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Get a great deal on Thrifty rental vehicles

Comparing and booking a hire car is easy

About Thrifty car rental

Thrifty has over 25 locations across New Zealand, and stocks a range of vehicles for you to drive away in, including compact cars, SUVs, and luxury models. Thrifty also offers convenient multi-island hire options, allowing renters the freedom to explore all of New Zealand with a quality rental vehicle for each island.

Why book a Thrifty vehicle?

  • Over 25 New Zealand locations.

  • Easy multi-island hire arrangements available.

  • Wide selection of vehicle makes and models.

YOU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY

Here’s what VroomVroomVroom customers think

Our customers have rated their Thrifty car rental booking experience 4.7/5
(1,854 reviews)
  • 05 Mar 2025

    Nice and Easy. Pay later is great.

    bevan s.
    Booked: Ford Everest or similar
    Dunedin Airport
    Ford Everest or similar
  • 05 Mar 2025

    Good

    ajith p.
    Booked: Suzuki Swift or similar
    Hamilton Airport
    Suzuki Swift or similar
  • 03 Mar 2025

    Super easy to book

    paul w.
    Booked: Suzuki Swift or similar
    Gisborne Airport
    Suzuki Swift or similar
  • 25 Feb 2025

    Really easy to book a vehicle and great rates too.

    gary o.
    Booked: Kia Niro Hybrid or similar
    Palmerston North Airport
    Kia Niro Hybrid or similar
  • 02 Feb 2025

    I only rely on VROOM VROOM NZ for ALL my bookings. It's a fantastic one stop shop. saves a lot of time as well as the generous discounts.

    peter p.
    Booked: Ford Everest or similar
    Auckland Airport
    Ford Everest or similar
  • 24 Jan 2025

    Thank you - easy website

    mimi m.
    Booked: Suzuki Swift or similar
    Wellington Airport
    Suzuki Swift or similar
  • 20 Jan 2025

    Easy to select a car. Good to pay on pick up.

    alison c.
    Booked: Toyota Corolla or similar
    Auckland Airport
    Toyota Corolla or similar
  • 14 Jan 2025

    Easy website

    adam s.
    Booked: Mitsubishi Outlander or similar
    Wellington Downtown
    Mitsubishi Outlander or similar
  • 12 Jan 2025

    I’ve been using this site for many years and find it quick efficient and affordable

    ian c.
    Booked: Toyota Corolla or similar
    Queenstown Airport
    Toyota Corolla or similar
  • 09 Jan 2025

    Easy to navigate

    ann m.
    Booked: Toyota Corolla or similar
    Auckland Airport
    Toyota Corolla or similar
  • 06 Jan 2025

    Very easy to use

    allen p.
    Booked: Mitsubishi Outlander or similar
    Auckland Airport
    Mitsubishi Outlander or similar
  • 25 Dec 2024

    Very Easy

    david t.
    Booked: 12 Seat Bus or similar
    Queenstown Airport
    12 Seat Bus or similar
  • 17 Dec 2024

    Very easy to book

    nafeez d.
    Booked: Ford Everest or similar
    Auckland Airport
    Ford Everest or similar
  • 06 Dec 2024

    Quick and easy

    lunan h.
    Booked: Toyota Corolla or similar
    Wellington Airport
    Toyota Corolla or similar
×

We ask users of our booking service to review it after they've completed their reservation. We present a selection of reviews on this page. Our review scores are calculated by averaging the scores of all the reviews that we collect. We don't publish reviews that violate our guidelines. To learn more about guidelines and our reviews generally, visit Terms and Conditions.

Learn more about our reviews.

Vehicle types available at Thrifty

  • Fullsize Pick up (double cab)

    Fullsize Pick up (double cab)
    1.8M (L), 1.5M (W)
    5
    4
  • Standard Elite Commercial Van/Truck

    Standard Elite Commercial Van/Truck
    7.4M (L), 2.4M (W)
    3
    2
  • Intermediate Pick up (single/extended cab)

    Intermediate Pick up (single/extended cab)
    2.6M (L), 1.8M (W)
    2
    2
  • Premium Pick up (double cab)

    Premium Pick up (double cab)
    3 Large 2 Small
    5
    5
  • Compact Car

    Compact Car
    1 Large 1 Small
    5
    4
  • Fullsize Passenger Van

    Fullsize Passenger Van
    2 Large 2 Small
    8
    5
  • Special

    Special
    1.8M (L), 1.5M (W)
    5
    4
  • Premium SUV

    Premium SUV
    3 Large 2 Small
    7
    4
  • Economy Car

    Economy Car
    1 Large 1 Small
    5
    4
  • Compact Commercial Van/Truck

    Compact Commercial Van/Truck
    2.4M (L), 1.1M (W)
    2
    4
  • Compact SUV

    Compact SUV
    2 Large 2 Small
    5
    5
  • Luxury Elite Commercial Van/Truck

