Questions, answered plainly

Our current cars are hand-selected for South Island journeys:

• Tesla Model 3 Performance – Quiet miles and instant response; the Model 3 you book is the one you drive (see Tesla hire Christchurch)
• Range Rover Sport (Diesel) – Smooth highway touring with strong range
• Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S – Performance SUV for alpine passes and long days
• Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 – Seven seats when you need them
• Range Rover Sport (V8 Supercharged) – Supercharged V8 for long South Island legs
• Porsche 911 Carrera – Two-seat touring when the trip is about the drive
• Mercedes-Benz V-Class – Space for people and luggage on multi-day trips

Browse our full vehicles page for specifications and photography.

Charging the Tesla Model 3 is straightforward:

• Mobile charger – Included with the vehicle for standard wall outlets (slower charging, suitable for overnight)
• Accommodation charging – Many hotels, motels, and holiday homes have EV charging facilities
• Public charging – Use apps like PlugShare or ChargeNet to find charging stations throughout the South Island
• Payment – Public charging is paid directly by you using the charging network's app or payment system

We provide a charging guide with your rental, and you can find more information on our EV charging guide page.

Yes, child seats are available to add to your rental. You can select child seats during the booking process, specifying the type and quantity you need (infant, toddler, booster, etc.).

Please ensure you specify child seats when booking, as availability may be limited. Our team can help you choose the right type of seat based on your child's age and weight.

Child seats are provided in good condition and must be installed correctly. If you're unsure about installation, we can provide guidance at pickup.

Vehicle suitability for gravel roads depends on the vehicle type:

• Range Rover Sport – Suitable for well-maintained gravel roads and unsealed surfaces
• Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S – Generally suitable for well-maintained gravel roads
• Performance vehicles (Tesla Model 3, Porsche 911) – Not recommended for gravel roads due to low ground clearance and performance tyres
• Mercedes-Benz V-Class – Suitable for well-maintained gravel roads

We prioritise safety, so please drive appropriately for road conditions. Damage caused by misuse, including driving unsuitable vehicles on rough surfaces, may not be covered by insurance. If you are planning significant gravel travel, discuss it when you book.

Your booking includes the base rental rate. Optional extras include:

• Airport transfer – Paid add-on service for pick-up or drop-off at Christchurch Airport
• One-way rental fee – Applies if you're dropping the vehicle at a different location
• Excess kilometres – Charged if you exceed your included daily mileage allowance
• Additional drivers – Small fee per additional driver (must meet age and licence requirements)
• Child seats – Available to add during booking

All fees are clearly displayed during the booking process. Full terms and conditions are available in our Terms and Conditions.

Yes. Here's how it works:

• More than 5 days before pickup: we refund your prepayment minus a cancellation fee of $70 (incl. GST) to cover administrative costs.
• Within 5 days of pickup: no refund.
• No-show (you don't cancel and don't meet pick-up terms): a no-show fee of $150 (incl. GST) may apply, with no refund of prepayment.

Full details are in our Terms & Conditions.

To change or cancel your booking, contact us as soon as possible. We recommend reviewing our terms before booking, especially for peak season dates.

Extensions are subject to vehicle availability. If you'd like to keep your vehicle for longer than originally booked, contact us as soon as possible to check availability and arrange an extension.

We recommend requesting extensions well in advance, especially during peak travel season (December–April) when vehicles are in high demand. Additional charges will apply for the extended period.

Use our contact page to discuss extending your rental.

Yes, you can add additional drivers to your rental. Each additional driver must:

• Meet the age and licence requirements (generally 25+ with a valid licence)
• Be present at pickup with their licence and identification
• Be listed on the rental agreement

A small fee applies per additional driver. This fee is clearly shown during the booking process. Adding drivers ensures everyone who will be driving is covered by the rental agreement and insurance.

Yes, child seats are available to add to your rental. You can select child seats during the booking process, specifying the type and quantity you need (infant, toddler, booster, etc.).

Please ensure you specify child seats when booking, as availability may be limited. Our team can help you choose the right type of seat based on your child's age and weight.

Child seats are provided in good condition and must be installed correctly. If you're unsure about installation, we can provide guidance at pickup.

Yes, one-way rentals are available, allowing you to pick up in one location and drop off in another. One-way rental fees apply and vary depending on the distance and locations involved.

One-way options are particularly useful for exploring different parts of the South Island without backtracking. During booking, you can select your preferred pickup and drop-off locations to see if one-way rental is available and view applicable fees.

