Best Car Rental in South Island New Zealand
5 Things to Compare Between Car Rental Companies in New Zealand
Our comparison of New Zealand's best car rental companies includes the most important details about each company with the exception of rental rates, as these change from season to season. Below is an overview of why each feature is important in your car rental comparison. Alternatively, head toHow to Compare Car and Campervan Rental Companies in New Zealand.
Location: Look at your itinerary and where you want to start and end your trip in New Zealand and choose a car rental company with depots in those locations convenient to you. To keep the costs down, try to start and end your trip in the same location to avoid one-way fees (or choose a company that doesn't charge one-way fees). Additionally, always check if the company is charging a fair premium location fee which is usually added if picked up from an airport depot.
Prices and inclusions: The base price of car rental fluctuates with the seasons. In summer, daily rates are at their most expensive, while they are at their cheapest in winter. Read our 21 Ways To Save Money on Car Rental in New Zealand to see when the best time to rent a car usually is. What's more, to truly understand the value of your rental you need to compare what's included. Not all companies include the same things, especially when it comes to insurance. For more budgeting tips, head over to How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in New Zealand?
Vehicles offered: Most car rental companies in New Zealand will maintain even their oldest cars to the highest standards, however, a more modern vehicle is less likely to give you any problems, so keep vehicle age in mind. You also need to find a car type that meets your needs. For more advice, check outWhat is the Best Type of Vehicle to Rent in New Zealand?
Service: Once you have picked a few car rental companies from this comparison, send some questions to the companies and see how helpful they are with their answers. Service will become very important should anything go wrong during your trip.
Reviews: It's worth checking multiple review websites to compare customers experiences. Why not ask the question in a New Zealand travel Facebook Group or check out reviews on RentalCars.com?
© Bargain Rental Cars
Bargain Rental Cars – The Cheapest New Zealand Car Rentals
Bargain Rental Cars is a rental car company all about competitive prices. Not only are their rates super affordable but they are one of the very few car rentals with a "best price guarantee". They have several convenient pick-up and drop-off locations. Plus, they also accept young drivers. However, be aware of the location fee for all airport locations, which is a little higher than the usual at around NZ$30 – but with their low rental rates, they are still likely to be one of your more affordable car rental options.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland (city centre, Onehunga, Glenfield, Mount Wellington, Grey Lynn and East Tamaki), Hamilton (Frankton), Wellington (Cuba Street) and Christchurch (Hornby).
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, scooters, van/people carriers, trucks and trailers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 18 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (18+ years old)
- Basic insurance (for drivers over 25 years old)
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2500 excess for a 25+-year-old driver or a mandatory NZ$15 per day insurance with NZ$3500 excess for an 18-24-year-old driver. Alternatively, there are insurance add-ons for NZ$10-$19 per day with less excess and bond to pay. A NZ$250 bond is only payable if you cannot supply credit card details. Windscreen liability with no excess can be added for around NZ$5 a day.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© Snap Rentals
Snap Rentals – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for Young Drivers
Snap Rentals is an extremely budget-friendly car rental company, especially for young drivers with insurance costs being the same for drivers of any age – they feature in The Best New Zealand Car & Campervan Rentals for Ages 18 to 25. Snap Rentals are also one of the limited car rental companies in New Zealand that hires to drivers with a restricted license.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs. They also do accommodation shuttle pick-up and drop-offs for airport locations.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland City (Parnell), Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WD/ute and people carriers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 14 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (18+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Free insurance included in the rental with NZ$2000 excess and NZ$2000 bond (cash or credit card) or get an insurance add-on for NZ$16-$24 per day for NZ$0 to $200 excess and bond to pay. There is also insurance available for restricted or P Plate licenses.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© GO Rentals
GO Rentals – The Best All-Rounder New Zealand Car Rental
GO Rentals has a large fleet of rental cars in all the major arrival cities in New Zealand. Their modern fleet means less chance of a breakdown, however, should it happen, roadside assistance is included in every rental. The car rental company offers hundreds of discounts on activities around the country. What's more, GO Rentals is one of the first car rental companies in New Zealand to offer EV rentals – find out more about How to Travel Around New Zealand in an Electric Car. Note that there is a premium location fee for airport depots but this is minimal.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland City Centre, Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown Airport and Dunedin Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, EVs, 4WD, van/people carriers, and camper trailers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 4 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
- GO Play discount card (discounts on 200+ activities, restaurants and accommodations)
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2500 excess and NZ$2500 bond. Or insurance add-ons for NZ$22-$29 per day with less excess and bond to pay.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© Ace Rental Cars
Ace Rental Cars – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for Families
With a fleet of new and late-model vehicles, Ace Rental Cars has cars that are more likely to be reliable and be fuel-efficient. With plenty of drop-off locations, this car rental company allows you to be more flexible. There is a premium location fee for airport depots but this is minimal. Note also that Ace Rental Cars' do not permit their vehicles to cross between the North Island and South Island, so separate bookings will need to be made to/from their Picton or Wellington branches if travelling on both islands. We also list Ace Rental Cars as one of The Best Family Car Rentals in New Zealand.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available to and from the airport and airport depots during normal working hours.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland City, Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, Picton, Greymouth, Christchurch Airport, Dunedin Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WD, people carriers and campervans.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 8 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (18+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Free insurance with up to NZ$2500 excess depending on the vehicle and NZ$750 bond to pay or insurance add-ons for NZ$20-$27 per day with less excess and no bond to pay.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© Ezi Car Rentals
Ezi Car Rental – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for New Vehicles
With a fleet of 1800 vehicles, there are plenty of options with Ezi Car Rental. Most of the models are late models, with the exception of a few, so if you are looking for something reliable at a bit of an extra rate then Ezi is for you. We also list Ezi Car Rental as one of The Best Car Rental Companies in Queenstown.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland Airport, Auckland, Christchurch Airport, Wellington Airport, Dunedin Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WD, utes, and people carriers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 3 years old.
