Car hire in New Zealand

Compare and book, cheaper New Zealand car hire, as well as Sports Utility Vehicles and minivans. Take your pick of car hire companies, such as:- Abell, Ace, Apollo, Go, Europcar, Ezi-rent, Scotties and Thrifty, to name a few, who are all helping us to make your trip go smoothly, and also save you money.

Watch out for the sheep wandering onto the road!

All car rentals come with all the benefits and features you need, including complimentary breakdown assistance, fully comprehensive insurance and unlimited miles.

More on Kiwi Vehicle Rental

Vehicles come with power steering, front airbags, stereo radio/CD players and ABS as standard throughout the fleet. Many others are equipped with extra safety features such as side airbags.

All cars on Thrifty fleet meet the 5 star ANCAP safety ratings. Also all comfort comes first with all all models coming with air-conditioning to keep you cool when driving. Should your desire be for a nifty economy car for around town, a comfortable mid-size or full size sedan, 4WD or minibus Thrifty have something to suit your requirements.

Some Scenic Kiwi Drives

One of the most iconic drives in New Zealand is the Milford Road, also known as State Highway 94. This route runs from Te Anau to Milford Sound and cuts through Fiordland National Park, offering dramatic mountain peaks, mirror-like lakes and lush rainforest. Highlights include the Mirror Lakes, the Homer Tunnel, and the towering cliffs of Milford Sound itself. The road is well maintained but remote, so it's best to fuel up and check weather conditions before setting out.

Another unforgettable drive is the Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka. It is the highest main road in New Zealand and offers sweeping views of alpine valleys, tussock-covered hills, and winding switchbacks. The lookout near the summit gives panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu.

On the North Island, the East Cape Coastal Drive along State Highway 35 is a hidden gem. It runs from Opotiki to Gisborne and passes through remote Maori communities, untouched beaches, and rugged coastline. The East Cape Lighthouse marks the eastern-most point of New Zealand and is a perfect sunrise spot.

"Save on your next holiday auto costs. Our rentals partners in Hurghada offer lower than published rates, when you book here."

Island Hopping & Car Hire

Most suppliers do not allow their vehicles on the ferry, so you need multiple hires. However, some companies like Mode Car Rental do allow you to take your vehicle between the North and South Islands.

Around New Zealand

New Zealand is south and fairly close to Australia and sits alone in the Pacific Ocean. The island is split into two islands, North and South Island with other smaller islands surround the two larger islands.

Auckland

Visit the local vineyards, with a diverse geographical landscapes, head south and catch the Picton ferry to South Island. With it being isolated, some would say it is set in a time warp. For example, at weekends in Auckland with its modern business building, it is common to to see the locals driving through the city streets in pickups with hunting dogs in the rear.

Whilst Auckland and other places are not happening places, the countryside scenery, food and wine etc., more than make up for the lack of nightlife.

Wellington

Most of people tend to think of Auckland as the the capital city of New Zealand, when in fact it is Wellington and it has the added virtue of being the most southern capital city in the world. Skiing is possible in mountain ranges that surround Wellington.

Christchurch

The city continues to recover from the fairly recent earthquakes, so Christchurch definitely warrants a visit, as plenty to do and see.

Kiwi Tourism

With so much today on both the North & South Islands, then always best to get the latest information from the New Zealand Tourist Board website to stay up to date.

If off to Oz later in your trip, then check prices here:- Australia.

Updated:- 9th September 2025

Below are some links you may find useful
Blenheim	Auckland	Christchurch	Napier	Wellington
Cook Strait Ferry	Nelson	Invercargill	Sydney	Hobart
Bangkok	Rotorua	Timaru	Dunedin	Kerikeri
New Plymouth	Palmerston Nth	Wanganui	Gisborne

Below are some links you may find useful