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New Zealand Car Rental Mini Guide

New Zealand is a vast country and therefore hiring a car to travel around is a popular choice. There are plenty of car hire locations all over New Zealand including Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Christchurch. Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, car hire is never far away and competitively priced.  The capital city of New Zealand is Wellington, although it is only the second largest urban area in the country, whilst The city of Auckland is New Zealand's second city.

New Zealand has without a doubt some of the world’s most dramatic and spectacular scenery and is best explored from the comfort of a rental car. If you're going to New Zealand on a well deserved holiday then don't be restricted to the confines of your hotel or public transport, take to the open roads and discover some of the more remote and less visited areas.

When it comes to finding the cheapest price for your car hire in New Zealand, we do the hard work so you don't have to. By comparing hundreds of car rental prices from trusted rental agents such as Alamo, Hertz and Avis as well as local suppliers, we provide you with the cheapest price possible.

Most popular locations to hire a car in New Zealand

Minimum Age Requirements for Car Hire in New Zealand

Generally speaking the minimum age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21, however there are some car hire companies that will rent a car to under 21 year olds. If you are between the ages of 21-25 and wishing to hire a car in New Zealand, please bear in mind that a young driver surcharge will sometimes be added. These can vary between car hire companies with more details shown in the table below:
Rental Agent
Min Age
Young driver surcharge ($NZD/day)
Ace
18
$0
Alamo
21
$40
Budget
21
$25
Dollar
21
$17.25
Enterprise
21
on request
Europcar
26
n/a
Ezi
21
on request
Firefly
20
$5.75
Go Rentals
21
on request
Green Motion
21
$25
Hertz
25
n/a
Letz
21
$15
Lucky
18
n/a
Mode
21
$5
Scotties
19
$15
Snap
18

n/a


Cheapest car hire in New Zealand

Nissan March

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 30.82 EUR/day
Nissan March

7 Days rental at 215.75 EUR from 22/05/2023

  0 |
  Manual |
  No

Nissan March

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 30.82 EUR/day
Nissan March

7 Days rental at 215.75 EUR from 22/05/2023

  0 |
  Manual |
  No

Mazda Demio (2012-2014)

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 27.48 EUR/day
Mazda Demio (2012-2014)

7 Days rental at 192.38 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Mazda Demio (2012-2014)

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 27.89 EUR/day
Mazda Demio (2012-2014)

7 Days rental at 195.27 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Mazda Demio (2012-2014)

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 27.89 EUR/day
Mazda Demio (2012-2014)

7 Days rental at 195.27 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Mazda Demio (2012-2014)

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 27.89 EUR/day
Mazda Demio (2012-2014)

7 Days rental at 195.27 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Mazda Demio (2012-2014)

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 27.89 EUR/day
Mazda Demio (2012-2014)

7 Days rental at 195.27 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla (2015 - 2017)

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 31.23 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla (2015 - 2017)

7 Days rental at 218.61 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla (2015 - 2017)

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 31.30 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla (2015 - 2017)

7 Days rental at 219.13 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla (2015 - 2017)

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 31.30 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla (2015 - 2017)

7 Days rental at 219.13 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla (2015 - 2017)

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 31.30 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla (2015 - 2017)

7 Days rental at 219.13 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris (2015 - 2017)

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 28.17 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris (2015 - 2017)

7 Days rental at 197.22 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris (2015 - 2017)

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 28.24 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris (2015 - 2017)

7 Days rental at 197.74 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris (2015 - 2017)

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 28.24 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris (2015 - 2017)

7 Days rental at 197.74 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris (2015 - 2017)

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 28.24 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris (2015 - 2017)

7 Days rental at 197.74 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris (2015 - 2017)

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 28.24 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris (2015 - 2017)

7 Days rental at 197.74 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris (2018 -2020)

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 29.42 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris (2018 -2020)

