Car rental in New Zealand

New Zealand is an ideal destination for road trips, featuring winding roads, breathtaking landscapes, and remote attractions. Renting a car is essential for fully experiencing all that this incredible country has to offer.

Key Points

• Driving on the Left — Familiarize yourself with driving on the left side of the road, navigating roundabouts, and adhering to speed limits of up to 100 km/h on open roads (though actual speeds may be lower due to terrain). Snow chains are mandatory on the South Island during winter.
• Cost Savings with Local Companies — Companies like Apex, Omega Rentals, Go Rentals, and Ezi Car offer rates that can be half of those charged by international brands, while maintaining comparable service quality. For instance, a Toyota Corolla can cost between NZ$30-40 per day, whereas Avis may charge NZ$150-200.
• Book Early for Discounts — Reserving your vehicle 8-9 months in advance can save you up to 50% and ensure vehicle availability during the peak season (December to March). Additionally, special rates are available for south-to-north routes that run against the typical tourist flow.
• Understanding Hidden Fees and Deposits — An excess of NZ$4000-5000 will be blocked on your credit card. Airport fees range from NZ$20-50, and there is an additional driver fee of NZ$5 per day. If you return the car late by more than one hour, you will incur a full day’s charge.
• Ferry Restrictions Between Islands — International rental brands typically do not allow cars on the ferry, while local companies do, for a fee of NZ$200-300. If your rental period is less than two weeks, it may be more economical to return your vehicle and rent a new one.
• Actual Travel Times — Google Maps often underestimates travel times by 10-15%. Be prepared to reduce your speed to 30-50 km/h on narrow, winding roads and mountain passes.

Article Overview

This comprehensive guide to car rental in New Zealand provides essential information for planning your road trip across the islands.

What the Guide Covers:

• Companies and Prices — A comparison of Avis, Budget, and Hertz with New Zealand’s Apex, Omega, and Go Rentals, including specific rates.
• Documents and Requirements — Information on international driving licenses, age restrictions, deposits, and credit card requirements.
• Traffic Rules — Guidelines on left-hand driving, speed limits, and features of mountain roads.
• Insurance and Payments — Details on excess coverage, full insurance, hidden airport fees, and additional driver charges.
• Practical Routes — Recommendations for optimal time distribution between islands and ferry crossings.
• FAQs and Tips — Insights on fuel prices, GPS navigation, car return procedures, and roadside assistance.

Car Rental New Zealand Basics

Documents and Requirements

To rent a car in New Zealand, you need a valid driver’s license in English. An International Driving Permit is ideal, but licenses issued in English from other countries may also be accepted. If your license is in a different language, you must provide an official English translation.

The minimum age for car rental is 21 years. Drivers aged 21 to 25 are subject to an additional young driver fee of approximately NZ$20 per day. A credit card is required for the deposit, which ranges from NZ$4,000 to NZ$5,000.

Basic Traffic Rules

New Zealand drives on the left side of the road, which is an important adjustment for many travelers. The national speed limit on open roads is 100 km/h, but actual driving speeds are often lower due to winding terrain.

Roundabouts are common, and the rule is straightforward: yield to vehicles already on the roundabout. When overtaking, always signal for at least three seconds before making the maneuver. Overtaking is permitted only when there is a broken white center line.

Many roads do not have median strips, so exercise extra caution. In winter, especially in southern regions, snow chains may be required.

Best Car Rental Companies in New Zealand

International Brands

• Avis is one of the largest car rental companies in New Zealand, with locations at all major airports and cities. They offer premium service and a new fleet, but prices are 40-60% higher than those of local companies. A medium-sized SUV costs between NZ$150 and NZ$200 per day, with additional surcharges.
• Budget markets itself as a more affordable alternative to Avis, although actual savings are only about 10-15%. The company has a solid reputation for service and roadside assistance, and you can book through airline loyalty programs.
• Hertz is traditionally viewed as the most reliable option among international brands. Their fleet is regularly updated, and maintenance is top-notch. However, it is often the most expensive option, with prices potentially doubling those of local companies.
• Thrifty strikes a balance between price and quality among international brands. While their cars may be slightly older, prices are typically 20-30% lower than those of Avis and Hertz, making it an excellent choice for those seeking reliability without the premium costs.
• Europcar has a limited presence in New Zealand but offers competitive prices among international brands, especially for long-term rentals of two weeks or more.
• Advantages of International Brands: 24/7 support, offices in remote locations like New Plymouth and Bay of Islands, and participation in loyalty programs. Disadvantages: High prices and multiple additional fees for airports, one-way routes, and extra drivers.

