Traveling Around The Country? Here Are The Best Car Rental Companies In NZ

Nov 18, 2021
Car Insurance
By Staff writer

Contents:

Summer is coming in fast, so you might want to start comparing the best car rental companies in NZ. We got many scenic places around here, and travelling by car is one of the best ways to enjoy every scenery and take in all its beauty. You can stop whenever you like, and enjoy the excitement of navigating places all on your own.

If you're planning a trip, here are some of the best car rental companies in Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Christchurch, and other major cities in NZ.

Queenstown Christchurch Auckland Invercargill Wellington Hamilton
Go Rentals Hertz Letz Rent A Car RaD Car Hire Ezi Car Rental Waikato Car & Commercial Rentals
JUCY Car Rental and Campervan Omega Rental Cars Hitch Car Rentals Riverside Rentals Pegasus Rental Cars Rite Price Rentals
Queenstown Boutique Car Rentals Apex Car Rentals Bargain Rental Cars Road Rentals Mode Rentals Hirepool Vehicle Rentals

Best Car Rental in Queenstown

Go Rentals

What makes Go Rentals different from other Kiwi car rental companies is its range of modern cars you can choose from. They even have Tesla Model 3! To rent one of their fleets, you must be at least 21 years old.

Go Rentals' booking process is easy, and they offer services in different locations, including the main cities.

Note that for customers that need to cross between the islands, you will have to buy ferry tickets with any of the two main New Zealand services or book with the help of a Go representative.

Read: Guide To Used Car Financing In NZ

Why choose Go Rentals:

  • Easy booking process
  • Affordable rates
  • Great customer service
  • Available in several locations in major cities

Vehicles offered:

  • Small cars
  • Large cars/SUVs
  • 4WDs
  • Van/people carriers

Go Rentals customer review:

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JUCY Car Rental and Campervan

JUCY Car Rental and Campervan is a reputable company and a good option for those who are planning to visit different locations in New Zealand. They offer a wide range of cars, including camper vans to suit your travel needs.

Their rates are affordable. Though they don't offer brand new car models, the company makes sure that the cars are well-maintained. 

Why choose JUCY Car Rental and Campervan:

  • Free insurance tier plus basic coverage
  • More deals and promos on their website

Read: Your Guide to Guaranteed Asset Protection Insurance (GAP) in NZ

Vehicles offered:

  • Small hatch (Suzuki Swift or similar)
  • 8-seater van (Toyota Estima)
  • El cheapo (Nissan Tiida or similar)
  • Ski wagon (Toyota Estima)

JUCY Car Rental and Campervan customer review:

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Queenstown Boutique Car Rentals

Queenstown Boutique Car Rentals is a locally-owned and operated business that aims to give you a hassle-free experience in Queenstown. They provide safe and reliable jeep vehicles at an affordable rates, which is a perfect mode of transportation to make the most out of your visit to Queenstown.

Why choose Queenstown Boutique Car Rentals:

  • Smoke-free and safe jeep vehicles
  • Convenient location in Queenstown
  • Offers pick up and drop off at the airport if needed

Vehicles offered:

  • 4WD

Queenstown Boutique Car Rentals customer review:

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Best Car Rental in Christchurch

Hertz

Hertz operates from all major airports and cities and New Zealand, giving you a hassle-free car rental service whenever you need it. Founded in 1918, it now has around 10,000 locations in more than 140 countries, which makes Hertz the largest car rental company in the world.

Why choose Hertz:

  • Exclusive deals to choose from on their website
  • Join the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards for free. Enjoy getting points every time you rent, skip the line with faster checkout, and redeem points for free car rentals
  • Easy booking through the Hertz website or Hertz App

Vehicles offered:

  • Classic compact and full-size sedan (Nissan Versa, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Impala or a similar vehicle)

Hertz customer review:

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Read: How To Find The Best Car Insurance In NZ

Omega Rental Cars

If you want a well-trusted car rental company, Omega  Rental Cars is a popular company in New Zealand. It offers services in various locations, including major cities in the South and North islands.

The company caters to your rental needs, so if your pick-up location is from one island and the drop-off is on another, they will help you buy ferry tickets during the booking process. The rates are affordable, plus you can save more if you're only going to drive within the city and opt to get an older car model.

