Flight at an airport gate in New Zealand.

Picking up a rental car from the airport

Collecting a rental car from an airport in New Zealand is straightforward — just follow these steps.

Step-by-step guide to collecting an airport rental car

Collecting a rental car at the airport can seem daunting at first, but it really is quite simple. Even if you aren’t flying in, airport rental cars are available to hire, so whether you’re visiting from somewhere else, or you’re a local in need of a vehicle, all you have to do is follow these steps:

Head to the rental counter. These are easy to find, with many of New Zealand’s airports situating them by the baggage claim. If you’re arriving by plane, be sure to include your flight number on your booking so that your rental provider is able to have a staff member on site to help you. When you arrive at the counter, you’ll need to have your booking details, credit card, and valid driver licence (and, if required, your International Driving Permit) ready to go.
Sign and pay. We always suggest that you properly read your rental agreement before signing. This way, you’ll be well aware of the terms you’re agreeing to. Rental car providers tend to prefer credit card payments, but debit cards may be accepted. If you don’t have a credit card, it’s a good idea to check with your rental provider ahead of time to find out what your options are. A hold will also be placed on your nominated card for the rental car’s security bond amount.
Assess the vehicle. Because you’ll be held responsible for any damage that occurs to the rental car whilst it’s in your possession, take a few minutes to check the exterior and interior of the car when you pick it up. Take photos or videos of any dents, scratches, or markings you find—or any damage in general—in case you need to prove that the car was already damaged when you collected it. That said, if you find that the vehicle is significantly damaged, you should bring this to the attention of the on-site staff.
Drive away. With your agreement signed and the keys in your hand, you are now ready to set off on your journey around New Zealand.

For example
Emily wants to pick up her rental car from Christchurch Airport
Emily arrives via airplane at Christchurch Airport, where she has a reservation for a rental car. She has brought all the required items such as her driver licence, a credit card, and her booking details. Upon disembarking the plane, she proceeds to the Arrivals Hall and enjoys a smooth, hassle-free collection at the car rental counter.