KAYAK’s insights & trends for North Island car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in North Island with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in North Island?
You should book your car hire in North Island around 51 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in North Island?
The cheapest month to hire a car in North Island is September at an average cost of R675/day. February is the most expensive month to hire a car in North Island when prices are R1 264/day on average, which tends to be 37% above the yearly average hire price for North Island.
North Island car hire price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right car hire in North Island by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4x4
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
R159 - R760
All Car Types
R679 - R1 472
How much does it cost to hire a small car in North Island?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in North Island?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in North Island?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in North Island?
How much does it cost to hire a van in North Island?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in North Island?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in North Island?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in North Island?
Small car hire in North Island typically costs around R375 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average R159 per day, which is about 58% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 61% cheaper than the average car hire in North Island, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in North Island typically costs around R900 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average R571 per day, which is about 37% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 5% cheaper than the average car hire in North Island, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in North Island typically costs around R1 249 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average R880 per day, which is about 30% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 25% more expensive than the average car hire in North Island but offer more comfort for longer trips.
SUV hire in North Island typically costs around R1 028 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average R793 per day, which is about 23% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 9% more expensive than the average car hire in North Island but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in North Island typically costs around R1 359 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average R892 per day, which is about 35% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 31% more expensive than the average car hire in North Island but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in North Island typically costs around R1 139 per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average R859 per day, which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 18% more expensive than the average car hire in North Island but are ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in North Island typically costs around R1 672 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average R1 227 per day, which is about 27% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 44% more expensive than the average car hire in North Island but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in North Island typically costs around R1 254 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average R760 per day, which is about 40% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 25% more expensive than the average car hire in North Island but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
New Zealand Discount Car Rentals
Small
R644/day
R464/day
Top tips for hiring a car in North Island
If you are arriving in North Island via Auckland International Airport (AKL). At this airport, car rentals are located in the main terminal (Terminal 1). After arriving, proceed to the Ground Transportation level, where you'll find the rental car counters. Present your reservation details and valid identification to the rental company representative, complete the necessary paperwork, and receive the keys to your rental car for a smooth journey ahead. Some of the car rental agencies with their offices at AKL include Thrifty, Avis, and Hertz.
In North Island, consider renting a compact or mid-size car. The region's terrain is diverse, ranging from coastal roads to winding mountainous routes. Having a smaller car allows easier navigation through narrow city streets and parking in crowded areas. Additionally, a fuel-efficient vehicle suits well for longer drives between attractions, as North Island offers vast landscapes and picturesque destinations that may require extended travel times. Apart from this, the type of car to rent can depend on the number of people you are driving with and size of the luggage. For example, an Economy car will be ideal if you are traveling alone, with perhaps just one bag.
Car eat laws in North Island are key among the things you should always remember when using rental cars in the region. According to these laws, it is a requirement that children up to seven years of age to use an appropriate child restraint. The specific type of restraint depends on the child's age and size. Children aged seven must use a booster seat until they reach a height of 150 cm (4’9’’). It is essential to follow these laws to ensure the safety of young passengers while traveling in vehicles.
When renting a car in North Island, some challenges include driving on the left side of the road (for those accustomed to right-hand driving), adapting to varying weather conditions, and navigating unfamiliar roads. Rush hours in major cities like Auckland and Wellington typically occur between 7:00 am to 9:00 am and 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, leading to increased traffic congestion on highways and major routes. Auckland's Southern Motorway and Wellington's State Highway 1 are among the most affected roads during rush hours.
25% of our users found a car hire in North Island for R464 or less
FAQs about hiring a car in North Island
How much does it cost to hire a car in North Island?
On average a car hire in North Island costs R644 per day.
How can I find car hires near me in North Island?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in North Island?
On average a car hire in North Island costs R4 509 per week (R644 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in North Island?
On average a car hire in North Island costs R19 324 per month (R644 per day).
Should I rent a car in North Island?
Renting a car in North Island is highly recommended for several reasons, key among them being enhances flexibility and convenience when accessing various parts of the region. It is easy to connect to remote attractions like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Bay of Islands, which may be challenging to reach by public transport. The region's well-maintained highways make driving a pleasant experience. Popular places like Hobbiton, Rotorua's geothermal sites, and the Coromandel Peninsula are easily accessible by car but harder to reach through limited public transport options.
How is driving like in North Island?
Drivers in North Island generally follows New Zealand's rules, with a focus on road safety and adherence to speed limits. The driving style is relaxed and courteous, but traffic congestion can occur in major cities like Auckland and Wellington during peak hours. Popular tourist spots have well-maintained roads, while some remote areas may have narrower, winding roads. Be aware of unique driving regulations like mandatory headlight usage at all times and strict drunk driving laws. The region has limited toll roads, and drivers should remember to drive on the left side of the road.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in North Island?
The minimum age to rent a car in North Island, New Zealand, is typically 21 years old. However, some rental car agencies may require drivers to be at least 25 years old to avoid surcharges or additional fees. Renters must hold a valid driver's license from their home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreigners. It is essential to check with specific rental car companies for their age and license requirements, as policies may vary.
Car hire directory
Thrifty car hire locations in North Island
38 Locations
Sunnycars car hire locations in North Island
33 Locations
Hertz car hire locations in North Island
29 Locations
Budget car hire locations in North Island
22 Locations
Firefly car hire locations in North Island
21 Locations
Avis car hire locations in North Island
20 Locations
keddy by Europcar car hire locations in North Island
16 Locations
Bargain Rental Cars car hire locations in North Island
15 Locations
EZI car hire locations in North Island
14 Locations
Moto Car Rental car hire locations in North Island
14 Locations
Dollar car hire locations in North Island
13 Locations
Apollo Car Rentals car hire locations in North Island
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