Just encountered a problem. We were going to borrow a friends car when we get to Auckland, but now he has been told by his insurance company that its not possible to put us on his insurance.
Looking at various hire companies and the snag seems to be that they wont allow us to take the car over to the south island. We would have to re-hire when we get there.
Any comments or suggestions folks!

We rented from Rite Price and were very happy. And we were so happy when we got to the ferry when we didn't have to empty the car out to get another one. We just drove on and off and away we went.
We rented a 'backpacker's special , a Toyota 3 or 4 years old and never had a problem. And the price was good. If you look at the top right side of their site, they have toll free numbers . I had no trouble calling from Canada. Just figure out the right time!

http://www.ritepricecarrentals.net.nz/cars.asp#top

Thanks so much Kodi - I really appreciate that.

This is a bit funny, most companies let you take them across on the ferry.

Go to a different company.

General Car hire terms and conditions and a list of all Rental Companies in New Zealand

http://www.newzealandatoz.com/motorh...dcarrental.php

Just booked through Holiday Autos. We have to give the car up before going on the ferry and pick up another car at Picton. Same thing on way back!
Tried loads of places Glenn -theyre all the same!

Glad to hear you've got your car booked.
Good luck carrying all your stuff onto the ferry and off again.
We had so much stuff in our car besides our luggage, we had groceries, shopping...on and on.
I'm so glad we got to take our car across with us.

Have a great time