New Zealand Companies (Most Recommended)

• Apex is the most popular rental company among tourists in New Zealand. With decades of experience, it offers competitive prices and good customer service.
• Ezi Car Rental focuses on new vehicles that provide excellent value. The company ensures quick processing and can arrange car pickups directly at the airport.
• Go Rentals offers special conditions for long-term rentals and north-to-south routes, along with discounts for early bookings made 8-9 months in advance.
• Omega Rentals features affordable rates for 2014-2022 model vehicles. For instance, renting a Toyota Corolla costs NZ$30-40 per day. A key benefit is the absence of branding on the cars, which enhances security.
• RaD (formerly Rent-a-Dent) is a budget-friendly option providing basic but reliable cars, making it suitable for economical travelers and long-term rentals.

Car Selection and Rental Prices in New Zealand

Vehicle Types

• Compact Cars: Starting from NZ$50 per day, ideal for two to three people with minimal luggage.
• Medium SUVs: Such as the Toyota RAV4, starting from NZ$80 per day, offering more space for passengers and luggage, plus better handling on mountain roads.
• Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles: Necessary for winter travel and remote areas, with prices starting from NZ$120 per day.

Pricing

Rental prices vary significantly by season. Summer months (December-March) tend to be the most expensive, while the off-season offers better rates. Additionally, there’s a noticeable price difference between the North and South Islands, with South Island rentals typically being cheaper.

Booking early, 8-9 months in advance, can save up to 50%. Companies also provide special rates for south-to-north routes, as most tourists travel in the opposite direction.

Pickup and Return Locations

Airports vs. City Offices

While picking up your car at the airport is convenient, it incurs an additional fee of NZ$20-50. Local New Zealand companies often provide free shuttle service from the airport to their offices, which takes 5-10 minutes and allows for significant savings.

One-Way Rentals

Returning a car in a different city may lead to extra fees. Large rental companies can charge up to NZ$1000 for one-way rentals on short terms. However, for rentals lasting 5-7 days or more, this fee is often waived.

Alternatively, consider planning circular routes that return to the starting point. This is particularly relevant for the North Island, where you can easily create an engaging journey from Auckland through Rotorua and Taupo, then back.

Insurance and Hidden Fees

Types of Insurance

Basic insurance comes with an excess of NZ$4000-5000, which is held on your credit card when you pick up the car. Full insurance, costing NZ$25-40 per day, reduces your financial risk.

Alternatively, you can opt for coverage through travel insurance, which may be more advantageous for long-term rentals. Be sure to carefully review the coverage conditions.

Hidden Fees to Watch Out For

• Additional drivers incur a charge of NZ$5 per day, though some companies allow free additions for a spouse or partner.
• If the car isn’t returned with a full tank, the company will refuel it at a 20-30% markup over the market price per liter.
• Late returns exceeding 59 minutes will result in additional hourly charges or even a full day’s fee.
• Toll roads in Auckland are automatically tracked by number plates, and the company will bill you with an administrative fee of about NZ$8 per passage.
• After-hours service incurs an extra NZ$46 when picking up or returning the car outside of business hours.

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Practical Money-Saving Tips

Saving Strategies

Opting for New Zealand rental companies instead of international ones can save you up to 50% on rental costs. Booking 8-9 months in advance secures the best rates and ensures vehicle availability during peak season.

Traveling from south to north against the main tourist flow can result in discounts on one-way routes. Avoiding one-way rentals on short routes can also save you hundreds of dollars.

Best Price Comparison Sites

• Rentalcars.com provides a broad selection of companies and transparent price comparisons, along with special rates and package deals.
• Discovery Cars focuses on finding the best deals among local operators, using a convenient filtering system to help you find the ideal options.
• Webjet.co.nz is a New Zealand-based site offering great local deals and often better currency rates.
• Kayak aggregates offers from various companies, making it easy to compare rental conditions.

Driving Features in New Zealand

Road Conditions

New Zealand roads are quite different from those in Europe or America. Most are narrow and winding, lacking median strips. Google Maps often underestimates travel time; it’s advisable to add 10-15% to the estimated duration.

Special caution is needed on mountain passes. Maintaining the allowed speed of 100 km/h is rarely feasible, and it’s common to reduce speed to 30-50 km/h on turns.

Weather Conditions and Seasonality

During winter (June-August), roads on the South Island may experience snow and ice, making snow chains mandatory on many mountain routes. These can be rented for an additional fee from companies or may need to be acquired separately.

