Tips for renting a car inexpensively in New Zealand
Looking for a cheap car rental in New Zealand? With Economybookings, you can compare rental providers to find bargains across both the North and South Islands. Whether you’re planning to explore alpine areas, remote coastlines, or New Zealand’s cities, a quick cost comparison can save on time and money.
- Compare pickup locations — Select a broad pickup area (e.g. “Auckland” or “Christchurch”) rather than a specific depot to unlock more deals, including off-airport savings.
- Adjust pickup times and dates slightly — Even shifting your booking window by an hour can reveal better prices.
- Choose economy or compact cars — These vehicle types are usually the most affordable.
- Book early — Summer (Dec.-Feb.) and the winter ski months (Jun.-Aug.) are peak tourist seasons and see higher prices. Reserving in advance helps secure better prices and availability.
Tips when renting a car in New Zealand
- Public transport in New Zealand’s cities is great, but a rental car is essential for exploring national parks, alpine regions, and coastal areas.
- Book early during peak seasons — 4WDs and SUVs book up quickly during ski months.
- Alpine roads can be icy, steep, and unsealed, so pick a vehicle with strong traction, good suspension, and decent clearance.
- Review your insurance carefully — does it cover gravel roads, remote passes, and ferry travel?
- Inspect your New Zealand rental car for scratches, flat tyres, and existing damage upon pickup. Consider acquiring snow chains if heading to the ski fields.
Driving tips in New Zealand
- New Zealanders drive on the left, overtake on the right.
- Take caution at roundabouts — give way to vehicles coming from the right.
- Horn use should be minimal; only use in safety situations.
- Use parking apps to find cheap deals in cities — Try PayMyPark, ParkMate or AT Park (Auckland).
- State Highway 1 (SH1) runs the full length of New Zealand, so get to know it well.
- Main petrol stations: Z Energy, BP, Caltex, NPD, Gull, Allied.
- Keep your license (IDP if not in English), rental papers, and your proof of insurance with you whenever driving.
Speed limits
Speed limits in New Zealand’s CBDs sit around 30-50km/h, 50km/h in suburban areas, and 80-100km/h on motorways and rural roads. Specific motorways like the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road go up to 110km/h. Mountainous and coastal roads may have temporary speed limits for winding roads and sharp turns. Speed cameras are common across both the North and South Islands.
Road signs
New Zealand uses standardised road signs, featuring speeds in km/h. Yellow diamond signs indicate hazards ahead, common on alpine roads. Watch out for “Ice” and “Gravel Road” signs during the ski season. Speed camera areas are usually signposted and are widely enforced. Signs are in English, accompanied by easily understandable symbols.
Tolls and restricted zones
New Zealand has only a few toll roads, mainly around Auckland and Tauranga. All toll roads are fully electronic and contactless, processed automatically by your rental provider, or payable online.
New Zealand has no low-emission or congestion zones anywhere in the country. Other than the occasional tolls, the only fees you’ll come across are for city parking, national park access, and to access certain ski field roads during the winter season.
Discover New Zealand by car
Exploring New Zealand by car is the best way to see all the wondrous landscapes on offer. From subtropical beaches to volcanic peaks and wine regions, the scenery in New Zealand varies dramatically from region to region. You can have breakfast by the waterside, and dinner in the snow.
Hoire your own New Zealand rental car to access countless remote lookouts, quaint villages, hidden coves and wildlife sanctuaries. Skip the packed tour buses and discover the real New Zealand at your own pace.
When to visit
Summer in New Zealand attracts the most tourists, offering visitors warm days and long evenings. During winter, snow sport fanatics gather from around the world for the country’s world-class slopes. For those seeking a quiet vacation, autumn brings smaller crowds, golden foliage, and milder weather.
Languages & communication
English is the primary language of New Zealand; however, the Māori language and placenames are widespread. Speakers of English are unlikely to face a language barrier. Mobile coverage in New Zealand’s cities is generally spotless, but it becomes patchy as you head into remote areas. Make sure to download your maps before venturing off.
Currency & payments
New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar ($). Contactless payments are very common, including petrol stations, roadside cafes, and supermarkets. It’s always a good idea to carry a little bit of cash for farmers' markets and fruit stalls.
Top driving routes in New Zealand
New Zealand is jam-packed with scenic drives. Here are some standouts:
- Auckland > Bay of Islands — Coastal roads, subtropical forests, and history-rich towns.
- Wellington > Wairarapa — Remutaka Range, Martinborough, wineries, and countryside.
- Christchurch > Lake Tekapo > Mt. Cook — Southern Alps, turquoise lakes, and glaciers.
- Queenstown > Glenorchy — Lakeside driving, alpine wilderness, and mountain scenery.
- Nelson > Abel Tasman National Park — Forest trekking, sun-soaked bays, and golden beaches.
- Dunedin > Catlins Coast — Wildlife spotting, waterfalls, and untouched coastline.
