The Best Car Rental Companies in New Zealand 🚗 [2024]

Bargain Rental Cars – The Cheapest New Zealand Car Rentals

Bargain Rental Cars is a rental car company all about 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-up and drop-offs.

Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland (city centre, Onehunga, Glenfield, Mount Wellington, Grey Lynn and East Tamaki), Hamilton (Frankton), Wellington (Cuba Street) and Christchurch (Hornby).

Vehicles Available

Small cars, large cars, scooters, van/people carriers, trucks and trailers.

Vehicle age range: 0 to 18 years old.

Inclusions

• Multiple drivers (18+ years old)
• Basic insurance (for drivers over 25 years old)
• Roadside assistance

Insurance

Free insurance with NZ$2,500 excess for a 25+-year-old driver or a mandatory NZ$15 per day insurance with NZ$3,500 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!

CarForRent – The New Zealand Car Rentals with the Lowest Emissions

Lower your carbon footprint (not to mention, those extortionate fuel costs) by hiring a hybrid or an electric vehicle with CarForRent. The Auckland-based rental company specialises in low-emission vehicles at very reasonable rates. With a range of add-ons, from baby seats to phone holders, as well as a bilingual team speaking English, Chinese and Russian, CarForRent offer a fully catered road trip experience.

Check out a wide range of hybrid and electric vehicles at carforrent.nz. Plus, learn more about the benefits of hiring an EV in our New Zealand EV Rental Guide.

Pick-up and Drop-off Locations

Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland (complimentary delivery to the Albany Bus Station; delivery elsewhere in Auckland, including Auckland Airport, is available for a fee).

Vehicles Available

Small hybrid cars, large hybrid and electric cars, and hybrid van/people carriers.

Vehicle age range: 1 to 7 years old.

Inclusions

• 1 driver (18+ years old – driver fee applies to drivers under the age of 21 and over 70)
• Basic insurance
• Roadside assistance

Insurance

Free insurance with NZ$2,500 excess and a bond of around NZ$500. Alternatively, there are insurance add-ons for NZ$11-$32 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!

Snap Rentals – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for Young Drivers

Snap Rentals is an extremely budget-friendly car rental company, especially for young drivers with insurance costs being the same for drivers of any age – they also feature in The Best New Zealand Car & Campervan Rentals for Ages 18 to 25. Additionally, Snap Rentals are one of the limited car rental companies in New Zealand that hire to drivers with a restricted license. Check out the latest Snap Rentals deals on Booking.com.

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.

Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland City (Parnell), Auckland 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 included in the rental with NZ$2000 excess and NZ$2000 bond (cash or credit card) or get an insurance add-on for NZ$16-$24 per day for NZ$0 to $200 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!

GO 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, Wellington Airport, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown 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$2,500 excess and NZ$2,500 bond. Or insurance add-ons for NZ$22-$29 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 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, Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, Picton, Greymouth, 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$2,500 excess depending on the vehicle and NZ$750 bond to pay or insurance add-ons for NZ$20-$27 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!

Ezi Car Rental – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for New Vehicles

With a fleet of 1,800 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 Airport, Auckland, Christchurch Airport, Wellington 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$3,000 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$26-$28 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!

SIXT – 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), SUVs (VW T-Roc), people-movers (Hyundai Staria) 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$3,000-$4,000 excess plus third-party insurance. The option to reduce the excess amount comes at a daily fee of approximately NZ$35-$75. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!

Europcar – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for Locations

With 22 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.

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$4,500 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$45-$55 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!

Keddy – 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 a massive 22 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, Nelson Airport, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown Airport, Dunedin Airport and Invercargill Airport.

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$4,500 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$45-$55 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!

Omega 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 (Pipitea), Wellington Airport, Picton, Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown and Queenstown Airport.

Vehicles Available

Small cars, large cars, station wagons, SUV, 4WD and people carriers.

Vehicle age range: 3 to 11 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 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 of NZ$25-$28 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.

Apex 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.

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, Napier Airport, Nelson Airport, Nelson City, Picton Ferry Terminal, Queenstown Airport, Queenstown, Wellington (Victoria Street) and Wellington Airport.

Vehicles Available

Small cars, large cars, station wagons and 4WD and van/people carriers.

Vehicle age range: 3 to 7 years old.

Inclusions

• Multiple drivers (21+ years old)
• Basic insurance
• Roadside assistance (call-out fee applies)
• Free one-way rental available

Insurance

Free insurance with NZ$2,000 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$17-$27 per day to reduce the excess. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!

Drive 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, Waiheke Island, Christchurch Airport and Queenstown.

Vehicles Available

Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WD, convertibles, people carriers and campervans.

Vehicle age range: 1 to 15 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!

Hitch – The Best Budget New Zealand Car Rental

Given the right season, Hitch offers some extremely affordable cars. Their budget range might have some older vehicles, as expected, but they are low mileage making for a more reliable journey. Check out the latest Hitch 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 Airport, Auckland City (Parnell), Christchurch Airport and Queenstown Airport.

Vehicles Available

Small cars, large cars, SUVs and van/people carriers.

Vehicle age range: 0 to 10 years old.

Inclusions

• Multiple drivers (21+ years old)
• Basic insurance
• Roadside assistance

Insurance

Free insurance with NZ$2,000 excess and NZ$1,000 bond by way of credit card or insurance add-ons for NZ$10-$18 per day with less excess. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!

JUCY – 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, 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$2,500 excess and NZ$2,500 bond. Or insurance add-ons for NZ$20-$25 per day with less excess and less bond to pay. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!