What is the most popular car rental provider in New Zealand?

When renting a car in New Zealand, the most popular provider of rental cars among Cheapflights users is JUCY , and with prices around C$ 38/day, it’s easy to understand why. The most popular car type from JUCY is ECONOMY, which starts as low as C$ 24/day.

What is the cheapest city to get a rental car in New Zealand?

When visiting New Zealand, it is typically cheapest to rent your car in Hamilton where rental cars typically will cost around C$ 41/day (16% less than the country average). The absolute cheapest rental car price in New Zealand was found in Auckland for just C$ 27/day.

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

In New Zealand, drivers are expected to drive on the left side of the road.

What are the car hire rental for popular cities in New Zealand?

Out of all the popular cities in New Zealand, Christchurch is the cheapest city to rent a car in at just C$ 10/day. Renting a car in Christchurch is 76% cheaper than renting one in Hamilton where the per day rate is around C$ 41. Other fairly inexpensive cities in New Zealand to get a rental car in are: Auckland (C$ 13/day), Queenstown (C$ 24/day), and Nelson (C$ 28/day). While these cities typically have cheaper prices than the rest of the country, travelers looking to rent a car in Auckland should expect to spend around C$ 13/day on their transportation. The most popular city to rent a car in New Zealand is Auckland.

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New Zealand car rentals in 2025

Most popular company	Mode
Most common car type	Compact
Average price per day	C$ 46
Cheapest price per day	C$ 8

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Popular car types in New Zealand

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In New Zealand, there are 820 active rental locations from 98 car rental companies. small car is the cheapest car type to rent in New Zealand in the past week - currently priced from C$ 8/day. View deals for 6 car types available to rent in this destination:

Economy

C$ 8+

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Compact

C$ 9+

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Intermediate

C$ 28+

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SUV

C$ 24+

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Minivan

C$ 34+

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Full-size SUV

C$ 46+

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Pick-up truck

C$ 45+

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Premium SUV

C$ 242+

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Compare car rental deals in New Zealand by type

Here are the best New Zealand small car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best New Zealand medium car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best New Zealand SUV rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best New Zealand van rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best New Zealand pick-up truck rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best New Zealand luxury car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Mitsubishi MirageC$ 8/day

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Chevrolet Sonic SedanC$ 9/day

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Audi A3C$ 10/day

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Best car rental deals found in New Zealand

Mitsubishi MirageC$ 8/day

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Chevrolet Sonic SedanC$ 9/day

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Audi A3C$ 10/day

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Cheapflights insights for New Zealand car rentals

Get relevant, data-driven information to help you rent a car in New Zealand, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.

How far in advance should I rent a car in New Zealand?

For the best savings on car rentals in New Zealand, make your reservation 7 days before pickup. The average price then is just C$ 55/day – about 25% less than the yearly average.

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What is the cheapest rental car company in New Zealand?

Looking to rent a car in New Zealand? New Zealand Discount Car Rentals had the lowest prices in the past two weeks, starting at only C$ 9.96/day. EZU Car Rental also offers competitive rates, with deals beginning at C$ 11.59/day.

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in New Zealand?

The cheapest month to rent a car in New Zealand is June, when you can expect to pay C$ 39/day on average. The most expensive month to rent a car in New Zealand is December (C$ 101/day on average). The average daily rental price for each month is shown below. Keep in mind that prices will vary based on availability, when you book, and the type of car you rent.

January

C$ 83

February

C$ 81

March

C$ 70

April

C$ 63

May

C$ 39

June

C$ 39

July

C$ 47

August

C$ 44

September

C$ 41

October

C$ 51

November

C$ 67

December

C$ 101

What car do most people rent in New Zealand?

The most popular types of cars to rent in New Zealand are the following: SUV rentals (Mitsubishi Outlander or similar), Compact rentals (Ford Focus or similar), and Intermediate rentals (Mitsubishi Outlander or similar).

Which car rental company has the most locations in New Zealand?

Thrifty has 63 locations throughout the area, more than any other company. Hertz has the second-highest number of locations in New Zealand at 59.

What are the car rental prices for popular cities in New Zealand?

Among the most popular cities in New Zealand, Christchurch offers the lowest average rental price at just C$ 10/day. Other affordable options include Auckland (C$ 13/day), Queenstown (C$ 24/day), and Nelson (C$ 28/day).

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Top rental agencies in New Zealand

Apex

8.4

Very good

42 reviews•15 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2025

Easy pick up and drop off

6.0

Okay|Nov 2024

The rep was fantastic . Really friendly and polite. The vehicle was disappointing ie front left window rattles when driving, brakes were quite sensitive,, and poor pickup from starting off.

10.0

Wonderful|Apr 2024

LOVED MY CUSTOMER SERVICE, CLEANLINESS, EASY PROCESS

8.0

Very good|Jul 2022

Everything was fine except that we couldn't alter the return time because we didn't book direct. This left us with a massive gap between dropping the car off and our flight. Next time I'll book direct to avoid this.

1 out of 14

Apex Locations in New Zealand

Ace Rental Cars

8.3

Very good

37 reviews•19 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Feb 2025

We had trouble finding the pickup address . Ace had the old address on the internet…. We spent a half hour trying to find the new address

10.0

Wonderful|Dec 2024

The assigned car was a diesel so we spent much less on fuel. Everything went very smoothly and timely from pickup to drop-off including the shuttle ride to the departure terminal. The Ace staff were all very friendly.

8.0

Very good|Nov 2024

Pick up was good drop off was unorganised

8.0

Very good|Oct 2024

The lady at drop off was very helpful and the process was excellent. Pick up was okay, but we're used to a rep going over the car with us which didn't happen. Light rain at the time may have been part of the problem. Staff still helpful, though everything is now done on phone?? Car itself was very comfortable and clean and being a hybrid it was economical on fuel.