Why choose Omega Rental Cars:

  • FREE extras such as free Omega travel guides, free seats for children, free AA travel road atlas, free pick-up and drop-off, and more.
  • Vehicles are regularly serviced and well-maintained
  • The cars are covered by the AA's 24-hour Roadside Assistance

Vehicles offered:

  • Economy (Nissan Tiida or similar)
  • Premium Budget (Mazda Demio or Toyota Vitz)
  • Premium Elite (Toyota Corolla Hatch)
  • Premium Elite Sedan (Toyota Corolla Sedan)
  • Premium SUV (Toyota RAV4 AWD or similar)
  • Family SUV (Toyota RAV4 2WD or similar)
  • MPV (Toyota Previa or Hyundai Imax 8 Seater)
  • Luxury SUV (Toyota Highlander)
  • Premium Elite Plus (Toyota Corolla Hatch GX)
  • Economy Hybrid (Toyota Aqua Hybrid)

Omega Rental Cars customer review:

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Apex Car Rentals

One of the most well-known local car rentals in NZ, Apex Car Rentals is a convenient choice for its locations both in the North and South islands. Their car models are newer compared to other local car rentals. The booking process is easy, and they have great customer service for any questions about your bookings.

The booking process on their website is great for those whose pick-up and drop off locations are on different islands. Choosing ferry tickets will be part of the booking process.

Why choose Apex Car Rentals:

  • Has been recognised for having the Most Satisfied Customers for years
  • No hidden costs
  • Earn Airports Dollars every time you book with them
  • Has 17 car rental branches throughout New Zealand

Vehicles offered:

  • Small SUV auto
  • Mid-size hatch auto
  • Mid-size sedan auto
  • Mid-size SUV auto
  • Full-size SUV auto
  • 8-seater auto
  • 12-seater auto

Apex Car Rentals customer review:

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Best Car Rental in Auckland

Letz Rent A Car

If you want to support a local business, Letz Rent A Car is a Kiwi-owned car rental company with great feedback from its customers. Many of them keep coming back to avail their services. The company's vehicles are well-kept and covered by 24/7 breakdown assistance.

Why choose Letz Rent A Car:

  • Well-maintained vehicles with regular servicing
  • All vehicles are covered by the company's 24/7 breakdown assistance
  • Wide range of vehicles to suit your budget and travel needs

Read: The Ultimate Guide To Mechanical Breakdown Insurance in New Zealand (MBI)

Vehicles offered:

Letz Rent A Car customer review:

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Hitch Car Rentals

Hitch Car Rentals has a good reputation when it comes to providing good services to their customers. While it's only available in fewer locations, they take pride in having good customer reviews and affordable rates. If the car's model and age is not a big concern, their cars are dependable and well-maintained.

Why choose Hitch Car Rentals:

  • Free airport pickup. Just provide your flight details when you book or call #38 from the Freephone when you land
  • Free kilometres
  • Free additional drivers

Vehicles offered:

  • Super Saver (5-door Mazda Demios, Suzuki Swifts and Nissan Tiida)
  • Hitch Eco (Toyota Prius hybrids)
  • Midsize (Mazda 3s and Renault Megane)
  • Sedan (Mazda 6 and Toyota Camry)
  • Super Saver SUV (Mitsubishi Outlanders or similar)
  • Hitch SUV (Mahindra  XUV500 or similar)
  • People Saver (Toyota Estimas are a mix of 7 and 8-seaters)

Hitch Car Rentals customer review:

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Bargain Rental Cars

If you're looking for the cheapest rental prices, Bargain Rental Cars is a great option. Compared to other car rentals in the country, the company has the best price guarantee. Their cars are older compared to the ones offered by international rentals, but they make sure they are all in good condition. They also rent to 18-year-old customers.

Renters 25 years old and above are obliged to pick affordable, comprehensive insurance. You may avail of their services in different locations in Auckland, and a branch in Christchurch. Note that you will have to buy the ferry tickets yourself and inform the company about them first.

