Nomado Car Rental NZ

Cheap Car Rental NZ

Rental Terms & Conditions

These Terms and Conditions form part of the Rental Agreement between Nomado New Zealand Limited trading as Cheap Car Rental NZ ("the Company", "we", "us" or "our") and the person(s) named on the Rental Agreement ("the Hirer"). By making a booking, paying a deposit, or taking possession of a vehicle, the Hirer agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

1. Driver Eligibility

1.1 All drivers must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age.
  • Hold a current and valid full driver's licence.
  • Have held a full driver's licence for at least 12 months immediately prior to the rental commencement date.
  • Present their original licence at vehicle collection.

1.2 Drivers whose licence is not in English must provide an approved English translation or International Driving Permit where required under New Zealand law.

1.3 The Company reserves the right to refuse rental to any person who does not satisfy the Company's driver requirements.

2. Authorised Drivers

2.1 All authorised drivers must be listed on the Rental Agreement.

2.2 Unlimited authorised drivers are included at no additional cost provided they meet the requirements of these Terms and Conditions.

2.3 Any person driving the vehicle who is not authorised under the Rental Agreement shall be deemed an unauthorised driver.

3. Bookings and Payment

3.1 A booking is confirmed upon receipt of a deposit equal to 20% of the total rental amount.

3.2 The remaining balance must be paid no later than 14 days prior to the rental commencement date.

3.3 If payment is not received by the due date, the Company reserves the right to cancel the booking and apply the applicable cancellation charges.

3.4 Prices are quoted in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and include GST unless otherwise stated.

3.5 The Company reserves the right to decline vehicle collection where outstanding amounts remain unpaid.

4. Cancellation Policy

4.1 Cancellations made more than 30 days before the scheduled pickup date will receive a full refund of all monies paid.

4.2 Cancellations made within 30 days of the scheduled pickup date will incur a cancellation fee equal to 20% of the total booking value.

4.3 Cancellations made within 14 days of the scheduled pickup date are non-refundable and the full rental amount will be forfeited.

4.4 No refunds shall be given for early returns, unused rental days, late arrivals, changes of travel plans, weather conditions, ferry cancellations, missed transport connections, personal circumstances or circumstances beyond the Company's control.

4.5 Failure to collect the vehicle on the scheduled pickup date without prior agreement from the Company shall be treated as a cancellation and no refund shall be payable.

5. Rental Period

5.1 The rental period commences at the agreed pickup date and time and ends at the agreed return date and time stated on the Rental Agreement.

5.2 The Hirer must obtain written approval from the Company for any extension of the rental period.

5.3 Rental extensions are subject to vehicle availability and payment of additional charges.

5.4 The Hirer acknowledges that rental charges are based on the reserved rental period and not on actual vehicle usage.

5.5 No refund, credit or partial reimbursement shall be provided where the vehicle is returned before the agreed return date, regardless of the reason for the early return.

6. One-Way Rentals

6.1 One-way rentals are subject to availability and approval by the Company.

6.2 A one-way fee may apply and will be disclosed at the time of booking.

6.3 Vehicles must be returned to the location stated on the Rental Agreement.

6.4 Additional relocation, transport, recovery and administration charges may apply where a vehicle is returned to an unauthorised location.

7. Insurance

Basic Insurance

7.1 Basic Insurance is included in the rental rate.

7.2 Under Basic Insurance, the Hirer's liability for accidental damage is limited to a maximum excess of NZD $3,000 per claim.

Premium Insurance

7.3 Premium Insurance may be purchased and reduces the Hirer's liability to a maximum excess of NZD $500 per claim.

Insurance Exclusions

7.4 Insurance cover shall not apply where damage or loss arises from:

  • Breach of these Terms and Conditions.
  • Driving by an unauthorised driver.
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Reckless, dangerous or negligent driving.
  • Intentional damage.
  • Driving on prohibited roads.
  • Driving on beaches, riverbeds, tidal areas or through saltwater.
  • Criminal activity.
  • Failure to secure the vehicle.
  • Failure to comply with New Zealand road rules.