    Luxury Elite Commercial Van/Truck
    7.3M (L), 2.4M (W)
    3
    2
  • Fullsize SUV

    Fullsize SUV
    3 Large 2 Small
    7
    4
  • Economy SUV

    Economy SUV
    1 Large 1 Small
    5
    4
  • Intermediate Commercial Van/Truck

    Intermediate Commercial Van/Truck
    2.4M (L), 1.1M (W)
    2
    2
  • Fullsize Sport

    Fullsize Sport
    1 Large 1 Small
    2
    2
  • Premium Commercial Van/Truck

    Premium Commercial Van/Truck
    6.4M (L), 2.4M (W)
    3
    2
  • Oversize Passenger Van

    Oversize Passenger Van
    25
    2
  • Intermediate Elite Commercial Van/Truck

    Intermediate Elite Commercial Van/Truck
    6.5M (L), 2.5M (W)
    3
    2
  • Premium Elite SUV

    Premium Elite SUV
    1 Large 1 Small
    7
    5
  • Standard Commercial Van/Truck

    Standard Commercial Van/Truck
    7.5M (L), 2.4M (W)
    2
    2
  • Fullsize Elite Commercial Van/Truck

    Fullsize Elite Commercial Van/Truck
    8.5M (L), 2.4M (W)
    3
    2
  • Fullsize Commercial Van/Truck

    Fullsize Commercial Van/Truck
    4.2M (L), 2.1M (W)
    3
    2
  • Fullsize Elite Pick up (double cab)

    Fullsize Elite Pick up (double cab)
    5
    4
  • Premium Passenger Van

    Premium Passenger Van
    12
    4
  • Standard Car

    Standard Car
    4
    2
  • Fullsize Car

    Fullsize Car
    2 Large 1 Small
    5
    4
  • Intermediate SUV

    Intermediate SUV
    2 Large 2 Small
    5
    5
  • Luxury Commercial Van/Truck

    Luxury Commercial Van/Truck
    7.3M (L), 2.4M (W)
    2
    2
  • Standard Elite Sport

    Standard Elite Sport
    2 Large 1 Small
    5
    4

Frequently asked questions

On renting a vehicle with Thrifty

  • Where can you rent a Thrifty vehicle?

    Thrifty has a selection of depots in New Zealand. Please see below for the number of depots on each island. North Island (51)

  • What types of vehicles does Thrifty rent?

    Thrifty has one of the broadest ranges of family-friendly vehicles in New Zealand, offering everything from compact cars and sedans through to pickups and commercial vehicles. Fullsize Pick up (double cab), Standard Elite Commercial Van/Truck, Intermediate Pick up (single/extended cab), Premium Pick up (double cab), Compact Car, Fullsize Passenger Van, Special, Premium SUV, Economy Car, Compact Commercial Van/Truck, Compact SUV, Luxury Elite Commercial Van/Truck, Fullsize SUV, Economy SUV, Intermediate Commercial Van/Truck, Fullsize Sport, Premium Commercial Van/Truck, Oversize Passenger Van, Intermediate Elite Commercial Van/Truck, Premium Elite SUV, Standard Commercial Van/Truck, Fullsize Elite Commercial Van/Truck, Fullsize Commercial Van/Truck, Fullsize Elite Pick up (double cab), Premium Passenger Van, Standard Car, Fullsize Car, Intermediate SUV, Luxury Commercial Van/Truck, Standard Elite Sport

  • Is it cheaper to book a weekly car rental in Thrifty?

    The per-day rates of some rental cars may fall if you book for a longer rental period. Prices often change around daily, three-day, five-day and seven-day periods. Also, note that the selection of rental cars available in Thrifty may be more limited if you are looking for a long-term car rental, so it’s best to compare a few different booking durations first.

  • How can I pay for my car hire with Thrifty?

    Thrifty accepts AMEX, Mastercard, and Visa credit cards for vehicle payments with Thrifty. Cash payments accepted only upon the return of your rental vehicle and only at certain rental locations, so again, please check this beforehand.

  • How much does Thrifty require for a security bond and how long will it take to refund?

    Thrifty reserves an amount on your credit card of an amount at least equal to the estimated charges plus a security bond (also known as a security deposit or deposit hold). This deposit amount can vary depending on the vehicle type, mode of payment, and rental location. This deposit pre-authorisation is refunded from your card (pending any additional charges) upon the return of your rental vehicle, however it can take three to seven business days to appear on your statement — the length of this delay is dependent on your bank.

