Efficient

They said no automatic transmission... was forced to upgrade

Not bad

For the first 4 days, I got the Hyundai iMax 8-seater van I had booked. The rental company provided a 2017 new car in great condition, and the pickup process was simple. On the fourth day, we needed to exchange the car in Wellington to get the same model in Picton on the South Island. However, AVIS in Picton couldn't provide the same model and gave us a 5-seater Highlander instead. They suggested we try our luck tomorrow morning if we don't pick it up today. Due to our itinerary and hotel reservations, we had no choice but to continue with the smaller vehicle for another 5 days. Key issues: 1. They did not provide a matching model and downgraded us, ignoring our concerns. 2. The service attitude was poor; they demanded payment for scratches on the previous vehicle (which was clearly noted by the front desk to have been caused by the previous renter). 3. They were verbally sarcastic and ignored our request for a similar 8-seater model. They showed disdain for Chinese people and accused us of being unreasonable when we left. Note, six adults and six suitcases crammed into a 5-seater SUV—it was unbearable.

Booked an automatic, got a manual instead. Refusal to take the manual led to a forced upgrade, which is expensive.