Car Rental in Palmerston North
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Palmerston North Airport Car Rental
Full-size SUV
Kia Sorento
or similar
$56.81
/ per day
Palmerston North Airport Car Rental
Intermediate SUV
Suzuki Vitara
or similar
$69.08
/ per day
Palmerston North Airport Car Rental
Compact
Hyundai i30
or similar
$110.04
/ per day
Palmerston North Airport Car Rental
Special Commercial Van/Truck
Mitsubishi Triton GLX Club Cab
or similar
$119.96
/ per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Palmerston North Airport Car Rental
Economy
Suzuki Swift
or similar
$143.12
/ per day
Palmerston North Airport Car Rental
Standard SUV
Kia Sportage
or similar
$137.24
/ per day
Palmerston North Airport Car Rental
Premium SUV
Mitsubishi Outlander
or similar
$169.69
/ per day
Palmerston North Airport Car Rental
Compact
Toyota Corolla
or similar
$111.37
/ per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 15:18 on 2023-12-04. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Languages
English, Samoan
Currency
NZD
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+64
Average car rental price
$115 per day
Average car rental length
7 days
Speed limit within town
30 - 50 km/h or 19 - 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
80 - 100 km/h or 50 - 62 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Average gasoline price
$1.69 per liter or $6.39 / 1 gallon
Lowest gasoline price
$1.60 per liter or $6.06 / 1 gallon
Highest gasoline price
$1.79 per liter or $6.78 / 1 gallon
Why rent a car in Palmerston North?
Located in the Manawatu Region of New Zealand’s North Island, Palmerston North has its fair share of attractions for curious visitors. These include heritage buildings, interesting museums, modern cultural spaces, and the region’s famous wineries. With a rental car, you can also easily visit a number of spectacular nature areas that are a relatively short drive from the city.
One-Way Car Rentals in Palmerston North
The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Palmerston North and drop off in another city include:
- From Palmerston North to Wellington - 8 offers from $90.81 per day
Top ways to enter Palmerston North
- Palmerston North Airport: Serving about 650,000 travelers each year, Palmerston North Airport offers flights to and from Auckland, Christchurch, and other domestic destinations on both the North and South islands. Located about 6 km (3.7 miles) north of the city center, the airport takes ten minutes to reach.
- Wellington Airport: Serving the national capital, Wellington Airport handles 6.5 million travelers every year. A hub for the national carrier, Air New Zealand, and served by about ten other airlines, the airport provides many domestic links, as well as flights to and from select international destinations. Located 150 km (93 miles) southwest of Palmerston North, Wellington can be reached in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Auckland Airport: By far the busiest in New Zealand, Auckland Airport handles more than 20 million travelers every year. In addition to domestic routes, the airport also provides flights to such varied destinations as Australia, Japan, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Chile. Located 500 km (300 miles) north of Palmerston North, Auckland can be reached in about six hours.
Top destinations and activities
- New Zealand Rugby Museum. New Zealand may be home to just five million people, but the country is a global rugby union powerhouse. Their national team, All Blacks, are famous not only for the fearsome haka or tribal dance, but also the numerous world cups they’ve won, and this museum is dedicated to those fabled achievements. The rugby museum is part of Te Manawa, a large museum, gallery, and space center that’s one of the most interesting places in Palmerston North.
- Manawatu Gorge. Also known as Te Apiti or the narrow passage in Maori, Manawatu Gorge is one of the most impressive natural attractions in this part of the country. Connecting Manawatu with the neighboring Hawke’s Bay region, the gorge offers truly stunning views that are best enjoyed from the hiking trail that runs along the south side of it. The entrance of the gorge is about 16 km (10 miles) northeast of Palmerton North and can be reached in about 20 minutes by car.
- Te Manawa. A museum of local heritage, an art space, and a science center, this interactive cultural institution is divided into the Life, Art, and Mind sections. Make sure to visit the museum’s website before you go to check out any events that might be taking place during your visit.
