10 Things to Know BEFORE Renting a Car in New Zealand

Thinking of renting a car in New Zealand? Well, I don’t blame you! Road tripping is an amazing way to explore, and you can’t beat the freedom that comes with having your own wheels.

As someone who grew up driving on the other side of the road, I know that renting a car in a new country can be a little intimidating. But after living in New Zealand for years, I now know the rules of the road inside out, and I’m here to share everything you need to know about renting a car. From the pros and cons to budget tips and the best rental sites, I’ve got you covered!

1. Why Rent a Car in New Zealand?

After living in New Zealand for years, I can confidently say that the best way to explore this country is by road tripping with your own wheels! It may look small on a map, but once you’re here, you’ll quickly realize how spread out everything is.

Having your own rental car gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, at your own pace. And trust me, with this many stunning landscapes and tempting roadside stops, you’ll be pulling over a lot! Those little detours into small towns, quiet beaches, and cafés you stumble across along the way are, in my opinion, the best way to experience the real New Zealand.

Plus, you get to settle into your own space, choose the road trip playlist, and take breaks whenever you fancy. Now, that’s my kind of travel!

If you’re ready to dive in and book your rental car now, my favorite rental company is Snap Rentals. This local company offers a variety of affordable rental vehicles across the country. Plus, I have an exclusive discount that gets you 10% off when you book through this link or use the code MQD10 at checkout!

Alternatively, you can use Discover Cars to search tons of different companies to find rentals for your travel dates, making it easy to compare prices and vehicle types (and read real reviews!).

2. Where Should You Book Your Rental Car?

New Zealand has heaps of rental car companies, but after renting here multiple times, there are two places I recommend starting your search!

My first choice is Snap Rentals. I’ve used them several times and have always had a great experience. Their affordable rates and fantastic customer service keep me coming back.

I’ve even secured you 10% off your rental when you book through my link! You can also use the code MQD10 at checkout.

I also love that they are a local company and have locations in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown, making them a handy option for starting and ending your road trip.

If you want to compare all your rental options, I recommend looking at Discover Cars. This website allows you to browse vehicles across multiple companies all in one place. I love being able to compare prices, check reviews, and easily filter the results without having a dozen tabs open!

Whichever you choose, search using your planned pickup and drop-off locations. You don’t necessarily have to finish where you started—one-way rentals can save you backtracking, although availability and extra “one-way” fees may apply.

Related Read: If you’re looking for a rental you can also sleep in, check out my ultimate guide to renting a campervan or motorhome in NZ here!

3. What Type of Vehicle Should You Rent?

You don’t need a huge SUV to have an epic New Zealand road trip! I’d choose your rental based on how many people you’re traveling with, how much luggage you have, and where you plan to drive.

For solo travelers and couples, a small car is my go-to. Personally, I love renting a small Toyota! I find them economical on fuel, easy to park, and comfortable to drive on New Zealand’s winding roads. If your itinerary mainly involves towns, cities, and the usual sightseeing routes, a standard two-wheel-drive car will generally do the job.

For families or anyone traveling with more luggage, consider a midsize car, station wagon, or SUV. Having room to stretch out makes a difference on longer drives! Check the luggage capacity as well as the number of seats—you don’t want to discover at pickup that your suitcases won’t fit.

I’d also choose an automatic if you’re unfamiliar with driving on the left. It’s one less thing to think about while you get used to the roads!

Do you need a 4WD?

For most trips, no! All major roads in New Zealand are sealed and don’t require four-wheel drive. But if you plan to go beyond the main roads, it can help you over gravel or dirt terrain. Bear in mind, off-roading is not usually allowed in rental vehicles, so check your planned route with the company ahead of time!

However, if you’re planning a winter trip with regular drives into alpine areas or up to ski resorts, an AWD or 4WD is worth considering. It can help with traction in snow, but it doesn’t make you immune to ice or replace snow chains when they’re required. Always check the conditions and chain requirements for your route!

4. How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Vehicle in New Zealand?

This really depends on what you’re renting and when you’re visiting! A small car for a winter getaway can be a bargain, while a family SUV over Christmas is a whole different story.

