Avis New Zealand

Avis New Zealand: vehicle rental across the country

Avis New Zealand is a vehicle rental company operating in New Zealand through more than 30 rental locations distributed throughout the country, with a presence on both the North Island and the South Island. Its offering ranges from compact and economy cars to sedans, SUVs, luxury and electric vehicles, as well as commercial solutions such as vans, utes, trucks and buses.

Fleet and vehicle categories

The Avis New Zealand fleet includes a variety of models for different types of travel. Featured vehicles on the site include the Mazda 3 or similar (compact, 5 seats, 2 carry-on bags), the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or similar (intermediate hybrid SUV, 5 seats, 5 carry-on bags) and the Mazda CX-30 or similar (compact SUV, 5 seats, 3 carry-on bags). The company also offers luxury vehicle rental, electric car rental and long-term rental.

Solutions for businesses and commercial needs

In addition to passenger car rental, Avis New Zealand has options for jobs that require more space, power and capability. The company offers ute rental, commercial van rental, truck and bus rental, aimed at covering commercial transport and cargo needs in the country.

Loyalty programme and digital services

The company has the Avis Preferred programme, which allows members to save their AWD discount code and rental preferences to their profile. Through the Avis mobile app, members can skip the counter, unlock the vehicle and choose or change their assigned car. The app is also available for planning the rental experience. Avis New Zealand also offers an email newsletter called "Driven by Better".

Current offers and promotions

The Avis New Zealand website shows special offers that may vary over time. Published promotions include: earning 2.5 Airpoints per rental day on qualifying rentals; up to 20% off the daily base rate when you pay now; and saving $50 on SUV rentals of 5 or more days in New Zealand. These conditions correspond to the information published at the time of analysis and may be subject to change.

Rental requirements and conditions

To drive an Avis vehicle in New Zealand you must be at least 21 years old and hold a current and valid driver's licence (restricted or learner licences are not accepted) for the category of vehicle, held for a minimum of 12 consecutive months. For vehicles in the Avis Signature Series range, the minimum age is 25. All drivers must present a valid physical driver's licence; digital licences are only accepted in the issuing state. For payment, Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards are accepted, and the cardholder must be present at vehicle pick-up. Prepaid cards, travel cards and EFTPOS are not accepted, nor are electronic payments by phone or contactless. At the end of the rental, some offices may accept prepaid cards as a final form of payment.

Multi-island rental and duration

Avis New Zealand allows multi-island rental with a single booking, crossing the Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton by ferry. The company offers rentals from a few hours up to 11 months. Vehicles are supplied with a full tank and are requested to be returned with a full tank as well; otherwise, a refuelling charge applies. At selected locations there is a prepaid fuel option.

Destinations and presence

The company identifies Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch as its main destinations, as well as Queenstown. Its rental network covers cities such as Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington, Dunedin, Nelson, Napier, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Hamilton, Invercargill, Tauranga, Blenheim and Kerikeri, as well as airports such as Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown Airport, Wellington Airport, Dunedin Airport, Nelson Airport, Napier Airport, Palmerston North Airport, Invercargill Airport, New Plymouth Airport, Hamilton Airport and Tauranga Airport.

Recognition and customer service

According to the company's own presentation, Avis received the title of "The Most Trusted Brand in Car Rentals" in New Zealand and Australia in 2024, a recognition that adds to those obtained in previous years. The website indicates that live chat is available for reservations and rental enquiries on weekdays from 6:30am to 11pm and on weekends from 8am to 10pm.