The minimum age to rent a Budget vehicle in New Zealand is 21 years. A underage surcharge may apply.

Age exceptions may occur where they are part of a separate contractual agreement with Budget. Please check at time of booking to verify if a surcharge applies.

To drive a Budget vehicle in New Zealand, you must hold a full, current and valid driver licence appropriate for the vehicle you are hiring. A learner, provisional or restricted driver licence is not accepted. Digital driver licences from Australia are not accepted. You must present a physical (plastic) driver licence.

Pink-issued New Zealand driver licences, which are subject to special conditions as the result of a suspension or disqualification, are also not an accepted licence to rent with.

If your driver licence is not in English please see Do I need an international driving permit? below.

If your driver licence is in any language other than English, it must be accompanied by an approved translation such as an International Driving Permit, issued in accordance with the United Nations Convention on road traffic. An international driving permit is not a stand-alone document and must be carried with your valid domestic drivers licence. 

Translations must be provided by a NZ Transport Agency authorised translation service, or a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate. Chinese licences are acceptable as long as they are also accompanied with a full English translation from an approved translator. This also includes a notary translation done in China.

Yes. If you lose or have your licence stolen and are waiting on a replacement, an NZTA driver licensing agent can issue a temporary driver licence. This is accepted at time of rental.

We process a pre-authorisation for credit and debit cards for your estimated rental charges at the start of the rental and this may include an additional pre-authorisation of up to $200 NZD. This means funds to this value will not be available for use on your card. 

Final charges will be processed after completion of the rental and if applicable, the unused portion of the pre-authorisation will be released by your bank.

Please note that the pre-authorisation may take up to 7-10 business days to be released by your bank. We will not be held responsible for any overdraft fees.

Budget does not accept electronic payments with phones or contactless tap and go payment types. You must present a physical card.

Share the drive and relax while someone else takes the wheel. Only those whose names are recorded on the Rental Agreement may drive a Budget vehicle. For more information on additional drivers including any applicable charges please click here.

Yes. You must wear a seatbelt to ensure the safety of you and your passengers as well as others. The use of seatbelts is mandatory in New Zealand.

Children of certain weight ranges are required to use an approved child safety seat. For more information on these seats please click here.

You must present a physical, valid credit or debit card as well as a current, full and valid drivers licence, all in the drivers name. Any additional drivers must also be present at the time of rental and provide a current, full and valid driver licence.

Budget does not accept electronic payments with phones or contactless tap and go payment types. You must present a physical card.

Your Rental Agreement details your personal information, your vehicle information, payment method, coverages and rental preferences. Remember to read it carefully as it's a legal binding document.

A Rental Agreement is the document you sign prior to each rental. A Master Rental Agreement is signed when you join Budget Fastbreak. It details your contact information, preferred payment method, coverages and rental preferences. It allows for faster handling of your reservation which means you can get on the road sooner.