Dunedin car hire
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Cheap car hire in Dunedin
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People carrier |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Dunedin
- Parents or guardians travelling to Dunedin with children must follow the local car seat laws. Any children under the age of seven will need an approved booster or car seat. From the age of seven to eight, it is still advised to use a child restraint if available in the vehicle; if not, a safety belt should be used. Between the ages of eight and 14, children must use available safety belts, and it’s generally recommended that they travel in the back seat. Children over 14 years old must use safety belts wherever they are available. Whether you’re looking at a van, luxury SUV or cheap car hire in Dunedin, you should be able to add the appropriate child seat to your booking.
- Technically, you need to be 18 years or older to hire a car in Dunedin. However, you will find that many Dunedin car hire companies either don’t accept drivers under the age of 25 or charge a higher rate for doing so. Though this will likely restrict the range of vehicles you’re eligible to hire, you can compare prices and policies through KAYAK to secure a good deal with a Dunedin car hire company that accepts younger drivers.
- New Zealand imposes the same blood alcohol limit on drivers over the age of 20 as Australia does, meaning you’ll be considered over the limit if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is higher than 0.05%. For those under the age of 20, the BAC is strictly 0.00%. Dunedin police regularly perform roadside breath tests and drug impairment tests, so it’s never worth taking the risk of driving under the influence. New Zealand imposes strict penalties on those who drive or attempt to drive while over the legal limit, and you can even be charged for refusing to provide a breath test or blood sample. So, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid driving your hire vehicle while under the influence.
- Hire a car in Dunedin and pack more into your trip by being able to jump in and drive off whenever you choose; it's also the most practical and time-efficient way to get around. Buses are the major public transport system in Dunedin and services arrive roughly every 15–30min, meaning you could spend plenty of time in the sun waiting to be picked up if you don’t have a hire car. Larnach Castle is best reached by car and takes about 20min from Dunedin, with the Line 18 bus dropping you more than 3 km from the Victorian-era attraction. A bus to Tunnel Beach Walkway requires around 45min while a hire car can get you there in only 10min.
- Once you have landed at Dunedin International Airport (DUD), turn left inside the terminal and follow the signs to reach car hire company reception desks. Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Europcar, Go Rentals and Hertz have counters. No shuttle service is required as the car park for hire vehicles is only a short walk from the terminal.
- Portobello Road hugs the Otago Harbour and has some tight bends that must be approached cautiously. Watch for buses and trucks approaching from the opposite direction and ensure there is a safe space between lanes. Dunedin has particularly hilly geography and it’s recommended to pick up momentum before driving up slopes, such as Baldwin St. It’s also important to keep an eye on the speedometer as you descend hills because it’s easy to overstep the speed limit. Familiarise yourself with the defroster in your hire car as cool temperatures in Dunedin can often cause condensation on the windscreens.
- Rush hour is most noticeable in Dunedin between 07:00–09:00 and 15:00–18:00 on weekdays. Central thoroughfares, including Cumberland St and Crawford St, are most affected and should be bypassed if they’re not vital for reaching your destination. Foggy conditions are common in Dunedin and it’s recommended to use low headlights, as stronger beams are more likely to produce glare.
- Book your car hire in Dunedin at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Standard car hire in Dunedin are around 12% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Dunedin
What type of car is recommended for driving in Dunedin?
The engine power of full-size and intermediate models is well suited to the hilly landscapes of Dunedin, while the cars will have no issue navigating city traffic. A fuel-efficient compact make is ideal if you’re planning on exploring more of the South Island, and 4WDs are priced competitively considering the storage space they provide.
What’s the speed limit in Dunedin?
Unless indicated by signage, always assume the speed limit is 50 km/h in Dunedin. The majority of George St is reduced to 30 km/h because of the heavy pedestrian traffic, and Wharf St increases to 60 km/h as it wraps around the bay. School zones in Dunedin are set at 40 km/h.
Where are the best places to park in Dunedin?
101 Great King St—Wilson Car Park has spaces available for approximately NZ$ 2.00 (A$ 1.90) per hour on weekdays and a 12h flat rate of about NZ$ 5.00 (A$ 4.80) on weekends. Filleul Street Car Park costs roughly NZ$ 1.00 (A$ 0.95) per hour and is free after 18:00.