During peak summer season, small economy cars typically range from $30–$90 NZD per day. Medium or larger cars generally sit around $45–$100 NZD per day, while SUVs and 4WDs can cost $55–$110+ NZD per day. And if you’re traveling with the whole crew, a minivan with extra seats can set you back around $65–$180+ NZD per day.

These are rough budgeting figures, and prices can easily climb above them—especially if you are dropping the vehicle off in a different location or renting around Christmas and New Year. If you’re traveling during this time, check availability as soon as you know your dates so you don’t miss out on your ideal vehicle!

If you’re looking for a deal, traveling in the shoulder or off-season can leave you with more spending money for the fun stuff! Longer bookings often work out cheaper per day, too (keep reading for more of my money-saving tips!). Just remember to factor in any extras you may need to pay for, like additional insurance or child seats.

I recommend checking prices for your dates on Discover Cars to see what’s available and compare your options. And before you book, don’t forget my discount! You can save 10% with Snap Rentals through this link or use MQD10 at checkout.

5. Tips to Save Money on a Rental Car in New Zealand

Renting a car in any country can be pricey, and New Zealand is no exception! But having lived here for some time, I’ve found some tips and tricks to save money. And luckily, I’m here to share them!

Visit in low season

In the low season (May through October), car rental companies reduce prices to entice more tourism. But the savings don’t just end there. You’ll also see lower rates for activities, tours, and accommodation, making this period the most affordable time to visit New Zealand!

Of course, this time of year can mean dangerous road conditions in parts of the country. The roads are usually fine, but it’s best to keep your plans flexible. You might need to spare a day or two if there is heavy snowfall or bad weather over Southern mountain passes. 

The high season in New Zealand is from December to March. If you plan to rent a car during this period, book well in advance to get the best price possible. Seriously, almost no rental cars are available at short notice in December and January! 

Rent a manual 

While most rentals in New Zealand mainly rent automatic vehicles, renting a manual car will usually be much cheaper. So if you can drive a stick shift, it’s worth looking into. 

Just remember, if you’re used to driving on the right-hand side, you’ll need to use the gear stick with the opposite hand! This was such a challenge for me when I first arrived in New Zealand. Now it’s harder the other way around!

Avoid renting a 4WD 

Unless you want to go to really remote places in New Zealand, you won’t need a four-wheel drive. 4WD vehicles are considerably more expensive, so as long as you plan your destinations, you can easily save money by renting a normal vehicle. 

Be advised that some popular hiking trails and attractions are down gravel roads. This is one reason people rent a four-wheel drive. Although it’s not required on the road, rental companies don’t often allow regular vehicles to drive on gravel roads, so always double-check with the rental company!

Use credit card insurance to save money 

Before you get separate insurance for your rental, check whether your credit card covers it. Many credit cards offer some kind of rental coverage. However, it’s best to check just how much and whether you need any extra. 

If your credit card doesn’t offer insurance, you can still get it through the rental car company. I always get the full-coverage option, which basically removes financial obligations from the driver in case of an accident. That means you can road trip around New Zealand with peace of mind!

Rent from major locations 

Many rental companies in smaller and more remote towns in New Zealand will have extra fees. But major cities have larger fleets and will likely be much more affordable. So if you can, try renting a car in Queenstown or other major places like Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington.

You may even find discounts for picking up in a smaller city like Christchurch and dropping off in Auckland. This is because rental companies are trying to get vehicles back to Auckland, as it is the largest International Airport in the country. 

Drop off in the same location 

If you are able to return your vehicle to the same location, it’ll save you a ton of money! Often rental companies will add extra charges associated with a different drop-off point, making your road trip slightly more expensive.

There are some exceptions to this (as I mentioned above), but generally, it costs more to drop off in another city or town.

Book with my discount code

I have booked rental cars with Snap Rentals many times and honestly can’t recommend them enough. In fact, I even reached out to them to get an exclusive discount code for my readers to help make travelling New Zealand more affordable. All you have to do is book your rental car using this link, OR use the code MQD10 at checkout to get 10% off!

Related Read: With all that money you’ll save, make sure to check out these must-do activities in Queenstown!

6. What do You Need to Rent a Car in New Zealand?

To be at least 21

New Zealand’s age limit for driving is actually 16, but you’ll struggle to find a rental company that allows anyone under 21 to drive their vehicles. They actually prefer you to be at least 25, and sometimes can add a young driver’s fee if you are between 21 and 25. Each car rental company is different, so read the fine print and ask ahead of time.

Driver’s license  

To drive in New Zealand, you need a driver’s license that has a license number, a valid date, and an identification photo. If your license is from a non-English-speaking country, make sure you get either your own license translated or an international driver’s license before you arrive in New Zealand. 

A card for the security deposit

Many rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for a security deposit (AKA a bond) to cover potential damage or additional charges during your rental. This is often a temporary hold rather than an actual charge, but you’ll still need enough available credit to cover it—so don’t arrive with your card already maxed out from booking the rest of your trip!

The amount depends on the company and the type of insurance coverage you choose. If you go with basic coverage, it can run into thousands of dollars. Purchasing the company’s additional insurance can reduce or remove the bond, but don’t assume separate third-party insurance does the same!

Some companies also accept debit cards, including Snap Rentals. Just check your booking’s payment and deposit requirements before pickup so there are no surprises when you’re ready to hit the road!

Confidence to drive on narrow and windy roads

If you’re used to the wide roads in North America, driving in New Zealand is a whole other beast. Not only are you driving on the left side of the road, but there are some steep and narrow roads throughout the country (more on this below!). But with some confidence and precautions, you should be completely fine!

7. Do You Need Insurance for Your Rental?

Whether you need extra insurance depends on how much risk you’re comfortable with and what coverage you already have! Most New Zealand rental companies include basic cover in their rates, but the excess (deductible) you could owe if the car is damaged can run into thousands of dollars!

If you’d rather avoid that potential bill, look at the rental company’s additional coverage options. This can reduce or remove the excess for covered damage and lower the security deposit (bond) required at pickup.

I personally always buy Snap Rentals’ Simply Better Cover, which offers zero excess for covered damage and removes the security bond. It’s a handy option if you don’t want a large deposit tying up your card’s available credit!

If you’re booking through Discover Cars, you can add its Full Coverage option. The key difference is that you pay any damage charges first, then claim reimbursement for eligible costs within the coverage limits. You’ll also still need to leave the rental company’s security deposit.

I’d also check your credit card benefits and travel insurance before buying anything extra—you might already have suitable protection!

8. What extras are available when renting a car in New Zealand? 

A few extras can make your road trip more comfortable, but you don’t necessarily need everything offered at checkout! Here’s what I’d consider adding, and where I’d save my money!

GPS

Unless you’re familiar with New Zealand’s roads, you’ll probably need some help finding your way around! Most rental companies offer a GPS add-on for an additional $8-25 NZD per day, which can really add to your overall cost!

Personally, I’d save that money and use a map app on your phone instead. Just watch your roaming charges if you don’t have a local SIM, eSIM, or suitable data plan!

I use Google Maps and download the maps of the areas I’ll be driving through over Wi-Fi before setting off, so I can get directions offline. This is also handy in rural areas, where reception can be patchy—losing your signal doesn’t have to mean losing your way!

Additional driver

If you’re traveling with others and planning a long journey, you may want to add an additional driver. You can leave the driving up to one person, but having an extra driver comes in handy! 

When on long roads, I often add my partner as a driver. Trust me, it’s nice to have breaks once in a while, especially on those days when you’re feeling a bit tired!

Some companies will have deals or even the option of adding an additional driver for free. If it’s free, go for it! Otherwise, check the price with your rental company to see if it’s worth it. Another reason I love DiscoverCars is that it has a filter to see prices based on the number of drivers.

Child seats

It can be quite cumbersome to travel with child seats! So if your kid requires one, it might be easier to add it to your rental. Prices can vary but range from $40-$70 NZD per week.

Discover Cars also has a filter for this and factors in the child seat to the total cost. To check the price of the child seat, just scroll down on the rental page.

Remember, child seats are mandatory in New Zealand for any child under 7 years of age, and this is strictly enforced! The child seat must also be suitable or rated to their age. I recommend specifying which child seat you require when booking your rental vehicle.  

