Car Rental in Palmerston North
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Palmerston North Downtown Car Rental
Economy
Mazda Demio
or similar
$20.56
per day
Palmerston North Downtown Car Rental
Compact
Mazda 3
or similar
$23.77
per day
Palmerston North Airport Car Rental
Compact
Suzuki Swift
or similar
$74.41
per day
Palmerston North Airport Car Rental
Compact
Kia Stonic
or similar
$76.86
per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Palmerston North Airport Car Rental
Intermediate
Mitsubishi ASX
or similar
$77.25
/ per day
Palmerston North Airport Car Rental
Intermediate
Kia Cerato
or similar
$78.33
/ per day
Palmerston North Airport Car Rental
Compact
Mitsubishi ASX
or similar
$78.42
/ per day
Palmerston North Airport Car Rental
Compact
Kia Stonic
or similar
$80.37
/ per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 15:58 on 2022-12-01. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Awards
World Travel Awards - World's Leading Car Rental Booking Website
World Travel Awards - World's Leading Car Rental Booking App
2021 Magellan Awards Silver Winner
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
2021 FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies
2020 FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2020
2019 Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies
Travel Information
Language
English
Currency
NZD
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Country code
64
Economy car rental price
$48.21 / per day
Average car rental length
3 days
Speed limit within town
30 - 60 km/h
19 - 37 mi/h
Speed limit out of town
80 - 100 km/h
50 - 62 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Average gasoline price
$1.79 / 1 liter
Highest gasoline price
$1.86 / 1 liter
Lowest gasoline price
$1.67 / 1 liter
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 $88.64 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 a day-trip
- 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
- Large cars - from $88 per day
- Medium cars - from $81 per day
- SUVs - from $92 per day
Top 20 Cities near Palmerston North
-
Auckland Car Rentals from $24.18 per day375.4 km / 233.3 miles away
-
Christchurch Car Rentals from $31.99 per day434.4 km / 270.0 miles away
-
Queenstown Car Rentals from $41.42 per day767.4 km / 476.8 miles away
-
Wellington Car Rentals from $31.50 per day130.9 km / 81.4 miles away
-
Nelson Car Rentals from $33.90 per day228.8 km / 142.2 miles away
-
744.8 km / 462.8 miles away
-
Picton Car Rentals from $81.87 per day172.8 km / 107.4 miles away
-
Tauranga Car Rentals from $66.68 per day299.6 km / 186.2 miles away
-
249.0 km / 154.7 miles away
-
Napier Car Rentals from $52.82 per day143.3 km / 89.1 miles away
-
Invercargill Car Rentals from $84.38 per day897.4 km / 557.6 miles away
-
New Plymouth Car Rentals from $49.20 per day190.8 km / 118.6 miles away
-
Blenheim Car Rentals from $78.12 per day197.9 km / 123.0 miles away
-
Whangarei Car Rentals from $50.77 per day518.1 km / 322.0 miles away
-
Taupo Car Rentals from $50.77 per day180.4 km / 112.1 miles away
-
Kerikeri Car Rentals from $50.77 per day582.0 km / 361.6 miles away
-
276.8 km / 172.0 miles away
-
578.0 km / 359.1 miles away
-
Westport Car Rentals from $80.14 per day373.6 km / 232.1 miles away
-
116.9 km / 72.7 miles away
Top 20 Locations near Palmerston North
-
Palmerston North Airport Car Rentals from $74.41 per day3.4 km / 2.1 miles away
-
Wellington Inter Island Ferry Terminal Car Rentals from $31.33 per day123.5 km / 76.7 miles away
-
Wellington Airport Car Rentals from $31.50 per day128.4 km / 79.8 miles away
-
Napier Airport Car Rentals from $52.82 per day145.2 km / 90.2 miles away
-
Taupo Airport Car Rentals from $50.77 per day183.5 km / 114.0 miles away
-
New Plymouth Airport Car Rentals from $49.20 per day193.7 km / 120.4 miles away
-
Blenheim Airport Car Rentals from $78.12 per day196.0 km / 121.8 miles away
-
Nelson Airport Car Rentals from $33.90 per day227.6 km / 141.4 miles away
-
Rotorua Airport Car Rentals from $42.56 per day256.4 km / 159.3 miles away
-
Gisborne Airport Car Rentals from $49.20 per day276.2 km / 171.6 miles away
-
Whakatane Airport Car Rentals from $41.48 per day292.1 km / 181.5 miles away
-
Tauranga Airport Car Rentals from $54.57 per day302.2 km / 187.8 miles away
-
Westport Airport Car Rentals from $80.14 per day372.6 km / 231.5 miles away
-
Auckland Airport Car Rentals from $24.18 per day378.8 km / 235.4 miles away
-
Auckland East Tamaki Car Rentals from $15.95 per day384.5 km / 238.9 miles away
-
Auckland Henderson Car Rentals from $20.03 per day396.2 km / 246.2 miles away
-
Auckland Ponsonby Car Rentals from $13.35 per day396.5 km / 246.4 miles away
-
Christchurch Airport Car Rentals from $31.99 per day432.0 km / 268.4 miles away
-
Whangarei Airport Car Rentals from $50.77 per day521.5 km / 324.0 miles away
-
Kerikeri Airport Car Rentals from $50.77 per day585.4 km / 363.7 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Palmerston North?
