Car Rental in Picton Ferry Terminal

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Picton Ferry Terminal (PN6)

Address:

Ferry Terminal Building,
(South Island), Picton, XX, 7220, New Zealand

Phone:

(64) 3-520-3156

Hours of Operation:

Mon - Sun 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Location Information
After-hours Returns
Drop box at hole in the wall at the ferry terminal office.

Renter Requirements

Prepay Terms

Pay Now Terms & Conditions

Booking Conditions

  • At time of pick-up, location specific rental qualification rules apply to your rental. You must also agree to the rental terms and conditions (Rental Agreement) unless you are an Avis Preferred member and have opted into the master rental agreement. You must comply with our Rental Requirements. The full name on the reservation must match the name of the person collecting the vehicle as validated on their drivers license and credit/debit card. If the names do not match, it may be deemed by Avis as a non-permissible change to your Pay Now reservation and Avis may be required to cancel and re-book at the current rates (including any reasonable and applicable cancellation fees).

Pay now and Pay at Location

  • With Pay Now bookings, you pay for the rental period and optional extras when you book. Not all optional extras are capable of being pre-paid. Any optional extras that have been pre-booked but that cannot be pre-paid will be designated as Pay at Location and the conditions regarding Pay at Location may apply.
  • Additional charges may apply at the end of the rental period and must be paid at the relevant location (e.g. fuel charges and extending your rental period, however, we cannot guarantee that your pre-paid daily car rate will apply).
  • Pre-authorizations:

    At the start of your rental, a hold will be placed on your credit/debit card for the total estimated rental charges plus an additional pre-authorization of up to $200 NZD.  You must use an approved payment card that is in your name and has enough funds available.

    • A pre-authorization holds an amount of money in your account.  Once a pre-authorization has been held, you will not be able to use that money.
    • At the end of your rental, the final payment amount will be processed and if applicable, the unused portion will be released.  Depending on your bank, the money is usually released within 7-10 working days.  Avis will not be held responsible for any overdraft. 

Changing your booking - all booking types

  • You may change your booking (whether a Pay Now or Pay at Location booking) any time before the day you are due to pick-up the vehicle by calling reservations or managing your booking online (if available). We will send you a revised booking confirmation email confirming your new booking details and new amount to be paid to your email address provided.
  • If you return the vehicle before the original return date (early return), you will not be refunded any portion of your payment. This does not detract from your rights as a consumer under applicable consumer protection legislation, including the New Zealand Consumer Law.

Cancellations - all booking types

  • You may cancel your booking at any time before the day you are due to collect your vehicle by calling reservations or managing your booking online (if available).
  • Depending on when you cancel, you will be charged a cancellation fee or no-show fee.
  • You should retain your reservation confirmation number, as it is necessary for any modifications and cancellations. Modifications or Cancellations to your prepay reservation must be made on Avis.co.nz or by calling reservations.
  • If you need to cancel at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled pick-up time, you will be refunded the pre-paid amount less a cancellation fee of up to $86.25 NZD.
  • If you need to cancel within 24 hours prior to the scheduled pick-up time, you will be refunded the pre-paid amount less a cancellation fee of up to $172.50 NZD.
  • If the value of the reservation is less than the cancellation fee, you will not be charged any further amount and will not be entitled to any refund.
  • If you fail to cancel your reservation prior to the pick-up time and do not collect the vehicle on the pick-up date, a no show fee of the entire prepaid amount will be forfeited.
  • Amounts indicated above are inclusive of GST and fees. Additional card fees may apply.

Payment Methods

  • Avis generally accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard and American Express. However, some locations may not accept all card types. Card transaction fees may apply please refer to the card transaction fee terms and conditions for more information.
  • Debit cards are not accepted at some Avis locations and are not a recommended form of prepayment.
  • Debit cards or cash may be used at the end of the rental period for payment of additional charges.
  • Coupons may be applied to Pay Now rentals. Vouchers or Avis rental certificates cannot be used in conjunction with a Pay Now reservation.
  • Gift Cards (Avis or any other) are not allowed on Pay Now reservations.

Rates

  • Your quoted rental rate is based on the exact parameters (locations, dates, etc.) of your particular rental. Any change to your confirmed reservation may result in a different rate being charged.
  • Your total rental rate is calculated based on the information provided at time of reservation.
  • Extensions or late returns may result in additional charges. These additional charges are set out in the standard terms and conditions of rental, which can be downloaded via the Avis website.

