The Best Family Car Rentals in New Zealand 🚗 [2023]

Ace Rental Cars

Not only is the Ace Rental Cars fleet full of new and late-model cars, providing more safety for your family, they often have some great family deals on their website. Look out for the “Free Child Seat” deal at certain times of the year, for instance. They also have a huge range of pick-up/drop-off locations, giving your family holiday full flexibility.

Things to note, however, is that there is a premium location fee for airport depots but this is minimal. Plus, 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. At least this saves your family on ferry fees. See Ace Rental Cars also listed in The Best Car Rental Companies in New Zealand.

Pick-up and Drop-off Locations

A courtesy shuttle is available to and from airport and airport depots between 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!

Europcar

With 22 locations around New Zealand, Europcar is a great option if you want to start your New Zealand family road trip somewhere a little bit different. Plus, they have newer, therefore, safer cars for your family’s peace of mind. The best option for family car hire with Europcar is from their SUV collection, with plenty of space for large and small families. They also have a good selection of children’s seats to hire. Check out the latest Europcar deals on DiscoverCars.com or RentalCars.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

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 RentalCars.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!

Thrifty

For an ultra-modern and reliable rental vehicle, check out Thrifty. They are one of the car rental companies in New Zealand with the largest range of pick-up/drop-off destinations at around 28 locations. While Thrifty offers high-quality car rentals and booster/child seats, they are hardly your most “thrifty” option with rates being a little higher than other family car rentals in New Zealand. Note that they have a NZ$40 premium surcharge for airport locations (which is higher than average).

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, Hamilton City, Hamilton Airport, Tauranga City, Tauranga Airport, Rotorua Airport, Taupo Airport, Napier Airport, Gisborne City, Gisborne Airport, New Plymouth Airport, Wellington Interislander Ferry Terminal, Wellington Airport, Picton, Blenheim, Nelson Airport, Christchurch City, Christchurch Airport, Greymouth, Hokitika Airport, Westport Airport, Queenstown Airport, Dunedin City, Dunedin Airport and Invercargill Airport.

Vehicles Available

Small cars, medium cars, EVs, SUVs, utility vehicles and vans.

Vehicle age range: 0 to 2 years old.

Inclusions

• 1 driver (21+ years old)
• Basic insurance

Insurance

Free insurance with NZ$4,000-$5,000 excess (depending on the vehicle) or insurance add-ons for NZ$30-$50 per day with less excess and bond to pay. Tyre and glass cover are an additional cost of around NZ$10 per day. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!

SIXT

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 family road trip, however, high-end 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! For families, a choice of baby seats and booster seats is available for a daily fee. Check out the latest SIXT deals on DiscoverCars.com or RentalCars.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!

Mode Car Rentals

Mode offers some of the most competitive rates for family car rentals in New Zealand on a huge range of economy and premium vehicles. While they have something for all travellers, from the budging backpacker with their camping vehicles to even locals moving house with vans and trailers available, Mode is particularly beneficial for families with affordable sedans, station wagons and SUVs.

Pick-up and Drop-Off Locations

A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs between airports, depots and accommodations in the airport area.

Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Auckland Central, Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, Christchurch Airport and Queenstown Airport.

Vehicles Available

Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WD, van/people carriers, campercars, campervans, cargo vans and trailers.

Vehicle age range: 1 to 10 years old.

Inclusions

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

Insurance

Free insurance with NZ$3,000 excess and NZ$3,000 bond or insurance add-ons for NZ$11-$25 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!

Omega Rental Cars

Included in Omega Rental Cars‘ fleet are some very family-friendly models, like their “Premium Family Wagon” and “Family SUV”, which have plenty of space for kids, luggage and even two sets of ISOFIX points and three anchor points for children’s car seats. On top of that, you have great flexibility with so many pick-up and drop-off locations and no one-way charges. They even give you the option to change rental vehicles in Wellington and Picton to reduce ferry costs. Definitely consider Omega if you are travelling on both islands.

Omega Rental Cars are also listed among The Best Car Rental Companies in Queenstown.

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!

ANZED Rentals

Great value for money can be found with ANZED Rentals. They have a generous offering of inclusions to make your family holiday a little more easy-going, including free baby/child seats and free phone rental – of course, you will need to pay for the credit you use on the phone. ANZED are based in Christchurch, which is ideal for South Island road trips.

See more Christchurch rentals in The Best Car Rental Companies in Christchurch.

Pick-up and Drop-off Locations

Courtesy shuttle available within Christchurch (accommodations, airport, etc.) to and from the rental depot.

Pick-up/Drop-off Location: Christchurch, Picton and Queenstown.

Vehicles Available

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

Vehicle age range: 1 to 12 years old.

Inclusions

• Multiple drivers (18+ years old)
• Basic insurance
• Roadside assistance
• Mobile phone rental
• Brochures and maps
• Briefing on New Zealand road rules
• Option for free baby/child seats

Insurance

Free insurance with NZ$2,000 excess for over 25-year-old drivers or more for drivers under 25 years old. Or insurance add-ons for NZ$10 per day with less excess and bond to pay. Glass cover is available for an additional daily fee. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!