How to Rent a Car in New Zealand: The Essential Guide

While public transportation is great in New Zealand, hiring a car is ideal as it gives you maximum flexibility and freedom. You can stop and explore all of the smaller sights between the main cities at your own pace.

Here is all of the information you need to go about renting a car in New Zealand to explore the North and South Islands.

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Table of Contents

The Basics of Renting a Car in New Zealand

There are a number of available rental car companies in New Zealand with a broad range of vehicles and prices. Depending what your travel plans are, you may want to select a small, compact economy car or even a camper van to have maximum flexibility as you explore the islands.

To locate the best deal on rental cars, I recommend looking at some of the price aggregator sites, like Kayak and Expedia. They’ll give you an idea of the cost of renting a car in New Zealand. However, I always recommend booking directly with the car rental site. This allows you maximum flexibility and coverage if something were to change about your rental.

If you want to go direct to the rental companies, here are a few great car rental companies in New Zealand:

Things to Do Before You Reserve a Rental Car

While it’s super easy to reserve a car online, there are a few things you should verify before you click that button to rent a car in New Zealand.

Read the company reviews to make sure they aren’t somehow scamming their customers.
Verify the car meets all of your needs. Does it fit your people and luggage? Are there mileage limits? Is it a manual or automatic?
Find out if they offer 24 hour roadside assistance.
Read the Terms and Conditions to know what you are agreeing to and if there are any hidden fees.

If everything aligns, then you’re ready to rent a car in New Zealand!

Drivers License Requirements in New Zealand

To drive in New Zealand you just need a valid overseas drivers license or driver permit. You do not need a New Zealand driver license or an international drivers license in New Zealand.

As long as you haven’t received a disqualification or suspension of your license in New Zealand – you’re good to go!

The Cost of Renting a Car in New Zealand

I’m sure you’re asking yourself how much it costs to rent a car in New Zealand. Well, here are some estimated costs to help you plan your trip budget. Unfortunately, these still vary greatly based on which city you’re picking it up in and dropping it off in, how long you’re renting for, which season you’re visiting in, etc. But at least it gives you a rough idea.

Off Season Cost per Day in NZD

The low season is typically considered winter in New Zealand, between June and October. This means car rental costs in New Zealand drop during this time making it more affordable to roadtrip New Zealand.

Economy Car: $25
Family Size Car: $30
SUV/Minivan: $85
Campervan: $60

High Season Cost per Day in NZD

The peak travel season in New Zealand is between November and March, although the shoulder season of April and May can also see increased prices. If you are planning to visit during this time, book your car ahead to get the best rate.

Economy Car: $60
Family Size Car: $90
SUV/Minivan: $100
Campervan: $200

7 Tips for Saving Money on a Car Rental in New Zealand

Traveling around New Zealand is certainly not cheap, but there are some ways to save money on a car rental in New Zealand.

1. Be Flexible to Find the Lowest Prices

Having flexibility will help you find your lowest price. Consider traveling in off-season, picking up your in town vs. at the airport, flexing your days forward or backward. And, make sure to have your pick up and drop off times align as to maximize the time you have the vehicle and minimize the cost. If you drop it off just one hour later than the pick-up time, you could be charged for a whole extra day.

2. Split the Cost with Friends

Whether you’re traveling with friends or alone, you may be able to find someone to split the cost with. Check in online travel groups or ask around at your hostel or accommodation to see if anyone has similar plans and would want to join you on your journey.

3. Check Rental Car Relocation Options

Rental car relocation deals are offered when a rental car company needs to get cars moved from one city to another. Learn everything you need to know about this below. It can be a great, cost-effective option if you can make it work.

4. Avoid One Way Booking Fees

Picking up your car in one city and dropping it off at a different location? There may be a hefty one-way fee tacked on to this. Make sure to verify this ahead of time and search around for other options whether this means making your itinerary a round-trip drive or finding an alternate company to avoid the fee all together.

5. Avoid Extra Add-on Costs

Extra drivers, drivers under 25, a rented GPS system, car upgrades, WiFi options, snow chains, additional insurance… Car rental companies know how to part you with your money. Carefully pick which add-ons, if any, you want to take advantage of. They all come with additional fees and sometimes those fees are charged daily.

6. Book Early & Book Direct

If you want to save money on car rentals, monitor prices regularly and make sure to book early and directly from the provider rather than a third party. As the car stock decreases, prices often increase. Also, some companies have free cancellation. If you find a lower price, reserve it and cancel your first reservation.

7. Fill the Car with Gas Before You Return It

Just like other countries, New Zealand will charge a refueling fee on top of the cost of the gas. Avoid this by filling up the car before you return it, preferably a few miles from the airport to avoid higher gas prices. And, just in case, keep your receipts.

Alternative: New Zealand Rental Car Relocation

If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to look into rental car relocation since it is difficult to find a cheap car rental in New Zealand. Car relocation offers tend to be a one direction drive to get the car from where it is located to where they need it to be.