Snow chains

If you’re traveling during winter in New Zealand, you may need snow chains depending on your route. These chains are fitted to your tires to provide extra grip when driving over ice and snow. Most rental companies will have them as an add-on for $40-80 NZD per week, or include them for free.

If you’re planning on driving during winter, snow chains are highly recommended. They are less likely to be needed on the North Island. However, once you hit the mountains (such as Tongariro National Park), it’s best to have them. On the South Island, you are more likely to need them. The mountain passes can be dangerous in winter without them, and some ski resorts require you to have chains.

While you should have them on hand, you might not actually use them. I use mine (excluding skiing) around 3 to 4 times per year, but I drive around the country A LOT. They are easy to put on, and even I can do them on my own!

9. What are the road conditions like in New Zealand?

Driving in New Zealand is a huge part of the adventure—just don’t expect wide, straight highways everywhere! Most roads are two-way with one lane in each direction, and outside the cities, you’ll encounter winding stretches, mountain passes, and occasional gravel roads.

After years of driving here, my biggest tip is don’t cram too much driving into one day. Allow extra time beyond your navigation estimate for traffic, road conditions, breaks, and all those photo stops you’ll inevitably want to make!

Here are a few things to watch for along the way:

• Narrow, winding roads: Take your time and drive to the conditions. If traffic builds up behind you, pull into a safe stopping area to let others pass. I’d much rather enjoy the journey than feel rushed!
• One-lane bridges: Always slow down when approaching a bridge to assess if someone is already on it and if it is safe to cross. A red-bordered circular sign means you must give way, while a blue rectangular sign means oncoming traffic should give way to you. Either way, slow down and wait for anyone already on the bridge to finish crossing before entering!
• Snow, ice, and heavy rain: Check the forecast and road updates before setting off, especially on alpine routes. Follow snow-chain requirements, don’t drive through floodwater, and keep your plans flexible if conditions deteriorate.
• Animals, cyclists, and busy viewpoints: Watch for animals on rural roads (New Zealand is notorious for sheep traffic jams!), give cyclists plenty of room, and slow down around popular sightseeing stops where people may be walking beside the road. And for taking your own photos, find a safe place to pull completely off the road.
• Railway crossings: Some don’t have lights or barriers, so check carefully for trains and follow the signs. Always stop where a stop sign requires it!

Before longer drives, I recommend checking the NZTA Journey Planner for closures, delays, and road restrictions. A quick check before leaving can save you a lengthy detour!

10. Tips to follow when renting a car in New Zealand

Check what roads you can drive on

New Zealand has a lot of narrow, winding roads, some of which you might not be able to drive on in your rental car. It’s often in the fine print of your rental agreement, but in general, gravel roads and off-roading are not allowed. 

For example, Crown Range Road on the South Island is a beautiful drive with amazing views. But unfortunately, some rental companies forbid driving on it due to its steepness and harsh bends.

This is less likely to be the case for a rental car and more common for a motorhome or campervan rental (but make sure to check!). After all, it’s the main route between Queenstown and Wanaka and one of my favorite road trips!

Take your own photos when doing the inspection

I always like to do a thorough check of my vehicle before I leave the rental lot! If you notice any bumps, marks, or scratches, take multiple photos and email them to the rental company immediately. It’s always good to document any damage already on the vehicle. 

This way, if they try to charge you for any damages, you’ll have it on record whether they were already there. 

You may also want to take a photo of the mileage meter before driving. Make sure the mileage matches the records the company gave you.  

Follow the road rules

New Zealand is very strict on its road rules. It’s important you follow them to be safe and not get into trouble with the police. I haven’t had any trouble thus far, but I’m a fairly cautious driver!

Most road rules are commonplace in other countries, but here are some reminders:

• It’s illegal to drive with your phone in your hand. If you do need to make a phone call, connect it to your car’s Bluetooth, use the hands-free option, or pull over. 
• Seatbelts are mandatory for everyone traveling in the car. 
• Children under 7 need to be in a car seat. 
• Always follow the speed limit. These are shown on signs with red circles around the number, and they change often (so keep an eye out!). 
• Drunk driving is dealt with very harshly; for drivers over 20, the limit is 0.05%. 