7 Days rental at 205.99 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris (2018 -2020)

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 29.84 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris (2018 -2020)

7 Days rental at 208.89 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris (2018 -2020)

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 29.84 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris (2018 -2020)

7 Days rental at 208.89 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris (2018 -2020)

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 29.84 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris (2018 -2020)

7 Days rental at 208.89 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Camry

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 35.26 EUR/day
Toyota Camry

7 Days rental at 246.84 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Camry

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 35.67 EUR/day
Toyota Camry

7 Days rental at 249.73 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Camry

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 35.67 EUR/day
Toyota Camry

7 Days rental at 249.73 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Camry

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 35.67 EUR/day
Toyota Camry

7 Days rental at 249.73 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Camry

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 35.67 EUR/day
Toyota Camry

7 Days rental at 249.73 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Rav4 (2015- 2017)

2 Adults, 2 Doors

From 39.49 EUR/day
Toyota Rav4 (2015- 2017)

7 Days rental at 276.49 EUR from 22/05/2023

  0 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Rav4 (2015- 2017)

2 Adults, 2 Doors

From 39.56 EUR/day
Toyota Rav4 (2015- 2017)

7 Days rental at 276.96 EUR from 22/05/2023

  0 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Rav4 (2015- 2017)

2 Adults, 2 Doors

From 39.56 EUR/day
Toyota Rav4 (2015- 2017)

7 Days rental at 276.96 EUR from 22/05/2023

  0 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Rav4 (2015- 2017)

2 Adults, 2 Doors

From 39.56 EUR/day
Toyota Rav4 (2015- 2017)

7 Days rental at 276.96 EUR from 22/05/2023

  0 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Wagon

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 31.99 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Wagon

7 Days rental at 223.97 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla (2018 - 2020)

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 31.99 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla (2018 - 2020)

7 Days rental at 223.97 EUR from 22/05/2023

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla (2018 - 2020)

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 32.41 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla (2018 - 2020)

7 Days rental at 226.91 EUR from 22/05/2023

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Wagon

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 32.41 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Wagon

7 Days rental at 226.91 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Wagon

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 32.41 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Wagon

7 Days rental at 226.91 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla (2018 - 2020)

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 32.41 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla (2018 - 2020)

7 Days rental at 226.91 EUR from 22/05/2023

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Wagon

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 32.41 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Wagon

7 Days rental at 226.91 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla (2018 - 2020)

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 32.41 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla (2018 - 2020)

7 Days rental at 226.91 EUR from 22/05/2023

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Wagon

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 32.41 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Wagon

7 Days rental at 226.91 EUR from 22/05/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Nissan Leaf Electric

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 35.95 EUR/day
Nissan Leaf Electric

7 Days rental at 251.68 EUR from 22/05/2023

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Nissan Leaf Electric

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 36.37 EUR/day
Nissan Leaf Electric

7 Days rental at 254.62 EUR from 22/05/2023

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Nissan Leaf Electric

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 45.12 EUR/day
Nissan Leaf Electric

7 Days rental at 315.86 EUR from 22/05/2023

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Nissan Leaf Electric

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 36.37 EUR/day
Nissan Leaf Electric

7 Days rental at 254.62 EUR from 22/05/2023

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Nissan Leaf Electric

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 36.37 EUR/day
Nissan Leaf Electric

7 Days rental at 254.62 EUR from 22/05/2023

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Nissan Leaf Electric

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 36.37 EUR/day
Nissan Leaf Electric

7 Days rental at 254.62 EUR from 22/05/2023

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Aqua Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 39.21 EUR/day
Toyota Aqua Hybrid

7 Days rental at 274.49 EUR from 22/05/2023

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Prius

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 43.09 EUR/day
Toyota Prius

7 Days rental at 301.67 EUR from 22/05/2023

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Camry Hybrid

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 56.06 EUR/day
Toyota Camry Hybrid

