KAYAK’s insights & trends for New Zealand car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in New Zealand with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in New Zealand?
You should book your car hire in New Zealand around 6 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car hire company in New Zealand?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest hire cars were found at New Zealand Discount Car Rentals (9 €/day), Snap Rentals (14 €/day), and Bargain Rental Cars (15 €/day).
What is the most popular rental car in New Zealand?
Hires in the Small category (Toyota Corolla or similar) are the most popular option in New Zealand, costing 37 €/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as 13 €/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in New Zealand?
The cheapest month to hire a car in New Zealand is June at an average cost of 38 €/day. February is the most expensive month to hire a car in New Zealand when prices are 81 €/day on average, which tends to be 53% above the yearly average hire price for New Zealand.
Which car hire company in New Zealand has the most locations?
Avis operates 21 locations in New Zealand, more than any other car hire company.
New Zealand car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in New Zealand by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
8 € - 41 €
All Car Types
35 € - 79 €
How much does it cost to hire a small car in New Zealand?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in New Zealand?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in New Zealand?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in New Zealand?
How much does it cost to hire a van in New Zealand?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in New Zealand?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in New Zealand?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in New Zealand?
Small car hire in New Zealand typically costs around 20 € per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average 8 € per day, which is about 60% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 60% cheaper than the average car hire in New Zealand, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in New Zealand typically costs around 49 € per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average 27 € per day, which is about 45% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 2% cheaper than the average car hire in New Zealand, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in New Zealand typically costs around 68 € per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average 45 € per day, which is about 34% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 27% more expensive than the average car hire in New Zealand but offer more comfort for longer trips.
SUV hire in New Zealand typically costs around 56 € per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average 42 € per day, which is about 25% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 11% more expensive than the average car hire in New Zealand but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in New Zealand typically costs around 73 € per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average 47 € per day, which is about 36% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 32% more expensive than the average car hire in New Zealand but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in New Zealand typically costs around 61 € per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average 46 € per day, which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 19% more expensive than the average car hire in New Zealand but are ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in New Zealand typically costs around 92 € per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average 66 € per day, which is about 29% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 46% more expensive than the average car hire in New Zealand but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in New Zealand typically costs around 68 € per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average 40 € per day, which is about 42% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 27% more expensive than the average car hire in New Zealand but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Snap Rentals
Small
39 €/day
28 €/day
Top tips for hiring 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.
25% of our users found a car hire in New Zealand for 28 € or less
Small rental cars in New Zealand are around 56% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in New Zealand
How much does it cost to rent a car in New Zealand?
On average a rental car in New Zealand costs 39 € per day.
Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in New Zealand are Auckland (56% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in New Zealand), Christchurch (23%) and Wellington (4%).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in New Zealand?
On average a rental car in New Zealand costs 271 € per week (39 € per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in New Zealand?
On average a rental car in New Zealand costs 1.163 € per month (39 € per day).
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 car hire locations in New Zealand
70 Locations
Hertz car hire locations in New Zealand
66 Locations
Sunnycars car hire locations in New Zealand
63 Locations
Firefly car hire locations in New Zealand
49 Locations
Avis car hire locations in New Zealand
37 Locations
Budget car hire locations in New Zealand
36 Locations
EZI car hire locations in New Zealand
28 Locations
keddy by Europcar car hire locations in New Zealand
27 Locations
Moto Car Rental car hire locations in New Zealand
23 Locations
Dollar car hire locations in New Zealand
23 Locations
Europcar car hire locations in New Zealand
21 Locations
Bargain Rental Cars car hire locations in New Zealand
The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for hire cars 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 hires listed or dates of travel. Some hire car providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the website of the respective hire car provider.
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