Which Car Rental Company to Choose in New Zealand?
New Zealand is not your average vacation destination. Here, you’re going to want to get around easily to see all the mind-blowing landscapes, walking trails and awesome activities spread around the country. It’s the ultimate road trip destination!
As driving around is going to be a huge aspect of your trip, picking a good rental car company is essential. To make the overwhelming choice of car rentals in New Zealand a little easier to digest, we’ve put together this quick comparison of the best car rental companies in New Zealand.
Take a look at the list of rental car companies below to see some of the market leaders in the car rental industry in New Zealand, as well as some you may not have heard of but are well worth adding to your comparison. Travelling to New Zealand is often a once-in-a-lifetime trip so get it right and consider all your options!
Plus, check out our comparisons for car rental companies in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown too.
Table of Contents
5 Things to Compare Between Car Rental Companies in New Zealand
Our comparison of New Zealand’s best car rental companies includes the most important details about each company with the exception of rental rates, as these change from season to season. Below is an overview of why each feature is important in your car rental comparison.
Alternatively, head to How to Compare Car and Campervan Rental Companies in New Zealand.
1. Location
Look at your itinerary and where you want to start and end your trip in New Zealand and choose a car rental company with depots in those locations convenient to you. To keep the costs down, try to start and end your trip in the same location to avoid one-way fees (or choose a company that doesn’t charge one-way fees).
Additionally, always check if the company is charging a fair premium location fee which is usually added if picked up from an airport depot.
2. Prices and Inclusions
The base price of car rental fluctuates with the seasons. In summer, daily rates are at their most expensive, while they are at their cheapest in winter. Read our 21 Ways To Save Money on Car Rental in New Zealand to see when the best time to rent a car is.
What’s more, to truly understand the value of your rental, you need to compare what’s included. Not all companies include the same things, especially when it comes to insurance.
For more budgeting tips, head over to How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in New Zealand?
3. Vehicles Offered
Most car rental companies in New Zealand will maintain even their oldest cars to the highest standards, however, a more modern vehicle is less likely to give you any problems, so keep vehicle age in mind. You also need to find a car type that meets your needs.
For more advice, check out What is the Best Type of Vehicle to Rent in New Zealand?
4. Service
Once you have picked a few car rental companies from this comparison, send some questions to the companies and see how helpful they are with their answers. Service will become very important should anything go wrong during your trip.
5. Reviews
It’s worth checking multiple review websites to compare customers’ experiences. Why not ask the question in a New Zealand travel Facebook Group or check out reviews on Booking.com or DiscoverCars.com?
© Bargain Rental CarsBargain Rental Cars – The Cheapest New Zealand Car Rentals
Bargain Rental Cars is a rental car company dedicated to offering competitive prices. Not only are their rates super affordable, but they are one of the very few car rentals with a “best price guarantee”.
BRC have several convenient pick-up and drop-off locations. What’s more, they also accept young drivers. However, be aware of the location fee for all airport locations, which is a little higher than usual at around NZ$30 – but with their low rental rates, they are still likely to be one of your more affordable car rental options.
Check out affordable rental cars at bargainrentalcars.co.nz.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport pick-ups and drop-offs.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland (Airport, East Tamaki, Glenfield, Grey Lynn, Henderson, Mt Wellington, Onehunga, Silverdale, Takanini), Hamilton (Frankton, Airport), Wellington (City Centre, Airport) and Christchurch (Airport, Hornby) and Tauranga.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, coaches, utes and minibuses.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 24 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (18+ years old)
- Basic insurance (for drivers over 25 years old)
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$3,950 excess for a 25+-year-old driver or a mandatory NZ$20 per day insurance with NZ$4,500 excess for an 18-24-year-old driver. Alternatively, there are insurance add-ons for NZ$10-$19 per day with less excess and bond to pay.
A NZ$250 bond is only payable if you cannot supply credit card details. Windscreen liability with no excess can be added for around NZ$5 a day.
Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© NZPocketGuide.comSnap Rentals – The Most People-Focused New Zealand Car Rental
Snap Rentals is one of the most trusted and easy-to-use rental car companies in New Zealand, especially popular with young drivers. The minimum age to hire is just 18 years old, allowing hires to drivers even with a restricted license, and insurance costs are the same no matter your age. This is just one way that Snap is putting people first!
Even better, you can score an exclusive 10% discount with the code POCKET10 when booking at snaprentals.co.nz.
Needless to say, they also feature in The Best New Zealand Car & Campervan Rentals for Ages 18 to 25.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs. They also do accommodation shuttle pick-up and drop-offs for airport locations. Note that their one-way fees are only charged during periods of high demand.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland Downtown (Parnell), Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, Nelson Airport, Christchurch Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WD/ute and people carriers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 14 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (18+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Free insurance is included in the rental with NZ$3000 excess and NZ$2000 bond (cash or credit card) or get an insurance add-on for NZ$29-$34 per day for NZ$0 to $500 excess and bond to pay. There is also insurance available for restricted or P Plate licenses.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© ApexApex Car Rentals – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for One-Way Trips
For ultimate flexibility, Apex Car Rentals has a huge number of depots around the country with no extra costs for one-way trips. Their fleet is large and modern for a more premium experience on a budget. It’s also possible to hire vehicles without a credit card but with a debit card if you prefer.
Learn more about Apex Rental Cars at apexrentals.co.nz.
We also like Apex Car Rentals as one of The Best Car Rental Companies in Wellington.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland City Centre (Victoria Street West), Auckland Airport, Blenheim Airport, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch City (Kilmore Street), Greymouth Railway Station, Invercargill Airport, Napier Airport, Nelson Airport, Picton Ferry Terminal, Queenstown Airport, Tauranga Airport, Wellington (Victoria Street) and Wellington Airport.
Vehicles Available
Hatchback cars, sedans, SUVs, 4WDs and people movers.
Vehicle age range: 2 to 6 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance (call-out fee applies)
- Free one-way rental available
- Fwd facing child seats / booster seats if needed
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$3,300 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$40.46-$46.97 per day to reduce the excess. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© GO RentalsGO Rentals – The Best All-Rounder New Zealand Car Rental
GO Rentals has a large fleet of rental cars in all the major arrival cities in New Zealand. Their modern fleet means less chance of a breakdown, however, should it happen, roadside assistance is included in every rental.
The car rental company offers hundreds of discounts on activities around the country.
What’s more, GO Rentals is one of the first car rental companies in New Zealand to offer EV rentals – find out more about How to Travel Around New Zealand in an Electric Car. Check out the latest Go Rentals deals on DiscoverCars.com.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland City Centre, Auckland Airport, Waiheke – Matiatia, Wellington Airport, Nelson Airport, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown Airport, Invercargill Airport and Dunedin Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, EVs, 4WD, van/people carriers, and camper trailers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 4 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
- GO Play discount card (discounts on 200+ activities, restaurants and accommodations)
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$4,000 excess and NZ$2,000 bond. Or insurance add-ons for NZ$35-$49 per day with less excess and bond to pay. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© Ace Rental CarsAce Rental Cars – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for Families
With a fleet of new and late-model vehicles, Ace Rental Cars have cars that are more likely to be reliable and fuel-efficient. With plenty of drop-off locations, this car rental company allows you to be more flexible.
There is a premium location fee for airport depots but this is minimal.
Note also that Ace Rental Cars’ do not permit their vehicles to cross between the North Island and South Island, so separate bookings will need to be made to/from their Picton or Wellington branches if travelling on both islands.
On the plus side, at least this reduces your ferry fees. Check out the latest Ace Renal Cars deals on Booking.com.