Car rental prices in Palmerston North vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Palmerston North
The best month to rent a car in Palmerston North is May (when prices for an Economy class start from $30.48). This is 44% cheaper than the yearly average and 58% cheaper than renting in November (when rental prices start at $73.26 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.
What’s the usual rental length in Palmerston North?
Travel lengths vary from month to month: in March, travelers rent a car for an average of 8 days in September, the average rental period is 3 days.
Average Rental Length in Palmerston North
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Palmerston North?
The most popular month for renting a car in Palmerston North is May, and the least popular is January.
Popularity of Car Rental in Palmerston North by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Mazda 6 | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Hertz | Hyundai i30 | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Hertz | Mitsubishi ASX | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Europcar | MG HS | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Europcar | Kia Cerato | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Hertz | Kia Sportage | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Hertz | Suzuki Swift | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Keddy | Kia Stonic | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Hertz | Nissan X-Trail | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Hertz | Mazda 6 | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
Car Rental Statistics
Highest rated company
Hertz
9.46 / 10
Lowest rated company
Ezi Car Rental
0 / 10
Total rental companies
8
Average daily price
$48.21
Lowest daily price
$20.55
Total cars available
32
Top 8 Suppliers in Palmerston North in 2022
Hertz
+64063570921
Palmerston North Airport, Airport Drive, Milson, Palmerston North 4442
Working hours
Mon:08:00-18:30
Tue:08:00-18:30
Wed:08:00-18:30
Thu:08:00-18:30
Fri:08:00-18:30
Sat:09:00-12:00
Sun:12:00-20:00
Europcar
+64062602320
Palmerston North Airport, Milson, Palmerston North 4414, 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
Budget
6463568565
Terminal Building
Working hours
Mon:08:00-20:00
Tue:08:00-20:00
Wed:08:00-20:00
Thu:08:00-20:00
Fri:08:00-20:00
Sat:08:00-16:30
Sun:09:00-17:30
Keddy
+64062602320
TERMINAL BUILDING
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
Thrifty
+6463554365
Airport Drive Milson
Working hours
Mon:07:30-20:00
Tue:07:30-20:00
Wed:07:30-20:00
Thu:07:30-20:00
Fri:07:30-17:00
Avis
6463570168
Terminal Building
Working hours
Mon:08:00-20:00
Tue:08:00-20:00
Wed:08:00-20:00
Thu:08:00-20:00
Fri:08:00-20:00
Sat:08:00-16:30
Sun:09:00-17:30
Firefly
063570921
PALMERSTON NORTH APT
Working hours
Mon:08:00-18:30
Tue:08:00-18:30
Wed:08:00-18:30
Thu:08:00-18:30
Fri:08:00-18:30
Sat:09:00-12:00
Sun:12:00-20:00
Ezi Car Rental
+640800545000 / +6433592721
Airport Drive, Milson, Palmerston North 0293
Working hours
Mon:07:30-20:00
Tue:07:30-20:00
Wed:07:30-20:00
Thu:07:30-20:00
Fri:07:30-17:00