Cheap Car Hire in New Zealand from $19
This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a Cheapflights user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car hire in New Zealand with a pick-up date of 7/5 and drop-off date of 21/5. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of hire. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
New Zealand car hires in 2025
Get helpful information to start your search for the perfect car hire in New Zealand. The average price data is based on the last 12 months and was last updated on 21 February 2025.
Most popular company | Autounion Car Rental |
|---|---|
Most common car type | Intermediate |
Average price per day | $56 |
Cheapest price per day | $19 |
What are the car hire prices for popular cities in New Zealand?
Discover the price range for hiring a car in popular cities across New Zealand, helping you budget and make informed decisions for your upcoming travel. There are 312 pickup locations in New Zealand to choose from. Price data has been averaged over the last 12 months and was last updated on 21 February 2025.
Price | $28 - $71 |
|---|
What is the cheapest time to rent a car in New Zealand?
Discover the most affordable period to rent a car in New Zealand and save money on your trip. The monthly average price data is based on historical data over the last year and was last updated on 21 February 2025.
January
$78
February
$87
March
$76
April
$45
May
$31
June
$31
July
$36
August
$37
September
$37
October
$48
November
$65
December
$108
Currently, the cheapest month to rent a car in New Zealand is May. The most expensive time to rent a car is December. The cheapest prices for each month are shown above, but prices will vary based on availability, how far out you book your rental car, and of course, car type.
Popular car types in New Zealand
Explore the most popular car models available for hire in New Zealand and choose the one that suits your needs. The price data is sourced from various car hire companies and was last updated on 21 February 2025.
medium car is the cheapest car type you can hire in New Zealand this past week from 808 hire locations out of 92 hire agencies. Prices for a New Zealand medium car hire start from $19/day. Check out available deals for 5 car types currently offered at listed car hire agencies here:
Economy
$27+
Compact
$28+
Intermediate
$27+
Standard
$62+
Full-size
$75+
SUV
$44+
People mover
$57+
Full-size SUV
$65+
Compare available car types for hire in New Zealand
Compare and contrast the various car types offered for hire in New Zealand to find the perfect fit for your trip. Price data is based on averages over the last 12 months and was last updated on 21 February 2025.
Small cars | $25 - $102 | |
|---|---|---|
All Car Types | $45 - $141 |
To hire a small car in New Zealand, you would pay an average price of $51/day. May is the cheapest month to hire a small car in New Zealand (~$25/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is December (~$102/day). In fact, May is about 51% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a small car hire for New Zealand. When comparing with other car types available for hire in New Zealand, hiring a small car saves you 34% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best New Zealand small car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
To hire a medium car in New Zealand, you would pay an average price of $75/day. May is the cheapest month to hire a medium car in New Zealand (~$48/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is December (~$153/day). In fact, May is about 37% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a medium car hire for New Zealand. When comparing with other car types available for hire in New Zealand, hiring a medium car saves you 2% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best New Zealand medium car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
To hire a large car in New Zealand, you would pay an average price of $115/day. May is the cheapest month to hire a large car in New Zealand (~$85/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is December (~$182/day). In fact, May is about 27% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a large car hire for New Zealand. When comparing with other car types available for hire in New Zealand, hiring a large car is 34% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity.
To hire a SUV in New Zealand, you would pay an average price of $79/day. May is the cheapest month to hire a SUV in New Zealand (~$54/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is December (~$146/day). In fact, May is about 32% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a SUV hire for New Zealand. When comparing with other car types available for hire in New Zealand, hiring a SUV is 3% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best New Zealand SUV hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
To hire a van in New Zealand, you would pay an average price of $123/day. May is the cheapest month to hire a van in New Zealand (~$83/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is December (~$207/day). In fact, May is about 34% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a van hire for New Zealand. When comparing with other car types available for hire in New Zealand, hiring a van is 38% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity.
To hire a pickup truck in New Zealand, you would pay an average price of $114/day. August is the cheapest month to hire a pickup truck in New Zealand (~$75/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is February (~$209/day). In fact, August is about 35% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a pickup truck hire for New Zealand. When comparing with other car types available for hire in New Zealand, hiring a pickup truck is 34% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best New Zealand pickup truck hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
To hire a luxury car in New Zealand, you would pay an average price of $112/day. July is the cheapest month to hire a luxury car in New Zealand (~$57/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is December (~$233/day). In fact, July is about 50% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a luxury car hire for New Zealand. When comparing with other car types available for hire in New Zealand, hiring a luxury car is 32% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity.
Tips for hiring a car in New Zealand
Browse helpful tips for hiring a car in New Zealand including age restrictions, car type suggestions and more. Tips were last updated on 21 February 2025.
- The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers aged 20 and over in New Zealand is 0.05 grams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (0.05%). Note that drivers under the age of 20 and those with a learner or restricted licence have a strict 0% limit. New Zealand enforces these rules rigorously, and exceeding the limit can result in fines, licence suspension and possibly even jail time. So, as you explore the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, be mindful of these laws. Doing so will give you a far more peaceful and enjoyable journey while also protecting the safety of your fellow road users.
