Car Rental in New Zealand
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 07:34 on 2022-01-19. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
English
Currency
NZD
Country code
64
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Speed limit out of town
80 - 100 km/h
50 - 62 mi/h
Speed limit within town
30 - 60 km/h
19 - 37 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Why rent a car in New Zealand?
New Zealand is a great place to explore by car. Not only both North Island and South Island are full of cozy cities and stunning natural landmarks, but the highways themselves are an adventure as they offer some of the most picturesque driving routes in the whole world.
If you want to know more about renting a car in New Zealand, don't miss our complete guide.
Top ways to enter New Zealand
- Auckland Airport: The busiest in New Zealand, Auckland Airport serves its largest city. A port of entry for a very large number of foreign visitors, the airport has flights to and from such faraway destinations as China, Qatar, Chile, and the United States.
- Christchurch Airport: Serving the city of the same name, this is the main airport on the South Island. In addition to domestic connections, the airport also has flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, Dubai, Los Angeles, and other destinations.
- Queenstown Airport: Serving the popular adventure sports destination, Queenstown Airport handles close to five million passengers annually and provides connections with domestic destinations, as well as the largest cities in Australia.
- Wellington Airport: Serving the national capital near the southern tip of the North Island, Wellington Airport has flights by more than 10 airlines, connecting the city with Australia, Fiji, and many local destinations.
Top cities and places to visit
- Auckland. By far the largest city in the country, Auckland is also New Zealand’s main arts and entertainment hub. In addition to a lively cultural and nightlife scene, the city’s landmarks include the Auckland Art Gallery, Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, and the Stardome Observatory which shares its location with archaeological Māori sites.
- Queenstown. Sometimes called the adrenaline capital of the world, Queenstown is the best place from which to dive right into the great Kiwi outdoors. Situated between the eastern coast of Lake Wakatipu and some truly spectacular mountains, it offers some of the best snowboarding, bungy jumping, and paragliding in the world.
- Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Situated around New Zealand’s highest peak and the rest of the Southern Alps, this spectacular national park has some of the most scenic drives in the country, as well as a vast network of hiking trails for everyone from beginners to seasoned hikers and climbers. Both Queenstown and Christchurch are about a four-hour drive away.
Most popular rental car
The most popular rental car in New Zealand is the Nissan Tiida 2009, followed by the Toyota RAV4 and the Fiat Punto.
Driver license requirements
- New Zealand recognizes valid foreign driver’s licenses from around the world if they are printed in a Latin alphabet and if you’re visiting on a trip that’s shorter than 12 months. If you’re residing in New Zealand permanently, you need to obtain a local driver’s license.
- If your driver’s license is printed in another alphabet (Cyrillic, Arabic, etc.), you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Similarly, if your driver’s license doesn’t show your photograph, you might be required to have an IDP.
- Even if you have an IDP, you need to also carry your original driver’s license as you might be asked to show both.
- You must carry your driver’s license, not a copy, with you at all times.
- You need to have had your driver’s license for at least two years.
- Some rental car providers charge a young driver fee for drivers between the ages of 22 and 25 and a senior driver fee for drivers over the age of 65.
- There may be additional requirements depending on the car provider and car category, so make sure to check the rental conditions before booking.
Most popular types of rental car
Many visitors of New Zealand choose compact and economy rental cars, but fullsize is also very popular, especially among travelers who like to go higher in the mountains and away from the main road network.
Top driving routes
- The Coromandel Peninsula. A large and distinct region of the North Island, the Coromandel Peninsula is a fun place to explore, especially with your own ride. In addition to a beautiful coastline and many cozy beach towns, the area is also known for its thermal springs, the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, and Coromandel Forest Park. The drive from Auckland takes only about two hours.
- Christchurch. Continuing to recover from the 2011 earthquake, Christchurch (or Ōtautahi) is one of the nicest and most atmospheric places in New Zealand. The city is known for its well-preserved architecture and many notable buildings, cultural institutions like the Air Force Museum, and many gardens and public green spaces. A gateway to the South Pole, Christchurch is also home to the impressive International Arctic Center where visitors are made to feel like they are a part of a polar expedition.
- Southland. Vast, very sparsely populated, and dramatically beautiful, the southern part of New Zealand is the right place for an off-the-beaten-path road trip. The region is notable for its glaciers, fjords, and highland lakes; the southernmost city in Oceania, Invercargill; and distinct culture and cuisine that’s centered around oysters. Southland is also great for seeing Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights (the best season is the coldest time of the year, roughly from April to September). Invercargill is only a two-hour trip south of Queenstown and a tad farther from Dunedin.
Car Rental Prices
- Station wagons - from $29 per day
- Large cars - from $76 per day
- Medium cars - from $65 per day
- Vans - from $74 per day
- Small cars - from $33 per day
- SUVs - from $87 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
You can do a number of things to get a good car rental deal in New Zealand:
- Compare rates of different rental car providers
- Book your rental car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting New Zealand is the cheapest in July when renting a car is about 31% cheaper than the yearly average and about 44% cheaper than visiting in February when it’s the height of summer in the southern hemisphere.
