New Zealand Car Hire

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Top destinations to hire a car in New Zealand

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Auckland

Auckland

What you need to know for your New Zealand car rental

Reasons to book a car hire in New Zealand

Renting a car in New Zealand is a popular choice for tourists seeking the freedom to explore the stunning landscapes and attractions at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy flexible travel plans, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in scenic experiences. Key attractions such as the Hobbiton Movie Set, Sky Tower, and Bay of Islands are all accessible by car, allowing you to create your own itinerary.

Exploring cities like Auckland, Queenstown, and Christchurch becomes more convenient with a rental car. In Auckland, you can visit the Sky Tower and Princes Wharf, while Queenstown offers attractions like Queenstown Gardens and the beautiful Queenstown Beach. Christchurch features scenic spots such as Sumner Beach and Lyttelton Harbour. By renting a car, you can traverse these destinations without the constraints of public transport schedules, making it an excellent choice for families, business travellers, and those looking to immerse themselves in New Zealand's unique scenery.

Most popular car hires in New Zealand

  • Compact: This car type accommodates up to 5 travellers and offers space for 3 medium suitcases. The Compact car is an excellent choice for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for a versatile vehicle. Its size makes it particularly suitable for navigating urban areas and finding parking in busy locations, while still providing enough room for luggage, making your travel experience convenient and stress-free.
  • Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV can comfortably seat 5 travellers and has the capacity for 3 large suitcases. This option strikes a balance between space and manoeuvrability, offering a comfortable ride for both city driving and longer journeys. The extra room allows for a more relaxed travel experience, making it perfect for those who value comfort while exploring New Zealand's diverse attractions.
  • Fullsize SUV AWD: Accommodating up to 6 travellers with room for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the Fullsize SUV AWD is ideal for families or groups needing extra space. This vehicle offers a robust build suitable for various terrains, ensuring a smooth ride as you explore the scenic landscapes of New Zealand. Its ample capacity and all-wheel drive make it a reliable choice for those seeking adventure while travelling together.

Where to stay in New Zealand

  • Auckland: Auckland is a vibrant metropolis perfect for families seeking outdoor and beach experiences. With attractions such as the iconic Sky Tower and scenic Mount Eden, there’s ample opportunity for adventure. The nearby Princes Wharf offers picturesque views and dining options. For those interested in relaxation, family beach spots are easily accessible. The best time to visit is during the summer months, when the beaches are at their finest, and outdoor activities abound.
  • Queenstown: Queenstown is renowned for its stunning scenery and romantic atmosphere, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the beautiful Queenstown Gardens and take a ride on the Skyline Queenstown gondola for breathtaking views. Queenstown Beach is ideal for a relaxing day by the lake. The winter months attract skiers, while the warmer months are perfect for hiking and golfing, offering year-round appeal.
  • Christchurch: Christchurch, a bustling metropolis, provides a mix of family-friendly and outdoor activities. The city's attractions include Sumner Beach and New Brighton Beach, perfect for a beach holiday. Lyttelton Harbour offers scenic views, ideal for a leisurely day out. With various shopping areas and entertainment facilities nearby, Christchurch caters to diverse interests. Spring and summer are particularly pleasant times to experience the city and its outdoor offerings.

10 tips to save on your car hire in New Zealand

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV to accommodate extra passengers, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise filters on Expedia to help you discover the perfect match for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower prices and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to park in busy locations. Mid-sized rentals offer a good compromise between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling alternatives, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge associated with collecting your rental car from airports, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning on long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in New Zealand

The best value period to rent a car in New Zealand is June, when prices are moderately low and demand is at its lowest. This is an ideal time for those looking for a quieter experience. Following June, May offers slightly low prices and low demand as well, making it another great option. Conversely, December is the most expensive month with high demand, while January and February also see moderately high prices and high rental activity.

Car Hire in New Zealand

New Zealand promises expansive national parks bursting with epic scenery, an abundance of Maori culture and history to explore, and the thrill of world-class surfing and skiing to experience. And car hire in New Zealand places it all within easy reach.

In a country just a tad bigger than the UK, you’ll be surprised to find endless amounts of open space. There are under five million people living here, compared to the UK’s 65 million. You’ll also be pleased to find out that fuel costs are a fraction of what we pay at the pumps back home. The roads offer scenic drives aplenty, and you’ll very rarely find anything like heavy traffic on them.

So, what are you waiting for? Arranging to hire a car in New Zealand makes perfect sense, and it couldn’t be simpler to do.


Hire a Car in New Zealand With Expedia

Expedia partners with a number of car hire specialists to offer you the chance to rent a car in New Zealand from its airports, major towns and cities. And when you can arrange to hire a car in New Zealand in advance, your vehicle will be there waiting for you when you arrive.

Simply plug in the dates you need the car for and select where you wish to pick the car up from. Expedia will show you all the latest deals on cheap car hire in New Zealand. This allows you to compare prices available on the type of car you need, whether you are looking for a small, economical run-around or a large SUV for the family to travel in comfort.

You can arrange for booster seats, child seats and other accessories to also be waiting for you when you arrive.

