New Zealand car rentals
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Cheap car rentals in New Zealand
Top tips for renting 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.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in New Zealand for $36 or less
- Book your rental car in New Zealand at least 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in New Zealand are around 47% more expensive than airport locations on average
- Premium rental cars in New Zealand are around 44% more expensive than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in New Zealand
How much does it cost to rent a car in New Zealand?
On average a rental car in New Zealand costs $51 per day.
What is the most popular rental car in New Zealand?
Premium (Toyota Land Cruiser Prado or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in New Zealand.
What is the cheapest car rental company in New Zealand?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Autounion Car Rental ($10/day), Yes Rentals ($11/day) and New Zealand Discount Car Rentals ($11/day).
What is the best rental car company in New Zealand?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in New Zealand are Hertz (8.3, 90 reviews), and Budget (8.2, 56 reviews).
How can I find car rentals near me in New Zealand?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
Where should I rent a car in New Zealand?
Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to rent a car in New Zealand are Auckland (55% of total searches of users looking to rent a car in New Zealand), Christchurch (20%) and Queenstown (15%).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in New Zealand?
On average a rental car in New Zealand costs $356 per week ($51 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in New Zealand?
On average a rental car in New Zealand costs $1,524 per month ($51 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 rent 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 are gas prices in New Zealand?
Getting gas in New Zealand will cost you over twice what it costs in the United States. The price of a gallon of gasoline in New Zealand is around 8.78 NZD (5.70 USD), while the price of gas in the US is around 2.50 USD per gallon. Credit cards are commonly accepted at gas 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 rental directory
Thrifty car rental locations in New Zealand
66 Locations
Hertz car rental locations in New Zealand
58 Locations
Firefly car rental locations in New Zealand
48 Locations
Sunnycars car rental locations in New Zealand
42 Locations
EZI car rental locations in New Zealand
29 Locations
Budget car rental locations in New Zealand
24 Locations
Moto Car Rental car rental locations in New Zealand
23 Locations
Avis car rental locations in New Zealand
22 Locations
keddy by Europcar car rental locations in New Zealand
22 Locations
Ace Rental Cars car rental locations in New Zealand
19 Locations
Dollar car rental locations in New Zealand
19 Locations
Apollo Car Rentals car rental locations in New Zealand
16 Locations
Good to know
Most popular agency | New Zealand Discount Car Rentals |
|---|---|
Most popular car type | Premium |
Average price | $51/day |
Good deal | $36/day |