Frequently Asked Questions

Our current fleet includes premium vehicles designed for South Island journeys:

• Tesla Model 3 Performance – Instant acceleration and quiet premium feel for modern travel
• Range Rover Sport (Diesel) – Smooth highway touring with excellent range and comfort
• Mercedes GLE63 S (AMG) – High-performance SUV perfect for scenic touring and alpine routes
• Range Rover Sport (V8 Supercharged) – Luxury comfort with real V8 power
• Mercedes V220d Van – Spacious and practical for larger parties, airport arrivals, and trips needing serious space

Browse our full vehicles page for detailed information and specifications.

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 GLE63 S – Generally suitable for well-maintained gravel roads
• Performance vehicles (Tesla Model 3, high-performance models) – Not recommended for gravel roads due to low ground clearance and performance tyres
• Mercedes V220d Van – 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're planning significant off-road or gravel road travel, discuss this with us when booking.

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, you can modify or cancel your booking, subject to our cancellation policy. The terms and any applicable fees depend on how far in advance you make the change and the type of booking.

Full details about our cancellation and modification policies, including refund terms and fees, are available in our Terms and Conditions.

To change or cancel your booking, contact us as soon as possible. We recommend reviewing our terms before booking, especially for long-term rentals or 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 seasons when vehicles are in high demand. Additional charges will apply for the extended period.

Contact us at [email protected] or through 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, basic insurance coverage is included with all rentals. This includes third-party liability coverage as required by law in New Zealand.

You may be able to reduce your excess (the amount you're responsible for in the event of damage) by purchasing additional excess reduction options. These options are available during the booking process and at pickup.

Full details about insurance coverage, excess amounts, and reduction options are provided in our Terms and Conditions. We recommend reviewing this information before booking.

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 pre-authorisation (hold) on your credit or debit card. This hold covers the security bond, which protects against damage, traffic fines, and other charges.

The bond amount varies depending on the vehicle and any excess reduction options you've selected. 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.

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.

Yes, we offer a convenient airport transfer service as a paid add-on. This service provides pick-up or drop-off between Christchurch Airport and your pickup point.

The airport transfer makes it easy to start your journey as soon as you arrive, especially if you're landing with luggage. You can add this service during booking or contact us to arrange it.

For more information about our airport service, visit 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.

Contact us at [email protected] or 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 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.

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.

Contact us at [email protected] or 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 GLE63 S – Generally suitable for well-maintained gravel roads
• Performance vehicles (Tesla Model 3, high-performance models) – Not recommended for gravel roads due to low ground clearance and performance tyres
• Mercedes V220d Van – 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're planning significant off-road or gravel road travel, discuss this with us when booking.

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. This helps us maintain our premium fleet for all customers. 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.