What is the Best Car Rental in Auckland?
Renting a car provides you with the ultimate freedom to explore New Zealand! Starting your trip from Auckland? Then check out this comparison for the best car rentals in Auckland. This comparison will look at the Auckland car rental companies that provide the best value for money. All the car rental companies listed below offer extremely competitive daily rental prices.
What gives good value for money when comparing car rental companies in Auckland? We’re looking at what’s included in the car rental, where you can pick up and drop off the vehicle, what insurance is provided, and more.
5 Things to Compare Between Car Rental Companies in Auckland
Our comparison of the best car rentals in Auckland 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 to How to Compare Car and Campervan Rental Companies in New Zealand.
1. Location
In Auckland, it’s either going to be near Auckland Airport or in the city. Figure out how you are going to get to these locations (perhaps with airport transfers or public transport). Are these locations convenient for you? Are there any extra fees you will need to pay for the “premium” location, i.e. the airport? Also, consider where you are ending your trip and whether the drop-off locations are convenient for you. With this in mind, you’ll be able to decide if you are looking for an Auckland Airport car rental or an Auckland city car rental.
2. Prices and Inclusions
The price of car rental changes largely depending on the season. Read our 20 Ways To Save Money on Car Rental in New Zealand to see when the best time to rent a car usually is. Additionally, when comparing prices, compare what’s included in that price to understand the true value of the car rental. We have added the free inclusions in the comparison below. Be aware that no two insurance policies are the same, so compare what the insurance policy offered actually covers.
3. Vehicles Offered
Most Auckland car rentals will maintain even their oldest cars to the highest standards, however, a more modern vehicle is less likely to give you problems. You also need to find a car type that meets your needs. Get more advice from What is the Best Type of Vehicle to Rent in New Zealand?
4. Service
Once you have picked a few of the best car rentals in Auckland 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.
5. 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 reviews on DiscoverCars.com or Booking.com?
© Bargain Rental CarsBargain Rental Cars – The Best Cheap Auckland Car Rental
Bargain Rental Cars is all about competitive prices and are the only Auckland car rental company in this comparison with a “best price guarantee”. They have several convenient pick-up and drop-off locations in Auckland. Be aware, however, of the location fee of around NZ$30 for all airport pick-ups. Although this is a bit higher than usual, Bargain Rental Cars is still one of the cheapest car rentals in Auckland. Check out affordable rental cars at bargainrentalcars.co.nz.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport pick-ups and drop-offs.
Auckland pick-up locations: Auckland City Centre (Beach Road), Auckland (Onehunga), North Shore (Glenfield), Mount Wellington, Grey Lynn and East Tamaki
Drop-off locations: Auckland, 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$2,500 excess for a 25+-year-old driver or a mandatory NZ$15 per day insurance with NZ$3,500 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 of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© GO RentalsGO Rentals – The Best Luxury Auckland 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 Auckland car rental company also 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. Check out the latest GO Rentals deals on DiscoverCars.com.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Auckland pick-up locations: Auckland City Centre (Beach Road) and Auckland Airport.
Drop-off locations: Auckland, Wellington Airport, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown Airport and Dunedin Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WD, van/people carriers, and camper trailers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 6 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
- GO Play discount card (discounts on 200+ activities, accommodations and restaurants)
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2,500 excess and NZ$2,500 bond. Or insurance add-ons for NZ$22-$29 per day with less excess and bond to pay. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© Snap RentalsSnap Rentals – The Best Auckland Car Rental for Young Drivers
Snap Rentals is not only extremely budget-friendly but caters to young drivers thanks to their low minimum driver age and insurance costs being the same for all ages. They even feature in The Best New Zealand Car & Campervan Rentals for Ages 18 to 25. Snap Rentals is also one of the limited car rental companies in Auckland that hire to drivers with a restricted license. Check out the latest Snap Rentals deals on Booking.com.
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-ups and drop-offs for airport locations.
Auckland pick-up locations: Auckland City Centre (Parnell) and Auckland Airport.
Drop-off locations: Auckland, 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 is included in the rental with NZ$2,000 excess and NZ$2,000 bond (cash or credit card). Alternatively, 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 of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© ModeMode Car Rentals – The Best Auckland Airport Car Rental
Mode offers some of the most competitive rates in Auckland on a huge range of economy and premium vehicles. While they have something for all travellers, from the budging backpacker with their camping vehicles to even Aucklanders moving house with vans and trailers available, Mode is particularly beneficial for families with affordable sedans, station wagons and SUVs. Check out the latest Mode deals on DiscoverCars.com.
Find Mode listed in The Best Family Car Rentals in New Zealand.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs between airports, depots and accommodations in the airport area.
Auckland pick-up location: Auckland Central (Te Taou Crescent) and Auckland Airport.
Drop-off locations: Auckland, Wellington Airport, Christchurch Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WD, van/people carriers, campercars, campervans, cargo vans and trailers.
Vehicle age range: 1 to 10 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
- Maps and guidebooks
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$3,000 excess and NZ$3,000 bond or insurance add-ons for NZ$11-$25 per day with less excess and bond to pay. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
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© Yes RentalsYes Rentals – The Fastest Auckland Car Rental for Pick-up and Drop-off
An effortless transition from airport to road awaits when renting with Yes Rentals. The Auckland car rental company offers free transfers between the airport and their depots, while check-in is available online to speed up the process. Also boasting free cancellations, Yes Rentals is a peace-of-mind option if your travel plans are a bit iffy. Check out the latest Yes Rentals deals on DiscoverCars.com.
