Car Hire
New Zealand Car Hire
Car hire in New Zealand provides a unique way of seeing our wonderful country. For locals and overseas visitors, we answer questions on New Zealand car rental: the where, how and what of driving rental cars on New Zealand roads.
New Zealand rental cars are a convenient way for independent travelers to see this country. Hiring a car in New Zealand allows you to take in spectacular scenery, plan a personalised travel itinerary and have the freedom to visit destinations off the beaten tourist track. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on New Zealand car hire:
Where can I rent a car?
New Zealand car hire is available from our main cities – Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin – as well as many other towns and popular holiday destinations. Rental car depots may require vehicle pick-up and drop-off in the same city, but many offer one-way rentals for those not wanting to complete a round trip. Rental cars are available for your convenience from international airports in New Zealand's main centres. A wide variety of New Zealand car rentals are available, to suit your budget and travel needs.
What's included in the rental price?
New Zealand car rental packages vary, but many car hire companies offer a price which includes insurance, unlimited kilometres, travel maps and a 24 hour roadside breakdown service. Be sure to check full details before signing a contract or making payment. Many companies require a deposit or full payment before vehicle pick-up. Beware that GST (Goods and Services Tax) is not always included in the quoted rental price.
Do I need a New Zealand driver's licence?
If you are an overseas traveler in New Zealand, you can hire a car and drive on New Zealand roads as long as you have a current driver's licence from your home country or an IDP, an International Driving Permit. You must be at least 21 years of age to rent a car in New Zealand. When driving on New Zealand roads, you are legally required to carry your licence with you at all times.
What are New Zealand's road rules?
Once you're on the road, make sure that you drive safely and read New Zealand's road rules before setting out (ask for The New Zealand Road Code). The main points to remember are:
- Drive on the left-hand side of the road
- Give way when turning left (and always give way to traffic coming from your right)
- Follow traffic lights (red means stop, green means go)
- Stick to the speed limit (on the open road, this is 100 kilometres/hour; in urban areas, the speed limit is 50 kilometres/hour)
- Both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts (and children under the age of five must have an approved child seat)
- Be careful driving on unsealed country roads (many are narrow with no road markings, so drive slowly and stay on the left of the road)
Can cars cross from the North Island to the South Island?
Many New Zealand car hire companies allow vehicles to be taken across Cook Strait, the stretch of water between North and South Islands. There are a number of ferries that are able to carry vehicles across the Strait. Alternatively, you can book separate vehicles for North and South Islands. Book New Zealand ferries online before you travel.
Looking for more information? Find New Zealand car rentals in the NZS.com directory.
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Motoring images from Flickr: Car Hire, Traffic Lights and Motorway.
