Nestled in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and neighbouring Australia, New Zealand consists of two islands, the north and the south. The north island is home to the country's capital Wellington, attracting tourists from all over the world every year. Mt. Victoria in Wellington as well and most of the southern island were the stunning backdrop for Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films, and it's easy to see why. Youll find ethereal scenery and landscapes unlike anything else on earth in New Zealand, so hop in a car and explore it the best way; your way. Our three-step car hire booking process will find the perfect car hire for you, even at the last minute.
Car Rental Locations in New Zealand
Holiday Extras provides cheap car hire in New Zealand across hundreds of locations, including all major international airports. Some of the more well known locations include:
- Aukland International Airport
- Blenheim Airport
- Christchurch International Airport
- Dunedin Airport
- Hamilton International Airport (Cambridge)
- Auckland City
- Dunedin City
- Greymouth Train Station
- Hamilton City
- Picton Ferry Terminal
- Queenstown City
- Tauranga City
- Wellington City
- Wellington Ferry Terminal
3 steps to cheap car hire
- Search - fill out your details above and click search to compare
- Select - choose the car you want to hire
- Book - with our secure payment system
How it Works
Once your booking has been made, you will receive a confirmation email with your booking reference number. Make sure you take this information with you, as you will need it when collecting your car. We've also created a useful checklist to help ensure you have everything prepared before you depart.
If you wish to speak to an advisor, you can contact our dedicated car hire team on 0800 804 7362. Alternatively you can email firstname.lastname@example.org with any queries you may have.
If you're simply looking for transportation to your resort, Holiday Extras also provides highly competitive deals on resort transfers. As well as this, you can also take out holiday insurance, giving you further peace of mind should you run into any unforeseen problems.
*The prices quoted are based on one driver, aged 25, with a full UK driving licence hiring a car for 3 days, picking-up and dropping-off at Auckland Downtown, New Zealand. Prices correct at time of writing. Subject to availability. Free cancellation applies to most rentals up to 48 hours before pick up, however some suppliers may charge. Please check supplier terms and conditions carefully.
Driving on New Zealand's roads**
New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world that has similar driving laws as the UK; the only main difference being that they are written in kilometres per hour as opposed to the English miles per hour. Nevertheless, it's useful to know some of the regional laws and driving practices New Zealand adheres to.
Road safety laws
- Right hand drive - Drive on the left, overtake on the right.
- Seatbelt - It is compulsory for ALL occupants to wear a seatbelt. The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers are wearing a seatbelt.
- Travelling with children - Children must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size.
- Speed limits - Road signs are in kilometres per hour and in English.
- Overtaking - If a solid yellow line is present in the middle of the road, it is illegal to overtake.
- Min rural roads - 100kph/60mph
- Built up areas - 50kph/35mph
Although these are the standardised speed limits, there may be local variations so please be careful to check the road signs.
If you are not from the UK, most car rental companies will require you to present the driving licence that is issued by your country of residence, not an International licence, or permit. Please double check with the individual car hire company if you are unsure.
You do not require an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in New Zealand. Any valid photographic driver's licence is acceptable.
Mobile phone use
Driving while using a mobile phone is illegal in New Zealand, unless you are using a hands-free kit. Texting while driving is also illegal.
Drinking and driving
New Zealand has strict laws regarding drinking and driving. For drivers under 20 years old, there is a zero alcohol limit. For those over 20 years old, the legal limit is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.
It is important to note that drinking and driving may invalidate your car rental insurance and holiday insurance, irrespective of local drink driving laws. Check your policy for full details.
In New Zealand you can received heavy fines or even have your vehicle towed for parking on the wrong side of the road, unless it's a one-way street, or if signposts indicate otherwise.
**This information should be considered as a broad overview of things to remember when hiring a car. It is therefore very important that you read the rental terms and conditions and associated policies for your own specific policy as well as doing your own research into the motoring laws of the country in which you will be driving.Top