Rental Requirements

  • You must bring your reservation number or booking confirmation email with you.  This will help the location find your details so you can get on your way as quickly as possible. Your total rental rate is calculated based on the information provided at time of reservation.
  • We may refuse to allow any driver to drive the vehicle who: (i) does not hold a valid and current driving licence in the country of rental for the entire rental period, (ii) has not brought an international driving licence or official translation (if applicable), (iii) has not held their licence for the minimum period required by the rental location, (iv) has driving related convictions, or (v) who does not meet our identity, security, driving licence or credit checks.
  • The rental location may refuse to rent the vehicle if you or the person making payment fails any of the checks and this leads us to believe that you, the person making any payment for the vehicle, the driver or any additional driver results in the rental being deemed high risk.

Privacy
The collection, use, disclosure and retention of your information, including your personal information, provided to us in connection with payment for our services and products, or participation in our programs, whether directly by you or on your behalf through a payment service, is subject our Privacy Notice located on our website or in the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement and the Privacy Act 1993.


Optional Coverages

Excess Options

Excess Reduction (ER) or Zero Excess (ZE), available at participating locations, are optional coverages that further reduce the standard excess.

reduces the standard excess. Please click here for further information.


Credit Card Policies

Avis accepted cards include; Visa, MasterCard, American Express and an Avis Charge Card. At the start of your rental, a physical credit and or a debit card must be presented. Your card must show your name, signature and card number, with applicable logo. The cardholder must be the renter and present when collecting the vehicle.

Avis does not accept, bank cards worded cardholder, nor accepts prepaid or reloadable store value cards, travel money cards and EFTPOS cards. Avis also does not accept cards presented on phones/watches and doesn't allow contactless payment methods such as pay-wave.

At the end of the rental, some Avis locations will accept a prepaid or reloadable stored value card as a final form of payment.

Please Note: Credit card and or debit cards are subject to a card transaction fee of 2.53% for Visa and MasterCard and American Express 3.57% (including GST) at time of pick-up and payment.

Avis New Zealand may require a customer renting a vehicle to complete a Rental Qualification Form and provide additional identification as it deems necessary or appropriate or in accordance with applicable law. Please see Rental Qualification Policy.


Debit Card Policies

Please see Credit Card Policies


Drivers License

The Driver must (i) hold a full, current and valid driving licence appropriate for the vehicle class while they are using the vehicle. (not being a learner’s, provisional or Pink licence) and (ii) have an International Driving Permit (IDP) or official translation (if licence is not in Roman alphabet).

New Zealand issued Pink licences will state the words Limited, Alcohol Interlock or Zero Alcohol Limit on them. Avis will not rent to a Pink licenced customer.
An International Driving Permit is not a stand-alone document and this must be carried with your valid domestic driving licence for it to be valid.

Digital drivers licence from Australia are not accepted. You must present a physical (plastic) drivers licence.

Chinese licences are acceptable as long as they are also accompanied with a full English translation from an approved translator. This also includes a notary translation done in China.


Public Liability and Property Damage

Public liability insurance is in accordance with the insurance laws of the country.  Customer may inquire at the time of rental for additional information of the benefits, conditions and acceptance.

Note: Some credit cards provide insurance coverage, with certain limitations, as a benefit of using the card to rent vehicles.  The customer is advised to contact the card issuer before the rental.  Any waiver must be discussed directly with the location upon arrival.


Additional Drivers

All additional drivers must meet the same minimum age & drivers licence requirements as the main renter. Each Additional Driver may be charged a daily fee.

For further information, view our Additional Driver policy here.


Additional Fees

Extensions or late returns result in additional charges.


Age Requirements

The minimum age to rent a vehicle is 21 years of age. A Young Driver Surcharge may apply.


Cancellations

You may cancel your booking at any time by calling reservations or managing your booking online.

 

For Pay Now reservations, depending on when you cancel, you will be charged a cancellation or no-show fee.

  • If you need to cancel at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled pick-up time, you will be refunded the pre-paid amount less a cancellation fee of up to $86.25 NZD.
  • If you need to cancel within 24 hours prior to the scheduled pick-up time, you will be refunded the pre-paid amount less a cancellation fee of up to $172.50 NZD.
  • If the value of the reservation is less than the cancellation fee, you will not be charged any further amount and will not be entitled to any refund.
  • If you fail to cancel your reservation prior to the pick-up time and do not collect the vehicle on the pick-up date, a no show fee of the entire prepaid amount will be forfeited.
  • Amounts indicated above are inclusive of GST.
  • For 'Pay at Counter' reservations, no cancellation and or no show fee applies

 


Estimated Totals


Fuel Policy

To ensure a seamless start to your journey, our vehicles are rented with a full tank of fuel. It would be appreciated if the vehicle was also returned with a full tank, however if this is not possible, a refuelling charge will be applicable. The option of pre-paid fuel is on offer at select locations and the exact rate of the refuelling charge will be available upon vehicle collection. Electric Vehicles must be returned with at least 77% charge, or you'll incur a recharge fee. 

