Guide to renting a car in New Zealand

If you’re planning a self-drive holiday in New Zealand, VroomVroomVroom is here to help. Read on to find out how.

New Zealand offers a unique experience, popular among travellers from all over the world. From beaches to snow capped mountains and dreamy tree-lined roads, there’s something for everyone in Aotearoa (Land of the Long White Cloud).

Car Hire in New Zealand - Tips for Australian Visitors

With just the Tasman Sea separating the two countries, New Zealand is quite accessible for most Australians. Numerous airlines fly between New Zealand and Australia daily, usually without a stop over. Flights from major cities along the East Coast of Australia generally take three to four hours, sometimes making it quicker to visit New Zealand than other parts of Australia.

Booking a rental car in New Zealand is similar to booking one in Australia. We partner with major car rental brands, helping you to easily secure a vehicle arrangement that balances both convenience and affordability. If collecting from an off-airport supplier in New Zealand, a complimentary shuttle will take you straight from the airport to the depot.

Off Airport

On Airport

Why Book Your NZ Rental Car With Us?

VroomVroomVroom has been helping Australians book rental cars in New Zealand for over a decade. We work with over 200 depots across the country, making VroomVroomVroom your one-stop shop for comparing rates on a range of vehicle types. Need help? Our customer care team are always ready to assist you.

FAQs for Australian drivers in New Zealand

What side of the road do you drive on in New Zealand?

Just like in Australia you drive on the left hand side of the road in New Zealand.

Is my Australian Drivers licence all I need to drive in New Zealand with a rental car?

As long as you have held an open Australian drivers licence for more than 12 months, you can rent a vehicle in NZ. Age surcharges may be applicable for drivers between 21-24 yrs old. You do not require an International Driver’s Permit if you have an Australian licence.

Will I be charged in AUD or NZD for my New Zealand hire car?

You will be charged for your rental car in NZD. In some instances a booking deposit will be taken when making your booking with the remainder to be paid upon arrival. If no deposit is taken when booking, all charges will be payable when collecting the hire car.

How is the daily rate calculated for a rental car in NZ?

Car rental rates in New Zealand are calculated in 24 hour blocks. They are not calculated by calendar days. Therefore if you book a hire car for 24 hours you will be charged for 1 day. For example you collect at 10am on Monday and return at 10am on Tuesday. That is equivalent for one day for rental car charges.

What are the rules for Inter-Island travel with a rental car between the North and South Island?

Each car rental supplier has different requirements for taking a rental car on the InterIslander Ferry. Some will require you to drop off the rental car on one side and collect a new vehicle on the other, while other suppliers may allow you to take the hire car on the ferry at your own risk. You can read more about this here.

What do you need to rent a car in New Zealand?

In order to rent a car, you’ll need a valid driver’s license and a credit card. The car rental company may also require other documents such as International Driving Permit, so make sure to read their terms and conditions.

How can I save money on a rental car in New Zealand?

Be sure to book as soon as you can, rent outside the airport and compare the latest car rental rates from major rental companies using our price comparison tool.

Is it cheaper to rent a car for a week in New Zealand?

The price for booking a weekly car rental in New Zealand can be quite cheaper especially if you book in advance as compared for the days you actually need it. To easily compare the daily and weekly rental rates, just type in your preferred location (e.g. Auckland) using our price comparison tool.

Can I use a debit card to rent a car in New Zealand?

While most car rental companies prefer you to rent their vehicles using a credit card, some suppliers accept debit cards as a payment method and as a security bond if they have the Mastercard or Visa emblem.

Do you need an international drivers licence to rent a car in New Zealand?

No. As long as your driver’s licence is valid, then you can use that. If your licence is not printed in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation in English will be required.

What is the most popular car hire in New Zealand?

The most popular car hire in New Zealand is Toyota Corolla Hatch or similar.

How old do you have to be to hire a car in New Zealand?

You must be 18 years of age or over to rent a vehicle. To avoid paying for an age surcharge, you need to be at least 25 or in some cases 21. Note also that restrictions on drivers’ ages may vary between car rental companies, so always check the small print on the hire arrangement before booking.

How can I find a car hire near me in New Zealand?

Simply type in your location (e.g. hotel or landmark) using our search form to see a list of rental cars near you. You can also view the depots using our map to determine which is one is the closest.

What is driving like in New Zealand?

Driving in New Zealand should be a fun and safe experience. Make sure to keep left when pulling out onto the road and always wear your seatbelt. Since New Zealand has roundabout intersections, ensure to give way to the right and turn clockwise when moving through the intersection.

Do I need insurance when renting a car in New Zealand?

Yes, in fact, insurance is very important if your rental car is involved in an accident or gets stolen as you could be responsible to cover the cost of the vehicle, which of course, could cost you thousands of dollars.