee.
6.	After Hours Service: Europcar provides clients piece of mind with a 24 hour call free telephone support service.
7.	Age Requirements: Drivers must be 21 years of age or over.
8.	Licence: A valid full resident country driver's licence is to be presented at the time of rental. This may be your own licence provided that is recognised internationally and is in English. International Drivers Permits are also recognised.
9.	Branches: Europcar Car Rental provide branches or agents in Downtown Auckland, Auckland Airport, Rotorua, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Hamilton, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Greymouth, Queenstown, Dunedin and Invercargill.
10.	Inter-Island Hires: Inter-Island hires save the client approx NZ$200 for car transportation costs. Cars are returned to the ferry depots in Picton or Wellington, and a fresh vehicle is provided when clients disembark the ferry on the other side. Client's luggage is checked in at ferry as it would at an airport.
11.	Additional Extras: Remote Location Fee: For rentals collected in Greymouth there will be an additional fee of NZ$75.00 added to the total hire cost. Airport Levies: All daily rates will include the Airport Levy so there is no additional airport fees payable. GPS Navigation Units: Are available at an additional charge of NZ$12/day hirage is payable directly to Europcar on collection of the vehicle. Ski Racks/Snow Chains: are available at a cost of NZ$50.63 per rental, available at all locations from May - October. Baby Seats: The following are available for hire: Baby Capsules (birth to approx 9 mths), Baby Seats (approx 9 mths to 3 yrs) amd Booster Seats (approx 3 yrs+). These are available for hire for NZ$5.63 per day (maximum charge NZ$39.41) and must be pre-booked.

All reservations subject to confirmation and Europcar Car Rental reserve the right to substitute a similar vehicle.