Northland Car Hire

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Top destinations to hire a car in Northland

What you need to know for your Northland car rental

Reasons to book a car hire in Northland

Renting a car in Northland, New Zealand, is a popular choice for those looking to explore the region's stunning attractions at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you have the freedom to manage your luggage easily and create flexible travel plans that suit your itinerary. This convenience is especially appealing to families and groups who value comfort during their travels.

Northland offers a diverse range of experiences, from the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands, located approximately 60 kilometres from Whangarei, to the iconic Ninety Mile Beach, which stretches along the coast. You can also visit the historic Cape Reinga Lighthouse to immerse yourself in the local culture. Cities like Paihia and Whangarei, featuring attractions such as Opua Forest, Paihia Beach, and Whangarei Falls, are best accessed by car. With a rental car, you can easily navigate between these popular destinations, enjoying the picturesque landscapes and outdoor activities Northland has to offer. Overall, a rental car enhances your travel experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage without the constraints of public transport.

Most popular car hires in Northland

  • Compact SUV: This car type accommodates up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases, making it an excellent choice for solo adventurers, couples, or families. The Compact SUV provides a good balance of space and fuel efficiency, allowing you to navigate Northland's attractions comfortably while having enough room for your luggage.
  • Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV can accommodate 5 travellers along with up to 3 large suitcases. With its spacious interior, this option offers plenty of comfort for longer journeys, ensuring that you have ample legroom and storage space for all your belongings as you explore the beautiful landscapes of Northland.
  • Compact: Similar to the Compact SUV, this car type is perfect for 5 travellers and supports up to 3 medium suitcases. The Compact car is a convenient choice for those looking for a practical vehicle that combines flexibility with ease of handling. It is well-suited for solo travellers, couples, or families who want to explore Northland without the bulk of larger vehicles.

Where to stay in Northland

  • Paihia: Paihia is a charming suburb in Northland, renowned for its stunning beaches and outdoor scenery. With attractions like Paihia Beach and Russell Beach, it's an ideal spot for beach holidays. The nearby Opua Forest offers adventure and hiking opportunities. For those seeking local delicacies, there are excellent food and drink options, including alcohol wineries and sweet treats. The vibrant shopping centre adds to the convenience for travellers.
  • Whangarei: As a city in Northland, Whangarei is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views. Key attractions include the picturesque Whangarei Falls and the beautiful Town Basin Marina. The area is well-equipped with shopping centres, making it easy for visitors to find necessities. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Whangarei Quarry Gardens, providing a serene environment to explore and relax.
  • Oromahoe: Oromahoe is a lovely suburb known for its scenic landscapes and proximity to several attractions. Highlights include the stunning Paihia Beach and the breathtaking Haruru Falls, suitable for outdoor and romantic getaways. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds offer a cultural experience for those interested in history. With its beautiful lakes and bays nearby, Oromahoe provides a peaceful retreat amidst nature.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Northland

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer sun, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary according to demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to hire and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling arrangements, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in such cases.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: A surcharge is often applied for collecting your rental car at airports, but the 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 added peace of mind should something unexpected occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is necessary to hire a car.

Best time to rent a car in Northland

The best value period to rent a car in Northland is May, when prices are at their lowest and demand is quite low. June also offers reasonably priced rentals with similar low demand. The months leading up to May, such as April, see moderate prices and average demand. In contrast, January is the most expensive month with high demand, closely followed by February and March, which are also busy times for car hires.

Renting a car in Northland will give you the freedom to really get to the heart of this incredible part of the world. Use your hire car to discover the best that Northland has to offer, from its natural beauty to its bustling towns and cities.

With Expedia, booking you Northland car hire is easy. Each hire car in Northland option offers you competitive rates and a variety of pick-up and drop-off locations around the country to make your life easier. Book your rental car in in Northland with confidence through Expedia.

At Expedia, our goal is to offer you a great variety of Northland car rental discounts at the best price. When hiring a car in Northland with Expedia, you can compare a massive range of vehicles, from compact economy cars with low fuel consumption to luxury or off-road solutions, depending on your preference. Every Northland hire car we feature will come fully equipped with the latest amenities and safety features to ensure your trips will be safe and comfortable.

It has never been easier to find a rental car in Northland. We offer you competitive prices and up-to-date information, ensuring quality and efficiency for all our visitors, at all times. Rent a car in Northland today and enjoy your holiday, or get anywhere in time for your business meetings. At Expedia, we understand that travelling can be a hassle if you are not well organized, which is why we provide a variety of car types to compare and choose from for all types of travellers. In just a few clicks you can hire a car in Northland with Expedia.


Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my Northland car reservation?
Cancelling your hired car at least six hours before pick-up should allow for your money back. However, this is not always guaranteed. It's a good idea to scan your booking confirmation and hire agreement. Still can't find the answer? Hop on our Customer Service Portal.
What types of cars can I rent in Northland?
Small in size but big on benefits, economy cars are the first choice for many in Northland. They're a breeze to handle and park, which is ideal if you'll be doing lots of city driving. And with terrific fuel-efficiency, this popular rental type will have you touring around on the cheap. Prefer a larger car? Check out our range of full-size and premium vehicles.
How do I find the best car hire deals in Northland with Expedia?
Nabbing an awesome deal on your Northland hire car is easy with Expedia. Choose your preferred car class, add some details and compare prices across popular suppliers. Why not add hotels and flights to your booking? You'll get access to even bigger savings when you create a holiday package.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Northland?
If you're 21 and over, you can rent a vehicle in Northland. Be aware that rental providers will charge an additional fee if you're a young driver, which helps cover the higher accident or damage risk involved. Also, young drivers usually aren't permitted to hire larger or luxury models of cars. Check the fine print before booking so there are no surprises when it's time to collect the keys.
What do you need to rent a car in Northland?
The main requirements are a valid driver's license and a credit card in the same name. Car rental companies will offer you insurance, which is optional. But you may be asked to provide proof of other coverage if you prefer to opt out. Check with your supplier to avoid any problems.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in Northland?
Yes. We partner with reputable suppliers that offer weekly and monthly rentals for many car classes. Reserve one of our long-term car rental deals and explore every corner of Northland — or far beyond!
Where can I find a Northland hire car if I am younger than 25?
If you're a young driver hoping to hire a vehicle in Northland, you'll need to check the policies of the hire companies you're interested in. Some may hire to drivers under the age of 25, some may not. There may be additional fees if you're aged between 21 and 24. To escape any nasty surprises at the rental counter, make sure you do your research.
Why should I rent a Northland car with Expedia?
Expedia is your one-stop shop for everything you need for your holiday, including rental cars. With multiple suppliers to choose from in Northland, we work hard to find you the best deal possible. Whether you want to book a set of wheels, a hotel or flights, you'll find exclusive offers and member prices on Expedia. Combine all your bookings into a package for even greater savings on your escape to Northland. Plus, when you sign up for our free One Key™ rewards programme, you can earn OneKeyCash™* and use it on eligible flights, activities, hotels 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