Toll roads
All of the toll roads in New Zealand are in the northern part of the North Island (so there are none that are particularly close to Palmerston North). They all serve as short bypasses of congested areas. The tolls are therefore quite low. The toll roads use a license plate capturing system with no physical booths. Payment can be made either by having a setup account, by paying online before or within five days of using a toll road, or with cash in some BP and Caltex petrol stations (though a small fee will be added).
Many rental companies offer some system, with a fee, to pass on toll payments to you without you having to do anything. Of course, it may be better just to pay the toll yourself and save on paying that fee. The toll roads can all be avoided quite easily by avoiding the bypass roads and transiting through the towns (in addition to being able to see more).
Ideas for day trips
- Pūkaha National Wildlife Center. Dedicated to the protection of the unique local fauna species, Pūkaha is a conservation center and a nature preserve about an hour’s drive south of Palmerston North. If lucky, visitors can see unique animals like the kākā bush parrot, barking gecko, and the legendary kiwi bird, as well as learn about conservation and forest restoration efforts. Pūkaha Wildlife Center borders Tararua mountains and forest park, a beautiful and wild nature area.
- Tararua National Forest Park. Incorporating the aforementioned wildlife center, as well as plenty of wilderness itself, Tararua is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Palmerston North area. Known for its high (but mostly accessible) peaks and wide valleys, it is one of the pristine areas of the North Island.
Car Rental Prices in Palmerston North
- Medium cars - from $110 per day
- Vans - from $295 per day
- Premium cars - from $196 per day
- Small cars - from $143 per day
- SUVs - from $57 per day
Top 20 Cities near Palmerston North
-
Whanganui Car Rentals from $133.32 per day64.3 km / 40.0 miles away
-
Wellington Car Rentals from $23.53 per day130.9 km / 81.3 miles away
-
Napier Car Rentals from $56.71 per day143.3 km / 89.0 miles away
-
Picton Car Rentals from $63.38 per day172.8 km / 107.4 miles away
-
Taupo Car Rentals from $35.28 per day180.4 km / 112.1 miles away
-
New Plymouth Car Rentals from $49.28 per day190.8 km / 118.6 miles away
-
Blenheim Car Rentals from $56.71 per day197.9 km / 123.0 miles away
-
Nelson Car Rentals from $42.90 per day228.8 km / 142.2 miles away
-
Rotorua Car Rentals from $34.72 per day253.3 km / 157.4 miles away
-
Gisborne Car Rentals from $48.41 per day274.3 km / 170.4 miles away
-
Whakatane Car Rentals from $93.10 per day288.6 km / 179.3 miles away
-
Tauranga Car Rentals from $82.28 per day299.0 km / 185.8 miles away
-
Auckland Car Rentals from $21.60 per day375.4 km / 233.3 miles away
-
Waiheke Island Car Rentals from $51.54 per day397.5 km / 247.0 miles away
-
Christchurch Car Rentals from $22.91 per day434.4 km / 269.9 miles away
-
Whangarei Car Rentals from $48.41 per day518.1 km / 321.9 miles away
-
Kerikeri Car Rentals from $48.41 per day582.0 km / 361.6 miles away
-
Dunedin Car Rentals from $47.49 per day762.1 km / 473.5 miles away
-
Queenstown Car Rentals from $28.64 per day767.0 km / 476.6 miles away
-
Invercargill Car Rentals from $62.23 per day897.4 km / 557.6 miles away
Top 20 Locations near Palmerston North
-
Palmerston North Airport Car Rentals from $56.81 per day
-
Wellington Inter Island Ferry Terminal Car Rentals from $77.18 per day125.9 km / 78.2 miles away
-
Downtown Car Rentals from $23.53 per day129.4 km / 80.4 miles away
-
Wellington Airport Car Rentals from $23.61 per day130.9 km / 81.3 miles away
-
Napier Airport Car Rentals from $56.71 per day143.3 km / 89.0 miles away
-
New Plymouth Airport Car Rentals from $49.28 per day190.8 km / 118.6 miles away
-
Nelson Airport Car Rentals from $42.90 per day228.8 km / 142.2 miles away
-
Rotorua Airport Car Rentals from $34.72 per day253.3 km / 157.4 miles away
-
Tauranga Airport Car Rentals from $88.64 per day299.0 km / 185.8 miles away
-
Auckland Airport Car Rentals from $21.99 per day375.4 km / 233.3 miles away
-
Auckland East Tamaki Car Rentals from $21.60 per day381.1 km / 236.8 miles away
-
Auckland Penrose Car Rentals from $64.50 per day384.6 km / 239.0 miles away
