New Zealand is high on the bucketlist of many tourists from around the world. Who isn't attracted to a country full of breathtaking landscapes like glaciers, coasts, and mountains? Or, for that matter, world-class cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch?
The thing with New Zealand, though (regardless of whether you are visiting the North or South Island), is that the best way to see it is to hire a car.
Aotearoa is relatively small as countries go. But while it might only be a smidge over 268,000 km², there is so much to see and do. Hiring a car allows you to explore winding coastal roads, alpine passes, and quiet country towns at your leisure. Sometimes even in one day!
Luckily, the "land of the long white cloud" is not short of vehicle hire providers. So, for those who want some guidance, here's our take on the best car rental company in New Zealand.
How We Chose the Best Car Rental Companies in New Zealand
When ranking the best New Zealand car hire companies, we looked beyond headline prices. Instead, we focused on what actually matters to tourists when they're on the road. That is why each company was assessed based on:
- Pricing transparency and overall value
- Vehicle quality and fleet range
- Airport and city availability
- Customer reviews and reputation
- Insurance options and excess clarity
- Suitability for tourists and longer trips
Best Car Rental Companies in New Zealand
When compiling this list, our aim was to identify reliable car rental options in New Zealand that travellers can genuinely trust. Here are the results of our research.
1. Go Rentals
If you're looking for a stress-free car hire experience, Go Rentals offers this in spades. As a locally owned company, they understand New Zealand travel better than most high-profile global brands. That is why they tailor their service to suit both locals and overseas visitors.
Go Rentals has locations across the North and South Islands. This includes all major airports. Their fleet is also modern, well-maintained, and suitable for everything from city driving to off-roading trips. Additionally, their pricing is transparent, with no nasty surprises at the counter. Their insurance options are also easy to understand.
Overall, the company strikes a nice balance between affordability and quality. They're particularly popular with overseas travellers who want a reliable car rental during their time in New Zealand.
2. Apex Car Rentals
Apex Car Rentals is known for being more of a budget-friendly option for tourists. You will find them at key airports and major city hubs like Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Dunedin.
The company focuses on value by offering competitive daily rates and frequent deals. They also maintain a sizeable fleet that includes compact hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs, which suit most standard travel needs.
That said, you should be aware that their vehicles may not always be the newest on the road. However, they're generally clean, roadworthy, and practical, so they should satisfy most people, especially those who plan to spend most of their time driving around a city.
3. Ezi Car Rental
If you are looking to hire a vehicle as soon as you arrive at an airport, then Ezi Car Rental are a good option. They operate primarily at major airports such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown and are regularly used by both tourists and business travellers.
Ezi offers a good mix of compact cars, mid-size vehicles, SUVs, and some very good family-friendly options. Their booking process is also pretty straightforward, and you usually pick up your vehicle pretty quickly. That is exactly what you want after a long flight.
4. Hertz
Hertz is a globally recognised brand with a well-established presence in New Zealand across dozens of locations. They're known for offering a newer fleet of late-model sedans, SUVs, and premium vehicles, which is why their prices can be slightly higher than their competitors'.
The company is also a globally recognised name known for professional service. They appeal to travellers who want to hire a vehicle from a familiar and reliable brand. Additionally, their booking system is very user-friendly.
5. Thrifty
Thrifty is a practical option for travellers who need a car for a short stay or a city-based trip. With locations across most major New Zealand airports and urban centres, they're easy to access, and their online booking system is simple to navigate.
The company cover the basics for everyday travel with their fleet. Customers can hire compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and some larger vehicles at daily rates that are quite competitive.
They might not offer all the bells and whistles their rivals do. But if you simply want a reliable car for a few days, they are a good bet.
6. JUCY Rentals
JUCY Rentals is well known for catering to more adventurous travellers who enjoy off-the-beaten-path road trips.
You'll be able to hire one of their vehicles from cities like Auckland and Christchurch, as well as the resort town of Queenstown. Their fleet includes compact cars, SUVs, and their signature camper-style vehicles. The latter of which appeals to younger travellers and couples who want more flexibility as they hit the road.
7. Budget
For those planning to rent a one-way car hire in New Zealand, Budget Car Rental is a strong option thanks to its extensive national footprint. They have several offices across both the North and South islands, including at airports and CBD locations. This makes it easy to pick up a car in one destination and drop it off elsewhere.
With a fleet that includes economy cars, sedans, SUVs, and people movers, they cater to a wide range of travel styles. Despite their name, their fees can occasionally be a little high, which might put some people off. But they usually have a good selection of vehicles ready to go.
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