Pick-up and Drop-Off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs between airports and depots.
Auckland pick-up location: Auckland Airport.
Drop-off locations: Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, hybrids, AWDs, SUVs and vans/people carriers.
Vehicle age range: 5 to 17 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- 24/7 helpline
- Free cancellation
- Free travel guide
Insurance
Free collision waiver damage and theft waiver insurance with NZ$4,900 excess, third-party liability protection with an excess of NZ$4,000, and window and tyre insurance with NZ$2,900 excess. Insurance add-ons are available with less or no excess to pay. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© OMEGAOmega Rental Cars – The Best Auckland Car Rental for Inclusions
With so many pick-up and drop-off locations with no one-way charges, Omega is 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 in The Best Car Rental Companies in New Zealand.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Auckland pick-up locations: Auckland City Centre (Beach Road) and Auckland Airport (Kingsford Smith Place).
Drop-off locations: Auckland, 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 10 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 guidebook with activity discounts
- Free seats for children
- Postcard and pen
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2,500 excess and a NZ$2,000 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 of 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.
© NZ Discount Car RentalsNZ Discount Car Rentals – The Best Long-Term Auckland Car Rental
NZ Discount Car Rentals is famous for its deals, such as the NZ$9.95-a-day deal in the off-season on the oldest and smallest model of car, as well as various discounts for long-term hire. Check out the latest Discount Car Rentals deals on DiscoverCars.com.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Auckland pick-up location: Auckland Airport.
Drop-off locations: Auckland, Christchurch Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, SUV/4WD, vans/people carriers and luggage trailers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 7 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2,500 excess. Or insurance add-ons for NZ$10-$18 per day with less excess and bond to pay. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© ApexApex Car Rentals – The Best Auckland 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.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Auckland pick-up locations: Auckland City Centre (Victoria Street West) and Auckland Airport.
Drop-off locations: Auckland, 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$2,000 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$17-$27 per day to reduce the excess. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© James BlondJames Blond Rentals – The Best Independent Auckland Car Rental
Aside from the hilarious name, James Blond offers an impressive range of rental vehicles in Auckland. Be aware that picking up a vehicle from the Auckland Airport with James Blond means paying NZ$70 to their park and ride partner, Aeroparks, to pick up the vehicle. You may find cheaper public transport or cheaper airport transfers to their inner-city branch instead. On the plus side, they accept cash as a bond as well as credit cards.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
Airport pick-up available for a fee.
Auckland pick-up location: Auckland (Glen Eden).
Drop-off location: Auckland.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, SUVs, 4WDs, utes, van/people carriers, trucks and trailers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 11 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (21+ years old)
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Insurance ranges from NZ$0 to $21 per day with NZ$0 to $2,000 excess depending on which add-on you choose. Note that 21 to 24-year-old drivers can only choose the included insurance with an excess of NZ$2,000. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© USAVE rentalsUSAVE Car and Truck Rentals – The Best Auckland Truck Rental
Another Auckland car rental company where you can grab a bargain is USAVE. They have a wide range of rental vehicles available. Be aware of the small premium location fee when choosing your Auckland pick-up location. Check out the latest USAVE deals on DiscoverCars.com.
[Update: USAVE has now partnered with Snap Rentals – see above – so when you hire a car with USAVE, you’ll likely receive a Snap Rentals vehicle].
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for local accommodation in Auckland and Christchurch.
Auckland pick-up locations: Auckland City (Parnell) and Auckland Airport.
Drop-off locations: Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown Airport and Dunedin.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WD, van/people carriers, trucks and trailers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 13 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (20+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Free insurance is included in the rental with NZ$2,000 excess and NZ$2,000 bond (cash or credit card). Alternatively, 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 of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© Jucy RentalsJUCY Rentals – The Best Auckland Car Rental for Small Cars and People Carriers
With a low minimum age and a great range of budget options, JUCY Rentals is worth considering for a budget trip around New Zealand. Be aware that they do charge a “premium location fee” for the Auckland Airport, however, this fee is minimal. Check out the latest JUCY deals on DiscoverCars.com or Booking.com.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Auckland pick-up locations: Auckland Airport.
Drop-off locations: Auckland, 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$2,500 excess and NZ$2,500 bond. Or insurance add-ons for NZ$20-$25 per day with less excess and less bond to pay. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
More About the Best Car Rentals in Auckland
That’s it for the best car rentals in Auckland. For even more car rental tips, take a look at the following guides:
- 20 Ways to Save Money on Car Rental in New Zealand
- Renting a Car in New Zealand: The Essential Guide
- Travel By Car: How to Plan a Road Trip in New Zealand
Now that you’ve found the best car rental companies in Auckland, do you need some road trip ideas? Check out the following itineraries for the best road trip routes:
- North Island in 1 Week: Road Trip Itinerary
- North Island in 2 Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary
- New Zealand in 3 Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary
- New Zealand in a Month: Road Trip Itinerary
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Auckland and The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
- New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
- Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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