7.5 Where insurance cover is invalidated, the Hirer shall be liable for the full cost of all losses and damages incurred.

8. Credit Card Authority

8.1 The Hirer authorises the Company to retain valid credit card details throughout the rental period.

8.2 The Hirer authorises the Company to charge the nominated credit card for:

  • Insurance excesses.
  • Damage repairs.
  • Windscreen damage.
  • Tyre damage.
  • Traffic infringements.
  • Toll charges.
  • Cleaning fees.
  • Refuelling charges.
  • Recovery costs.
  • Late return fees.
  • Administration fees.
  • Loss of use charges.
  • Debt collection costs.
  • Any amounts payable under this Agreement.

8.3 The Hirer acknowledges that charges may be processed after the rental has ended where the amount owing could not reasonably be determined during the rental period, including traffic infringements, tolls, damage claims, recovery costs and loss of use.

9. Vehicle Use

The Hirer must not use the vehicle:

  • For any unlawful purpose.
  • To carry passengers for reward.
  • For racing, competitions or speed testing.
  • For driver training.
  • To tow another vehicle without written approval.
  • To transport dangerous goods.
  • In a manner likely to cause damage.
  • While under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that impairs driving ability.

10. Permitted and Prohibited Roads

10.1 Vehicles may be driven on formed and recognised public roads, including maintained gravel roads, provided they are driven appropriately for the prevailing conditions.

10.2 Vehicles must not be driven on:

  • Beaches.
  • Riverbeds.
  • Tidal crossings.
  • Sand dunes.
  • Forestry roads.
  • Farm tracks.
  • Unformed roads.
  • Roads officially closed by authorities.

10.3 Without limiting clause 10.2, the following roads are specifically prohibited:

  • Skippers Canyon Road.
  • Ball Hut Road.
  • Ninety Mile Beach.
  • Te Paki Stream.
  • Macetown Road.
  • Any beach access road.
  • Any road designated as unsuitable by the Company.

10.4 Any damage occurring while driving on prohibited roads may result in the Hirer being liable for all associated costs.

11. Unlimited Kilometres

11.1 Unlimited kilometres are included in the rental rate.

11.2 The Company reserves the right to investigate excessive, abusive or abnormal vehicle usage.

12. Fuel

12.1 Vehicles are supplied with a full tank of fuel and must be returned full.

12.2 If the vehicle is returned without a full tank, the Company may charge:

  • The cost of fuel required to refill the vehicle; and
  • An administration fee of NZD $50.

13. Vehicle Condition

13.1 The Hirer acknowledges the vehicle has been inspected at the commencement of the rental.

13.2 Existing damage shall be recorded on the Vehicle Condition Report.

13.3 The Hirer must immediately report any accident, damage, theft, warning light, mechanical issue or breakdown.

13.4 The Hirer must take all reasonable steps to prevent further damage occurring.

13.5 The Hirer must not authorise repairs without prior approval from the Company except where immediate action is necessary to prevent further damage.

14. Accidents

14.1 In the event of an accident the Hirer must:

  • Stop immediately.
  • Obtain details of all involved parties.
  • Obtain witness details where possible.
  • Notify Police where required by law.
  • Notify the Company as soon as reasonably practicable.

14.2 The Hirer must cooperate fully with insurers and the Company in relation to any claim.

14.3 Failure to comply with these requirements may invalidate insurance cover.

15. Breakdowns and Roadside Assistance

15.1 Roadside assistance is included with all rentals.

15.2 The Company will provide reasonable assistance in the event of a mechanical failure arising from normal vehicle operation.