Inclusions
- 2 drivers (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$3000 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$26-$28 per day with less or no excess.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© Omega
Omega Rental Cars – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for Inclusions and Locations
With so many pick-up and drop-off locations and no one-way charges, Omega is a rental car company well worth considering if you plan to start and end your trip on different islands. What's more, the possibility of changing rental vehicles in Wellington and Picton to reduce ferry costs is appealing. You'll also find Omega Rental Cars listed inThe Best Car Rental Companies in Auckland.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland City, Auckland Aiport, Wellington (Pipitea), Wellington Airport, Picton, Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, SUV, 4WD and people carriers.
Vehicle age range: 3 to 11 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (18+ years old)
- One way hire available
- Option to leave a vehicle at Wellington/Picton and pick up another vehicle after the ferry crossing to reduce the cost of the ferry
- Basic insurance
- Maps and guide book with activity discounts
- Free seats for children
- Postcard and pen
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2500 excess and a NZ$2000 bond for 21+-year-old drivers. Different conditions apply to 18-20-year-old drivers or drivers with a restricted license. Insurance add-ons for drivers over 21 years old of NZ$25-$28 per day with either no excess or NZ$400 excess.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained! Plus, learn more about age restrictions in Age Restrictions When Renting a Vehicle in New Zealand.
© Apex
Apex Car Rentals – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for One-Way Trips
For ultimate flexibility, Apex Car Rentals has a huge number of depots around the country with no extra costs for one-way trips. Their fleet is large and modern for a more premium experience on a budget. It's also possible to hire vehicles without a credit card but with a debit card if you prefer. We also like Apex Car Rentals as one ofThe Best Car Rental Companies in Wellington.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland City Centre (Victoria Street West), Auckland Airport, Blenheim Airport, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch City (Kilmore Street), Greymouth, Napier Airport, Nelson Airport, Nelson City, Picton Ferry Terminal, Queenstown Airport, Queenstown, Wellington (Victoria Street) and Wellington Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons and 4WD and van/people carriers.
Vehicle age range: 3 to 7 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance (call out fee applies)
- Free one-way rental available
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2000 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$17-$27 per day to reduce the excess.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© Drive NZ Rental Cars
Drive NZ Rental Cars – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for Affordability
Drive NZ is not only an affordable rental company but they also offer a price-beat guarantee. They provide a great range of cars from new to older models. There's a minimal airport surcharge but no/minimal bond to pay. However, you will need to supply credit card details.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available between the airport and rental depots.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland Airport, Waiheke Island, Christchurch Airport and Queenstown.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WD, convertibles, people carriers and campervans.
Vehicle age range: 1 to 15 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (18+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
- Free cancellation (more than 21 days prior to hire date)
- Brochures and maps
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2000 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$14-19 per day with less excess. No bond is paid but credit card details are taken.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© Hitch
Hitch – The Best Budget New Zealand Car Rental
Given the right season, Hitch offers some extremely affordable cars. Their budget range might have some older vehicles, as expected, but they are low mileage making for a more reliable journey.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland Airport, Auckland City (Parnell), Christchurch Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, SUVs and van/people carriers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 10 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2000 excess and NZ$1000 bond by way of credit card or insurance add-ons for NZ$10-$17.50 per day with less excess.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© Jucy Rentals
Jucy – The Best New Zealand Car Rental for Small Cars and People Carriers
With a low minimum age and a great range of budget options, Jucy Rentals are worth considering for a budget trip around New Zealand. Be aware that they do charge a "premium location fee" for cars picked up in their airport locations, however, this fee is minimal. With that said, Jucy is one of the most popular New Zealand car rental companies.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Pick-up/drop-off locations: Auckland Airport, Queenstown Airport and Christchurch Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, people carriers, campercars, campervans and motorhomes.
Vehicle Age Range: 3 to 15 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (18+ years old)
- Roadside assistance
- Basic insurance
- Activity discounts
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2500 excess and NZ$2500 bond. Or insurance add-ons for NZ$20-$25 per day with less excess and less bond to pay.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
Best Car Rental in South Island New Zealand
Source: https://nzpocketguide.com/the-best-car-rental-companies-in-new-zealand/