Hiring a car in New Zealand gives you flexibility to connect available cities, airports and travel areas around your own schedule. On Rent.it you can compare the vehicles offered for your dates and choose a pick-up point that fits the route.
Compare car hire in New Zealand
Where can you hire a car in New Zealand?
Rent.it offers a broad selection across the North and South Islands, including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin, plus Rotorua, Hamilton, Napier, Nelson and many airports. Picton and Wellington ferry terminals and Greymouth railway station are also listed.
How do you compare and book on Rent.it?
Enter the pick-up location, dates and realistic times, then compare total price, vehicle category and office position. Open the vehicle page to check mileage, fuel policy, protection, excess, deposit, accepted cards and collection method. The displayed model normally represents a category and may be replaced by an equivalent vehicle.
- check the office address and opening hours
- read the requirements for the main and additional drivers
- review delays, out-of-hours return and one-way rental rules
- keep the voucher and supplier contact details with you
Driving licence, documents, cards and deposit
A current overseas car licence can be used for the period set by the New Zealand Transport Agency. If it is not in English, carry an approved English translation or an International Driving Permit together with the original. As the permitted period changes on 1 November 2026, check the current NZTA rule before travel.
Online payment and the security deposit at the desk are separate matters. Credit, debit or prepaid cards may be accepted or excluded depending on the offer; cardholder, card type, payment network and available funds can all matter. Age limits, licence history, surcharges, mileage and protection packages also vary. Rely on the terms of the rate you select.
Which car is suitable for a trip in New Zealand?
A compact or intermediate car is suitable for most sealed routes. On longer road trips, luggage space and comfort matter; in alpine areas, season, weather, chain requirements and road access matter more than an SUV badge. Unsealed roads may be excluded by the agreement.
Driving in New Zealand: rules and road conditions
Traffic drives on the left in New Zealand. Many rural roads are narrow, winding or steep, and journeys often take longer than expected. Electronic toll roads operate, and rental customers should follow the supplier’s preferred toll-payment process.
How should you plan the route?
Plan the North and South Islands in realistic stages. Auckland, Rotorua and Wellington can form a North Island route, while Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin and the West Coast are key South Island sections. Weather and road conditions can change the plan.
Restrictions, borders and ferries
Taking the same rental vehicle on the ferry between Wellington and Picton is not allowed by every supplier. Some contracts require a vehicle return before sailing and a replacement on the other island. Also check one-way charges and excluded roads.
Collecting and returning the car
At collection, compare the car with the condition report and have every mark added. Photograph the bodywork, glass, wheels, interior, mileage and fuel level. At return, follow the agreed location, time and fuel policy; if keys are left out of hours, follow the supplier’s instructions exactly and keep your evidence.
Touring New Zealand in your rental car
Why stay in one city during your visit to New Zealand? Try renting a car to explore the outreaches of this beautiful country. New Zealand is divided into two main islands, with numerous minor islands. The North Island is smaller in size, but houses around 75% of the population. The South Island, while larger is home to only around 25% of the population. Nearly 70% of the population is from European descent, with the remainder a mixture of indigenous Maori and smaller minorities. The land mass of New Zealand is long and narrow, with extensive coastlines, and the two islands are separated by the Cook Strait, 24km (15 miles) at its narrowest point.
The country is packed with natural beauty, from rivers and mountains, to volcanos, fjords and glaciers. The Southern Alps run down the whole length of the South Island. Many strains of flora and fauna are unique to New Zealand due to its 80 million year isolation from other lands. An example is the national symbol of New Zealand, the flightless Kiwi bird. Also numerous reptiles, frogs, bats and insects. The unique flora varies throughout the islands, from magnificent Kauri forest in the northern tip of North Island, to the temperate rainforests on the west coast and Alpine forests in the Southern Alps.
The South Island is the place to start your tour of New Zealand's natural beauty. Pre-book your car rental to start at Christchurch airport. Head north along the coast to Hammer Springs to experience their hot pools then on to Kaikoura for whale watching at the right time of year. Cut across the northern coast of South Island to the Abel Tasman National Park with bushland right up to the sea. After enjoying the blue water, head down the west coast to find the Franz Josef Glacier then onwards down to Invercargill, the southern most tip of New Zealand. Finally, heading back up the east coast, don't miss the penguins at Dunedin then the Orokonui Ecosanctuary at Lake Tekapo before returning to Christchurch for your flight out.
Frequently asked questions about car hire in New Zealand
Where can I hire a car in New Zealand?
Rent.it offers a broad selection across the North and South Islands, including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin, plus Rotorua, Hamilton, Napier, Nelson and many airports. Picton and Wellington ferry terminals and Greymouth railway station are also listed. Enter your dates and times to see the locations and categories that can actually be booked.
Which documents are needed at the rental desk?
You will normally need your original valid driving licence, passport or accepted identity document, voucher and an accepted card in the main driver’s name. Always check the terms of the selected offer.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in New Zealand?
A current overseas car licence can be used for the period set by the New Zealand Transport Agency. If it is not in English, carry an approved English translation or an International Driving Permit together with the original. As the permitted period changes on 1 November 2026, check the current NZTA rule before travel.
Can I rent without a credit card?
It depends on the supplier, rate and location. Some offers may accept a debit or prepaid card in the main driver’s name, while others require a credit card. Check the vehicle page, deposit and accepted-card rules.
How much is the security deposit?
There is no single national amount. The deposit varies by supplier, vehicle, protection package and accepted card, and is stated in the terms of the selected offer.
Are ferries, one-way rentals or border crossings allowed?
Taking the same rental vehicle on the ferry between Wellington and Picton is not allowed by every supplier. Some contracts require a vehicle return before sailing and a replacement on the other island. Also check one-way charges and excluded roads.
Which type of car should I choose?
A compact or intermediate car is suitable for most sealed routes. On longer road trips, luggage space and comfort matter; in alpine areas, season, weather, chain requirements and road access matter more than an SUV badge. Unsealed roads may be excluded by the agreement.