15.3 The Hirer is responsible for all costs arising from:

  • Flat batteries caused by driver actions.
  • Running out of fuel.
  • Incorrect fuel being added.
  • Locking keys inside the vehicle.
  • Becoming bogged or stuck.
  • Recovery from prohibited roads.
  • Tyre damage caused by driver negligence.
  • Lost keys.
  • Any driver-related roadside assistance event.

15.4 The Company shall not be liable for accommodation costs, missed flights, missed bookings, consequential losses, loss of enjoyment, holiday disruption or other indirect losses arising from breakdowns or accidents.

16. Late Returns

16.1 Vehicles must be returned at the agreed date, time and location.

16.2 A late return fee of NZD $50 per hour or part thereof shall apply.

16.3 Additional rental charges, relocation costs, accommodation costs for affected customers, loss of future bookings and other reasonably incurred losses may also be charged.

16.4 The Hirer must notify the Company immediately if they expect to be late.

17. Traffic Infringements and Tolls

17.1 The Hirer is responsible for all:

  • Parking fines.
  • Speeding offences.
  • Toll charges.
  • Congestion charges.
  • Traffic infringements.

17.2 The Hirer authorises the Company to charge:

  • The infringement amount; and
  • An administration fee of NZD $50 per infringement.

18. Smoking and Pets

18.1 Smoking, vaping or the use of any substance producing smoke, vapour or odour is prohibited inside the vehicle.

18.2 Smoking is also prohibited within three (3) metres of the vehicle.

18.3 Pets are not permitted unless expressly approved in writing by the Company.

18.4 If evidence of smoking, vaping, pets, pet hair, pet odour or pet-related damage is found, the Hirer agrees to pay a cleaning fee of NZD $500.

18.5 Where cleaning or repairs exceed NZD $500, the Hirer shall be liable for the full cost incurred.

19. Cleaning

19.1 Vehicles must be returned in a reasonably clean condition.

19.2 Excessively dirty vehicles may incur additional cleaning charges.

19.3 Professional cleaning charges may be applied where necessary to restore the vehicle to its pre-rental condition.

20. Ferry Travel

20.1 Vehicles may be transported on authorised ferry services.

20.2 The Hirer is responsible for all ferry bookings and associated costs.

20.3 The Company accepts no responsibility for ferry cancellations, delays, missed sailings or resulting travel disruptions.

21. Vehicle Substitution

21.1 The Company reserves the right to substitute a comparable vehicle where circumstances beyond its control prevent the supply of the booked vehicle.

21.2 Such substitution shall not constitute a breach of contract.

21.3 Where no comparable vehicle is available, the Company's liability shall be limited to a refund of monies paid for the affected rental period.

22. GPS Tracking

22.1 Vehicles may be fitted with GPS tracking devices.

22.2 GPS information may be used for:

  • Vehicle recovery.
  • Fleet management.
  • Theft prevention.
  • Verification of vehicle location following accidents, damage claims or breaches of these Terms.

23. Loss of Use

23.1 Where damage caused during the rental period results in the vehicle being unavailable for rental, the Company may recover reasonable loss of income suffered while the vehicle is being repaired.

23.2 Such charges shall be limited to the period reasonably required to complete repairs.

24. Chargebacks and Collection Costs

24.1 The Hirer shall be responsible for all reasonable legal costs, debt collection fees, chargeback fees, recovery costs and enforcement expenses incurred by the Company in recovering amounts owing under this Agreement.

25. Privacy

25.1 The Company may collect and store personal information for booking administration, vehicle recovery, insurance claims, debt collection, infringement processing and compliance with legal obligations.

25.2 Personal information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.

26. Governing Law

26.1 These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by the laws of New Zealand.

26.2 Any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the New Zealand Courts.

27. Entire Agreement

27.1 These Terms and Conditions and the Rental Agreement constitute the entire agreement between the parties.

27.2 No amendment shall be effective unless agreed in writing by the Company.

27.3 If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Questions about these terms? Contact us at info@nomado.co.nz or on +64 27 286 3535.