Rental Car Relocation Deals & Transfer Cars

Relocation car deals are a win-win for both travellers and rental companies. When vehicles need to be moved between branches, let’s say between Queenstown and Auckland, special offers are provided for drivers willing to make the trip. For travellers, this means access to quality vehicles for a fraction of the usual cost. The main difference from standard rentals is that relocation deals are one-way, have set pick-up and drop-off locations, and usually need to be completed within a specific timeframe.

Our relocation process is simple: select your desired route and dates, choose from the available transfer cars, and complete your booking in minutes. Relocation cars are limited to specific routes and timeframes, so booking in advance to lock in the route you need, or having a flexible itinerary, can help you secure the best deal. It’s a fantastic way to explore new routes, save money, and help keep the rental fleet balanced across the country, all while enjoying the freedom of the open road.

Relocation car deals are designed to be accessible and flexible. Generally, anyone over 18 with a full, valid driver’s license can book. A $5 per day surcharge applies for young or restricted-licence drivers, in line with our standard rental terms — see our full driver’s license requirements for details. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you’re welcome to apply, and relocation cars are available to both domestic and international travellers with no special membership or sign-up needed. Just make sure you meet the basic requirements: a valid license (international licenses with English translations or IDPs also applicable), a credit or debit card for the security bond, and the ability to complete the trip within the specified timeframe.

One of the biggest perks of relocation car deals is the cost savings. Relocation car deals can start as low as $1 relocation fee along with low daily rates from $1.99 per day. These can go up in price depending on the vehicle and trip specifics. Extras like insurance, tolls, and ferry crossings incur extra charges, so it’s important to read the fine print or get in contact with one of our friendly team members for additional information.

Relocation deals are priced so low because they’re tied to a specific route and timeframe that helps us move our fleet where it’s needed, so they’re designed to be completed within the given window rather than extended. Extra days are not guaranteed and can only be considered in limited circumstances, subject to vehicle availability. If approved, any extension would be charged at our standard rental hire rates rather than the relocation special rate. If your plans mean you’ll need more time on the road, please get in touch with our team before you book so we can help you find an option that better suits your itinerary.

The relocation rate only applies if the vehicle is returned within the agreed timeframe for your route. If the vehicle is returned late, the full standard rental rate will apply for the entire hire, in addition to the relocation fee, rather than the discounted relocation daily rate. If you think you won’t make the deadline, please contact our team as early as possible, ideally before you book, so we can talk through your options.

Great question! For relocation routes that cross between the North and South Islands, Mode Rentals does not include the Interislander ferry ticket for your vehicle as part of the deal. In the case you are relocating a car between islands, you need to pay for your own passenger fare as stated on the relocation special listing. If you are travelling across the islands, we recommend booking the ferry far in advance as these can sell out, especially during busier summer periods. Don’t forget to check out our 12% off BlueBridge ferry crossings while you’re booking.

Booking a relocation car with Mode Rentals is easy and hassle-free. Start by checking our website for available relocation deals. These are updated regularly, so it pays to check back often. Once you find a deal that suits your route and dates, simply follow the booking instructions online or contact our team directly. We’ll guide you through the process, confirm your eligibility, and answer any questions you have. To increase your chances, be flexible with your dates and consider alternative pick-up or drop-off locations.

Relocation bookings follow our standard cancellation terms, the same as any other Mode Rentals hire. A $25 administration fee applies to cancellations, and changes or cancellations made within 24 hours of your pick-up time may incur additional charges. Because relocation rates are already discounted, it’s worth being confident in your dates before booking. Full details are set out in our Terms & Conditions, and our team is happy to answer any questions before you confirm.

To book a relocation car, you’ll need a full, valid driver’s license, international licenses are welcome, as long as they’re in English or accompanied by an official translation. Mode Rentals relocation deals come with unlimited kilometers, so you can explore without worrying about extra charges for distance. Whether fuel allowances are included in your relocation booking will vary between specific relocation car specials and will be outlined within the listing.

Insurance is an important part of any rental, and relocation deals are no exception. At Mode Rentals, we offer a range of insurance options to suit your comfort level, from basic cover to reduced-excess packages for extra peace of mind, the same Liability Limit options available on our standard hires. We recommend taking a few minutes to inspect the vehicle before you hit the road, snap some photos or videos to document its condition, and let us know if you spot anything unusual. Our vehicles are regularly serviced and cleaned, but your pre-trip check helps ensure a smooth experience. And if you ever need help on the road, our 24/7 roadside assistance is just a call away.

Flexibility is key when it comes to relocation rentals. Mode Rentals offers convenient pick-up and drop-off locations across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown, making it easy to start and finish your journey where it suits you. Locations for relocation rentals are specifically set as the route for relocation is confirmed to move the fleet effectively. Some popular routes include Queenstown to Auckland, Christchurch to Auckland, Queenstown to Wellington, Auckland to Queenstown, and Wellington to Christchurch, with many more in between our main location points, so it’s worth checking our relocation car availability regularly to see what routes and dates are on offer. Pick-up and drop-off times are also usually set and shown at the time of booking, but if you need to adjust your plans, just get in touch as there may be options to extend based on availability.

When looking to select the right relocation car option for your next road trip, here are a few things you should consider. Not sure what suits you? Browse our full vehicle options to compare what’s available.

• Travel Requirements: Make sure you’ve checked if the transfer car meets your travel needs for car size and seats, especially if you’re travelling with bigger groups.
• Relocation Car Route: When selecting the right transfer car for your journey, make sure you’ve double-checked the pick-up and drop-off points. You’ll need to start and end your journey at the provided destinations, so it’s important to know the route will work for you.
• Relocation Car Timeline: The transfer car specials available at Mode Rentals have a range of journey timelines so you can find the right one that works for you. Check the maximum booking day timeline so you can work it in with your travel plans and road trip stopovers. These timelines are maximums, so if you’re looking for a shorter trip, you can happily return the car after fewer days.

Relocation car deals are a fantastic way to travel affordably, flexibly, and with a sense of adventure, perfect for spontaneous road trips, cross-country moves, or simply exploring more of Aotearoa. Our relocation cars are well-maintained and offer the same comfort and reliability as standard rentals, making them a great choice for your journey. With Mode Rentals, you get the added bonus of local expertise, friendly support, and a commitment to making your journey easy and enjoyable. Maximise your savings by booking early, choosing the right vehicle, and aligning your schedule with available relocation windows. Remember, with great deals come a few responsibilities: stick to agreed timings, look after your vehicle, and keep us in the loop if plans change.