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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).
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.
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.
Make travel to New Zealand easy with our simple list of basic requirements needed to enter the country:
Passport valid for more than three months beyond the date you depart New Zealand. Australian and New Zealand passport holders should have a valid passport on their dates of arrival and departure.
Confirmed onward or return ticket (where applicable)
Sufficient funds for the length of your stay
Completed Disembarkation/Embarkation Card
Thanks to New Zealand’s visa waiver program, there are currently more than 50 countries whose citizens do not require a Visitor’s Visa to stay less than three months in the country. For further information, please refer to the official New Zealand Tourism site.
New Zealand is a large country with two Islands (North and South) to explore. With a good road network and plenty of natural wonders to see, many travellers choose to road trip through the country to make the most of seeing as much of the country as possible. Here are some things you need to know before renting a car.
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 driver ages may vary between car rental companies, so always check the small print on the hire arrangement before booking.
As long as you have held an open Australian driver licence for more than 12 months, you can rent a vehicle in New Zealand, meaning you do not require an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). If your licence is not printed in English, an International Driving Permit or an official translation in English will be required.
While most car rental companies prefer you to pay for 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.
Australians travelling to New Zealand can purchase additional rental car excess insurance.
Requirements and rates may vary per rental company so make sure to check the supplier’s Terms and Conditions for specific details related to hour hire car.
Just as in Australia you drive on the left hand side of the road in New Zealand.
Each car rental supplier has different requirements for taking a rental car on Inter-Island road trips. 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.
Driving in New Zealand should be a fun and safe experience — just follow these basic driving tips:
Drive on the left side of the road.
Don’t exceed the standard speed limit of 50km/h in urban areas (some cities have a speed limit of 30km/h) and 100km/h on highways.
Always wear a seat belt (and use child restraints for children) at all times in all seats.
Do not drink and drive. This is a criminal offence in New Zealand.
Do not use your mobile phone (even hands-free) while driving. This is illegal in New Zealand.
When driving in rural areas of New Zealand, be careful of livestock who may be passing on the road. Slow down and allow them to pass before continuing on your way.
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.
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 one 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.
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.
The price for booking a weekly car rental in New Zealand can be quite a bit 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.
The most popular car hire in New Zealand is Toyota Corolla Hatch or similar.
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.
