Pegasus Rental Cars | Car and Van Hire NZ

Is there a minimum age to drive a rental car in New Zealand?

Yes, drivers need to be at least 21 years old.

What type of driver’s licence is required to be able to drive in New Zealand?

Drivers must have a current and valid full driver’s licence. A licence in a language other than English, must also be presented with an accredited English translation. This can be obtained via Auckland Translations online. We recommend you call or email us in advance to confirm that your overseas licence is okay to use in New Zealand. Note that a digital NSW or Queensland driver’s licence cannot be used to hire a car in New Zealand – only physical plastic licences are accepted.

Can I book and pay for a rental vehicle even if I am not the person who will be picking it up and driving it?

Yes, as long as you provide written permission for us to use your credit card.

Can I drive in New Zealand even though I’ve never driven here before?

As long as you have a current and valid driver’s licence (paired with an official translation if not in English), you are permitted to drive in New Zealand. A good idea is to review the New Zealand road code. You can take this free online quiz to check if you know the Road Code.

We are only renting a car for a short time period – do we need to hire car seats for our children?

All children aged 0-6 must be correctly strapped into an approved child restraint whenever they travel. Children aged seven to eleven need to be secured in an approved restraint if one is available in the vehicle they’re travelling in. We have car seats that can be hired. See more details about child restraint laws in New Zealand here .

Do you provide car seats for babies and children?

Yes we can provide both baby seats and booster seats for an additional charge.

Am I able to bring my own baby seat or booster seat when I hire a car from you?

Yes – however, your baby seat or booster seat must have one of the following approved standards: AU/NZ Standard, European Standard or the American Standard restraint that complies with New Zealand law is acceptable to use in New Zealand.

Can I add on optional extras after I have booked my rental?

Yes, please just let us know, and we’ll have them ready for when you pick up your vehicle.

What do I need to bring with me when I pick up my rental vehicle?

Driver’s licence of the driver/s for our staff to view.
Your reservation details, if you’ve booked your car in advance.
Credit card or debit card for payment. Credit cards must be embossed with the owner’s name, which must match the hirer’s details on the rental agreement.

What insurance do I need to rent a vehicle?

We provide two insurance options: Damage Liability Excess and Damage Liability Reduction. Please contact your chosen location for details, as terms vary from branch to branch.

What is a damage waiver?

A damage waiver protects you in the event of accidental damage and is included in the cost of your hire.

Do I have to pay a security deposit?

The insurance excess is secured by an imprint of your credit card on the rental agreement at the time of hire (no amount is held or frozen). If you do not have a credit card, you can opt to use a debit card for the bond, however the applicable excess amount for your hire will be held on your card.

Does the vehicle come with a full tank of fuel?

On pick-up your vehicle will come with a full tank of fuel and must be returned with a full tank.

What do I do if I forget to return my car key?

Please contact the Pegasus rental branch where you dropped off your rental vehicle and they will provide instructions for returning the keys.

Can I drop off or pick up a vehicle after office hours?

Yes, please contact the branch concerned and they will explain the procedure. Or, check out the page for your chosen branch for more information.

What payment methods are accepted by Pegasus Car Rentals?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, EFTPOS, and cash. However, our Auckland Airport, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Invercargill branches do not accept cash payments.

How do I change or cancel my reservation?

Please contact the branch you have booked with and they can make any necessary changes.

What happens if I am late picking up or dropping off the vehicle?

Please advise the branch concerned so new arrangements can be made.

Can I change my rental dates after making a booking?

Yes, providing we have availability.

Do you provide airport transfers?

Yes, however a small fee will apply. View the individual branch pages for more details.

Do you offer long hire discounts?

Yes, please contact the pick up branch for a great deal.

Do I need to pay a deposit on my reservation?

No, full payment is taken at the time of pick up.

Can I take my rental car inter-island across Cook Strait?

Yes, providing you pay for the ferry crossing.

Does Pegasus have a Lost & Found service if I accidentally leave something in the vehicle?

Yes, we will contact you if we find anything left in the vehicle.

Do you offer one-way car rentals?

Yes, although a minimum hire period and one-way fee may apply.

Is there an additional charge for extra drivers?

No, you may have four drivers free of charge.

Do you have a breakdown service?

Yes, we offer 24 hour roadside assist.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made within seven days of commencement of hire will incur the greater of a one-day hire fee or 10% of the total rental. Cancellations made within 48 hours of commencement of hire or no shows will incur a fee of the full hire cost.

Covid-19 Assurance – Free Cancellation: As an exception to our usual cancellation policy, if the government brings in a Lockdown which prevents you from travelling, we won’t charge you any cancellation or amendment fees. Furthermore, if you are prevented from returning your car due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, we’ll offer you a very generous discount on your extended hire period. If your event is cancelled or you elect not to travel due to Covid health concerns, we will be only too happy to amend your booking and provide you with a credit to use at a later date. Please note that if you simply decide to change your booking and Covid-19 is not the reason, then our usual cancellation and amendment terms apply.

North Island

South Island

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