The car wasn't filled up when picked up. Although they agreed that the fuel level just needs to be the same when returning, it's hard to estimate. Pickup efficiency was low, waited for over 30 minutes. The car was average with over 60,000 kilometers. Another car rented from Thrifty had only over 10,000 kilometers, and the pickup efficiency was very high, got it in 5 minutes.

The car rental staff, like all New Zealanders, were enthusiastic and diligent.

Good Part: it was good to have the quick traffic rule test, so that we could discuss some areas that we are unfamiliar with local rules. Bad part: customer service was bad. One lady, not the person handling our return, announce the tyre damage to the whole floor, which was unnecessary and inappropriate for customer privacy. I was charged 2000nzd for the tyre damage. I asked for a more accurate estimate on spot and a male staff said 500 is enough. The officer handling my case told him to "f... off". For the refund of excess charge, I wrote in a few times for bank transfer instead of credit card refund to avoid the hefty exchange charges, but the requests were simply ignored.

The refund of price drop was good. I am still in the process of insurance claim. I shall be able to share more when 5he process is completed.

Highly recommended.

the gps directions at Picton ferry terminal for the apex office were a little confusing