Best car rental Christchurch Airport options
When you land at Christchurch Airport, you are almost definitely going to want to rent a car. With New Zealand offering so many adventures and experiences, renting a car is the way to go. Here are a few of the best car rental companies at the airport, along with a few rental tips.
Mode Rentals
First off, located just off the airport premises, when it comes to car rental Christchurch, Mode Rentals is one of the most popular car rental companies in the city. Offering a wide range of vehicles, very affordable rates, and plenty of extras, they have everything you need for your rental.
Mode also has relocation offers, meaning they have discounted rental cars you can use if you are willing to travel one-way to a different city. This could be perfect for some and is a great way to save some money.
Ezi Car Rental
Ezi is a name you are likely already aware of. Located in the Christchurch airport itself, they offer a variety of cars for you to choose from, and several additional extras that you can add to your rental.
However, it is common for rental companies on airport grounds to charge a premium. Whether this is because of higher rent, more customers, or the convenience, the rentals will be more expensive.
Omega Rental Cars
A company you may not have heard of is Omega Rental Cars. Once again, they can be found within the grounds of the airport, and they have a variety of cars and optional extras to choose from.
While they do have a varied fleet of vehicles to choose from, many have noted that the cars to tend to be older, which may be a sticking point for those seeking modern reliability.
GO Rentals
GO Rentals may be a company you are familiar with in the UK; they also operate out of New Zealand. Offering a variety of budget-friendly options, they are often the preferred choice for those on a tight budget.
However, they do have their flaws. Many customers are often surprised by unexpected fees and penalties, as well as disputes regarding deposits. While there are positives, it is best to approach with some caution.
Car Rental Tips
Now that you know a few of the best car rental options, here are some rental tips to help you choose the right car, not break the bank, and ensure you avoid any unnecessary penalties or fines.
Book Early
The first thing you need to do is book as soon as you can. Like many other services, car rental prices go up during busy seasons, such as Summer, and the last thing you want to do is pay a premium just because you waited too long.
Instead, the second your ticket is booked, take the extra time to book your rental car and lock it in as soon as possible.
Relocation Trips
A great way to save some money, especially if you want to travel to a different city, is to look for relocation offers. Rental companies often need to move cars between offices, and they offer them to clients.
In short, you can get massive discounts on vehicles if you drive them one-way, from one office to another. These prices are often a fraction of the regular cost, and while you do get much choice when it comes to the car you drive, it is a great way to save some money.
Check Insurance
Always be sure to check your insurance against the rental company’s policies. In the event of an accident or damage to the vehicle, you don’t want your holiday ruined because you have to foot the bill for repairs.
Document/Photograph Everything
When you first pick up the car, be sure to take photos of the tyres, the paint, and any damage or imperfections you see on the outside and inside. This will protect you when you return the car, as you won’t be liable for any damage that was already present when you picked it up.
You should also document and keep receipts for refuelling the car, changing the oil, etc. While you may not always be compensated for this, it is still important to keep track of these things.
Booking Extras
If you need a car seat, roof rack, roof box, etc, be sure to book these in advance. More often than not, these extras will be more expensive if you book them at the desk, especially if stock is low.
Day rates for these items are also typically higher, so if you do book them, book them for extended periods, such as a week or the duration of your holiday.
Per-Mile Penalties
Finally, always be aware of mileage limits and per-mile penalties. Some rental companies have mileage limits on their cars, meaning you can exceed this limit on a daily or weekly basis, or during the time of your rental.
These limits exist for multiple reasons, but in short, just be sure you know what these limits are so you can avoid any penalties.