Car hire is available from New Zealand’s four international airports – in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown – so you can pick up your car as soon as you arrive in the country. And if you are planning something of an epic road trip, it’s always possible to pick your car up from one location and drop it off at another. So you can take in the Maori culture of the North Island, cruise the Marlborough Sound on the south and drive yourself to the adventure capital of Queenstown, without needing to double back on yourself.


What To See When You Rent a Car in New Zealand

New Zealand is blessed with natural splendour and scenic diversity. There are sublime forests, majestic mountains, cracking glaciers, reflective lakes, beautiful beaches and dramatic fjords. Your hire car can place you at the head of trails that allow you to walk – or tramp, as the locals call it – right through the heart of all these epic landscapes.

While cities like Christchurch can feel almost quintessentially British, Maori culture remains a palpable presence in contemporary New Zealand, and the North Island offers the best opportunities to explore its influence and history. Join in a hangi (Māori feast) or catch a cultural performance with song, dance and, of course, a haka (war dance) that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum and art gallery, based in Wellington, offers more Maori culture and artefacts to explore than you could hope to take in on your whole holiday, so make sure you leave at least a day to sample the rich exhibits of Maori tattooing and the exquisite sculptures carved delicately from bone, shell and pounamu (greenstone).

Auckland is a city that is framed by two stunning harbours and surrounded by fertile farmland. The City of Sails is embraced by the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and it is blessed with surf beaches and hundreds of islands to explore in the Hauraki Gulf. Fine dining, lazy harbour strolls and an easy-going but hip nightlife are all just an hour’s drive from rainforests, geothermal springs, wineries and wildlife reserves.

If Auckland is a city that offers the easy life, over on the South Island Queenstown promises all the thrills and spills you can imagine. This is an adrenaline-junkie’s paradise. The birthplace of bungee jumping offers thrill-seekers plenty to raise their pulse: fantastic skiing and snowboarding, ziplining, whitewater rafting, jet boating and much more besides. If you need to relax after all that excitement you can drive out to the fine wineries for a civilised sip of something calming.


Where Will Your Car Hire in New Zealand Take You?

From surreal lunar landscapes, gushing geysers and bubbling mud pools in Rotorua to the shock of stumbling upon colonies of albatross, sea lions and rare yellow-eyed penguins that reside a short drive from Dunedin, New Zealand never fails to delight and surprise.

Arranging your car hire in New Zealand is easy – it’s deciding where it will take you that’s the hard part!

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my New Zealand car reservation?
There are always times when even the best-laid plans go wrong. That's why we provide your money back on the majority of prepaid rentals if you cancel six hours before picking up the car. Don't forget to double-check the policy — sometimes it's not available. Found nothing there? Our Customer Service Portal is always here to help.
What types of cars can I rent in New Zealand?
Not too small yet not too big, compact vehicles are the number one pick for many travellers to New Zealand. With exceptional mileage and easy handling and parking, they're ideal for cruising around the city. A compact is roomier than an economy vehicle, so you can cruise around in a little extra comfort. Need a bit more legroom? Browse our intermediate, standard or full-size range.
How do I find the best car hire deals in New Zealand with Expedia?
Whatever type of ride you're after, Expedia will help you track down the best deal. Just compare the offers from reliable rental providers and book the option that works for you. Like to drive away with even more in your wallet? Bundle your New Zealand car rental with hotel or flight bookings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in New Zealand?
The minimum age to hire a vehicle in New Zealand is 21. A surcharge for young drivers applies, so check before booking and factor in any additional costs. There may also be restrictions on the types of vehicles that can be rented by young drivers. For instance, some outlets will only hire out small and medium-sized cars to less-experienced motorists. Rules may differ between outlets, so look over the fine print.
What do you need to rent a car in New Zealand?
You'll need to present a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name at the rental counter. Prior to the pick-up date, check with your rental provider whether other documentation is needed. For example, you may also need to provide proof of auto insurance.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in New Zealand?
Visit our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then lock in your perfect ride. Whether you're stopping in New Zealand or road-tripping about, Expedia will help you find a long-term hire at an awesome rate.
Where can I find a New Zealand hire car if I am younger than 25?
Age policies are different between hire suppliers, so you'll have to do a bit of shopping around. Managed to find a New Zealand outlet that does rent to drivers under 25? Awesome! Just keep in mind that extra charges often apply to drivers between the ages of 21 and 24. The fine print of each rental car you're considering should have all the details you need.
Why should I rent a New Zealand car with Expedia?
You'll find savings for the savvy traveller on Expedia. Whether you're looking for something that'll fit the whole crew or just the two of you, compare the deals from the multiple car hire companies in New Zealand. Our exclusive offers and discounts will help you land the lowest price possible. Combine your car with your hotel and flights for even bigger savings. After things to do in New Zealand? Add some activities to your holiday package later on! Plus, when you become a member of our free One Key™ rewards programme, you can collect OneKeyCash™* and use it on eligible hotels, activities, flights and more. *OneKeyCash disclaimer - OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia.

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation