Cheap Car Hire in New Zealand from $9
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 21/7 and drop-off date of 3/8. 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 4 July 2025.
Most popular company | EZU Car Rental |
|---|---|
Most common car type | Standard |
Average price per day | $49 |
Cheapest price per day | $9 |
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 4 July 2025.
small car is the cheapest car type you can hire in New Zealand this past week from 825 hire locations out of 97 hire agencies. Prices for a New Zealand small car hire start from $9/day. Check out available deals for 5 car types currently offered at listed car hire agencies here:
Economy
$9+
Compact
$9+
Intermediate
$16+
Standard
$12+
Full-size
$79+
SUV
$25+
People mover
$30+
Full-size SUV
$46+
Compare car hire deals in New Zealand by type
Here are the best New Zealand small car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Here are the best New Zealand medium car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Here are the best New Zealand SUV hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Here are the best New Zealand van hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Here are the best New Zealand pickup truck hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Best car hire deals found in New Zealand
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 $27. Data was last updated on 4 July 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.
Cheapflights insights for New Zealand car hires
Get relevant, data-driven information to help you hire a car in New Zealand, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.
How far in advance should I hire a car in New Zealand?
Book your car hire in New Zealand 7 days before your pickup date to maximise your savings. Car hire prices are around $70/day on average when booked 7 days ahead, which saves you 36% off the average price.
What is the cheapest car hire company in New Zealand?
Looking to hire a car in New Zealand? EZU Car Rental had the lowest prices in the past two weeks, starting at only $7.43/day. New Zealand Discount Car Rentals also offers competitive rates, with deals beginning at $8.74/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in New Zealand?
At New Zealand, the best time to hire a car is in May, with an average daily rate of just $55. Conversely, December is the priciest month, averaging $108 per day. Below youll find the monthly average car hire prices. Note that costs can fluctuate depending on availability, booking time, and vehicle type.|1#In New Zealand, the best time to hire a car is in May, with an average daily rate of just $55. Conversely, December is the priciest month, averaging $108 per day. Below youll find the monthly average car hire prices. Note that costs can fluctuate depending on availability, booking time, and vehicle type.
January
$95
February
$91
March
$83
April
$81
May
$55
June
$56
July
$74
August
$62
September
$62
October
$70
November
$84
December
$108
What car do most people hire in New Zealand?
SUV cars (Kia Sportage, for example) are the most popular in New Zealand. Intermediate (Kia Sportage) and Compact (Ford Focus) cars are also often chosen by our users when visiting New Zealand.
Which car hire company has the most locations in New Zealand?
Thrifty has 65 locations throughout the area, more than any other company. Hertz has the second-highest number of locations in New Zealand at 59.
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 241 pickup locations in New Zealand to choose from. Price data has been averaged over the last 12 months and was last updated on 4 July 2025.
If you're looking for the best car hire deals in New Zealand, start with Auckland, where rates average $7/day. You can also find good prices in Christchurch ($15/day), Wellington ($30/day), and Picton ($33/day).
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 4 July 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 4 July 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.
Apex
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Ace Rental Cars
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Hertz
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Budget
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Europcar
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Avis
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
EZI
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Thrifty
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
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 4 July 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.
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 Mode, and with prices around $34/day, it’s easy to understand why. The most popular car type from Mode is ECONOMY, which starts as low as $13/day.
What is the cheapest city to get a rental car in New Zealand?
At $16/day, the cheapest car hire price in New Zealand was found in Mangere. On average, Mangere has the cheapest daily rental car price ($17/day), which is 73% 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.
Car hires by fuel type in New Zealand
Browse car hires by fuel type in New Zealand. Currently, Hybrid cars are the cheapest to rent in New Zealand. Deals were last updated on 4 July 2025.
Browse through car hire deals by fuel type in New Zealand. There are currently 3 fuel types to choose from with Hybrid being the cheapest ($6+).
Electric
$17+
Hybrid
$6+
Petrol/Diesel
$6+