Why choose Bargain Rental Cars:

  • Special deals on their website
  • They don't charge card fees on payments
  • No additional charge for additional drivers
  • All hires are provided with 24hrs AA roadside assistance
  • Free basic insurance for drivers 25 years old and above
  • Free quotes when you use their online quoting or booking system

Vehicles offered:

  • Commuter (Suzuki Swift, Mazda Demio, Toyota Vitz, Nissan Tiida, Hyundai Getz or similar)
  • Hybrid (Toyota Prius or similar)
  • SUV (Toyota Highlander & Toyota RAV4 or similar)
  • Commuter premium (Toyota Corolla Hatch or similar)
  • Touring (Nissan Teana, Nissan Bluebird, Nissan Tiida, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry or similar)
  • Station wagon (Nissan Wingroad, Subaru Legacy or similar)
  • People mover (Toyota Estima, Toyota Previa, Mazda MPV and Mazda Premacy or similar)
  • Commuter super saver (Toyota Vitz or similar)
  • Minibus (standard minivan - 10-seater, large minibus - 12/13-seater, 19-seater coach, super saver minivan - 10-seater)

Bargain Rental Cars customer review:

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Best Car Rental in Wellington

Ezi Car Rental

Ezi Car Rental is a rental car operator owned by Kiwis and established in 1998, which means they've been providing services for over 20 years. With a team of more than 100 people, the company aims to give the best car rental services in New  Zealand. EZI offers a wide range of vehicles, including 12-seater minivans to suit your needs.

EZI provides services in New Zealand’s major cities such as Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Dunedin, and Queenstown.

Why choose Ezi Car Rental:

  • Does not require payment until pick up
  • Excellent customer services
  • 24/7 breakdown cover
  • Unlimited kilometres
  • Vehicles from leading brands
  • Low collision damage waiver

Vehicles offered:

  • Medium cars
  • SUVs
  • 4WD and Utes
  • Group vehicles
  • Commercial vans

Ezi Car Rental customer review:

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Pegasus Rental Cars

Whether you're traveling for leisure or on business or looking for cars to take your class, school club, or equipment safely from one place to another, Pegasus Rental Cars got you covered. The company offers high-quality, well-maintained vehicles you can rate at an affordable rate.

Why choose Pegasus Rental Cars:

  • Cars are well-maintained and are in their top condition
  • Knowledgeable staff that can provide you helpful tips about the region and what to visit and do
  • Deals and discounts
  • Great customer service
  • Covid-19 assurance - free cancellation

Vehicles offered:

  • Sub-compact
  • Compact
  • Intermediate
  • SUV
  • 8-seater
  • Minibus

Pegasus Rental Cars customer review:

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Mode Rentals

If you're planning an adventure, travelling for leisure, or just want a hassle-free service to get you from one place to another, Mode Rentals can help you on your journey. The business has been around for over thirty years and has been providing accessibility and flexibility when it comes to services to its customers.

Why choose Mode Rentals:

  • Deals on their website
  • Wide range of modern and economy vehicles
  • Mode Rentals cars for sale

Vehicles offered:

  • Compact (Toyota, Yaris)
  • Compact Economy (Toyota Yaris or similar)
  • Intermediate Economy (Toyota Corolla Hatch or similar)
  • Intermediate (Toyota Corolla Hatch)
  • Electric car (Nissan Leaf 2018 or similar)
  • Powered self-contained camper
  • Super economy (mystery vehicle)
  • Family Sedan (Toyota Camry or similar)
  • Station Wagon (Toyota Corolla Wagon or similar)
  • SUV AWD (Toyota RAV4 - AWD)
  • SUV (Toyota RAV4 or similar)
  • People Movers (Toyota Previa)
  • Minibus 10-12 seater (Toyota Hiace or similar)
  • Campervans (Nissan Serena or Toyota Estima)
  • Cargo Vans (Mazda Bongo or Nissan Caravan NV350 or similar)

Mode Rentals customer review:

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Best Car Rental in Invercargill

RaD Car Hire

RaD Car Hire has been providing rental vehicle needs to Kiwis and tourists for 30 years now. It's a homegrown company that takes pride in supporting groups and charities. It has also partnered with local businesses by giving RaD discounts that can be used in over 3000 restaurants, hotels, and more all over New Zealand. Whether you need local car hire or you're planning to travel overseas and need a car ride to the airport, RaD Car Hire will cater to your needs.

