West Coast Car Hire

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Top destinations to hire a car in West Coast

A glacier valley surrounded by lush green mountains and waterfalls.
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Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier

What you need to know for your West Coast car rental

Reasons to book a car hire in West Coast

Renting a car in West Coast, New Zealand, is a popular choice for those looking to explore this stunning region at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy the flexibility of crafting your own travel itinerary. This is particularly beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts, couples seeking romantic getaways, or anyone looking to take in the beautiful scenery that West Coast has to offer.

Key attractions such as Franz Josef Glacier, located about 25 kilometres from the nearby town of Franz Josef, provide breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. Lake Brunner, perfect for outdoor activities and romantic moments, is also easily accessible by car. Additionally, Carters Beach offers a lovely seaside experience. You can conveniently visit popular destinations like Hokitika, known for its Maori heritage, and Greymouth, where you’ll find beautiful beaches and historic sites. Having a rental car allows you to explore these attractions without the constraints of public transport schedules, making your journey through West Coast more enjoyable and stress-free.

Most popular car hires in West Coast

  • Midsize SUV: This car option is ideal for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers along with 3 large suitcases. Its spacious interior provides comfort during your journey, making it perfect for those looking to explore the stunning landscapes and attractions of West Coast at your own pace.
  • Compact: A great choice for solo travellers, couples, or families, the Compact option can also accommodate up to 5 travellers with room for 3 medium suitcases. It offers a balance of manoeuvrability and comfort, ensuring you can easily navigate through the West Coast while managing your luggage efficiently.
  • Fullsize SUV: If you’re travelling with a larger group, the Fullsize SUV is an excellent option. It accommodates up to 6 travellers with space for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This vehicle is well-suited for families or groups who want to enjoy the freedom of exploring West Coast together, ensuring everyone has ample room for comfort and luggage.

Where to stay in West Coast

  • Franz Josef Glacier: This suburb is renowned for its outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. Travellers can enjoy activities like hiking and body treatments, with key attractions such as the Glacier Hot Pools for relaxation, the breathtaking Franz Josef Glacier for awe-inspiring views, and Our Lady of the Alps for a touch of culture. Nearby, you’ll find a national park and mountains, making it ideal for nature lovers seeking both adventure and tranquillity.
  • Greymouth: A vibrant city, Greymouth is perfect for those looking for a romantic getaway or outdoor experiences. The area boasts beautiful beaches like Rapahoe Beach and historical sites such as Shantytown and the Brunner Industrial Site. The city is also home to breweries and dining options, allowing you to indulge in local flavours. Greymouth is especially charming during the warmer months when outdoor activities are at their peak.
  • Hokitika: Known for its scenic beauty and romantic atmosphere, Hokitika offers a delightful mix of recreational areas and outdoor pursuits. Visitors can explore the Te Waipounamu Maori Heritage Centre for a cultural experience, Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve for breathtaking views, and enjoy the picturesque Sunset Point beach. The region is particularly appealing during the summer when the weather enhances its natural allure.

10 tips to save on your car hire in West Coast

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for those summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the perfect fit for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary depending 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 have a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles tend to be more affordable to hire and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters aged 70 and above. Always verify the age restrictions prior to making a booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, 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 you with peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. It's straightforward to include car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is essential for renting a car.

Renting a car in West Coast 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 West Coast has to offer, from its natural beauty to its bustling towns and cities.

With Expedia, booking you West Coast car hire is easy. Each hire car in West Coast 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 West Coast with confidence through Expedia.

At Expedia, our goal is to offer you a great variety of West Coast car rental discounts at the best price. When hiring a car in West Coast 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 West Coast 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 West Coast. 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 West Coast 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 West Coast with Expedia.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my West Coast car reservation?
We know that having a bit of wiggle room is important. That's why many reservations give a total refund if you let us know at least six hours in advance of picking up the car. You may want to check your policy though because there are some exemptions. If you can't see any details there, make your way to our Customer Service Portal.
What types of cars can I rent in West Coast?
Whatever meets your needs! Go for an intermediate or full-size if you're travelling with the family, or scale up to a premium if it's sophistication you're after. Or, choose an economy vehicle — the most booked hire in West Coast. Affordable and with terrific mileage, they're a good match for solo travellers, couples or anyone else who doesn't require a whole lot of room. They're especially suited to city exploring. Getting into cramped parking spots will be a cinch!
How do I find the best car hire deals in West Coast with Expedia?
Expedia makes it a cinch to compare costs, offers and hire companies, and to check reviews. Bundle your West Coast car hire with hotel or flight bookings to make even bigger savings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in West Coast?
Drivers 21 and above can road trip around West Coast in a hire vehicle. If you're a young motorist, a daily surcharge will apply. You'll usually have fewer car categories to pick from, such as compact and mid-size, and may also have to purchase comprehensive insurance. Always enter the correct age of the main driver when booking to find out if any restrictions or extra fees apply.
What do you need to rent a car in West Coast?
Generally, all you'll need is a valid driver's license and a credit card in the same name when picking up your car. Proof of coverage may also be required if you choose to opt out of the company's insurance plan. Rules may differ between rental providers, so it's always a good idea to check while booking.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in West Coast?
Whether you're planning to stick around West Coast or travel beyond, you can reserve a long-term rental with Expedia. Enter your trip details and pick-up/drop-off locations and we'll find you amazing long-term car rental deals.
Where can I find a West Coast hire car if I am younger than 25?
Some West Coast companies will rent cars to drivers under 25, and others won't. Policies differ from supplier to supplier, so you'll need to do your homework. Also, find out if there are additional costs. Some outlets will have a surcharge for young customers between the ages of 21 and 24. Make sure you read through the terms and conditions to avoid any surprise fees.
Why should I rent a West Coast car with Expedia?
Expedia is the ideal place to book a set of wheels. With multiple suppliers in West Coast to select from, we search high and low to get you amazing deals. Score savings with our exclusive offers and member prices, and earn rewards with each booking you make. Save more when you bundle your bookings into a West Coast holiday package. Hire cars, holiday rentals, hotels, activities, flights — Expedia has everything you need in one handy place. Plus, when you become a member of our free One Key™ loyalty programme, you can collect OneKeyCash™* and redeem 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