Top 18 Most Popular Cities in New Zealand
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Car Rental in Auckland from $12.36 per day
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Car Rental in Christchurch from $12.68 per day
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Car Rental in Queenstown from $16.57 per day
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Car Rental in Wellington from $25.96 per day
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Car Rental in Dunedin from $34.52 per day
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Car Rental in Nelson from $58.16 per day
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Car Rental in Rotorua from $43.03 per day
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Car Rental in Palmerston North from $73.77 per day
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Car Rental in Tauranga from $72.01 per day
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Car Rental in Napier from $47.15 per day
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Car Rental in Whangarei from $53.32 per day
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Car Rental in Invercargill from $115.39 per day
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Car Rental in New Plymouth from $51.66 per day
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Car Rental in Taupo from $51.66 per day
Top 20 Most Popular Locations in New Zealand
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Car Rental at Auckland Airport from $12.36 per day
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Car Rental at Christchurch Airport from $12.68 per day
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Car Rental at Queenstown Airport from $16.57 per day
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Car Rental at Wellington Airport from $25.96 per day
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Car Rental in Auckland Ponsonby from $14.42 per day
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Car Rental in Auckland Glenfield from $24.29 per day
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Car Rental in Auckland East Tamaki from $24.29 per day
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Car Rental in Auckland Henderson from $24.29 per day
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Car Rental in Auckland Mount Wellington from $24.29 per day
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Car Rental in Auckland Penrose from $54.11 per day
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Car Rental in Auckland Onehunga from $24.29 per day
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Car Rental at Dunedin Airport from $34.52 per day
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Car Rental at Wellington Inter Island Ferry Terminal from $33.84 per day
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Car Rental at Nelson Airport from $58.16 per day
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Car Rental at Blenheim Airport from $79.27 per day
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Car Rental at Rotorua Airport from $43.03 per day
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Car Rental at Palmerston North Airport from $73.77 per day
Map of Car Rental Locations
Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in New Zealand?
The cost of renting a car in New Zealand depends on the time of year. This graph compares price changes from month to month in order to find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in New Zealand
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car in New Zealand is July — prices start from $26.92 for an Economy class vehicle. This is 42% cheaper than the yearly average and 59% cheaper than renting a car in the month of December (when prices start at $66.29 for a Compact class). This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. The exact price for your trip will depend on the length of your rental and the number of days until your rental period begins. Just enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see exact prices and offers.
What’s the average rental length in New Zealand?
The average length differs from month to month. The longest rental periods are in October — an average of 9 days. The shortest are in April — an average of 6 days.
Average Rental Length in New Zealand
What’s the most popular time for renting a car in New Zealand?
Discover Cars users search for cars in a lot of locations daily. We gathered this information in order to analyze car rental popularity in New Zealand. The most popular month is January, while the least popular is June.
Popularity of Car Rental in New Zealand by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snap Rentals | Toyota Vitz | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Bargain Rental Cars | Mazda Demio | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Snap Rentals | Toyota Aqua | 5 | 1 | Medium cars |
| Ezu Car Rental | Suzuki Swift | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| yesaway | Toyota RAV4 | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
| Ezu Car Rental | Kia Rio | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Discount Car Rentals New Zealand | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Discount Car Rentals New Zealand | Toyota RAV4 | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Ezu Car Rental | Toyota Alphard | 5 | 4 | Vans |
| Yes Rentals | Toyota Vitz | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
Our Customers Reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.
AM
New Zealand
Kia Sportage
January 9, 2022
The vehicle and office was very clean.
Another staff member would have made things quicker
JS
New Zealand
Nissan X-Trail
January 5, 2022
We stayed at a fantastic Airbnb in Tai Tapu, visited the Christchurch Antartic Centre, visited friends in Akoroa, to name a few.
NT
New Zealand
Toyota Vitz
January 5, 2022
Overall awesome experience
CC
New Zealand
VW Tiguan Allspace AWD
January 5, 2022
Glacier Explorer in Mt Cook is very good experience to see and touch icebergs. Jet boat (K Jet) in Queenstown is also amazing.
MH
Fiji
Kia Picanto
December 30, 2021
Its great dealing with this guys as i m a regular customer for them
KH
New Zealand
Mazda Demio
December 25, 2021
Queenstown and surrounding areas are spectacular and is best seen travelling around via car
HM
New Zealand
Suzuki Swift
December 23, 2021
Dunstan bike trail
KR
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
December 21, 2021
Bit away from the Airport but I believe they have airport shuttles available.
JV
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla
December 16, 2021
Lots to do in the area, great roads and few cars when I travelled
WM
New Zealand
Honda CR-V
December 9, 2021
Go to Giant House Akaroa, the garden and the sculptures are amazing
BC
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
November 24, 2021
Best car hire experience
EB
New Zealand
Suzuki Swift
November 23, 2021
Great time in Christchurch
RL
New Zealand
Mercedes Sprinter
November 19, 2021
Highly recommend yesaway for a group trip using their Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Cheap on diesel, great head room, easy to drive, huge luggage area, spacious and comfortable for a large group or family of upto 12
TD
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
November 15, 2021
Perfect service & rental, would definitely rent again or tell friends to rent through yesaway. Best value for money and such friendly helpful staff 10/10 from us. Oh and car had charger & all the stuff we needed for roadies.
DK
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
November 14, 2021
Travel through the South Island with beautiful scenery
LB
New Zealand
Honda Stepwgn
November 13, 2021
Onekaka golf links awesome for golfers
CA
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla
November 6, 2021
Queenstown beautiful place to see and experience.
SW
New Zealand
Mazda Demio
October 18, 2021
Milford sound and Mount Cook National park were amazing.
LK
New Zealand
Mazda Demio
September 25, 2021
Drove around Queenstown, parking can be confusing but the scenery in and around Queenstown definitely validates having a rental to allow free roaming. Make the effort to visit Arrowtown, Cardrona and Wanaka.
JM
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris Hatch
August 30, 2021
Good value for money and check the small print.
Top 19 Suppliers in New Zealand in 2022
Interrent
+6402102295260
25 Laurence Stevens Drive, Mangere, Auckland 2022
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:00
Tue:07:00-23:00
Wed:07:00-23:00
Thu:07:00-23:00
Fri:07:00-23:00
Sat:07:00-23:00
Sun:07:00-23:00
Go Rentals
+6443881054 / 0508246584
357 Broadway, Miramar, Wellington 6022
Working hours
Mon:08:00-17:00
Tue:08:00-17:00
Wed:08:00-17:00
Thu:08:00-17:00
Fri:08:00-17:00
Sat:08:00-17:00
Sun:08:00-17:00
National
+64092560849
42 Verissimo Drive, Mangere
USAVE
+64092569430 / +640508112233
9 Manu Tapu Dr, Auckland Airport, Auckland 2022
Working hours
Mon:07:00-17:30
Tue:07:00-17:30
Wed:07:00-17:30
Thu:07:00-17:30
Fri:07:00-17:30
Sat:07:00-17:30
Sun:07:00-17:30
Europcar
+64035738800
Terminal Building Tancred Crescent, Woodbourne, Blenheim 7206, New Zealand
Working hours
Mon:08:00-16:30
Tue:08:00-16:30
Wed:08:00-16:30
Thu:08:00-16:30
Fri:08:00-16:30
Sat:08:00-16:30
Sun:08:00-16:30
Enterprise
43808914
STEWART DUFF DRIVE, RONGOTAI
SIXT
+6446660021
1 Freight Drive, 6022 Wellington
Keddy
+64035738800
Terminal Building
Working hours
Mon:08:00-17:00
Tue:08:00-17:00
Wed:08:00-17:00
Thu:08:00-17:00
Fri:08:00-17:00
Sat:08:00-17:00
Sun:08:00-17:00
Alamo
43808914
Stewart Duff Drive Rongotai
Working hours
Mon:07:00-20:00
Tue:07:00-20:00
Wed:07:00-20:00
Thu:07:00-20:00
Fri:07:00-20:00
Sat:07:00-20:00
Sun:07:00-20:00
Routes Car & Truck Rentals
+6442138938
25 Shelly Bay Road Maupuia Wellington 6022
Working hours
Mon:00:00-23:59
Tue:00:00-23:59
Wed:00:00-23:59
Thu:00:00-23:59
Fri:00:00-23:59
Sat:00:00-23:59
Sun:00:00-23:59
Dollar
+640800243789
Stewart Duff Drive, Wellington
Working hours
Mon:07:00-21:30
Tue:07:00-21:30
Wed:07:00-21:30
Thu:07:00-21:30
Fri:07:00-21:30
Sat:07:30-17:30
Sun:07:30-21:00
Autounion
+6499490944 / 080022776468
181 Montgomerie road mangere Auckland , New Zealand.
Working hours
Mon:07:00-19:00
Tue:07:00-19:00
Wed:07:00-19:00
Thu:07:00-19:00
Fri:07:00-19:00
Sat:07:00-19:00
Sun:07:00-19:00
RightCars
Alamo
43808914
STEWART DUFF DRIVE RONGOTAI,
GreenMotion
+640800871563
54 Ascot Road, Mangere, Auckland 2022
Working hours
Mon:00:00-23:59
Tue:00:00-23:59
Wed:00:00-23:59
Thu:00:00-23:59
Fri:00:00-23:59
Sat:00:00-23:59
Sun:00:00-23:59
NUCarrentals
+640800736825
76 Tauhinu Road Greenhithe Auckland 0632 New Zealand
Ace Rent a car
6444711176 / 021358217
126 Hutt Rd Kaiwharawhara
Goldcar
+34965233425 / +6402102295260 / +64021493648
25A Laurence Stevens Drive, Auckland Airport, Auckland-2022
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:00
Tue:07:00-23:00
Wed:07:00-23:00
Thu:07:00-23:00
Fri:07:00-23:00
Sat:07:00-23:00
Sun:07:00-23:00
Surprice
+6496665113
112 Pavilion Drive Auckland, New Zealand