  • What is the minimum age to hire a car from Thrifty in New Zealand?

    To rent a hire car from Thrifty, any driver needs to be at least 18 years old. Their age policy also requires that drivers aged under 25 need to pay a young driver fee, and may be restricted to a limited range of vehicles. Additional drivers under the age of 25 can be added to the Rental Agreement, but they will also be subject to the under 25 fee.

  • What type of driver licence does Thrifty accept?

    Any unrestricted driving licence will satisfy Thrifty’s driving licence requirements. Learner permits and provisional licences are not accepted for vehicle hire, and if your licence isn’t printed in English, you’ll need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP). Digital licences are not accepted and the name on the licence must match the name on the Rental Agreement.

  • Can I add an additional driver to my Thrifty car rental?

    Yes, Thrifty allows additional drivers, however they are subject to the same regulations as the primary driver, and are limited to the number of passengers the vehicle is legally licensed to carry. There is a daily additional driver fee for each driver added to the Rental Agreement. For further information, including the specific fee per additional driver per day, please see the “Important Information” section for details specific to your rental vehicle.

  • Does a Thrifty hire car include insurance?

    Yes. Basic cover is included in the rental quote, but should the vehicle be stolen or damaged in an accident, or a third-party loss occurs, you’ll be liable to pay for any damage charges up to the Rental Vehicle Excess amount as per your Thrifty rental agreement. The excess refers to the amount renters are liable for before the basic cover applies and the amount of this excess can vary depending on the type of vehicle, the age of the renter, and a number of other variables. Thrifty offers additional damage waiver coverage, also known as a damage waiver, including Ultimate Protection and Premium Protection, both for an additional daily cost, and these can reduce your damage excess charge, but be sure to read through your detailed Rental Agreement to see what damage is and is not covered, and also for more information regarding the cost of excess reduction cover. Prosura is another option to consider if you are looking for comprehensive excess reduction coverage.

  • Does a Thrifty rental car include roadside assistance?

    Yes. Thrifty will provide complimentary roadside assistance for any mechanical-based defects that are inherent to the vehicle. However, for issues which aren’t strictly mechanical—you’ll be charged a call-out fee along with any associated costs.

  • How do I pay for road tolls with Thrifty?

    If you use a toll road in a Thrifty hire car, you will be charged for the toll and an administrative charge for the tolls. Thrifty offers an add-on product which includes all toll charges under a single flat daily fee. For details on Thrifty’s toll fees, please refer to the “Important Information” button related to the specific vehicle you are considering.

  • Is there a mileage limit for Thrifty rental cars?

    In cases where you do not have unlimited kilometres, if a kilometre limit on driving distance applies to your Thrifty hire car, the daily kilometre allowance will be shown on your Rental Agreement. If you drive in excess of this daily allowance, a charge may apply for the additional distance.

  • What is the fuel policy for rental cars hired through Thrifty?

    Some Thrifty locations allow the purchase of pre-paid fuel, meaning you can return the vehicle without a full tank of petrol, though note there is no refund for unused fuel. Otherwise, if you return your hire car to Thrifty without a full tank of fuel you may be charged a premium rate to refill the petrol tank. The most cost effective approach is to fill the hire car fuel tank yourself, at your own cost, before returning it.

  • How do I modify or cancel my rental car booking with Thrifty?

    If your hire car rental period is yet to commence, you can modify your booking within the VroomVroomVroom app or by contacting our customer care team to make the required changes. If you have already collected your Thrifty hire car, you’ll need to contact the depot you collected the vehicle from to request an extra day — or whatever extension period is desired. Bear in mind that any change to the rental period — regardless of if it is before you have collected the car or after — may alter the total cost of your hire car. Any changes will be subject to the specific cancellation policy associated with your rental car. If you need to cancel your booking, if you paid a deposit at the time of your booking with Thrifty through VroomVroomVroom, then you need to give at least 48 hours notice of your cancellation in order to receive a refund.

  • What are the details of the Thrifty car rental agreement?

    The Terms and Conditions of renting a vehicle supplied by Thrifty can vary depending on the exact vehicle hired, the age of the driver, the length of the hire period, and a number of other conditions. As such, the exact Terms and Conditions related to an individual vehicle rental can vary from one customer to another and one type of vehicle to another. Once you select a vehicle you are interested in on VroomVroomVroom, you can click on the prominent “Important Information” button to read our guideline to rental terms related to the vehicle which you should be aware of. Later in the booking flow are the detailed Terms and Conditions which you will need to read and accept before finalising your booking. Upon arrival you will also be required to sign a Rental Agreement that outlines the specific Terms and Conditions for your rental.

Note: The information above was correct at the time of publication.
Please check the Terms and Conditions of your chosen vehicle for specific details.

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