In summer, heavy tourist traffic poses significant challenges. To avoid congestion on popular routes, it’s best to plan trips for early morning or late evening.

Route Planning

Actual travel times often exceed GPS estimates. For instance, the journey from Christchurch to Queenstown takes at least 5 hours instead of the estimated 4. Mandatory fuel and rest stops every 2 hours are essential for safety, not merely suggestions.

Ferry Between Islands

Car Transportation Options

Most international rental companies (Avis, Budget, Hertz) prohibit taking cars on the ferry. Clients must return their vehicles in Wellington and rent new ones in Picton.

However, many local New Zealand companies do allow car transportation on the ferry for an additional fee. The cost for a ferry crossing is approximately NZ$200-300 per car, plus passenger tickets.

Alternative: Return on One Island and Rent on Another

For rentals shorter than two weeks, it’s often more economical to return the car in Wellington, travel as a passenger on the ferry, and rent a new car in Picton. This approach saves both time and money, especially given the high prices of domestic flights.

Recommended Routes and Rental Duration

Optimal Time Distribution

Five days is adequate for exploring the North Island, with the route from Auckland to Rotorua, Taupo, and Wellington covering the key attractions without haste.

The South Island requires at least ten days for a thorough exploration. A classic itinerary would be Christchurch to Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, and the West Coast, returning to Christchurch.

With fifteen days available, a recommended distribution would be to spend one-third of the time on the North Island and two-thirds on the South Island. This balance allows for a more relaxed pace and a deeper enjoyment of each region.

Expert Review on Car Hire in New Zealand

With over 15 years of experience organizing tours in New Zealand, I have seen how choosing the wrong rental company can derail an entire trip. My top recommendation is Omega Rentals. Although their cars may not be the newest, they offer fair prices and reliable service. I particularly value their “no branding” policy: tourist-branded vehicles can attract thieves, while a standard Toyota Corolla from Omega seamlessly blends into regular traffic. Throughout my years of working with them, I have not encountered a single major issue.

Apex is another excellent option, particularly for inter-island travel, as they are the only company that does not charge extra for one-way rentals. Their offices in Picton make ferry logistics much easier. Ezi Car also provides a modern fleet at reasonable prices, though their locations are limited to major cities.

One key tip: avoid renting cars directly from international companies at the airport, as they are significantly more expensive. Instead, take a free shuttle to a local company office, which only takes about 10 minutes. Additionally, be aware that Google Maps in New Zealand can sometimes be inaccurate. For example, the drive from Queenstown to Christchurch usually takes about 6 hours with stops, not the 4 hours often suggested. Always plan for extra time, especially during winter in the South Island, where snow chains become a necessity rather than a luxury.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

How much does fuel cost in New Zealand?

The current price of petrol is approximately NZ$2.90 per liter. Diesel is slightly cheaper but incurs additional road tax based on mileage.

Do cars have GPS navigation?

Most modern rental cars come equipped with built-in navigation systems. However, using Google Maps on smartphones can often be more accurate and convenient. It is advisable to download offline maps in advance to conserve mobile data.

What should I do if I’m late returning the car?

Delays of up to 59 minutes typically do not incur extra charges. If the delay exceeds one hour, hourly rates will apply. For delays longer than 3 hours, you will need to pay for an additional full rental day. If you anticipate a delay, it is best to contact the rental company in advance.

Are debit cards accepted instead of credit cards?

Most rental companies require a credit card for the deposit. Debit cards are rarely accepted and only if there are sufficient funds available to cover the blocked deposit amount.

What should I do about minor damage?

Scratches smaller than 2 cm and glass chips less than 1 cm in diameter typically do not require additional payment. However, more significant damage must be reported to the company immediately. Taking photos of the car at pickup can help prevent potential disputes.

Can You Smoke in Rental Cars?

Smoking in rental cars is strictly prohibited. If violated, fines can reach NZ$500 for special interior cleaning.

Is Pet Transportation Allowed?

Most companies permit pet transportation for an additional fee of NZ$20-50. Prior notification and compliance with safety rules are required.

Do Companies Operate on Holidays?

Many offices operate on reduced hours during New Year and Easter holidays. Holiday car pickups often incur an additional fee of NZ$46.

What Does Roadside Assistance Include?

Standard roadside assistance includes flat tire replacement, jump-starting a dead battery, fuel delivery, and towing for serious breakdowns. While service is typically free, additional charges may apply in remote areas.

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