7 Days rental at 392.46 EUR from 22/05/2023

  5 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Aqua Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 52.32 EUR/day
Toyota Aqua Hybrid

7 Days rental at 366.25 EUR from 22/05/2023

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 59.37 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Hybrid

7 Days rental at 415.59 EUR from 22/05/2023

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Aqua Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 38.39 EUR/day
Toyota Aqua Hybrid

7 Days rental at 268.73 EUR from 22/05/2023

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 76.04 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Hybrid

7 Days rental at 532.33 EUR from 22/05/2023

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 81.05 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Hybrid

7 Days rental at 567.40 EUR from 22/05/2023

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 90.54 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Hybrid

7 Days rental at 633.81 EUR from 22/05/2023

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Top tips when hiring a car in New Zealand

  • Drive on the left-hand side of the road in New Zealand, just like the UK and Australia
  • There are toll roads in New Zealand, you can pay by card, but it's wise to carry some cash with you
  • The drink-drive limit in New Zealand is just 50mg (0.05% BAC), a lot lower than the UK
  • December to February are the busiest times to visit as is summer-time in New Zealand
  • It's best to book car hire at least 6 weeks in advance to ensure the widest choice and best price
 

Popular car hire destinations in New Zealand

Laws and rules of the road when driving in New Zealand

  •  

    L

    Road Driving Side

  •  

    50kph

    Urban speed Limit

  •  

    100kph

    Rural Speed Limit

  •  

    100-110kph

    Motorway Speed Limit

  •  

    NZD  2.57/Ltr

    Current Petrol Price

  •  

    50mg

    Drink Drive Limit

  •  

    NZD

    Currency

  •  

    YES

    Tolls

  •  

    21

    Min Rental Age

    17.5

    Min Driving Age

  •  

    Front and Rear

    Seatbelts

  •  

    Fixed and Mobile

    Speed Cameras

  •  

    Hands Free Only

    Mobile Phones

Compare car rental agents in New Zealand

Rental Agent
Locations
Rating (/10)
Customer Reviews
Mini (€/day)
Compact (€/day)
Intermediate (€/day)
Standard (€/day)
 Avis
31
8.9/10
174
€ 48.62
€ 53.14
 Budget
34
8.8/10
558
€ 47.29
€ 51.82
€ 45.84
 Sixt
4
8.4/10
48
€ 49.07
€ 82.70
 Ace rental cars
1
8.3/10
8
€ 47.28
€ 82.52
 Ezi
20
8.1/10
1,036
€ 36.32
€ 42.16
€ 44.87
 Hertz
24
8.1/10
206
€ 57.28
€ 50.52
€ 61.93
 Mode rentals
8
8.0/10
95
€ 27.48
€ 31.99
 Moto car rental
4
7.8/10
41
€ 48.93
 Europcar
14
7.4/10
784
€ 44.89
€ 47.13
€ 60.91
 Snap rentals
4
7.3/10
60
€ 35.98
€ 37.75
€ 68.38
 Scotties
3
6.8/10
37
€ 38.09
 Keddy by europcar
14
6.5/10
112
€ 47.14
€ 47.15
 Auto-union
2
6.3/10
24
€ 30.82
€ 38.16
€ 63.14
€ 43.09
 Drive nz
3
4.4/10
48
€ 36.60

Car rental agent statistics in New Zealand

  • 9.0/10
    Highest rated agent:
    EUROPCAR
  • 4.2/10
    Lowest rated agent:
    DRIVE NZ
  • 4,342
    Total number of reviews in
    New Zealand
  • 31
    Most Locations in New Zealand:
    BUDGET
  • 16
    Average wait time
    (Min.)
  • 33
    Total rental companies
     