Typically all relocation offers will state what type of car it is, the number of days you have to get it from point A to point B, and how much it costs. Often times, the “rental” is free, but sometimes it will come with a small fee or you can extend the time for an added price.

Eligibility for Relocating Cars in New Zealand

Whether you are a Kiwi or not, you may still be eligible for relocating cars in New Zealand from one city to another.

You need to have a drivers license that is valid in New Zealand. Many international licenses, like the United States, will work.
Depending on the rental operator, you will need to be 18, 21, or 25 to be eligible to rent a car.
Make sure you know how to drive the car (duh)! If you don’t know how to drive a manual car (stick shift), do not accidentally book one.
While the car is often free, you are still responsible for gas. This can add up with gas prices over $2/liter. Factor that into your cost of transportation when deciding if this is the right option for you.

3 Tips for Car Relocation in New Zealand

Relocating cars is actually very straight forward, but if you have specific dates or locations you’re aiming for, here are some tips to increase your odds of finding a car.

Keep in mind that car relocation opportunities often come up somewhat last minute. So keep checking back.
If they don’t have something that fits your itinerary, consider looking for shorter trip distances. For example, I relocated a car from Queenstown to Christchurch and then relocated a different car from Christchurch to Picton.
Have a backup mode of transportation in mind, whether it is paying for a rental car, taking a bus, or hitchhiking!

Check what’s available now at Transfercar.

Driving in New Zealand

Driving across New Zealand can be quite the adventure. From the beautiful scenery to driving on the left side of the road, it promises to be memorable. Or, if you’re like me, and it has been more than 8 months since you’ve driven a car, it’s just added fun!

Navigating the North and South Islands

When renting a car in New Zealand, chances are you will not have a GPS with you and your phone service (if you have it in New Zealand) will drop in and out due to the sparse cell reception on parts of the islands.

Fortunately, that’s not really a problem in-between the main cities of New Zealand as there are only a few main roads that connect them. In fact, it would be quite challenging to get lost. In the cities however, you will need directions. Your phone should work there or you can download offline maps before you start your adventure.

I recommend downloading the app Maps.Me. It’s perfect for this type of journey.

Pro Tip: Take a car charger for your phone so you always have access to your maps.

Driving on the Left Side of the Road

For those of us coming from the United States, driving in New Zealand offers the added challenge of driving on the opposite side of the road. This also means the steering wheel is on the right side of the road and the turn signals are on the right while the windshield wipers are on the left. Let’s just say, I had the cleanest of windshields at the beginning of the drive!

That being said, due to the low traffic and limited roads and distractions on the road, New Zealand is the perfect place to learn to drive on the left side of the road. Just beware of the numerous roundabouts! I pretty much just kept chanting “left side, left side” as to not forget – ha!

6 Tips for Driving in New Zealand

Driving in New Zealand is not terribly complicated. This is the combination of there not being too many roads to drive on in parts of the country, combined with the lack of cars on the road in some areas. Still, there are a few driving tips for New Zealand to keep you safe behind the wheel.

1. Know the Road Rules

Every country has their own road rules. New Zealand is no different. Make sure you are familiar with them for your safety and the safety of those around you.

2. Do Not Talk On the Phone

Talking on the phone while you’re holding it is illegal in New Zealand. You can use blue tooth connection or headphones, but obviously the preferred option is to avoid being on the phone all together.

3. Keep Your Fuel Tank Full

Depending where you’re headed, there may be a longer stretch of road without a gas station available. I recommend not letting your tank get below half full to keep this concern at bay.

4. Be Aware of Toll Roads

While driving through the North Island of New Zealand, you may encounter toll roads. Avoid surprises by locating them ahead of time on the government site. The South Island does not have any toll roads at this time.

5. Know the Speed Limit

Pay attention to speed limit signs as you’re driving. If you don’t see any signs, know that the default urban speed limit is 50 km/hr and highway or open road speed limit is generally 100 km/hr.

6. Do Not Drink and Drive

Obviously this is a best practice everywhere. In New Zealand the blood alcohol limit is 0.05 if you are over 20 years old, but if you are under 20, you are not allowed to have any alcohol in you when driving.

Plan Your Trip to New Zealand

If you’re planning on renting a car in New Zealand, chances are good you’re going to need more tips for your trip. Check out these other useful posts to continue your planning.

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Renting a Car or Campervan in New Zealand

2 Comments

Manish Ambaliya says:

March 10, 2021 at 7:36 am

Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.

1. Julia says:
  
  March 14, 2021 at 3:12 pm
  
  It is such an amazing place to explore and renting a car really is the best way to see it all!

How to Rent a Car in New Zealand: The Essential Guide

The Basics of Renting a Car in New Zealand

Things to Do Before You Reserve a Rental Car

Drivers License Requirements in New Zealand