- A unique driving aspect in New Zealand is the widespread use of single-lane, unsealed roads, particularly in rural and remote areas. You may encounter these dirt or gravel roads when exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations like the stunning Catlins region on the South Island. It's essential to check with your hire car agency before traversing such roads, to ensure your policy doesn’t exclude them. If allowed, be sure you drive carefully – they can be narrow and winding, with loose gravel affecting vehicle traction. Staying at a reduced speed, maintaining a safe following distance and avoiding sudden maneuvers will be essential.
- Child car seat laws are strictly enforced in New Zealand to protect young passengers. So, if you’ll be travelling with children under the age of seven, be sure to bring or book the appropriate child restraint for your hire vehicle. The specific type of restraint will depend on the child's age, weight and height. Infants under a year old should be in a rear-facing seat, while older children can generally use forward-facing seats or boosters.
Top hire agencies in New Zealand
Explore the leading car hire agencies in New Zealand known for their outstanding service and extensive range of vehicles to choose from. There are currently 8 car hire companies in New Zealand. Reviews were last updated on 21 February 2025.
Have a look at the top car hire agencies available in New Zealand, including those that serve Auckland, Queenstown and Christchurch. Make sure to read through user feedback, confirm pickup locations, and check the fine print before choosing.
Thrifty
Hertz
Firefly
Sunnycars
EZI
Budget
Moto Car Rental
Avis
Best New Zealand car hire deals found
Browse through a selection of recently found affordable car hire deals in New Zealand. Plan your trip with ease and find the perfect hire option for your needs. There are currently 8 hire car agencies in New Zealand with an average daily rate of $43. Data was last updated on 21 February 2025.
These are some of the best options we've found for those looking for car hires in New Zealand, including options within a close proximity to Auckland, Queenstown and Christchurch. If these deals don't appeal to you, check back very soon as they are being updated frequently.
Car hire FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about car hires in New Zealand, including policies, requirements, and more. FAQs were last updated on 21 February 2025.
Should I hire a car in New Zealand?
Hiring a car in New Zealand offers several advantages. Most importantly, it provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and venture off the typical tourist trail. The country’s diverse landscapes – from snow-capped mountains to subtropical beaches – make for plenty of scenic drives. You’ll have more time to truly appreciate well-known attractions like Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, Bay of Islands and Queenstown if you drive. Compared to alternative transport options, hiring a car can also be faster and more convenient. Then, of course, there are unique places like Farewell Spit and Ninety Mile Beach that are only really accessible by car. All in all, your hire car will open up an abundance of free-roaming adventures.
What is driving like in New Zealand?
Driving in New Zealand is a unique and captivating experience thanks to the country’s diverse landscapes and well-maintained roads. The road surfaces vary from asphalt to chip seal to unsealed surfaces, depending on the location. Though road quality is generally good, the roads can be hilly, narrow and winding, especially in rural areas. These paths may require more time and attention to navigate. There are three toll roads to be aware of, all located on the North Island.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in New Zealand?
The minimum age to hire a car is typically 21 in New Zealand. However, a few select hire car companies may allow drivers between 18 and 21 years of age. Drivers under 25 often incur a young driver surcharge, so be sure to check this with your hire car agency before booking. As for the driving licence requirements, you need a full valid driving licence, not a provisional one, to book a vehicle in your name. If your licence is not written in English, it must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit. It’s also required that you have held your full driving licence for at least one year. These and other terms and conditions can vary from company to company, so it’s best to compare policies via Cheapflights to find a vehicle that suits your needs.
Which car hire company is considered to be the best in New Zealand?
Taking our users’ ratings and reviews into consideration, keddy by Europcar (10.0 rating), Avis (9.4 rating) and Rental Cars 247 (9.4 rating) seem to be the best car hire companies in New Zealand.
What is the most popular car hire provider in New Zealand?
When hiring a car in New Zealand, the most popular provider of hire cars among Cheapflights users is Ace Rental Cars, and with prices around $63/day, it’s easy to understand why. The most popular car type from Ace Rental Cars is COMPACT, which starts as low as $28/day.
What is the cheapest city to get a rental car in New Zealand?
At $28/day, the cheapest car hire price in New Zealand was found in Mangere. On average, Mangere has the cheapest daily rental car price ($36/day), which is 56% below average price for cities in New Zealand.
What side of the road do you drive on in New Zealand?
Cars in New Zealand are to be driven on the left side of the road.
Small car hires in New Zealand
Find small car hire deals in New Zealand from well-known providers in the area and save on gas mileage with the options provided below. small car hires in New Zealand cost an average of $51 per day. Price data was last updated on 21 February 2025.
Luxury car hires in New Zealand
Find luxury car hire deals in New Zealand from well-known providers in the area and save on gas mileage with the options provided below. luxury car hires in New Zealand cost an average of $52 per day. Price data was last updated on 21 February 2025.
These are some of the best options we've found when it comes to luxury car hires in New Zealand, including pickup locations near Auckland, Queenstown and Christchurch. If you don't see a deal that suits you, return soon as new offers are always being added.
Car hires by fuel type in New Zealand
Browse car hires by fuel type in New Zealand. Currently, Petrol/Diesel cars are the cheapest to rent in New Zealand. Deals were last updated on 21 February 2025.
Browse through car hire deals by fuel type in New Zealand. There are currently 3 fuel types to choose from with Petrol/Diesel being the cheapest ($16+).
Electric
$21+
Hybrid
$17+
Petrol/Diesel
$16+