By booking a vehicle or using the Kiwi Car Rentals website, you agree to the following Terms & Conditions. Please read them carefully before making a booking.

1. Booking & Eligibility

• All drivers must hold a valid full driver licence recognised in New Zealand.

• The primary driver must meet our minimum age requirement of 18 years.

• Any additional drivers must be declared and approved at the time of booking.

• The Renter must provide a valid driver’s licence and proof of address at the time of rental.

• We reserve the right to refuse a rental if licence, age, or identification requirements are not met.

2. Vehicle Use

• Vehicles may only be used for legal, private use.

• Vehicles must not be used for:

  • Off-road driving

  • Racing or reckless driving

  • Towing

  • Transporting illegal goods

  • Carrying passengers for hire

• The Renter is responsible for the vehicle during the rental period, including all tolls, fines, and penalties incurred.

• Smoking and pets are strictly not permitted in any Kiwi Car Rentals vehicle. This policy helps us maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and comfort for all customers. If evidence of smoking or pets is found in the vehicle, a cleaning and deodorising fee of NZD $200 will be charged to cover professional cleaning and any associated costs.

Any breach of these conditions may result in immediate termination of the rental without refund.

3. Rental Period & Returns

• The rental period begins and ends as stated in your booking confirmation.

• Vehicles must be returned:

  • On the agreed return date and time

  • In a reasonably clean condition

  • With the same fuel level as at pickup (unless otherwise agreed)

• Late returns may result in additional charges.

4. Payments & Security Bond

• All payments are processed securely via Stripe.

• Full payment of the rental fee is required before the rental period begins.

• A security bond (deposit) must be paid before the rental commences.

• We do not store credit or debit card details on our systems.

5. Insurance & Liability

Basic Insurance

• Basic insurance coverage is included in the rental fee, with an insurance excess of NZD $1,500 for damage or theft.

Optional Insurance

• Additional insurance or excess reduction options may be available (where applicable).

Renter Responsibility

The Renter is responsible for:

• Any damage not covered by insurance

• The insurance excess in the event of an accident

• Traffic violations, tolls, and fines

• Replacement costs for lost or damaged keys

• Excessive wear and tear

A NZD $200 fee will be charged for replacement of a lost car key.

6. Vehicle Condition & Damage

• The vehicle must be returned in the same condition as at pickup, excluding normal wear and tear.

• Any damage, loss, or theft must be reported immediately.

• The Renter is liable for costs not covered by insurance.

7. Maintenance & Breakdowns

• Any mechanical issues must be reported to Kiwi Car Rentals as soon as possible.

• Repairs must be authorised by the Company.

• Unauthorised repairs will not be reimbursed.

• Assistance, replacements, or refunds are provided at our discretion depending on circumstances.

8. Cancellations & Refunds

Cancellations

• Cancellations made more than 48 hours prior to the scheduled pick-up time are eligible for a full refund.

• Cancellations made within 48 hours of pick-up may incur a NZD $50 cancellation fee or may result in the full booking amount being charged.

Refunds

• No refunds are provided for change of mind, early returns, or unused rental days.

• Refunds will only be issued if the cancellation or issue is caused by Kiwi Car Rentals (for example, vehicle unavailability or mechanical failure before pickup).

• Any approved refunds will be returned to the original payment method.

9. Bond / Deposit Refunds

• The security bond (deposit) is refundable, subject to the terms outlined in Sections 8 of this Agreement.

• The bond will be refunded after 10 working days the vehicle is returned, provided:

  • The vehicle is returned in acceptable condition

  • No outstanding charges, fines, or damages apply

10. Changes to Bookings

• Booking changes are subject to availability and approval.

• Rate differences may apply if rental dates or vehicle types are changed.

11. Privacy

• Personal information is collected and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020.

• Payment information is handled securely by Stripe.

12. Limitation of Liability

• Kiwi Car Rentals is not liable for indirect or consequential losses, including missed flights, accommodation costs, or personal inconvenience.

• Liability is limited to the amount paid for the rental, except where required by law.

13. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New Zealand.