What are the Best Car Rentals in New Zealand for Families?
Picking the perfect family-friendly rental car and rental company is the first step to having a smooth family holiday. With New Zealand‘s impressive range of car rentals, you’re bound to find the perfect car for you and your family even if the options are a bit overwhelming.
Luckily, we have put together this quick comparative list of the best family car rentals in New Zealand.
When searching for family-friendly cars to hire in New Zealand, look for cars with enough space for the whole family and your luggage.
It’s also worth looking out for free inclusions, like baby or child seats, as well as vehicles where these seats are compatible. This not only gives you peace of mind for your family’s safety, but it also helps keep to your budget.
For more tips on travelling New Zealand in a family rental car, see Travel By Car in New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide. And if you were considering a motorhome trip, take a look at The Best Family Campervan Rentals in New Zealand.
Table of Contents
5 Things to Look at When Comparing Family Car Rentals in New Zealand
Our comparison of the best family car rentals in New Zealand 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 for picking 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 20 Ways To Save Money on Car Rental in New Zealand to see when the best time to rent a car usually is.
Additionally, to truly understand the value of your rental you need to compare what’s included in a car rental. Not all companies include the same thing, especially when it comes to insurance.
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.
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?
© NZPocketGuide.comSnap Rentals
Snap Rentals is a fantastic option for families looking for a trusted, easy-to-use rental car company that balances affordability with convenience.
For instance, families will also appreciate that one-way fees are only charged during high-demand periods, which goes perfectly with their wide range of pick up and drop off locations, including Queenstown, Auckland, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch. That’s why Snap also features in The Best Car Rental Companies in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown.
And to top it all off, you can save even more with an exclusive 10% discount using the code POCKET10. Learn more about Snap Rentals at snaprentals.co.nz.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-ups and drop-offs. They also do accommodation shuttle pick-ups and drop-offs for airport locations.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Queenstown Airport, Auckland Downtown (Parnell), Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, Nelson Airport, Christchurch Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WDs/utes and people movers, plenty of options to suit family sizes and travel styles.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 14 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (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 of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© ApexApex Car Rentals
Apex Car Rentals is a great choice for families seeking flexibility and convenience. With numerous depots across the country and no extra fees for one-way hires, it’s easy to plan a smooth journey. Their large, modern fleet offers a premium feel at budget-friendly rates, and they accept debit cards if you’d rather not use a credit card.
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!
© Ace Rental CarsAce 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.
Check out the latest Ace Renal Cars deals on Booking.com. 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 the airport and the 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!
© EuropcarEuropcar
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 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!
![The Best Family Car Rentals in New Zealand ???? [2023]](https://nzpocketguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/keddy-logo-250.png){kind=logo}
© KeddyKeddy
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 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 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!
© ThriftyThrifty
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).
Check out the latest Thrifty 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, 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$5,900 excess (depending on the vehicle) with NZ$200 bond. Insurance add-ons for NZ$35-$46 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!
![The Best Family Car Rentals in New Zealand ???? [2023]](https://nzpocketguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/SIX2.F-1024x413.png)
© SIXTSIXT
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 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, 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!
![The Best Family Car Rentals in New Zealand ???? [2023]](https://nzpocketguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Mode-car-rentals-auckland.jpg)
© Mode Car RentalsMode 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.
Check out the latest Mode 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 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 CarsOmega 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 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: 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 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.
© ANZED RentalsANZED 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 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!
More About Family Car Rentals in New Zealand
That’s it for the best family car rentals in New Zealand. For even more car rental tips, take a look at the following guides:
- Travel By Car: How to Plan a Road Trip in New Zealand
- Should You Rent a Campervan or Car in New Zealand?
- How to Hire a Car in New Zealand Without a Credit Card
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Travel Guide to New Zealand for Families.
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.