Why choose Bargain Rental Cars:

  • Discounts on restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions they've partnered with
  • Wide range of vehicles  to choose from
  • Standard comprehensive insurance is included in all daily rates
  • RaD deals on the website

Vehicles offered:

  • Economy
  • Compact
  • Intermediate
  • Full-size
  • SUV AWD
  • SUV 4WD
  • MPV vehicles
  • Minibus
  • Cargo van
  • Utility truck

RaD Car Hire customer review:

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Riverside Rentals

Hire a vehicle with Riverside Rentals which offers a wide range of vehicles to accommodate your needs. It's a family-owned business first established in 1990. Today, the have 65+ vehicles available in their fleet, including small cars and large furniture trucks.

Why choose Riverside Rentals:

  • Handy online form on their website where you can get an estimate
  • Offers seven-day service
  • Long term hire vehicles available
  • Pick up and drop off service from the airport is available by arrangement

Vehicles offered:

  • Minibus 
  • Vans 
  • Cars
  • Utes
  • Luggage trailers
  • Cargo vans
  • Furniture trucks
  • 8-seater Previa

Riverside Rentals customer review:

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Road Rentals

Road Rentals is a well-established local business that offers a variety of trailers and vehicles at an affordable price. They also offer bus charters with a driver, which are best for school trips, corporate outings, family outings, and more.

Why choose Road Rentals:

  • Trusted local business
  • Insurance excess reduction costs available
  • Bus driver available at no extra cost

Vehicles offered:

  • Vans (12-seater vans)
  • Bus (21, 23 and 49-seat bus)
  • Trucks (8x4 transporter/flat deck)
  • Trailers

Road Rentals customer review:

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Best Car Rental in Hamilton

Waikato Car & Commercial Rentals

Waikato Car & Commercial Rentals is a locally owned and operated company that's been providing services since 1993. They have good quality vehicles to suit their customers' needs such as cars, SUVs, minibuses, cargo vans, and more. They're also a member of the NZ Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association so you can be sure that their rental vehicles and services are up to par.

Why choose Waikato Car & Commercial Rentals:

  • Discounts on their website
  • Member of NZ Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association
  • Wide range of vehicles

Vehicles offered:

  • Budget cars
  • Minibuses/people movers
  • Furniture trucks
  • Touring cars
  • Large cars
  • SUVs
  • Specialty vehicles
  • Cargo vans/Utes

Waikato Car & Commercial Rentals customer review:

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Rite Price Rentals

Rite Price Rentals have been providing top quality cars and services since 2001 and takes pride in making sure they have the best vehicles for their customers, whether it's for personal or business use. They have also been Qualmark Certified each year since 2007, which means that they've met a number of quality standards and environmental criteria.

Why choose Rite Price Rentals:

  • Supports a number of charities
  • Get 10% off when you book online
  • More deals and discounts on their website

Vecicles offered:

  • Sub-compact (Nissan Micra or similar)
  • Compact (Nissan Tiida or similar)
  • Mid-size sedan (Nissan Pulsar or similar)
  • Full size (Nissan Altima or similar)
  • SUV wagon (Nissan Xtrail or similar)
  • People movers (Hyundai Imax or similar)
  • Premier 12 (Toyota Hi-Ace or similar)
  • Luggage trailer
  • Large cargo van hi-ace
  • Cargo van
  • Ute
  • Small truck 11m3
  • Mid furniture truck 16-18m3
  • Large furniture truck 20-29m3
  • SUV wagon - older model (Nissan X-Trail or similar)
  • People mover - older model (Toyota Alphard or similar)

Rite Price Rentals customer review:

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Hirepool Vehicle Rentals

With 8 branches nationwide, Hirepool Vehicle Rentals is a reliable option for modern, well-maintained vehicles. Aside from that, they have friendly, professional customer service that will help you with your concerns and questions.

Why choose Hirepool Vehicle Rentals:

  • Wide range of vehicles to choose from
  • Offers long term rentals
  • Rates include GST and standard Motor Vehicle Insurance
  • Unlimited kilometres for cars, SUV’s, Utes and vans for hires of 3 days or more

Vehicles offered:

  • Trucks
  • Cargo vans
  • Minibuses (10-12 seater)
  • Utes
  • Cars and SUVs

Hirepool Vehicle Rentals customer review:

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