Best Car Rental Companies in New Zealand

If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, whether cruising the winding South Island highways or exploring the North Island’s coastal gems, renting a car is one of the best ways to go. However, before renting a car, it is really crucial to search for a perfect company that offers options that are tailored to your requirements.

Car Rental Companies in New Zealand

When it comes to renting a car in New Zealand, it is always plenty of options for customers. From well-known global brands including Sixt, Avis, and Budget Car Rentals etc., to trusted local suppliers such as Ezu, Go, and Snap Car Rentals, among many others, the country offers a wide range of hire options that cater to all kinds of budgets, travel styles, and itineraries.

Understanding the difference between the international and domestic rental car companies can help you make smarter and smoother decisions for your next trip in New Zealand.

Domestic Car Rental Companies in New Zealand

Domestic or locally owned car hire companies give a unique touch to your travel experience. They may not have any global presence, but they do make up for it with their personal service, flexible policies, and a deep understanding of New Zealand’s roads and routes. Below are a few trusted domestic companies providing services in New Zealand.

Companies Ratings Locations Key Benefits
Ezu Car Rental 9.6 Over 5 – High-quality customer service
– Large fleet of vehicles
Snap Rentals 9.6 Around 6 – Well-maintained cars
– Flexibility with one-way trips
Go Rentals 9.6 About 12 – Easy and quick booking process
– Transparency in prices
Omega Car Rental 8.8 Around 11 – Easy pick-up and drop-offs
– Reasonable pricing
Yes Rentals 8.8 Up to 24 – Competitive prices
– Friendly staff
Mode Rentals 8.6 Over 6 – 24/7 Road Assistance
– Flexibility with an additional driver

International Car Rental Companies in New Zealand

The international rental car brands are globally recognized across many countries, including New Zealand. These are some of the suppliers popular among tourists who prefer familiarity, reliability, and consistency.

Companies Ratings Locations Key Benefits
Sixt Rental Car 9.4 Around 6 – Global standards
– Premium fleet of cars
Avis Car Rental 9.4 Over 50 – Strong customer service
– Airport convenience
Ace Car Rentals 9.2 Around 9 – Affordability
– Wide local coverage and expertise
Europcar Rentals 9.2 Up to 16 – Flexible add-ons
– Eco-friendly options available
Bargain Rental Cars 9.0 Around 15 – No hidden charges
– Customer-focused approach
Budget Car Rental 8.4 Up to 34 – Strong network
– Consistent services

What to Look for When Choosing a Car Rental Company in New Zealand?

  • Locations Convenience

    Check if your chosen supplier is present in the major airports, cities/downtowns, or port locations in New Zealand. Know about the branches where the car hire company is operating in New Zealand. This is extremely important, especially when planning a one-way trip.

  • Vehicle Options

    The car rental companies offer a wide range of options for rental vehicles in New Zealand. They are categorised as compact/economy cars for navigating cities and crowded regions due to their small size, SUVs and Minivans for group excursions because they are spacious and offer enough leg room, and many more are available. Select the one suited to your trip requirements.

  • Renting Policies

    Refer to the rental terms of the car rental companies. Check for various factors and aspects necessary for hiring a vehicle in New Zealand. Some of the basic policies include: Age and License requirements, Unlimited Kilometers, Fuel Policy, One-way fees, etc.

  • Insurance Coverage

    Understand the inclusions and insurance covered in the offered car hire options. Usually, an unlimited mileage policy, third-party liability, theft protection, and collision damage waiver are covered in the deal at no extra cost.

  • Customer Reviews

    Look out for the ratings and reviews shared by the customers. They ensure constructive feedback and opinion about any car rental company and help to decide with much more clarity and certainty.

  • Deal Types

    Analyse your trip duration and select the rental car company accordingly. Usually, suppliers offer deals with long-term as well as short-term spans; however, the time duration may affect the availability of the vehicle. So, it is always recommended to confirm the date and time before choosing a car hire company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which car rental company offers electric vehicles to rent in New Zealand?

Many companies, including EV Hire, Green Motion, among various others, offer electric vehicles to rent in New Zealand.

Do New Zealand car hire companies allow renting a car under the age of 25 years?

Some companies permit hiring a car under 25 years of age. However, a young driver surcharge is applicable if the driver is between 21-24 years old.

What are the car specifications offered by rental car companies in New Zealand?

The car hire companies offer various specifications, such as automatic transmission and manual transmission, for renters. You can choose any of the available options suited to your travel needs.

Do car rental companies in New Zealand allow pick-up and drop-off of vehicles after hours?

Yes, most of the rental car companies allow an after-hours pick-up and drop-off facility at an extra cost. To avail the out-of-hours services, request your supplier in advance to ensure smooth operation.

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