Top 10 Experiences in New Zealand.
Energetic cities and sleepy villages set against a backdrop of mountains, valleys, glaciers and lakes define New Zealand and it’s a truly fantastic place to…
Car Hire in New Zealand.
Search for car hire deals in New Zealand
- Free Cancellation
- Excess Protection
- 24/7 Support
- Fair Fuel Policy
What our customers say
Easy and cost effective.
Michael - Auckland Airport, 2 months ago
Compare great value car hire in New Zealand with Zest.
When you compare the best car hire deals with Zest in New Zealand you're ensuring that your car hire is smooth, easy and stress-free. Your excess is protected on every single booking and our 24/7 UK based emergency telephone support team are always on hand if you need help. With so much protection, you're left to feel free and explore this gem of a country.
Whether you’re basing your adventure around the bustling North Island or the awe-inspiring South Island, you’ll have the trip of a lifetime. New Zealand is a small, compact island with so much to offer. Despite its small size, there is still so much to do see and explore and you won't want to miss a minute of it.
Who we work with in New Zealand
Search, compare and book you next car hire with Zest Car Rental for inclusive deals you won’t find anywhere else. At Zest, we understand the last thing you need after a long flight is to deal with problems collecting your car hire. Therefore, we only partner with trusted and monitored providers to ensure a hassle-free and smooth car rental experience.
Whether you decide to book with Autounion, Mode Rentals or any of our other providers in New Zealand, you will always be welcomed with exceptional customer service! Start your holiday the right way with Zest Car Rental!
Book with Zest Car Rental in New Zealand
We take a fresh, honest approach to car hire. Our booking process is simple: clear pricing, no hidden costs, and no small print to worry about.
We want you to relax and look forward to your holiday, not worry about the logistics.
Unlock the real New Zealand
New Zealand is famous for its soaring alpine peaks, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and pristine glacial lakes, making it the ultimate destination for an epic road trip.
A scenic drive across the South Island connects stunning regional hubs like Queenstown and Christchurch, tracking paths through the dramatic Southern Alps.
Navigating these routes opens up access to ancient fiords like Milford Sound and secluded glacier viewpoints that regular public transport options cannot easily match.
Across the Cook Strait on the North Island, a rental vehicle gives you the freedom to explore at your own comfortable pace.
You can drive through the thermal valleys of Rotorua, wind along the dramatic coastline of the Coromandel Peninsula, or visit historic wine regions like Hawke's Bay.
Having complete control over your travel itinerary allows you to stop at rural roadside fruit stands, explore quiet native forest tracks, and discover hidden coastal viewpoints completely free from rigid group tour schedules.
Our Fleet in New Zealand
At Zest Car Rental, we offer a wide range of vehicles in New Zealand to suit every type of traveller. Fuel-efficient economy cars and nimble compact models are highly practical for navigating urban districts and finding parking near major regional hubs like Auckland or Wellington.
If you plan to tour the steep mountain passes of the interior, carry substantial holiday luggage, or cruise regional highways with family, choosing a spacious intermediate vehicle or a compact SUV can provide additional power, ground clearance, and reliable interior comfort for the terrain.
One Way Rentals in New Zealand
In New Zealand, you can pick up your car and drop it off at a different location, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
One-way rentals are perfect for linear road trips, cross-island travel, or flexible itineraries, such as collecting your vehicle at Auckland Airport and returning it at Christchurch Airport.
Please note that each provider sets their own rules for one-way rentals, and some may apply a mandatory local fee. This is clearly shown during the booking process.
Driver Age Requirements in New Zealand
Can I rent a car in New Zealand if I am under 25?
Yes. However, many providers apply a Young Driver Surcharge and may restrict access to luxury vehicle categories. Young driver fees vary by provider and may still apply depending on age and vehicle category.
Can I rent a car in New Zealand if I am over 70?
Yes. While some providers may have additional requirements or conditions for older drivers depending on policy, others welcome senior drivers with zero restrictions or extra costs.
What is the best time of year to explore New Zealand by car?
The ideal time to explore New Zealand on a driving holiday is during the months of December to March, which bring long, bright days and the warmest, most consistent driving temperatures.
Alternatively, the months of October to November and March to April offer comfortable driving temperatures, vibrant natural scenery, and much quieter regional routes across both the North and South Islands.
Essential Tips for Driving in New Zealand
Driving in New Zealand is conducted on the left-hand side of the road, with overtaking executed on the right.
Tolls apply on specific routes including the Northern Gateway Toll Road north of Auckland, the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road, and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road. These roads use barrier-free electronic systems where tolls are collected automatically via registration scanning, and fees can be paid online or through your rental provider.
Drink-driving is prohibited under New Zealand law and punishments are strict. If you plan to drink, you should not drive.
When navigating major routes, drivers are likely to encounter steep mountainous terrain, narrow unsealed roads, and sharp turns, particularly when travelling through the rural interior or crossing alpine passes on the South Island.
Outside urban centres, look out for sudden changes in road width, single-lane bridges that require yielding to oncoming traffic, and localized speed drops near smaller country communities.
Book nowPlaces to hire in New Zealand
- Auckland
- Auckland Airport (AKL)
- Blenheim Airport (BHE)
- Christchurch
- Christchurch Airport (CHC)
- Dunedin
- Dunedin Airport (DUD)
- Gisborne Airport (GIS)
- Greymouth Rail Station
- Hamilton
- Hamilton Airport (HLZ)
- Hokitika Airport (HKK)
- Invercargill Airport (IVC)
- KeriKeri Airport (KKE)
- Matiatia Ferry Terminal
- Napier Airport (NPE)
- Nelson Airport (NSN)
- New Plymouth Airport (NPL)
- Palmerston North Airport (PMR)
- Picton Ferry Terminal
- Queenstown
- Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- Rotorua Airport (ROT)
- Tauranga Airport (TRG)
- Wellington
- Wellington Airport (WLG)
- Wellington Interisland Ferry Terminal
- Whangarei Airport (WRE)
Average customer rating for car hire in New Zealand
(4.5 out of 5.00) based on 103 responses to our customer survey.
Popular locations in New Zealand
See all locationsZest's Top 5 Tourist Attractions in New Zealand!
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Auckland
Explore the Auckland War Memorial Museum, stroll along the Viaduct Harbour, and take in the panoramic city views from the Sky Tower. With a hire car, you can also venture to nearby attractions like the beautiful Piha Beach or the Waitakere Ranges for nature walks.
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Rotorua
Known for its geothermal wonders, Rotorua offers the opportunity to experience Maori culture and soak in natural hot springs.
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Queenstown
This picturesque resort town is nestled in the Southern Alps and offers a range of activities. Take a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu, ride the Skyline Gondola for stunning panoramic views, and explore the charming town center.
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Milford Sound
Drive to Fiordland National Park and experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound. Take a cruise to see the towering cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife. The drive itself is a scenic adventure.
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Wellington
New Zealand's capital city is rich in culture and attractions. Visit Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum, explore the vibrant Cuba Street, and take the Wellington Cable Car for panoramic city views.
