Thrifty, Christchurch Airport Car hire

Thrifty - Christchurch Airport Information, Car hire Instructions & Policies

Address

30 DUREY RD,CHRISTCHURCH,8053,NZ

Telephone

+64800737070 / +6433586730

Pick-up Instructions

The Thrifty - Christchurch Airport car hire location is in terminal

You can walk to the counter of Thrifty - Christchurch Airport car hire.

The office located inside the terminal, near Door 7.

Drop-off Instructions

Please go along Durey Rd to the Rental return car park behind Novotel Hotel. Follow the Rental Cars signs. Google map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/e7JRvGnJ1DLqt8cz8

Opening Hours

Days of Week	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Opening hours	00:00 -01:00 07:00 -23:59	00:00 -01:00 07:00 -23:59	00:00 -01:00 07:00 -23:59	00:00 -01:00 07:00 -23:59	00:00 -01:00 07:00 -23:59	00:00 -01:00 07:00 -23:59	00:00 -01:00 07:00 -23:59

Deposit

Deposits are depending on which car type your rental car falls into, and can be paid with credit cards (pre-authorization)

Representative Car Models	Deposit Amount(approx.)	Business Days Required for Refund
Applicable to all car types，incl. Compact，Suv，Economy，Mini and others. Pack up ^	USD300-5000	30-60

Accepted Cards

Credit cards issued by the following companies qualify a car hire from this store: Visa, Master

E-voucher

Yes. E-voucher is accepted. Show the digital voucher on your mobile instead of a print-out is good enough.

Age requirements

21 - 99 years old

Young Driver Fee applies at 21 - 24 years old with charge of NZD 17.5 per day approximately.

Driver's License Requirements

The main driver and any additional drivers will need to provide a physical full driving license in their name with no major endorsements. The license should be held for at least 1 year(s).

For foreign renters, you need to bring:

Original driving licence + NZTA Translation

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), a professional organization, certifies driver's license translations specifically intended for self-driving rental vehicles within the New Zealand. Free online NZTA for Japanese driver's license holders: https://www.qeeq.com/nzta-topic

Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)

Please note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence together with the original IDP at the counter — photocopies or scanned copies are not accepted.

For local renters, you need to bring:

Full Driving License issued in New Zealand

Additional Extras

Extras Prices

Additional driver

Note that all drivers must provide their valid documentation.

NZD 5.5/day

GPS rental

Provided by the local stores. Usually, interface and voice are of the local language.

NZD 12.6/day

Infant car seat rental

Recommended for children weighing under 20 lbs /9kg (birth to approx. 1-12 months).

NZD 14.95/day

capped at NZD 59.8

Child car seat rental

Recommended for children weighing 20-40 lbs /9-18kg (approx. 1 - 3 years)‌

NZD 14.95/day

Child booster seat rental

Recommended for children weighing 40-80 lbs /18-36 kg

NZD 14.95/day

Cross Border

To be updated

Cross Islands

Conditional:

Towards any New Zealand islands, taking rental cars crossing islands is allowed with certain conditions.

Multi-island travel is still possible by making two separate bookings for the whole journey, one for each island. Single bookings that include rentals on both islands is no longer possible. STARTING ON ONE ISLAND, ENDING ON THE OTHER： Make your booking from where you plan to begin and end your journey. Please provide the details of when you plan to cross between the islands in the comments section of your booking including ferry date and time, without this information we are unable to guarantee a vehicle will be available for you. Book your ferry crossing early and check your rental agreement, if your cross-over date has changed call rental company 5 days before your ferry. If we are not advised of changes, we cannot guarantee a vehicle will be available. Vehicles must be returned to the original rental Island and we will charge a relocation fee of up to $1000 NZD + GST if this does not occur. The rental process remains the same if your rental involves travelling on both islands but starting and ending on the same. Please note you will be liable for the ferry cross over costs.

Ferry Transportation: Allowed

Thrifty allows you to bring the rental vehicle on the ferry. However ferry companies may charge you to bring a vehicle across Cook Strait.

Excess

Collision Damage Waiver Excess differs by car model:

NZD 4000-5000 for other car models.

NZD for Toyota Auris Hybrid,Volkswagen Golf,Toyota Cross Hybrid,Suzuki Vitara,Cubic Metre Van,Vauxhall Corsa,Mystery Vehicle,Toyota Camry Hybrid,Bmw 3er,Toyota Kluger Hybrid,Volvo Xc60,Ford Mustang Gt,Kia Carnival,Toyota Camry Hybrid,Hyundai Elantra,Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid,Kia Sportage,Kia Sportage,Cubic Metre Van,Volvo Xc60,U Ford Ranger-4wd,Mercedes Classe V,Polestar 2,Mystery Vehicle Commercial,