For more information about one-way rentals and our South Island car hire options, contact us or check availability during booking.

Yes, standard insurance is included with every hire, including third-party liability as required by law in New Zealand.

You may be able to reduce your excess (the amount you are responsible for if there is damage) by adding excess reduction where offered in the booking flow or at handover.

Full detail on cover, excess, and reduction options is in our Terms and Conditions. Worth a read before you book.

If the vehicle is damaged during your rental, you are responsible for repair costs up to the excess amount. This includes damage to tyres, windscreens, wheels, and all other parts of the vehicle.

If you've purchased excess reduction options, your financial responsibility will be reduced accordingly. The exact excess amount depends on the vehicle and any reduction options you selected.

We strongly recommend:

• Inspecting the vehicle carefully at pickup and reporting any existing damage
• Driving carefully and appropriately for road conditions
• Considering excess reduction options if you want to limit your liability

Full details about damage liability, excess amounts, and insurance coverage are in our Terms and Conditions.

Your booking includes the base rental rate. Optional extras include:

• Airport transfer – Paid add-on service for pick-up or drop-off at Christchurch Airport
• One-way rental fee – Applies if you're dropping the vehicle at a different location
• Excess kilometres – Charged if you exceed your included daily mileage allowance
• Additional drivers – Small fee per additional driver (must meet age and licence requirements)
• Child seats – Available to add during booking

All fees are clearly displayed during the booking process. Full terms and conditions are available in our Terms and Conditions.

When you pick up your vehicle, we place a flat NZ$1,000 pre-authorisation (hold) on your credit or debit card. This is the same security bond for every hire, regardless of vehicle or excess reduction option — it protects against damage, traffic fines, and other charges.

The hold is typically released within 5-10 business days after the vehicle is returned, provided:

• The vehicle is returned in the same condition
• No traffic fines or violations are outstanding
• No additional charges apply (e.g., excess kilometres, cleaning fees)

The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer. Contact us if you have concerns about the bond hold.

Yes. Some charges are only confirmed after return — for example tolls, fines, cleaning, or damage assessed during inspection. We will invoice any outstanding amounts according to your rental agreement.

If a balance remains unpaid after the due date, we may refer it to third-party debt recovery agencies, including international recovery partners where applicable. Reasonable recovery costs may be added to the amount owing. See our Terms and Conditions for full detail.

Your booking includes a generous daily mileage allowance. This allowance is averaged across your rental period, so you can drive more on some days and less on others, as long as the total remains within your allowance.

If you exceed your included mileage, excess kilometre charges will apply. The exact rates depend on the vehicle and are clearly displayed during the booking process. These rates are also detailed in our Terms and Conditions.

If you're planning a long journey, consider our one-way rental options or contact us to discuss your travel plans.

Charging the Tesla Model 3 is straightforward:

• Mobile charger – Included with the vehicle for standard wall outlets (slower charging, suitable for overnight)
• Accommodation charging – Many hotels, motels, and holiday homes have EV charging facilities
• Public charging – Use apps like PlugShare or ChargeNet to find charging stations throughout the South Island
• Payment – Public charging is paid directly by you using the charging network's app or payment system

We provide a charging guide with your rental, and you can find more information on our EV charging guide page.

Where to meet at Christchurch Airport

After you land, collect your bags and walk through to the public arrivals hall (the main meeting area — not airside). We will email you clear, step-by-step instructions after you book, including the best door to exit and what to message us when you are ready. Most guests then take a short Uber or taxi (typically a few minutes) to our handover point — we are not a big terminal counter, so you skip the long rental queues.

Driving on an Australian licence

If you hold a current full Australian driver licence, you can drive in New Zealand on that licence for your trip. An international driving permit is not required for Australian licences (English-language licences).

Delayed flights

Flights slip — it happens. Message us as soon as you know (WhatsApp is fastest; your booking confirmation has the number). We will adjust pickup timing where we can. If you are on an airport transfer add-on, tell us your new landing time and we will coordinate from there.

One-way trips (Christchurch pickup, Queenstown drop-off)

Yes — one-way hires are available subject to vehicle and dates. Choose Christchurch pickup and Queenstown return (or the other way around) when you check availability; live pricing reflects one-way where offered. If you are unsure which direction fits your flights, ask us when you book.

Airport transfer is a paid add-on you can select during booking. For the full airport overview, see our Christchurch Airport Car Rental page.

After-hours pickup or drop-off may be available by arrangement, particularly for airport arrivals. Please contact us with your flight details, and we'll work with you to arrange a convenient time.