-
Auckland Onehunga Car Rentals from $21.60 per day384.8 km / 239.1 miles away
-
Auckland Mount Wellington Car Rentals from $21.60 per day385.8 km / 239.7 miles away
-
Auckland Henderson Car Rentals from $21.60 per day392.9 km / 244.1 miles away
-
Downtown Car Rentals from $21.60 per day393.1 km / 244.3 miles away
-
Waiheke Island Port Car Rentals from $51.54 per day397.5 km / 247.0 miles away
-
Auckland Glenfield Car Rentals from $21.60 per day401.3 km / 249.4 miles away
-
Downtown Car Rentals from $22.91 per day433.8 km / 269.6 miles away
-
Christchurch Airport Car Rentals from $25.39 per day434.4 km / 269.9 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Palmerston North?
Car rental prices in Palmerston North vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.
Average rental costs per day in Palmerston North
The cheapest month to rent a car in Palmerston North is July (when prices average $48.00 per day). This is 43% cheaper than the yearly average and 60% cheaper than renting in April (when prices average $118.86).
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
What’s the usual rental length in Palmerston North?
How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in December, the average renter keeps their car for 12 days, and in June, they keep their car for 2 days.
Average number of rental days in Palmerston North
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Palmerston North?
Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Palmerston North is December, and the least popular is June.
Monthly searches in Palmerston North by pick-up date relative to the average
Car Rental Information
| Car rental locations | 2 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
| Popular suppliers | Europcar, Hertz, Ezi Car Rental, Cross Country Rentals, Keddy |
| Popular car categories | SUVs, Medium cars, Small cars, Large cars |
| Lowest price | $57 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Europcar |
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Hyundai i30 | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Europcar | Suzuki Swift | 4 | 1 | Medium cars |
| Hertz | Mitsubishi ASX | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Europcar | Nissan X-Trail | 4 | 3 | SUVs |
| Europcar | Kia Cerato | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Cross Country Rentals | Mitsubishi ASX | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Ezi Car Rental | Toyota Corolla | 5 | 1 | Medium cars |
| Hertz | Nissan X-Trail | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Ezi Car Rental | Toyota C-HR | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Keddy | Kia Stonic | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
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 car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.
AR
Australia
Suzuki Swift
October 20, 2023
Just with family
Car Rental Statistics
Highest rated company
Hertz
9.4 / 10
Lowest rated company
Firefly
8.4 / 10
Total number of reviews
1
Total rental companies
10
Average daily price
$114.66
Lowest daily price
$56.81
Total cars available
31
Top 10 Suppliers in Palmerston North in 2023
Hertz
1 location
$144 - $296
Europcar
1 location
$57 - $136
Thrifty
1 location
Ezi Car Rental
1 location
$120 - $170
Budget
1 location
$110
Cross Country Rentals
1 location
$130
Routes Car Rental
1 location
$58 - $140
Avis
1 location
$111 - $119
Keddy
1 location
$69 - $137
Firefly
1 location
Why book with us?
Special offers
As a market leader (see SimilarWeb), we get special offers like contactless pick-ups, great prices, and free upgrades.
Award-winning
World's Leading Car Rental Booking Website in the World Travel Tech Awards (3 years in a row).
Highly-rated
A combined rating of 4.5 with 90k total reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google, and Review Center.
4M users
Have already booked on one of the fastest-growing car rental booking websites.
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2022
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2022
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2022
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
Highly recommended by our customers
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