10-Day Road Trip in South Island, New Zealand

The car rental location is easy to find, and the procedures are simple and efficient.

The car provided was a local model, not the Highlander we booked. The rental office insisted it was the same model, but the interior space was noticeably smaller, similar to a RAV4. Fuel consumption was about 30% higher than the Highlander.

I had already purchased a super insurance when I booked through Zuzuche, and it was clearly stated on the order that I did not need any additional insurance. However, a female staff member at Christchurch Airport added extra insurance despite me showing her the order and explaining it was my booking. Even after I repeatedly asked to add a second driver, which she agreed to, it was not added. When I discovered the second driver was not added and returned a second time, another staff member helped me add it. I had to go back and forth several times to cancel the extra insurance, and it was raining heavily that day in Christchurch. The whole process was dragged out until after 10 PM. Fortunately, a Chinese staff member named Liang was on the night shift and helped me resolve the insurance issue. I am very grateful for his assistance. However, the unpleasant experience at Christchurch Airport leaves me feeling quite frustrated. I might not consider renting from this company next time.

You can see it as soon as you come out, and occasionally there's a Mandarin-speaking staff member or even a dedicated translator. The customer service was a bit slow during pickup, and they only tried to sell me roadside assistance, which I didn't buy. Drop-off was frustrating; they showed me an invoice, and I noticed the price was $200 higher. I asked why, and after a long explanation, they said it was because the gas tank wasn't full. I had filled it up before returning, and only after showing the fuel receipt was the charge waived.

Big company, great reputation!