 


Local Hirer Policy

Avis New Zealand may require a customer renting a vehicle to complete a Local Hirer Form, provide additional identification and a security deposit. For further information please the visit Local Renter Requirements in the FAQs - Requirements for Renting section. https://www.avis.com.au/en/customer-service/faqs/au/renter-requirements


Modifying Your Booking

  • You may change your booking (whether a Pay Now or Pay at Counter booking) any time before the day you are due to pick-up the vehicle by calling reservations or managing your booking online (if available). We will send you a revised booking confirmation email confirming your new booking details. For Pay Now reservations, the additional amount to be paid will be charged at time of rental pick up.
  • For Pay Now reservations, if you return the vehicle before the original return date (early return), you will not be refunded any portion of your payment. This does not detract from your rights as a consumer under applicable consumer protection legislation, including the New Zealand Consumer Law.
  • Modifying or returning your vehicle to a different location, changing the dates or the rental duration, will result in the reservation being recalculated at the new daily rates and any applicable one way fees or other charges may apply.

Multi Island Hires

Customers travelling between the North and South Islands are permitted to take Avis rental vehicles on the Inter-Island ferries across Cook Strait.

  • It is the customer's responsibility to book vehicle and passenger ferry tickets
  • A minimum hire period may apply
  • Rental can start and finish at any Avis location in NZ (subject to vehicle availability)

We recommend that our customers book the ferry crossing at their earliest convenience to secure the desired crossing date.

 

Further information and details may be found here.


Pre-Authorisations

At the start of your rental, a pre-authorisation will be placed on your credit/debit card for the total estimated rental charges.
A pre-authorisation holds an amount of money on your credit/debit card. Once a pre-authorisation has been held, you will not be able to use that money. You must have sufficient funds to cover the total estimated rental charges and the card be in your name.
At the end of your rental, the final payment amount will be processed and if applicable, the unused portion of the pre-authorisation will be released. Depending on your bank, the money is usually released within 7-10 working days. Avis will not be held responsible for any overdraft fees.
Customers who prepay or who use the Pay Now option, an additional pre-authorisation of up to $200 at time of pick up will apply.


Privacy

The collection, use, disclosure and retention of your information, including your personal information, provided to us in connection with payment for our services and products, or participation in our programs, whether directly by you or on your behalf through a payment service, is subject our Privacy Notice located on our website or in the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement and the Privacy Act 1993.


Rates and Inclusions

The vehicle rental price is calculated based on your requested start and end dates and times, the rental location(s), the amount of time you rent for and the type of vehicle you request.

During the year, Avis offer discounted relocation rates. Relocation rates can range from $1.00 to $30.00 NZD per day.
While Avis will endeavour to provide you the vehicle group selected, you may be required to drive another vehicle due to operational requirements.
Changes to returning the vehicle to a different location other than what you select will result in the reservation being recalculated at the prevailing daily rate which will be significantly higher than the advertised price. 
Any applicable one way fee or other charges will apply.

Unless stated otherwise, the price also includes all costs you must pay - for example, GST and any Airport or Wharf fees.


Rental Terms and Conditions


Travel Into Other Countries

Vehicles are not permitted to leave New Zealand.


Avis Car Rental Picton Ferry Terminal

Visiting New Zealand’s South Island often begins in Picton - a coastal town that serves as the ferry gateway from Wellington and the perfect base for exploring the Marlborough Sounds. With Avis car hire at Picton Ferry Terminal, you’ll enjoy the freedom to explore the region’s dramatic coastlines, lush vineyards, and scenic trails at your own pace.

And if your journey takes you further, we make it simple to connect the North and South Islands with our flexible multi-island hire options.

Multi-Island Hire Made Easy

Travelling between the North and South Islands is a classic New Zealand experience, and Avis gives you two convenient ways to make the crossing:

Option 1: Take Your Car on the Ferry

  • Drive your Avis rental car onto the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry and continue your journey without unpacking.

  • Only one booking is required — for example, Auckland pick-up and Queenstown drop-off.