One thing to note is that, unlike in the States, you can never turn on a red light. So even if traffic is clear, you must wait till the light is green!

You can read more about New Zealand’s general road rules online here.

How to pay toll fees in a rental car

Car rental companies aren’t required to pay for or remind you about toll charges. The responsibility falls on you, and if you don’t pay, you can accrue even more charges! Luckily, there are only 3 toll roads in New Zealand, and they’re all on the North Island.

The three toll roads include the Northern Gateway Toll Road (north) in Auckland, Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road, and Takitimu Drive Toll Road. You can pay your toll with a credit or debit card by calling 0800 40 20 20 or visiting the Transport Agency website. The cost is only about $2-$2.50 NZD.

You can pay for these roads before or after you drive on them – just don’t wait too long or you’ll have to pay penalties!

Keep valuables out of sight

New Zealand isn’t known for having a lot of car break-ins. However, it does happen (more so on the North Island). 

As a cautious traveler, I keep any items hidden either in the trunk of the car or just out of sight. But I would always recommend keeping your most valuable items with you, just to be on the safe side. And of course, make sure to lock your doors!

Know what to do if you get in an accident

Hopefully, your biggest road trip mishap is missing the turnoff for coffee! But I recommend saving your rental company’s emergency number in your phone before setting off, just in case.

If you do have an accident, stop and check that everyone is okay. Call 111 if anyone needs emergency help. For a minor bump, move somewhere safe if possible, exchange contact details, addresses, and registration numbers with the other driver, and take photos.

Then call your rental company as soon as it’s safe. They’ll walk you through what happens next, so you won’t have to figure everything out on your own.

There are also reporting requirements for injuries or damage to someone else’s property—you can find the details in New Zealand Police’s crash-reporting guide.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Some of my favorite New Zealand memories started with a rental car and a loose plan for the day. Now that you know what to look for and the questions to ask, it’s time to book your ride!

Snap Rentals is my personal go-to. I’ve rented with them several times and have always had a great experience—their affordable rates, friendly customer service, and choice of vehicles keep me coming back. They have locations in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown, making them convenient for plenty of road trip itineraries. Plus, my link gets you 10% off your rental, or you can use MQD10 at checkout!

If Snap Rentals doesn’t have what you need, make sure you check out Discover Cars. I’ve used it around the world and love being able to compare prices, vehicles, and real user reviews without bouncing between a dozen websites. If you’re still deciding which company to use, it’s an easy place to see what’s available for your dates and budget.

Whichever you choose, get ready for an amazing adventure road tripping across beautiful Aotearoa!

Related Read: Now that you have your vehicle sorted, it’s time to plan your road trip! Check out my 10-day North Island itineraries or my favorite South Island road trip routes to start planning your adventure!

Renting a Car vs Renting a Campervan

A car isn’t your only option when it comes to having your own wheels in New Zealand. In fact, many people prefer a campervan or motorhome as opposed to a car. There are pros and cons to all three options, which I’ve outlined below:

• Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping, unless you have a tent). My favorite place to rent a car in New Zealand is Snap Rentals. They are a local company that offers a variety of affordable rental vehicles across the country. Plus, I have an exclusive discount that gets you 10% off when you book through this link or use the code MQD10 at checkout! And if you can’t find what you’re looking for on Snap Rentals, check out Discover Cars, where you can compare cars and prices across many different companies.

• Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.

• Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel, and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!

Thanks for reading!

Renting a car in New Zealand is undoubtedly the best way to get around the country! It allows you to take full control of your itinerary, seeing all the sights at your own pace. Plus, you won’t need to rely on tours or public transport and can explore more remote destinations. Trust me, you definitely won’t regret road-tripping through this country! 

Hopefully, this guide has made you feel more confident about renting a car in New Zealand. And if you need more inspiration for your trip, check out the rest of my New Zealand blogs! Some highlighted articles are below!

10 BEST Things to do in Auckland, NZ

The BEST Milford Sound Tours & Reviews

How to Spend 3 Days in Queenstown: Best 3-Day Itinerary

15 Best Things to do in Wanaka