Cheap Car Rental New Zealand Wide
Instantly compare the cheapest deals from more than 30 car hire brands in 75 locations across New Zealand
* Whilst we don't charge credit card fees, some rental car suppliers may charge a credit card fee for amounts payable on arrival.
Just wanted to say thank you. We had a fantastic NZ trip and saved heaps
Cheryl Rhodes
Great to deal with. We got a really good price on a Yaris that was much less than anywhere else. No complaints!
Stu Smith
This made getting around New Zealand so much easier than when I was last here.
Jim Cook
Why Book With Us?
You're no doubt familiar with well-known car rental brands like Avis, Hertz, Budget and Thrifty. But who are we and why should you book your rental car here?
Our name may be new, but we're certainly no new-comer to New Zealand car rental. We've been around since 2005 and in that time thousands of people have booked great car rental deals through us.
Recently we changed our name due to some confusion with another similarly named NZ car rental business. We previously operated as Discount Car Rental (www.discount-car-rental.co.nz).
MatesRates Car Hire is a rental car "aggregator". We're a little bit like Trivago is with hotels.
We bring together in one place all the best deals from more than 30 different car rental brands in NZ. This means you're able to instantly compare them side-by-side, saving you the hassle of visiting one website after another to check availability and compare prices.
Instead, it's all here in one place. Saving you time and money.
You'll find amazing NZ car rental deals from all the big international brands like Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty and more. Plus local car rental brands such as Apex, Omega, GoRentals, Jucy, Ezi, and Snap Rentals, to name just a few. There are cars for business, cars for families, and cars for backpackers.
All at incredible prices.
When you make a booking through MatesRates, you get the lowest prices going. In addition, we don't hit you with credit card charges or booking fees on top of the quoted rates.
Some operators require a deposit at the time of booking, but not all of them do. And aside from any deposit requirements when you make your booking, you'll pay the car rental firm directly for your rental vehicle when you collect it.
Making your booking is both simple and quick. Usually bookings are confirmed instantly. This means you can get on with organising the rest of your trip and not worry about vehicle availability.
And if things need to change, free amendments and free cancellations apply for most cars. We also offer some great deals on car rental insurance if you need this.
With all these brands competing here for your business, their prices are heavily discounted. Typically you'll pay much less than booking direct. The savings get passed on to you!
Check them out now and see just how good the deals are.
Lowest prices
No booking fees
No credit card fees*
Instantly confirmed options
Huge choice of brands in one place
Free cancellation on most cars
Free amendments on most cars
24/7 customer service
* Some rental car suppliers may charge a credit card fee for amounts payable on arrival.
New Zealand Car Rental at Bargain Prices
Why our prices are so low
We work with rental car companies to make sure you have a choice from a wide selection of vehicles at discount prices.
Our network buying power helps us to negotiate preferred rates and we pass on the savings to you. And we regularly check competitor prices, working with our suppliers to ensure you always get a great deal.
Our low car rental rates include New Zealand’s mandatory 15% Goods and Services tax. What you see is what you pay. No hidden extra costs!
All it takes is one simple search and MatesRates Car Hire will find you the latest prices and special offers on a huge range of vehicles.
Find The Best Deals
Our car rental comparison wizard instantly hunts down all the best deals from as many as 30 different car rental brands so you can compare, book & save!
Brands you can trust
MatesRates Car Hire gives you the choice of up to 30 brands at 75 locations across New Zealand.
Rental locations include Auckland Airport, Auckland City, Wellington, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown Airport, Dunedin Airport and Nelson Airport, just to name a few.
Car rental companies in New Zealand include:
Great value - thanks. Definitely will recommend you to my friends.
Phil Dwyer
I found your site when my mother needed a rental car for her visit. Easy and quick to use, and she was very happy.
Paula Connor
Great for backpackers like us on a tight budget. Got to do more of the amazing things NZ offers with the money we saved. Awesome!
Tim Brown
NZ Car Rental Tips To Save You Money
Location, location...
Rental car prices rise and fall with seasonal demand and availability. If your timing’s right, you may be able to take advantage of some additional discounts and deals.
Rather than start in one place and end in another, you can save some money if you’re able to return your vehicle to the same depot you picked it up from.
If your trip starts or ends at an airport, compare rental costs in getting a vehicle from an off-airport location. With complimentary shuttle buses to take you to and from the airport, off-airport rental depots can mean substantial savings.
Check for damage
Great — you’ve got your car, adjusted the seat and mirrors, but wait... Before you drive off be sure to double-check the vehicle and ensure the rental company has identified any and all signs of damage. You don’t want to risk being charged for someone else’s scratches and dings after you return your rental car.
Check inside and out and if you see something that’s not already been noted by the rental company, let them know. To be safe, take photos of any pre-existing damage.
Return with a full tank
Stop at a nearby petrol station and fill up before returning your vehicle. This will definitely save you money. Petrol is already expensive enough in New Zealand without having to pay your rental company extra to top up the fuel tank. These charges can be excessive, such as a $2.50 a litre surcharge on top of the fuel cost. Ouch!
If the fuel tank is not showing full when you pick up the car get that noted by the rental firm in the paperwork and it's also prudent to take a photo of the fuel gauge in case of debate when you return the car with the same level of fuel.
Toll roads
Like many countries, New Zealand has toll roads — but it has only three of them, all in the North Island.
Expect to pay $2.30 to drive the Northern Gateway Toll Road (on State Highway 1, north of Auckland); $2 for the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road on State Highway 2 (SH2); and $1.80 for the Takitimu Drive Toll Road that bypasses Tauranga city centre.
All toll roads are electronic, and fees can be paid in advance or up to five days after driving the toll road. Payment can be made online on the NZ Transport Agency website . Alternatively, you can pay at some BP, Caltex and Z petrol stations (a $1.20 transaction fee applies), or by calling 0800 40 20 20 (a $3.70 transaction fee applies).
Late payments attract a $4.90 surcharge, with an additional $40 fine if an infringement notice is issued due to non-payment. On top of any outstanding charges, your rental company will also charge you an additional administration fee of $30 or more for processing the late payment. So not paying a toll charge can get pretty expensive.
If you’re not in a hurry, there are alternative free routes for each of these toll roads.
Watch your speed!
Take your time travelling around our country. There’s plenty to see and speed limits are strictly enforced by police using radar, speed cameras and unmarked patrol cars. Speeding tickets can be expensive, and there are better things to spend your money on.
On the open road you can drive at up to 100 km/h (about 60 mph); in built-up areas, the speed limit is 50 km/h (roughly 30 mph). Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times.
Got more questions
Check out our frequently asked questions section for more information about driving in New Zealand and car rental tips
