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New Zealand car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals in New Zealand

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Mini car
Mini
M
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Economy car
Economy
M
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Compact car
Compact
M
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Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
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Standard car
Standard
M
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Full-size car
Full-size
M
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Luxury car
Luxury
M
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Minivan car
Minivan
M
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Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
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SUV car
SUV
M
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Commercial car
Commercial
M
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Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
M
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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.
  • Book your rental car in New Zealand at least 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Intermediate rental cars in New Zealand are around 11% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in New Zealand

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

    Intermediate (Toyota RAV4 or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in New Zealand.

  • 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 Apex (8.6, 60 reviews), Hertz (8.3, 89 reviews), and Budget (8.2, 57 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.

  • 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 rental directory

  • thrifty

    Thrifty car rental locations in New Zealand

    65 Locations

  • hertz

    Hertz car rental locations in New Zealand

    58 Locations

  • firefly

    Firefly car rental locations in New Zealand

    48 Locations

  • sunnycars

    Sunnycars car rental locations in New Zealand

    43 Locations

  • ezi

    EZI car rental locations in New Zealand

    29 Locations

  • budget

    Budget car rental locations in New Zealand

    24 Locations

  • motocarrental

    Moto Car Rental car rental locations in New Zealand

    23 Locations

  • avis

    Avis car rental locations in New Zealand

    22 Locations

  • keddy

    keddy by Europcar car rental locations in New Zealand

    22 Locations

  • acerentalcars

    Ace Rental Cars car rental locations in New Zealand

    19 Locations

  • dollar

    Dollar car rental locations in New Zealand

    19 Locations

  • apollo

    Apollo Car Rentals car rental locations in New Zealand

    16 Locations

Good to know

Most popular car type

Intermediate

When to book a rental car in New Zealand

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches

Car rental locations in New Zealand

Everything you need to know for your car rental in New Zealand

Complete your trip to New Zealand

Flights to New Zealand
Hotels in New Zealand

The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for car rentals for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car rentals listed or dates of travel. Some car rental providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the car rental providers' sites.

Search for cheap rental cars in New Zealand with KAYAK and rent a car that suits you best. KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find and book the best rental car deal at car rental locations across New Zealand.

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