  • Minimum hire periods and one-way fees may apply. We’ll confirm these at the time of booking.

  • Remember to book your ferry tickets (vehicle + passengers) in advance, as spaces are limited during peak seasons.

Option 2: Book Two Separate Rentals

  • Drop off your car in Picton and take the ferry as a foot passenger.

  • Collect a new Avis vehicle in Wellington (or vice versa) and continue your trip with fresh wheels.

  • This option is handy if the vehicles available at your first location can’t be taken across the ferry.

Whichever option you choose, we recommend booking your ferry tickets well in advance, as spaces for vehicles are limited — especially during peak travel seasons.

 

Why Hire a Car in Picton?

Arriving in Picton by ferry or domestic flight, many visitors choose to begin their South Island journey here. Our car hire service at Picton Ferry Terminal means you can head straight from the ferry terminal or town centre to your next destination — whether that’s a few days exploring the Marlborough Sounds or starting a longer South Island road trip.

Picton itself is worth at least a night or two. You’ll find a bustling waterfront with restaurants, a maritime museum, and easy access to walking trails with sweeping views of Queen Charlotte Sound. Beyond town, your Avis rental car opens up the wider Marlborough region — home to world-class Sauvignon Blanc, boutique breweries, and stunning bays best reached by road.

 

Vehicle Options at Avis Picton Ferry Terminal

Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with family, or in a group, Avis Picton has a vehicle to suit:

  • Compact & Full Size Cars – Efficient, comfortable, and ideal for day trips to Blenheim or vineyard tours.
  • SUVs & 4WDS – Perfect for those tackling the Queen Charlotte Drive or heading into more rugged areas.
  • Hybrid cars - A great choice for travellers wanting fuel efficiency and a lighter footprint while exploring Picton and beyond.
  • Commercial Vans & Trucks – Handy for moving goods or carrying equipment.

Optional add-ons include child seats, additional driver cover, and roadside assistance all designed to make your trip as smooth as possible.
 

Getting Your Bearings in Picton

  • Queen Charlotte Drive: One of NZ’s most scenic coastal roads, linking Picton with Havelock. A must-do for anyone with a rental car.
  • Marlborough Sounds: Accessible from Picton, these waterways are dotted with bays, coves, and forested peninsulas. Perfect for day trips by car and boat.
  • Blenheim: Around 30 minutes’ drive, this is the heart of the Marlborough wine region. Your Avis rental makes it easy to sample world-famous Sauvignon Blanc.
  • Queen Charlotte Track: Start from Picton and use your car to access key trailheads along this iconic walk.
  • Picton Foreshore: Right in town, enjoy cafes, the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, and family-friendly parks before hitting the road.

Driving in Marlborough

  • Road conditions: Main highways are sealed and well maintained, but coastal and rural routes can be narrow and winding — allow extra time.
  • Distances: Many attractions are within 30–60 minutes by car, but South Island road trips often cover longer stretches, so plan fuel stops.
  • Parking: Picton has convenient central parking near the ferry terminal and foreshore, and most regional towns offer free parking.

FAQs 
 

Where is the Avis Picton rental office?
The Avis counter is centrally located in Picton. After arriving on the ferry, it’s just a short walk or taxi ride to the branch to collect your vehicle.

Do I need a car in Picton?
While you can explore the town on foot, having a car lets you reach the Marlborough Sounds, Blenheim wineries, and other attractions that are best accessed by road.

What type of vehicle should I hire?
Sedans are great for local travel, SUVs are recommended for coastal and hilly routes like Queen Charlotte Drive, and people movers are ideal for groups or families with gear.

Can I return my rental car outside of opening hours?
Yes. Avis Picton offers after-hours returns. Please confirm procedures when you collect your vehicle.

Can I take my Avis rental car on the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry?
Yes. You can take your vehicle on the ferry to Wellington, but please advise Avis when booking so we can confirm details.

Do I need a 4WD in Marlborough?
Most main roads are sealed, but a 4WD or SUV provides added comfort on winding or unsealed roads, particularly if you’re carrying gear for hiking or boating.
 

Explore the South Island from Picton with Avis

Picton is more than a transit point,  it’s a destination in its own right and the perfect starting point for your South Island adventure. With Avis rental cars in Picton, you can enjoy the freedom to discover hidden bays, vineyard routes, and unforgettable coastal drives.

Whether you’re here for a short break or embarking on a South Island road trip, Avis Picton provides the vehicles, flexibility, and service to get you there.