How much is the price of fuel in Dunedin?
The average price of fuel in Dunedin is R127,24 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R1 527 and R2 036, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Dunedin?
Standard (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Dunedin.
How can I find car hires near me in Dunedin?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Dunedin?
A Standard car hire in Dunedin costs R1 368 per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car hire cost in Dunedin?
An Economy car hire in Dunedin costs R970 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car hire cost in Dunedin?
A Compact car hire in Dunedin costs R1 681 per day, on average.
Do Dunedin hire car companies accept foreign driver’s licences?
The short answer is, yes. However, if your licence is not in English, you'll need to obtain an International Driver's Permit (IDP) in your home country. There may also be a stricter age limit imposed, regardless of whether you're looking for a luxury model, commercial vehicle or cheap hire car in Dunedin.
How can I hire an eco-friendly vehicle in Dunedin?
Electric cars and hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Corolla and Kia Niro are available to hire in Dunedin. If you’re hoping to secure cheap car hire in Dunedin, you’ll be pleased to know that these eco-friendly options tend to be budget-friendly.
Dunedin car rental reviews and directory
Budget
10,0
Wonderful
1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
2 locations in Dunedin
Sixt
8,6
Very Good
3 reviewsCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
One location in Dunedin
Filters
Reviews
8,0 Very Good
Jun 2023
10,0 Wonderful
May 2023
8,0 Very Good
Feb 2023
Hertz
8,3
Very Good
5 reviewsCleanliness
8.8
Comfort
8.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
8.0
2 locations in Dunedin
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Oct 2017
Cons:
We weren't able to rent the car from them at all and had to pay for a new reservation through a new company, although we had pre-paid through Hertz9,6 Wonderful
Dec 2016
Pros:
The pick up was great the drop off easy. Car clean and welll maintainedCons:
Car had a tattle after 1800km a bit challenging10,0 Wonderful
Mar 2023
Go Rentals
8,0
Very Good
1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
8.0
One location in Dunedin
keddy by Europcar
6,0
Okay
No reviews available
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
8.0
One location in Dunedin
Thrifty
4,0
Mediocre
No reviews available
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.0
Value for money
4.0
3 locations in Dunedin
Europcar
10,0
Wonderful
1 reviewOne location in Dunedin
Avis
9,4
Wonderful
1 review2 locations in Dunedin
Ace Rental Cars
10,0
Wonderful
No reviews available
2 locations in Dunedin
Dollar
10,0
Wonderful
No reviews available
One location in Dunedin
EZI
10,0
Wonderful
No reviews available
One location in Dunedin
Yesaway
10,0
Wonderful
No reviews available
One location in Dunedin
One location in Dunedin
Locations in Dunedin
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No reviews available
One location in Dunedin
Locations in Dunedin
Dunedin Airport
0064 34862358
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No reviews available
One location in Dunedin
Locations in Dunedin
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No reviews available
One location in Dunedin
Locations in Dunedin
Terminal Building, Dunedin New Zealand
+64 3 486 2358
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No reviews available
One location in Dunedin
Locations in Dunedin
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No reviews available
2 locations in Dunedin
Locations in Dunedin
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No reviews available
One location in Dunedin
Locations in Dunedin
In-Terminal
64-274-211-345
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No reviews available
One location in Dunedin
Locations in Dunedin
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No reviews available
One location in Dunedin
Locations in Dunedin
25 Miller Rd, Momona
+64 9974 1598
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No reviews available
One location in Dunedin
Locations in Dunedin
Rental Car Kiosk, Terminal Building 25 Miller Road, Momona Dunedin Airport, Dunedin
+64 800 656 564
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No reviews available
One location in Dunedin
Locations in Dunedin
Terminal Building Dunedin Airport
0064 34862358
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No reviews available
One location in Dunedin
Locations in Dunedin
Terminal Building
+86 10 6064 1387
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No reviews available
One location in Dunedin
Locations in Dunedin
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No reviews available
Car hire locations in or near Dunedin
Good to know
Most popular car type | Standard |
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