New Zealand car hire

New Zealand car hire

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Car hire directory

  • Sunnycars car hire locations in New Zealand

    46 Locations

  • Budget car hire locations in New Zealand

    34 Locations

  • Hertz car hire locations in New Zealand

    33 Locations

  • Avis car hire locations in New Zealand

    32 Locations

  • Thrifty car hire locations in New Zealand

    25 Locations

  • keddy by Europcar car hire locations in New Zealand

    22 Locations

  • Europcar car hire locations in New Zealand

    19 Locations

  • Firefly car hire locations in New Zealand

    17 Locations

  • Apex car hire locations in New Zealand

    13 Locations

  • EZI car hire locations in New Zealand

    13 Locations

  • Ace Rental Cars car hire locations in New Zealand

    12 Locations

  • Bargain Car Rentals car hire locations in New Zealand

    9 Locations

Top tips for hiring a car in New Zealand

Renting a car in New Zealand gives you several advantages over relying on public transportation. While buses go throughout much of the country, and the major cities are connected by trains and airports, going off the beaten track to experience New Zealand’s famous natural attractions—like the areas around Waipoua Forest and Milford Sound—requires your own vehicle.

Most of New Zealand is connected by roads that are paved and well-maintained; however, there are several gravel roads and off-road paths that travelers tend to take when exploring the outdoors. A car will be an acceptable rental option if you’re sticking to the cities, but for vast, rural areas and mountain passes, a four-by-four will be required, preferably with tire chains, which you can often add on to your reservation through companies like GO Rentals and JUCY.

According to the child restraint laws in New Zealand, your child must be secured in a car seat up until the age of seven. From seven to eight years old, they must be secured in a car seat if the vehicle has one already. From ages eight to 14, children must wear a seat belt if the vehicle is equipped with one; if not, the children must sit in the back of the vehicle.

A popular way to get around New Zealand is to rent a campervan, which are offered by most major rental companies in New Zealand, including Jucy and GO Rentals. A campervan not only often has four-by-four capabilities for off-roading, but they also allow visitors to camp out in nature and save money on accommodations during their time in New Zealand.

FAQs about hiring a car in New Zealand

  • What is the most popular car hire in New Zealand?

    Standard (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in New Zealand.

  • What is the best car hire agency in New Zealand?

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in New Zealand are EZI (10.0, 2 reviews), Smart Rent a Car (10.0, 1 reviews), and AeroDrive (10.0, 1 reviews).

  • How can I find a car hire near me in New Zealand?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • Where should I hire a car in New Zealand?

    Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to rent a car in New Zealand are Auckland (68% of total searches of users looking to rent a car in New Zealand), Christchurch (10%) and Blenheim (8%).

  • How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in New Zealand?

    On average hiring a car in New Zealand costs €173 per week (€25 per day).

  • How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in New Zealand?

    On average a car hire in New Zealand costs €742 per month (€25 per day).

  • What is driving like in New-Zealand?

    In New Zealand, you’ll drive on the left side of the road. Roundabouts go clockwise, and there is an abundance of sheep in the countryside to watch out for. Other than that, driving in New Zealand is much like driving anywhere in Europe or in the United States. Also, there are many winding roads in New Zealand, so be sure to give yourself enough travel time if you’re in a rush.

  • How old do you have to be to hire a car in New-Zealand?

    To legally rent a car in New Zealand, you must be over the age of 21. However, if you’re under the age of 25, many rental car companies will add a surcharge to your reservation. New drivers should also take note that you must have had your license for at least one year when renting in New Zealand. You can rent a car in this country with a valid driver’s license, so there’s no need to get an international driving permit if you don’t already have one.

  • How much does petrol cost in New-Zealand?

    Getting petrol in New Zealand will cost you over twice what it costs in the United States. The price of a gallon of petrol in New Zealand is around 8.78 NZD (5.70 USD), while the price of petrol in the US is around 2.50 USD per gallon. Credit cards are commonly accepted at petrol stations in New Zealand, so you’ll likely not have to worry about carrying cash to the pump.

  • What are the speed limits in New-Zealand?

    The speed limits in New Zealand range from 10 km/h to 110 km/h (6-68 mph), depending on the area you’re in. If you’re in a pedestrian zone, the limit will be 10 km/h (6 mph), with limits increasing the farther you get from pedestrian areas. In some rural areas, you’ll see a circular white sign with a diagonal black line through it. This sign means that the speed in the area is derestricted, and a general 100 km/h (62 mph) limit applies.

Car hire locations in New Zealand

Popular car hire locations

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The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for car hires for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last hours. Car hires are subject to change and may not be available on all car hires listed or dates of travel. Some car hire providers charge additional fees for other services (gps, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the car hire providers' sites.