KAYAK’s insights & trends for North Island car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in North Island with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in North Island?
You should book your car hire in North Island around 50 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the most popular rental car in North Island?
Hires in the Small category (Suzuki Swift or similar) are the most popular option in North Island, costing 58 €/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as 18 €/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in North Island?
The cheapest month to hire a car in North Island is July at an average cost of 34 €/day. February is the most expensive month to hire a car in North Island when prices are 68 €/day on average, which tends to be 21% above the yearly average hire price for North Island.
North Island car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in North Island by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
8 € - 39 €
All Car Types
31 € - 80 €
How much does it cost to hire a small car in North Island?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in North Island?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in North Island?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in North Island?
How much does it cost to hire a van in North Island?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in North Island?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in North Island?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in North Island?
Small car hire in North Island typically costs around 19 € per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average 8 € per day, which is about 58% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 61% cheaper than the average car hire in North Island, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in North Island typically costs around 44 € per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average 24 € per day, which is about 46% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 9% cheaper than the average car hire in North Island, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in North Island typically costs around 61 € per day. The best time to book is July, when prices average 35 € per day, which is about 43% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 22% more expensive than the average car hire in North Island but offer more comfort for longer trips.
SUV hire in North Island typically costs around 50 € per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average 29 € per day, which is about 42% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 4% more expensive than the average car hire in North Island but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in North Island typically costs around 81 € per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average 54 € per day, which is about 34% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 41% more expensive than the average car hire in North Island but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in North Island typically costs around 58 € per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average 39 € per day, which is about 33% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 18% more expensive than the average car hire in North Island but are ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in North Island typically costs around 70 € per day. The best time to book is July, when prices average 39 € per day, which is about 45% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 32% more expensive than the average car hire in North Island but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in North Island typically costs around 66 € per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average 39 € per day, which is about 41% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 28% more expensive than the average car hire in North Island but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
New Zealand Discount Car Rentals
Small
39 €/day
28 €/day
Top tips for hiring a car in North Island
If you are arriving in North Island via Auckland International Airport (AKL). At this airport, car rentals are located in the main terminal (Terminal 1). After arriving, proceed to the Ground Transportation level, where you'll find the rental car counters. Present your reservation details and valid identification to the rental company representative, complete the necessary paperwork, and receive the keys to your rental car for a smooth journey ahead. Some of the car rental agencies with their offices at AKL include Thrifty, Avis, and Hertz.
In North Island, consider renting a compact or mid-size car. The region's terrain is diverse, ranging from coastal roads to winding mountainous routes. Having a smaller car allows easier navigation through narrow city streets and parking in crowded areas. Additionally, a fuel-efficient vehicle suits well for longer drives between attractions, as North Island offers vast landscapes and picturesque destinations that may require extended travel times. Apart from this, the type of car to rent can depend on the number of people you are driving with and size of the luggage. For example, an Economy car will be ideal if you are traveling alone, with perhaps just one bag.
Car eat laws in North Island are key among the things you should always remember when using rental cars in the region. According to these laws, it is a requirement that children up to seven years of age to use an appropriate child restraint. The specific type of restraint depends on the child's age and size. Children aged seven must use a booster seat until they reach a height of 150 cm (4’9’’). It is essential to follow these laws to ensure the safety of young passengers while traveling in vehicles.
When renting a car in North Island, some challenges include driving on the left side of the road (for those accustomed to right-hand driving), adapting to varying weather conditions, and navigating unfamiliar roads. Rush hours in major cities like Auckland and Wellington typically occur between 7:00 am to 9:00 am and 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, leading to increased traffic congestion on highways and major routes. Auckland's Southern Motorway and Wellington's State Highway 1 are among the most affected roads during rush hours.
25% of our users found a car hire in North Island for 28 € or less
Medium rental cars in North Island are around 85% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in North Island
How much does it cost to rent a car in North Island?
On average a rental car in North Island costs 39 € per day.
Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in North Island are Auckland (94% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in North Island), Tauranga (4%) and New Plymouth (1%).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in North Island?
On average a rental car in North Island costs 275 € per week (39 € per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in North Island?
On average a rental car in North Island costs 1.179 € per month (39 € per day).
Should I rent a car in North Island?
Renting a car in North Island is highly recommended for several reasons, key among them being enhances flexibility and convenience when accessing various parts of the region. It is easy to connect to remote attractions like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Bay of Islands, which may be challenging to reach by public transport. The region's well-maintained highways make driving a pleasant experience. Popular places like Hobbiton, Rotorua's geothermal sites, and the Coromandel Peninsula are easily accessible by car but harder to reach through limited public transport options.
How is driving like in North Island?
Drivers in North Island generally follows New Zealand's rules, with a focus on road safety and adherence to speed limits. The driving style is relaxed and courteous, but traffic congestion can occur in major cities like Auckland and Wellington during peak hours. Popular tourist spots have well-maintained roads, while some remote areas may have narrower, winding roads. Be aware of unique driving regulations like mandatory headlight usage at all times and strict drunk driving laws. The region has limited toll roads, and drivers should remember to drive on the left side of the road.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in North Island?
The minimum age to rent a car in North Island, New Zealand, is typically 21 years old. However, some rental car agencies may require drivers to be at least 25 years old to avoid surcharges or additional fees. Renters must hold a valid driver's license from their home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreigners. It is essential to check with specific rental car companies for their age and license requirements, as policies may vary.
Car rental directory
Thrifty car hire locations in North Island
40 Locations
Sunnycars car hire locations in North Island
37 Locations
Hertz car hire locations in North Island
33 Locations
Firefly car hire locations in North Island
28 Locations
Budget car hire locations in North Island
23 Locations
Avis car hire locations in North Island
21 Locations
Bargain Rental Cars car hire locations in North Island
15 Locations
EZI car hire locations in North Island
15 Locations
Moto Car Rental car hire locations in North Island
14 Locations
keddy by Europcar car hire locations in North Island
14 Locations
Apollo Car Rentals car hire locations in North Island
11 Locations
Europcar car hire locations in North Island
11 Locations
Car rental locations in North Island
Everything you need to know for your car rental in North Island
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