Booking a Car Hire

It’s super easy! Just select your vehicle, then click ‘Email a Quote’. You’ll have five days to confirm your booking (but don’t wait too long—our vehicles are popular!).

Booking your rental car early gives you better choices and availability, especially during summer, school holidays, or major events. The summer period is generally the busiest in New Zealand, so if you’re arriving between December and March, you’ll benefit from booking weeks or months ahead. Outside peak season, shorter notice bookings may still work, though vehicle choice can be limited. Booking early also allows time to review insurance options, add accessories, and complete online check-in. The earlier you book is generally the better to ensure you can get the rental vehicle and dates you need.

Booking requires basic personal details, travel dates, pick-up and drop-off locations, plus a valid payment card. Driver licence details aren’t required at the booking stage, but must be presented at pick-up. Mode Rentals accepts Visa and Mastercard; American Express isn’t accepted. Full payment is usually taken at booking for direct reservations. Accurate contact details are essential when making your booking, as confirmation and arrival instructions are sent by email. Checking licence eligibility before booking helps to avoid issues later.

Rental cars can be booked directly through the Mode Rentals website. Use the booking form to select travel dates, locations, and vehicle type, then complete payment online. After booking, a confirmation email will be sent that outlines rental details, pick-up instructions, and check-in steps. Online check-in can be completed closer to arrival to save time at the branch. Booking directly allows clearer communication and easier changes.

Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards are accepted. For New Zealand customers, we also offer Account2Account. American Express is not accepted.

Mode Rentals accepts credit and debit cards, making booking possible without a traditional credit card. A valid card is still required for payment and bond at pick-up. Cardholder details must match booking information. Prepaid cards and cash aren’t accepted for bonds. Checking card eligibility before booking will help prevent delays when collecting the vehicle.

Yes, here’s how it works:

• Direct bookings: Full payment is required upfront and refundable (less a $25 admin fee) if you cancel at least 24 hours before pick-up.
• Third-party bookings: Payment terms depend on the third-party platform’s policies.

At pick-up, a bond amount will be pre-authorised based on your selected liability limit.

For direct bookings, payment is typically taken at the time of booking via Visa or Mastercard. American Express is not accepted at Mode Rentals. Any additional charges, such as accessories or extended hire, may be processed later if added. At pick-up, a bond is held against the payment card. Reviewing payment details in the confirmation email will help you avoid confusion on arrival day.

Once payment is processed, a confirmation email is sent out immediately. This email includes booking reference, rental dates, branch details, and arrival instructions. If confirmation doesn’t arrive, check spam folders in case it has gone there. If still missing, contacting Mode Rentals directly will help you confirm your booking details. Ensure you have entered the correct contact information when booking to ensure the confirmation goes to the correct place. Keeping confirmation details accessible supports smooth pick-up, especially for airport arrivals or after-hours collections.

Plans changed? No worries! Here’s what to do:

• Email us at [email protected] to request changes or an extension. Rate differences may apply if dates or vehicle type change, and changes are subject to availability.
• If you booked via a third-party website, contact them directly to make changes. You may need to cancel and rebook, subject to availability and pricing at the time.

Always check updated confirmation details after any adjustment to ensure information stays accurate.

Here’s our cancellation policy for direct bookings:

• Cancel 24+ hours before pick-up: Refund less a $25 admin fee.
• Cancel within 24 hours: Charged up to the first two days of hire, plus a $25 admin fee.
• No-shows or incomplete documentation: The full cost of the hire is charged.

For third-party bookings, please refer to their cancellation policy.

We understand that life happens! In these cases:

• Contact us as soon as possible to discuss options.
• On a case-by-case basis, we may adjust your hire dates, subject to availability.

Note: Different conditions apply if your hire has already commenced.

Booking direct often provides clearer communication, easier changes, and direct access to Mode Rentals’ support. Third-party platforms may offer price comparisons, but usually manage changes and cancellations themselves. Direct bookings allow faster assistance if travel plans shift and a clearer understanding of rental terms. Many travellers prefer booking directly to reduce complexity and keep everything handled in one place.