8.0

Very good|Apr 2023

The car was extremely clean upon pick up, and as described, or better. Unfortunately there was an issue with outdated information on Ace's pick up instructions in our pick up location. After some initial difficulty and being unable to get a hold of Ace rental in Greymouth, NZ, staff were very responsive to our difficulties and chased up the company, seemingly straight away, to confirm the correct pick up process.

1 out of 13

Ace Rental Cars Locations in New Zealand

Hertz

8.1

Very good

51 reviews•59 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

4.0

Mediocre|Feb 2025

Much of the information I was asked to produce had already been supplied in original email contact. I felt things could have been sped up. But staff member I dealt with was friendly and helpful.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2024

The third party I booked through failed to send my details to Hertz. Waited almost an hour for the keys to the car. Had to pay extra on pickup even thought I fully booked/paid online prior. I would reccomend booking directly with Hertz.

2.0

Poor|May 2023

Very disappointed in not having being told the truth of my bond that was not returned to me as said it would be am still expecting to see it in my acc

10.0

Wonderful|Apr 2023

everything was fine and well, great service 💯

10.0

Wonderful|Apr 2023

The category of car we ordered was not available so we got an upgrade. Very nice.

10.0

Wonderful|Mar 2023

Very easy rental .... no catches no problems

1 out of 17

Budget

8.1

Very good

37 reviews•21 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Jul 2023

Very good experience!

2.0

Poor|Mar 2023

We were conned into buying insurance for the duration of our rental, even though the woman knew we would not be able to keep the vehicle for the entire time because of the ferry fiascos. I was told by several budget representatives that we could have a refund for the prorated portion of the insurance that we no longer needed ( a week's worth) but was denied by a very rude woman who told us we were 'stupid to believe' what we had been told.

1 out of 13

Budget Locations in New Zealand

Europcar

6.0

Okay

37 reviews•12 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

4.0

Mediocre|Aug 2025

there are many hidden charges that were not disclosed. no transparency

10.0

Wonderful|Dec 2024

All good bit on expensive side tho- but I had excellent service from the palmerston staff.I encountered some problems but they were very helpful and courteous so thank you.

4.0

Mediocre|Aug 2024

I booked a suv car but got a suzuki swift which is too small and shouldn’t price same as the one i reserved.

10.0

Wonderful|Feb 2024

Excellent value for price paid. The SUV rented was flawless over the 10 days we rented it for(drove over 2500 km).

2.0

Poor|Jan 2024

I waited 45 minutes in a line of people to pick up the car in the morning. So it’s a good thing I didn’t have to be anywhere urgently. When I finally got to the desk, the employee said the only option available for me was a fully electric car, which I did NOT order. It was either take the electric car, or no car at all. This completely changed our plans since there are no charging stations in the area we were headed and we did not want to get stuck. I will not rent from Europcar again.

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

Great car good for long distance travel. Very clean. Very good staff.

1 out of 13

Europcar Locations in New Zealand

Avis

9.5

Wonderful

21 reviews•21 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Jul 2023

Staff very helpful changed car at depot no problem

10.0

Wonderful|Jul 2023

Avis delivered a new, clean, quality automobile (precisely like I reserved), and the customer service at the Queenstown Airport was fantastic. This is what the car rental experience should be like everywhere.

8.0

Very good|Mar 2023

Easy to schedule a Queenstown to Christchurch one-way drop off. On-site pick up and drop off were seamless.

10.0

Wonderful|Mar 2023

I needed a large SUV at a reasonable price - and Avis provided a terrific, low-mileage vehicle that performed perfectly during a month and 3,000 kms of driving. Both pickup and return were hassle free.

1 out of 7

Avis Locations in New Zealand

EZI

9.4

Wonderful

17 reviews•28 locations

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Overview

EZI Locations in New Zealand

Thrifty

8.2

Very good

24 reviews•63 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Jan 2025

Arrived to collect my car with confirmation paperwork, to be told the booking did not exist There was NO communication regarding possible cancellation, there had been NO communication regarding the cancellation, I had in my possession the CONFIRMATION email dated 2 days prior to pickup. Staff were not at all helpful in trying to find the error - there was no booking so NOT their problem Will not be recommending or using Thrifty in the future

6.0

Okay|Jul 2024

Not the most welcoming service and not being explained the extra charges with EV before pick up. No explanation on how to charge the EV e.g. download the ChargeNet app to use the charger.

4.0

Mediocre|Feb 2023

Honest Price too high

1 out of 8

Car rental FAQs

What is the most popular car rental provider in New Zealand?
When renting a car in New Zealand, the most popular provider of rental cars among Cheapflights users is JUCY , and with prices around C$ 38/day, it’s easy to understand why. The most popular car type from JUCY is ECONOMY, which starts as low as C$ 24/day.
What is the cheapest city to get a rental car in New Zealand?
When visiting New Zealand, it is typically cheapest to rent your car in Hamilton where rental cars typically will cost around C$ 41/day (16% less than the country average). The absolute cheapest rental car price in New Zealand was found in Auckland for just C$ 27/day.
What side of the road do you drive on in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, drivers are expected to drive on the left side of the road.

Car rentals by fuel type in New Zealand

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Browse through car rental deals by fuel type in New Zealand. There are currently 3 fuel types to choose from with Gas/Diesel being the cheapest (C$ 6+).

Electric

C$ 20+

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Gas/Diesel

C$ 6+

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Hybrid

C$ 7+

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Clearwater Beach

St. Petersburg

Safety Harbor