Needless to say, we also list Ace Rental Cars as one of The Best Family Car Rentals in New Zealand, so check out that comparison if you’re travelling with a tribe.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available to and from the airport and airport depots during normal working hours.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland City (Victoria Street West), Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, Wellington City, Picton Ferry Terminal, Greymouth Train Station, Christchurch Airport, Dunedin Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WD, people carriers and campervans.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 8 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (18+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Free insurance with up to NZ$5,900 excess depending on the vehicle and NZ$200 bond to pay or insurance add-ons for NZ$35-$46 per day with less excess and NZ$200 to pay.
Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© Ezi Car RentalsEzi Car Rental – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for New Vehicles
There are plenty of options with Ezi Car Rental. Most of the models are late models, with the exception of a few, so if you are looking for something reliable at a bit of an extra rate then Ezi is for you. Check out the latest Ezi Car Rentals deals on Booking.com.
We also list Ezi Car Rental as one of The Best Car Rental Companies in Queenstown.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland Domestic and International Airports, Auckland City, Gisborne Airport, Gisborne City, Hamiton Airport, Hamilton City, Napier Airport, New Plymouth Airport, Palmerston North Airport, Rotorua Airport, Taupo Airport, Tauranga Airport, Blenheim Aiport, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch City, Wellington Airport, Greymouth Train Station, Hokitika Airport, Invercargill Airport, Nelson Airport, Dunedin Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WD, utes, and people carriers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 3 years old.
Inclusions
- 2 drivers (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$5,999 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$35-$44 per day with less or no excess. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
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© SIXTSIXT – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for Luxury Vehicles
If you want to make luxury part of your New Zealand getaway then set your sights on SIXT. With supercars among their upscale fleet of European, Japanese and American brands, their vehicles are certainly chosen to impress.
If that seems a little much for your road trip, however, high-end compact cars, SUVs, EVs and people movers will still do the trick in style.
Download their app so you can open your vehicle electronically with your phone for extra pizazz! Check out the latest SIXT deals on DiscoverCars.com.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available to and from the airport and rental depots.
Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Auckland City, Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown Airport and Dunedin Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars (VW Sharan), medium cars (Toyota Corolla Hatch), EVs (Audi e-tron, Polestar 2), SUVs (VW T-Roc, VW Tiguan, people-movers (Hyundai Staria, Ford Transit) and supercars (McLaren GT, Porsche, Jaguar and Land Rover).
Vehicle age range: 0 to 2 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
Insurance
Free Loss Damage Waiver insurance with NZ$5,000 excess plus third-party insurance. The option to reduce the excess amount comes at a daily fee of approximately NZ$49-$58.
Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
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© EuropcarEuropcar – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for Locations
With multiple locations around New Zealand, Europcar is a great option if you want to start your New Zealand road trip somewhere a little bit different.
Plus, they have newer, therefore safer, cars for peace of mind. With a fleet ranging from compact cars ideal for solo travellers or couples to family-friendly SUVs, there’s something for everyone with this international car rental brand.
Check out the latest Europcar deals on DiscoverCars.com or Booking.com.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available to and from the airport and rental depots.
Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Auckland City, Auckland Airport, Rotorua Airport, Napier Airport, Wellington Interislander Ferry Terminal, Wellington Airport, Picton, Blenheim, Nelson Airport, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown Airport, Dunedin Airport and Invercargill Airport, Marlborough Airport, Palmerston North Airport, Greymouth.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, medium cars, sedans, SUVs, minivans, “luxury” cars, vans and trucks.
Vehicle age range: 1 to 12 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$5,900 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$45-$50 per day with less excess and bond to pay. (Some models may require a bond to be paid).
Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
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© KeddyKeddy – A Cheaper Alternative to Europcar
For cheaper vehicles than the car rental company stated above, look out for Europcar’s slightly more affordable sub-brand, Keddy.
Like Europcar, they have over 25 locations across New Zealand, so there’s something to fit any road trip itinerary. Their affordability comes at the cost of a slightly older fleet, but vehicles are still maintained to a high standard.
Check out the latest Keddy deals on DiscoverCars.com or Booking.com.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available to and from the airport and rental depots.
Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Auckland City, Auckland Airport, Rotorua Airport, Napier Airport, Wellington Interislander Ferry Terminal, Wellington Airport, Picton, Blenheim Airport, Nelson Airport, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown Airport, Dunedin Airport and Invercargill Airport, Greymouth.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, medium cars, sedans, SUVs, minivans, “luxury” cars, vans and trucks.
Vehicle age range: 5 to 15 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$5,900 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$45-$55 per day with less excess to pay. (Some models may require a bond to be paid). Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works?
Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© OmegaOmega Rental Cars – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for Inclusions
With so many pick-up and drop-off locations and no one-way charges, Omega is a rental car company well worth considering if you plan to start and end your trip on different islands.
What’s more, the possibility of changing rental vehicles in Wellington and Picton to reduce ferry costs is appealing.
You’ll also find Omega Rental Cars listed in The Best Car Rental Companies in Auckland.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland City, Auckland Aiport, Wellington City (Pipitea), Wellington Airport, Picton Ferry, Nelson Airport, Blenheim Airport, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown City and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, SUV, 4WD and people carriers.
Vehicle age range: 2 to 14 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (18+ years old)
- One-way hire available
- Option to leave a vehicle at Wellington/Picton and pick up another vehicle after the ferry crossing to reduce the cost of the ferry
- Basic insurance
- Maps and a guidebook with activity discounts
- Free seats for children
- Postcard and pen
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2,500 excess and a NZ$2,000 bond for 21+-year-old drivers. Different conditions apply to 18-20-year-old drivers or drivers with a restricted license. Insurance add-ons for drivers over 21 years old in NZ are NZ$40-$50 per day with either no excess or NZ$400 excess.
Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
Plus, learn more about age restrictions in Age Restrictions When Renting a Vehicle in New Zealand.
© Drive NZ Rental CarsDrive NZ Rental Cars – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for Affordability
Drive NZ is not only an affordable rental company but also offers a price-beat guarantee. They provide a great range of cars from new to older models. There’s a minimal airport surcharge but no/minimal bond to pay. However, you will need to supply credit card details.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available between the airport and rental depots.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport and New Lynn (Delivery).
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WD, convertibles, people carriers and campervans.
Vehicle age range: 1 to 16 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (18+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
- Free cancellation (more than 21 days prior to hire date)
- Brochures and maps
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2,000 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$14-19 per day with less excess. No bond is paid but credit card details are taken. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© Jucy RentalsJUCY – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for Small Cars and People Carriers
With a low minimum age and a great range of budget options, JUCY Rentals are worth considering for a budget trip around New Zealand. Be aware that they do charge a “premium location fee” for cars picked up in their airport locations, however, this fee is minimal.
With that said, JUCY is one of the most popular New Zealand car rental companies thanks to its bold marketing. Check out the latest JUCY deals on DiscoverCars.com or Booking.com.
Learn more about its campervan fleet in The Best Motorhome & Campervan Rentals in New Zealand.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland Airport, Queenstown Airport and Christchurch Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, people carriers, Star RV, campercars and campervans.
Vehicle Age Range: 3 to 15 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (18+ years old)
- Roadside assistance
- Basic insurance
- Activity discounts
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$3,000 excess and NZ$3,000 bond. Or insurance add-ons for NZ$30-$45 per day with less excess and no bond to pay.
Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
More About Car Rentals Companies in New Zealand
Want to see more New Zealand car rental companies? Compare car hire on car rental comparison websites too! Or stick around on NZ Pocket Guide to learn more about rental car companies in New Zealand. We’ve got you covered:
- The Best Campervan Rental Companies in New Zealand
- Travel By Car: How to Plan a Road Trip in New Zealand
- How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in New Zealand?
Plus, have you planned your route around New Zealand yet? Check out the following itineraries for the best road trip routes!
- North Island in 1 Week: Road Trip Itinerary
- South Island in 1 Week: Road Trip Itinerary
- North Island in 2 Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary
- South Island in 2 Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary
- New Zealand in 3 Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary
- New Zealand in a Month: Road Trip Itinerary.
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2025])
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
- Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
