Most rental cars booked through Discover New Zealand include standard vehicle insurance, roadside assistance, unlimited kilometres, and airport or city collection and drop-off as specified in your itinerary. Exact inclusions vary between rental companies, so you'll receive full details before you travel.
Rental vehicles are an important part of many New Zealand holidays, particularly on self drive itineraries. While inclusions vary between suppliers, most rental cars come with a similar set of standard benefits.
Your travel specialist will provide the specific rental conditions for your vehicle before departure.
What is usually included with a New Zealand rental car?
Most rental vehicles include:
- Standard vehicle insurance cover
- Roadside assistance for mechanical faults
- Unlimited kilometres
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Additional driver options (varies by supplier)
- Airport or city collection and drop-off where included in your itinerary
Many suppliers also provide 24-hour emergency assistance while you're travelling.
Is insurance included?
Yes.
Most rental cars include a standard level of vehicle insurance. This insurance is usually subject to an excess, which is the maximum amount you may be required to pay if the vehicle is damaged.
Many rental companies offer additional protection options that can reduce this excess for an extra daily fee.
Your rental agreement will explain the cover provided and any exclusions that may apply.
Are unlimited kilometres included?
In most cases, yes.
The majority of rental vehicles available through Discover New Zealand include unlimited kilometres, allowing you to explore without worrying about distance restrictions.
This is particularly useful on longer touring routes between destinations such as Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown.
What costs extra?
Potential additional costs may include:
| Optional Extra | May Incur Additional Cost |
|---|---|
| Excess reduction insurance | Yes |
| Child seats | Yes |
| GPS units | Yes |
| Additional drivers | Sometimes |
| One-way rental fees | Sometimes |
| Ferry vehicle fees | Sometimes |
| Snow chains | Sometimes |
| Premium roadside assistance upgrades | Sometimes |
Your travel consultant can explain any optional charges that apply to your booking.
Is roadside assistance included?
Most rental companies provide roadside assistance for unexpected mechanical issues.
If a breakdown occurs due to a vehicle fault, assistance is generally provided at no additional cost.
Charges may apply if assistance is required due to driver-related issues such as:
- Running out of fuel
- Using the wrong fuel
- Losing keys
- Locking keys inside the vehicle