Average prices per day for car hire in New Zealand

ItemPercent
January€ 87
February€ 74
March€ 74
April€ 79
May€ 61
June€ 61
July€ 72
August€ 74
September€ 70
October€ 68
November€ 68
December€ 83
ItemPercent
January€ 70
February€ 60
March€ 61
April€ 67
May€ 49
June€ 52
July€ 62
August€ 63
September€ 55
October€ 52
November€ 53
December€ 66
ItemPercent
January€ 114
February€ 98
March€ 100
April€ 101
May€ 78
June€ 81
July€ 89
August€ 95
September€ 88
October€ 88
November€ 90
December€ 104
ItemPercent
January€ 98
February€ 82
March€ 80
April€ 84
May€ 65
June€ 64
July€ 80
August€ 83
September€ 76
October€ 74
November€ 76
December€ 92
ItemPercent
January€ 53
February€ 49
March€ 42
April€ 50
May€ 47
June€ 26
July€ 28
August€ 28
September€ 31
October€ 33
November€ 34
December€ 50
ItemPercent
January€ 127
February€ 106
March€ 98
April€ 113
May€ 83
June€ 89
July€ 104
August€ 108
September€ 91
October€ 91
November€ 94
December€ 110
ItemPercent
January€ 101
February€ 83
March€ 83
April€ 95
May€ 75
June€ 77
July€ 87
August€ 91
September€ 79
October€ 77
November€ 73
December€ 93
ItemPercent
*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for today's best prices.

Fuel prices in New Zealand

DieselUnleaded
Apr , 2022

€ 1.41

€ 1.77

May , 2022

€ 1.63

€ 1.89

Jun , 2022

€ 1.63

€ 1.94

Jul , 2022

€ 1.78

€ 1.97

Aug , 2022

€ 1.51

€ 1.77

Sep , 2022

€ 1.58

€ 1.69

Oct , 2022

€ 1.54

€ 1.67

Nov , 2022

€ 1.51

€ 1.56

Dec , 2022

€ 1.37

€ 1.60

Jan , 2023

€ 1.31

€ 1.54

Feb , 2023

€ 1.26

€ 1.52

Mar , 2023

€ 1.22

€ 1.51

Month, YearDiesel €/ltrUnleaded €/ltr
Mar , 2023 1.22 1.51
Feb , 2023 1.26 1.52
Jan , 2023 1.31 1.54
Dec , 2022 1.37 1.60
Nov , 2022 1.51 1.56
Oct , 2022 1.54 1.67
Sep , 2022 1.58 1.69
Aug , 2022 1.51 1.77
Jul , 2022 1.78 1.97
Jun , 2022 1.63 1.94
May , 2022 1.63 1.89
Apr , 2022 1.41 1.77

Car rental price statistics in New Zealand

  • € 192.36
    Average price:
    (per week)
  • € 324.40
    Highest daily price:
    Mercedes Sprinter
  • 1,058
    Total cars available
     
  • 117
    Most popular model:
    Toyota Corolla
  • 119
    Location with most cars:
    Auckland Airport - International Terminal
  • € 27.5 per day
    Cheapest daily price:
    MODE RENTALS - Auckland Airport - International Terminal
faq
FAQs - How can we help?

There are always some points on which you are not sure when hiring a car, so we have done our best to answer the frequently asked questions. Just click this link and you will find the questions are sorted by category for easy navigation.

Other Car Hire Locations in New Zealand

We specialise in car rentals throughout New Zealand to find you the best price and that's a promise...

Car Hire Auckland
€14.4
 
 
Mini 3 4 2 from €24.0 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €15.8 per day
Economy 5 4 2 from €14.4 per day
Car Hire Christchurch
€14.4
 
 
Mini 3 4 2 from €19.9 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €17.0 per day
Economy 5 4 2 from €14.4 per day
Car Hire Queenstown Airport
€14.4
 
 
Economy 5 4 2 from €14.4 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €19.0 per day
Standard 4 5 4 from €18.2 per day
Car Hire Wellington
€47.3
 
 
Economy 5 5 2 from €47.3 per day
Standard 5 5 4 from €65.5 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €54.5 per day