Rental Cars New Zealand

Choosing a Rental Car in New Zealand

Choosing the perfect car for your holiday or business trip is often a luxury - especially during peak season when you have to take whatever model is available. Plan your rental cars in New Zealand wisely and you'll be able to choose the hire car that will suit you and your needs most.

• Rental Vehicles

Finding the perfect rental car in New Zealand isn't always easy - often you end up taking what is on offer and paying a high price for it - especially during the holiday season. In order to get a great deal on a great rental car all you need to do is book ahead online and specify exactly what you want - making sure it fits the purposes you'll need it for.

Booking online for your rental cars in New Zealand is fast and easy, and often comes with several perks for being prepared. When booking a rental car, remember to ask if there are any cars which need relocated from your departure city to somewhere along your journey (or ideally, your destination!). This is often needed during the busy summer season as many cars need to be returned to the North Island from the South Island - meaning you may be able to snag a great deal.

Choosing a Rental Car in New Zealand

When looking for rental cars New Zealand, there are many companies offering many different types of rental cars, prices normally varying depending on size and capabilities. Use this guide to selecting the perfect rental car for your car hire needs.

Super Thrifty
For ideal citywide travel, get yourself a Super Thrifty rental car, such as a Toyota Echo. They're not overly powerful with less than a 1.5 litre engine, but don't need to be for light trips around New Zealand's big cities - they're a perfect car hire Auckland vehicle. Super Thrifty cars are easy to park and super cheap to run, and will be able to fit one large suitcase, 2 soft travel bags and two adults. Perfect for a couple on a romantic weekend getaway!

Economy
If you want to keep the cost of your rental car down but need something more practical than a 2-person city car, consider a standard Economy sedan like a Nissan Sunny. They can comfortably fit two adults and two children, plus two large suitcases and additional soft bags in the boot. The ideal entry-level rental for family trips.

Touring and Super Touring
For a more robust family vacation car, choose a Touring rental (1.5-1.6 litre engine) or a Super Touring rental (1.8-2 litre engine). Also available as station wagons, these cars will be able to comfortably fit three or four adults and up to five large pieces of luggage (three hard, two soft). Ideal for families with older children, corporate groups and for road trips of two couples. Cars such as a Honda Domani or Nissan Pulsar are good options for the regular Touring, and a Nissan Bluebird is a great Super Touring vehicle.

Full Size
Perfect for business trips, the Full Size sedan is packed with power and can comfortably fit five adults, three hard pieces of luggage and three soft. You may be able to get a vehicle in this range with luxury extras like leather seating, making it the perfect rental car for any businessperson. Models in this range include Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores or similar cars.

8-Seat People Movers
For large families or small organizations, an 8-seater people mover is the perfect choice for your rental car in New Zealand. These can fit eight people and around seven pieces of luggage (three hard, four soft), and provide a comfortable ride for all throughout both of our great islands. A 2.4 litre Toyota Estima or similar will provide you with everything you need for a relaxed trip for your family or small group.

10-Seat Minibus
For larger organizations or school groups, a 10-seater minibus is the perfect choice rental car when you need to get a larger quantity of adults around New Zealand. These fit the same amount of luggage as the 8-seater but have the bonus of two additional full-sized seats and a bigger, 3 litre diesel engine. The Toyota Hi-Ace is a common choice in this class, and is also available in a cargo van form with a long wheel base and sliding doors on both sides.

4WD and Large 4WD
To comfortably fit five adults, all of your luggage and the ability to handle some off-the-beaten-track travelling, a standard 4WD like a Honda CRV is a great choice, or for more power and greater off-roading capabilities, choose a Large 4WD like a Nissan Pathfinder. Both of these vehicles are great for exploring the Kiwi outback for families and adult tour groups alike.

4WD Station Wagon
Great for a couple or small group and all of your adventure gear, a 4WD Station Wagon like a Subaru Legacy should be able to accommodate you, your travelling companions and your bikes, kayaks or other accessories needed to fully enjoy New Zealand's outdoor adventure attractions.

Looking for more information on vehicle rentals New Zealand? Check out the NZS.com directory.

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Motoring images from Flickr: Rental Car, Traffic Lights and Motorway.