Car Hire FAQ - Your Questions Answered
- How do I book a rental car with Nationwide?
- How far in advance do I need to book my rental car?
- How old do I have to be to hire with Nationwide? Is there a maximum age?
- What driving licence do I need to hire with Nationwide?
- How many drivers can be on the agreement?
- Are Nationwide’s rental prices all inclusive?
- How do I pay for my rental car?
- What is Nationwide’s cancellation policy?
- Will I get a refund if I return my rental car early?
- Is Nationwide open on public holidays?
- What are Nationwide's opening hours?
- Do I take my rental car on the Interislander ferry?
- Are there any roads I cannot drive on?
- What accessories are available from Nationwide?
- Am I covered in the unlikely event of a breakdown?
- What is the age/condition of Nationwide cars?
- Will my car have a CD player?
- Can I request a certain make/model?
How do I book a rental car with Nationwide?
Firstly, get a quote online (simply enter your dates, and pickup and return locations in the booking box), by email (info@natcar.co.nz) or call us on 0800 803 003 (NZ), 1800 129 102 (Australia) or +64 9 401 5071 (all other countries). Booking rental cars in New Zealand - click for more information about booking.
How far in advance do I need to book?
It is recommended you book your New Zealand rental car as early as possible regardless of the time of year you are travelling. Booking early ensures you receive your preferred vehicle group and enables you to plan the rest of your holiday.
How old do I have to be to hire with Nationwide? Is there a maximum age?
You can hire a car with Nationwide if you are 21+ years of age. There is no maximum age.
What driving licence do I need to hire a car with Nationwide?
You must hold a valid driver licence from your home country. An International Driver’s Licence is not required but is accepted. The law requires us to sight your licence when you collect your rental car.
Amendment to Land Transport -"All foreign driver licence holders must carry an English translation of their licence in order to drive on New Zealand roads."
How many drivers can be on the agreement?
Nationwide allows two drivers free-of-charge. Additional drivers are NZ$5.00 per day per driver. Extra drivers can be arranged on arrival.
Are Nationwide’s prices all inclusive?
Nationwide has no hidden fees. Our prices are in New Zealand dollars ($) and include Goods and Services Tax (GST), unlimited kilometres and insurance. Click here to find out more about car rental insurance.
How do I pay for my rental car?
Nationwide offers flexibility when paying for your car hire. When you book we take a 10% deposit by Visa or Mastercard to secure your car hire reservation. The balance is payable when you collect your rental vehicle.
What is Nationwide’s cancellation policy?
Cancelled 7+ days prior to pickup date: full refund of deposit paid. Cancelled within 7 days or no show: no refund.
Will I get a refund if I return my rental car early?
Refunds are not given for early returns. Your travel insurer may cover you if you return your rental car early due to illness or unforeseen changes in your travel plans.
Is Nationwide open on public holidays?
Nationwide is open every day except Christmas Day (25 December).
What are Nationwide's opening hours?
Our car rental offices are generally open from 7.30am to 19.00pm. This may vary. Pickups outside these hours are available on request and a NZ$60.00 fee applies. If you wish to leave your rental car at an airport out of hours a NZ$30.00 fee applies (no fee for Dunedin or Queenstown). Please contact us for more information.
Do I take my car on the Interislander ferry?
No. Nationwide allows you to drop your rental car off in one island and pick up in another at no extra charge. Please see our Interisland page for more information.
Are there any roads I cannot drive my rental car on?
You can drive Nationwide rental cars on any road except: Ball Hut Road (Mount Cook), Skipper Road (Queenstown), 90 Mile Beach (Northland) and State Highway 38 Lake Waikaremoana. These roads are not part of normal touring routes.
What accessories are available from Nationwide?
- Baby and booster seats
- In-car GPS navigation
- Touring maps
- Ski racks and snow chains
Click here for more information about accessories for your rental car.
Am I covered in the unlikely event of a breakdown?
Nationwide uses the Automobile Association (AA) Breakdown Service which is available throughout New Zealand. We have our own freephone number which you can call for assistance should you encounter any problems.
What is the age/condition of Nationwide rental cars?
Nationwide has a fleet of over 1,000 rental cars. Rental cars are purchased new and retained until 100,000km when they are used by our associate car rental company - Ezi-Rent Car Hire.
Will my rental car have a CD player?
Yes, all Nationwide rental cars have CD players.
Can I request a certain make/model?
Nationwide will note any requests for vehicle models or body styles and we will do our best to provide such a vehicle. You may be upgraded.


