Due to the dynamic nature of our rental fleet, Budget is not able to guarantee a specific make or model of a vehicle. Car groups and models may vary by location and may not be available at all locations.

Pets or animals are not permitted in any Budget vehicle, with the exception of assistance and guide dogs for individuals who are visually or hearing impaired or who require assistance dogs for emotional or other forms of support. As with all rentals, additional cleaning fees may be charged in the event the interior of the vehicle requires unusual or unexpected vacuuming, sanitation or shampooing.

All Budget New Zealand vehicles are non-smoking.

Generally the removal of seats in vans is not permitted. Please check with the location directly for further information.

Yes. Budget require you to travel safely to the snow. If you’re above the snow line you’ll need the right equipment. Snow chains and snow racks (for skis or boards you may travel with) are available to hired at an extra cost from selected locations.  

Customers who prepay through a travel agent or tour operator where snow chains and ski racks are included in their rate, won’t be charged, but they do need to be pre-booked.

Note, not all Budget vehicles on fleet can be fitted with snow chains and racks. Check at time of booking that you have the right vehicle.

It is important to inform you of a New Zealand Bylaw if travelling during the winter months in Queenstown Lakes District and Milford Sound.  The bylaw states, ‘At the direction of an enforcement officer or authorised officer, the driver of any which may, be required to fit snow chains to such vehicle on any road and no person shall drive or direct or allow such vehicle to be driven without snow chains fitted”. 

Yes. Budget has your commercial needs covered. We offer a range of commercial vehicles including cargo and passengers vans as well as utes for hire. View our commercial fleet here.

You have three options:

1. To save time and money you can pre-pay your fuel at a competitive price. This is available at the rental counter at time of pick up. If you choose this option, you are purchasing the full tank of fuel. If this option is selected return the vehicle as empty as possible. No fuel left is refunded. (This cannot be added once you leave the rental counter or added to the rental from customer services)
2. If you choose not to take the pre-paid option, at the end of your rental you can stop at a petrol station to refuel and return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel
3. When running short of time, we’ll refill the vehicle up for you however please note this will be done at a premium price. The premium price will list on your rental agreement at time of pick up.

Unfortunately no. Budget vehicles must only be use on a road which is properly formed and constructed as a sealed, metalled or gravel road.

You and any Authorised Driver are prohibited from driving a rental vehicle on the following:

• Skipper's Canyon (Queenstown)
• Ninety Mile Beach (Northland)
• Any unformed roads, including beaches, i.e. roads other than tarseal and metal.

Please refer to the Budget Rental Terms & Conditions for further information on road exclusions under Insurance Exclusions.

The user manual in the glove compartment of the vehicle; or  the label inside the fuel door or flap will specify the fuel to use. There will be a release lever or button inside the car that will open the fuel door. Look for a label with the wording “Diesel Fuel Only” or “Unleaded Gasoline Only”. Please contact the pickup location if you need assistance with this.