NZD 5500 for Toyota Auris Hybrid,

NZD 5500 for Volkswagen Golf,

NZD 5500 for Toyota Cross Hybrid,

NZD 5900 for Suzuki Vitara,

NZD 6001 for Cubic Metre Van,

NZD 5500 for Vauxhall Corsa,

NZD 5500 for Toyota Camry Hybrid,

NZD for Bmw 3er,

NZD 6001 for Toyota Kluger Hybrid,

NZD 6001 for Volvo Xc60,

NZD 7200 for Ford Mustang Gt,

NZD 6001 for Kia Carnival,

NZD for Toyota Camry Hybrid,

NZD for Hyundai Elantra,

NZD 5500 for Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid,

NZD 5500 for Kia Sportage,

NZD 6001 for U Ford Ranger-4wd,

NZD 6001 for Mercedes Classe V,

NZD 6001 for Polestar 2,

NZD for Mystery Car,

NZD 5900 for ,

NZD 6900 for ,

Theft Insurance Excess differs by car model:

NZD for Toyota Auris Hybrid,

NZD for Volkswagen Golf,

NZD for Toyota Cross Hybrid,

NZD for Suzuki Vitara,

NZD for Cubic Metre Van,

NZD for Vauxhall Corsa,

NZD for Toyota Camry Hybrid,

NZD for Bmw 3er,

NZD for Toyota Kluger Hybrid,

NZD for Volvo Xc60,

NZD for Ford Mustang Gt,

NZD for Kia Carnival,

NZD for Hyundai Elantra,

NZD for Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid,

NZD for Kia Sportage,

NZD for U Ford Ranger-4wd,

NZD for Mercedes Classe V,

NZD for Polestar 2,

NZD for Mystery Car,

NZD 5900-7900 for other car models.

NZD 5900 for ,

NZD 6900 for ,

Third Party Liability Insurance Excess differs by car model:

NZD 5900-7900 for other car models.

NZD 5500 for Toyota Auris Hybrid,

NZD 5500 for Volkswagen Golf,

NZD 5500 for Toyota Cross Hybrid,

NZD 5900 for Suzuki Vitara,

NZD 6001 for Cubic Metre Van,

NZD 5500 for Vauxhall Corsa,

NZD 5500 for Toyota Camry Hybrid,

NZD for Bmw 3er,

NZD 6001 for Toyota Kluger Hybrid,

NZD 6001 for Volvo Xc60,

NZD 7200 for Ford Mustang Gt,

NZD 6001 for Kia Carnival,

NZD for Toyota Camry Hybrid,

NZD for Hyundai Elantra,

NZD 5500 for Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid,

NZD 5500 for Kia Sportage,

NZD 6001 for U Ford Ranger-4wd,

NZD 6001 for Mercedes Classe V,

NZD 6001 for Polestar 2,

NZD for Mystery Car,

Fuel Policy (what does it mean)

Full to Full

Distances to Airports | Railway Stations | Hotels | Other Landmarks

Airports

0.7 km from Christchurch Airport

Hotels

0.1 km from Sudima Christchurch Airport

2.9 km from North South Holiday Park

8.4 km from Fino Hotel and Suites

FIND ME A CHEAP RENTAL

Map view of Thrifty Store Location

coordinates: -43.489485 172.543875

Location Images

Thrifty-Christchurch Airport-33920-store

The Rental Desk

Thrifty-Christchurch Airport-33920-telegraph

The Sign

Guest Reviews

Total points： 9.4 / 10 Excellent

Vehicle condition: 0.1
Vehicle cleanliness: 0.0
Spaciousness: 0.0
Counter staff: 0.1
Pick-up location: 0.0
Drop-off location: 0.0
Pick-up time: 10-30 mins
Drop-off time: 0-10 mins