Additional fees may apply for after-hours service. We recommend booking well in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.

Use our contact page to discuss after-hours arrangements.

Yes, one-way rentals are available, allowing you to pick up in one location and drop off in another. One-way rental fees apply and vary depending on the distance and locations involved.

One-way options are particularly useful for exploring different parts of the South Island without backtracking. During booking, you can select your preferred pickup and drop-off locations to see if one-way rental is available and view applicable fees.

For more information about one-way rentals and our South Island car hire options, contact us or check availability during booking.

To hire a vehicle from Dream Drives, you must generally be at least 25 years of age and hold a valid driver's licence. International visitors should have:

• A valid driver's licence from your home country (for stays under 12 months)
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence is not in English
• Licence translation if required

Please bring your licence and a credit card in your name to the pickup location. For detailed requirements and exceptions, see our Terms and Conditions.

Please bring the following documents to your pickup:

• Valid driver's licence – Original licence (not a photocopy)
• Payment card – Credit or debit card in your name for the flat NZ$1,000 bond hold
• International Driving Permit (IDP) – If your licence is not in English
• Licence translation – If required and you don't have an IDP
• Passport – May be required for identity verification

All drivers listed on the rental agreement must be present with their documents. For international visitors, ensure your licence and IDP (if required) are valid for your entire rental period.

Yes, you can add additional drivers to your rental. Each additional driver must:

• Meet the age and licence requirements (generally 25+ with a valid licence)
• Be present at pickup with their licence and identification
• Be listed on the rental agreement

A small fee applies per additional driver. This fee is clearly shown during the booking process. Adding drivers ensures everyone who will be driving is covered by the rental agreement and insurance.

Yes. Some charges are only confirmed after return — for example tolls, fines, cleaning, or damage assessed during inspection. We will invoice any outstanding amounts according to your rental agreement.

If a balance remains unpaid after the due date, we may refer it to third-party debt recovery agencies, including international recovery partners where applicable. Reasonable recovery costs may be added to the amount owing. See our Terms and Conditions for full detail.

After-hours pickup or drop-off may be available by arrangement, particularly for airport arrivals. Please contact us with your flight details, and we'll work with you to arrange a convenient time.

Additional fees may apply for after-hours service. We recommend booking well in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.

Use our contact page to discuss after-hours arrangements.

Vehicle suitability for gravel roads depends on the vehicle type:

• Range Rover Sport – Suitable for well-maintained gravel roads and unsealed surfaces
• Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S – Generally suitable for well-maintained gravel roads
• Performance vehicles (Tesla Model 3, Porsche 911) – Not recommended for gravel roads due to low ground clearance and performance tyres
• Mercedes-Benz V-Class – Suitable for well-maintained gravel roads

We prioritise safety, so please drive appropriately for road conditions. Damage caused by misuse, including driving unsuitable vehicles on rough surfaces, may not be covered by insurance. If you are planning significant gravel travel, discuss it when you book.

All our vehicles are non-smoking. Smoking in the vehicle is strictly prohibited and will result in additional cleaning fees.

We expect vehicles to be returned in a reasonably clean condition. Standard wear and tear from normal use is expected. However, if the vehicle requires excessive cleaning due to heavy mess, spills, or smoke, additional cleaning fees will apply.

Please treat the vehicle with respect, and dispose of rubbish appropriately. That keeps every handover straightforward for the next guest. Full details about cleaning policies and fees are in our Terms and Conditions.

As the hirer, you are responsible for all traffic and parking fines incurred during the rental period. This includes:

• Speeding fines
• Parking violations
• Traffic camera fines
• Other traffic infringements

If a fine is issued, we will forward it to you along with an administrative fee. You are responsible for paying the fine directly to the relevant authority.

We recommend driving safely and responsibly, following all New Zealand traffic laws. Speed limits and parking regulations are clearly signed throughout the country.

If the vehicle is damaged during your rental, you are responsible for repair costs up to the excess amount. This includes damage to tyres, windscreens, wheels, and all other parts of the vehicle.

If you've purchased excess reduction options, your financial responsibility will be reduced accordingly. The exact excess amount depends on the vehicle and any reduction options you selected.

We strongly recommend:

• Inspecting the vehicle carefully at pickup and reporting any existing damage
• Driving carefully and appropriately for road conditions
• Considering excess reduction options if you want to limit your liability

Full details about damage liability, excess amounts, and insurance coverage are in our Terms and Conditions.