Car rental in New Zealand

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Travel in New Zealand Like a Local: What to Know About Renting a Car

Car rental in New Zealand

Exploring New Zealand by car is one of the best ways to experience the country's breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems. To truly travel like a local, renting a car is essential. Here's what you need to know about renting a car in New Zealand:

Driving Rules and Regulations

Before hitting the road, familiarize yourself with New Zealand's driving rules:

  • Drive on the left side of the road
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers
  • The speed limit is typically 100 km/h on open roads and 50 km/h in urban areas
  • It's illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Select a car that suits your travel needs and the terrain you'll be exploring. For city driving and well-maintained roads, a compact car is sufficient. However, if you plan to venture off the beaten path or tackle mountain roads, consider a 4WD vehicle.

Insurance and Documentation

Ensure you have comprehensive insurance coverage and all necessary documentation, including a valid driver's license. If your license is not in English, you'll need an International Driving Permit.

Planning Your Route

While main highways are well-maintained, some rural roads can be challenging. Plan your route in advance and allow extra time for scenic stops and unexpected detours. Don't miss the chance to visit Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most stunning natural wonders.

Fuel Considerations

Petrol stations can be scarce in rural areas, so always keep your tank at least half full. Many rental companies offer fuel cards, which can be convenient for managing expenses.

Local Driving Tips

To truly drive like a local:

  • Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially in mountainous regions
  • Watch out for wildlife on rural roads, particularly at dawn and dusk
  • Use pullover bays to let faster vehicles pass on winding roads
  • Take advantage of free camping spots known as "freedom camping" areas, but always check local regulations

By following these tips and renting a car through a reliable company like Bookingautos, you'll be well-equipped to explore New Zealand's stunning landscapes and hidden gems like a true local. Remember to take your time, enjoy the journey, and embrace the Kiwi way of life as you discover all that this beautiful country has to offer.

Video Guide for Travelers

Your Guide to Unforgettable Road Trips Across New Zealand

New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes and diverse attractions make it an ideal destination for road trip enthusiasts. Exploring the country by a rented car allows you to discover hidden gems and experience the true essence of Kiwi culture at your own pace. Here's your guide to planning an unforgettable journey through this stunning island nation.

North Island Adventures

Begin your adventure in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, before heading north to the Bay of Islands. This subtropical paradise offers pristine beaches, historic sites, and opportunities for water activities. As you drive south, don't miss these highlights:

  • Rotorua's geothermal wonders and Maori culture
  • Tongariro National Park's volcanic landscapes
  • Wellington, the vibrant capital city

South Island Wonders

Take a ferry to the South Island and prepare for even more spectacular scenery. Your rental car will be your ticket to exploring:

  • Abel Tasman National Park's golden beaches and turquoise waters
  • The rugged West Coast and Franz Josef Glacier
  • Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world
  • Milford Sound's majestic fiords

Tips for a Smooth Journey

To make the most of your New Zealand road trip:

  • Plan your route in advance, but allow for spontaneous detours
  • Book accommodations ahead, especially during peak seasons
  • Familiarize yourself with local driving laws and road conditions
  • Pack for varying weather conditions
  • Don't rush - take time to enjoy the journey and scenic stops

With its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and endless adventures, a road trip through New Zealand promises memories that will last a lifetime. So buckle up, hit the open road, and prepare for an extraordinary journey through one of the world's most beautiful countries.

Ready to start your New Zealand adventure? Book your rental car today and embark on the road trip of a lifetime!

Good to know

Most Popular Agency

Europcar

Most popular car class

Mini

Average price

24 € / Day

Best price

17 € / Day

Monthly price chart. Approximate prices for 7 days rental

January
€255
February
€174
March
€222
April
€205
May
€200
June
€224
July
€160
August
€166
September
€297
October
€172
November
€199
December
€371

Popular tourist locations in New Zealand

Documents needed to rent a car

Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!

A valid international driver's license is required!

Expert Car Rental Tips: 10 Things to Keep in Mind

Download desired area of Google maps for offline access

Before the trip, we recommend that you download the necessary maps to the Google Maps application on your smartphone. This will allow you to build travel routes and use offline navigation on the ground. Thus, you can significantly save on Internet roaming charges, as well as on the "Navigator" service. Downloading the map is easy. You should select the required area, set the desired scale and enter "ok maps" in the search field.

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Early Booking Discount

New Zealand is now in ever-increasing demand, which affects the high demand for car rental. By booking online, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises after you arrive at your destination. Both with the car itself and with its rent.

It is better to book a car at least one and a half months before the trip. As the required date approaches, the number of available offers is reduced, and the cost of the remaining models increases. If plans change and the trip is postponed, then you can cancel the rental without any sanctions 2 days before it starts.

Which car to choose

Tourists who expect to drive only around the city and its immediate surroundings prefer to rent compact cars, VW Up or Ford Focus. For trips to the mountains, you need a car with increased power. You should go on such a trip with a full tank, as fuel consumption in the mountains increases one and a half to two times. An all-wheel drive crossover would be the ideal car for this. Renting Renault Megane Estate in New Zealand will cost €31 per day.

What you need to pay attention to when receiving a car

Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.

The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.

Insurance recommendations

When you pick up your rental car, you need to take it seriously. This is especially true if you do not intend to purchase additional insurance. You should carefully inspect the received car and fix all scratches, dents, and other defects in the contract. It is also recommended to take a picture of the existing damage to the car, its number, write down the name of the rental company employee.

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What types of insurance are available for car rental?

  • Third Party Liability (TPL). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
  • Theft Waiver (T.W.). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
Fuel Policy

When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting New Zealand for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.

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Rent without mileage limit

The rental company may set a daily mileage limit. You will have to pay extra for exceeding the limit. Please check this condition before booking. It is possible that a more expensive rental option will turn out to be more profitable in the end: it will not require any additional expenses. To filter cars with unlimited mileage - use the "Mileage" filter in the search results.

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Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies

When choosing a rental car in New Zealand, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.

How to choose a rental company

It is recommended to rent a car in trusted companies, that is, in those whose services you have already used. You can also focus on the rating of our site, which is displayed next to the name of the company in the search results.New Zealand 5

Ceteris paribus, preference should be given to larger companies that have a high level of service and a large selection of cars. The best rental companies in New Zealand are EUROPCAR with an average rating of 9.9 points and EAST COAST (rating - 9).

Car pick-up procedure

Getting a rented car in New Zealand is as follows: You show the manager a voucher, as well as the necessary documents - a passport and an international driver's license. The manager draws up a lease agreement, after which the agreed amount of the security deposit will be blocked on your bank card. Before receiving the car, it is necessary to inspect it, fix the existing damage and inform the manager about them.

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Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.

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