Frederica Anne
Christchurch
8 /10 Very good
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The staff in Christchurch were not very friendly and were quite picky. They said the passport translation provided by QEEQ didn't have a stamp, so they didn't let me drive. My companion had to drive 2000 kilometers alone, which was very exhausting.
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Bradley Commons
Christchurch
6 /10 Average
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
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Larry Bryan
Christchurch
6 /10 Average
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
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Jessie Galbraith
Christchurch
8 /10 Very good
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The paperwork process was quite fast.
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Leopold Chapman
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The first one right at the airport baggage claim, very easy to find.
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Jerry Lucas
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Very good and convenient. The pickup and drop-off process is very quick. Thrifty also offers a pre-paid fuel service at a discounted rate. For example, if the local price is 2.55, you can pre-fill it for only 2.00. However, you need to manage the fuel level accurately when returning the car, ideally leaving about 10 liters. Keep in mind that low fuel levels can affect the car's performance.
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Alexia Reade
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The service was excellent. Although I bought insurance on QEEQ, they still try to sell you their own at pickup. The difference is that the one bought locally doesn't require an advance payment, while the one bought in China does. Since I had an intercity drop-off, they also tried to sell me an option for a fuel-empty return, which you can choose based on your preference.
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Crystal Constance
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The service attitude was very professional, and the front desk staff were very humorous and fun.
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Aurora Kell(e)y
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The service was very efficient, they clearly explained the driving precautions and reminded us of the fee reasons.
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Molly Ann
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The service was excellent.
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Colin Shelley
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Very satisfied! Both picking up and returning the car were very convenient.
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Basil Steinbeck
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Satisfactory
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Nelson Jerry
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Great experience, both for picking up and dropping off the car.
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Stanley Dillon
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Very convenient to pick up the car at the airport. The car was clean and had a full tank.
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Ingram Matthew
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Booked the car in advance, good value for money. Switched to a Mitsubishi Outlander, which could fit a family of five. The trunk could hold two large suitcases and three small ones. The car had decent power, enough for traveling around the South Island. Renting a car abroad through QEEQ is reliable, with excellent service. They can assist in communicating with the store to resolve issues promptly. The pickup and return process is simple and fast. Definitely recommend them.
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Benson Beaufort
Christchurch
4 /10 Average
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
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Vita Hugh
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
It was okay. The car pickup was quick and right at the airport.
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Miles Bell
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Satisfied
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Dominic Palmer
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Extremely satisfied
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Josephine Chaucer
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Very satisfied
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Maggie Barnard
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
This is my first time encountering an in-store payment method. There was a discrepancy between the actual payment and the contract amount. The car rental company seemed dissatisfied with QEEQ, but the staff was helpful in resolving the issue. The car was in good condition, which is commendable for a 29-day rental period.
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Lionel Pope
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Excellent.
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Nicholas Anthony
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The overall service was excellent.
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Arlen Tracy
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Not bad.
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Norton Simpson
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Excellent
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Yehudi Back
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Very satisfied.
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Dwight Bauer
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Very satisfied
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Denise Robin
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Highly satisfied.
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Dominic Palmer
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The overall experience was great.
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Curitis Steele
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Very satisfied.
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Nora Violet
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
I booked a Mitsubishi but received a Nissan Qashqai instead. Overall, the experience was pretty good.
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Pamela Crofts
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Free upgrade to a 4WD vehicle, excellent and patient service!
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Dorothy Hansom
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The staff explained everything clearly when we picked up the car. We purchased full insurance on-site, including what is covered and what is not, the type of fuel to use, which number to call in case of issues, and the exact parking spot to retrieve the car.
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Barry Bobby
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The process was smooth, and they even upgraded the car for free. Overall, very satisfied.
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Blair Ramsden
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Overall very satisfied.
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Mandel Rebecca
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Very satisfied.
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Quintion Noel
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Very satisfied, the car was in excellent condition and had plenty of space!
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Gilbert Foster
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Satisfied
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Jennifer Sapir
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Our 12-day car rental trip on New Zealand's South Island during the Spring Festival was truly unforgettable. The rental company provided a vehicle in excellent condition. From the moment we picked up the car, it was clear that it had been well-maintained. The exterior was clean with no visible scratches, and the interior was spacious, hygienic, and completely odor-free. The seats were comfortable, adding extra enjoyment to the long journey. During the drive, the vehicle performed exceptionally with responsive handling, precise steering, and quick braking. Whether on city roads or rugged mountain paths, it handled effortlessly. The powerful engine ensured a smooth trip throughout. Additionally, the staff provided attentive service, patiently answering all our questions. Overall, the outstanding condition of this rental car made our South Island trip in New Zealand a reliable and enjoyable experience.
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Devin Gunther
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Overall, it's fine, no issues encountered.
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Judith Gracie
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
It's okay, no issues encountered.
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Yedda Lucy
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The car was excellent and clean, with a simple pick-up and drop-off process.
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Jeffrey Carnegie
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Extremely satisfied
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Ward Wood
Christchurch
8 /10 Very good
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Quite satisfied.
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Hale Benson
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Very satisfied, got the model I wanted to rent, and it was very new, with only 10,000 kilometers driven.
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Josephine Irving
Christchurch
4 /10 Average
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
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Roberta Walton
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Excellent
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Julie Maltz
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The staff, both in Chinese and English, were easy to communicate with, polite, and friendly. They didn't try to upsell any products, and the overall process was quite efficient.
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Rachel Rose
Christchurch
8 /10 Very good
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Simple procedures, convenient pickup and drop-off, good vehicle condition.
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Cherry Zephaniah
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Very satisfied
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Burton Dewar
Christchurch
8 /10 Very good
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Overall service was quite good, both pickup and return were very fast.
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Wallis O'Casey
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Pretty good, affordable and reliable!
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Ronald Paul
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Quite satisfied, the procedures were handled quickly, and the deposit was refunded promptly.
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Rupert Sophy
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Very good.
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Vivien Eliot
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Very satisfied, it can fit 3 26-inch suitcases and 2 20-inch ones.
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Viola Patience
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The store is easy to find, the rental process is quick, the car is in great condition, costs are transparent, and the store even provided a self-driving guide for easy orientation.
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Gustave Hughes
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Overall very satisfied, great value for money.
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Carol Bach
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Very satisfied
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Mildred Micah
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Great service and very considerate.
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Anonymous
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Took a bit long to get the car, but other than that it was good.
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Humphrey Birrell
Christchurch
10 /10 Excellent
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The curly-haired guy at the counter was very enthusiastic and explained everything clearly.
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Aaron Ricardo
Christchurch
8 /10 Very good
Reviewed: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
It's okay.
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