Person with map on road trip in mountains.

NZ Car Rental Brands

The old saying, "you get what you pay for" generally holds true with car rentals.


If you’re after a newer, well-equipped car, be prepared to pay more. On the flip side, opting for the cheapest option usually means the car you hire will be older and have clocked up plenty of kilometres.

That said, price isn’t the only factor to consider. What really matters is value and value means different things to different people.

In New Zealand, car rental companies can be categorised into three tiers based on various factors such as market share, the quality and age of the fleet, the level of customer service, pricing, and the range of additional services offered.


Here’s a breakdown of what these tiers generally represent.

Top Tier Brands

These brands are generally recognised for high customer satisfaction, extensive service networks, and a broad range of vehicle options. Typically they have the following characteristics:

Market Leaders: Companies in this tier are the largest and most established players in the car rental industry, often with a global presence.

Extensive Fleet: They offer a wide variety of vehicles, including economy cars, luxury vehicles, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. The fleet is usually well-maintained and relatively new, often with vehicles less than 18 months old.

Widespread Locations: Typically have numerous rental locations through NZ including an 'on-airport' presence at airports.

Comprehensive Service Offerings: These companies usually offer high levels of customer service, including 24/7 support, loyalty programs, and a wide range of additional services like GPS rentals, child safety seats, and insurance options.

Higher Pricing: The pricing tends to be on the higher side, reflecting the quality of service and vehicles provided.

Examples:

  • Enterprise Rent-a-Car
  • Europcar
  • Hertz

Mid Tier Brands

These brands offer reliable service and good value but may not have the same extensive networks or range of services as top-tier brands. Typically they have the following characteristics:


Mid-Market Companies: Mid-tier firms are usually well-established, but may have a more regional focus or slightly fewer locations compared to Tier 1


Good Fleet Quality: They offer a decent selection of vehicles, though the fleet may include older models compared to Top-Tier brands. The vehicle range is comprehensive but may not include as many luxury or specialty options.


Moderate Coverage: These companies have a good number of locations, though they may be less widespread than Top-tier firms.


Good Customer Service: They provide reliable customer service, though not as extensive as Top-tier companies. They may have fewer additional services or less comprehensive insurance options.


Competitive Pricing: Pricing is typically more competitive, making them a good choice for budget-conscious customers.


Examples:

  • GO Rentals
  • Jucy Rentals
  • Snap Rentals
  • Thrifty

Budget Tier Brands (Tier 3)

These brands focus on providing the most affordable options, often with basic services and fewer premium features. Typically they have the following characteristics:


Budget and Local Firms: Budget Tier firms are often smaller, more local companies, or budget brands that focus on providing the lowest possible prices.


Older Fleet:
Vehicles offered by Budget Tier companies may be older and have higher mileage. The range of vehicles is usually more limited.


Limited Locations:
These companies have fewer rental locations, often concentrated in specific areas or regions.


Basic Customer Service:
Customer service is typically more basic, with fewer amenities and additional services available.


Low Pricing:
The primary appeal of Budget Tier companies is their low pricing, though this often comes at the cost of vehicle quality and customer service.


Examples: 

  • Rental Cars 247
  • U-Save
  • Yes Rentals
  • YesAway Car Rental

How to Find the best Deals

There’s no shortage of New Zealand hire car brands which means you have lots of choice.

But checking them out one after the other to find the best car rental deal can become a daunting and frustrating exercise that wastes your precious time.

MatesRates Car Hire is the answer. We make it quick and easy to find the rental car that best suits you – and for the best price!

With just a single search you can quickly and easily compare the best offers from a wide range of internationally known car hire brands plus credible local NZ car rental companies. 

We bring together in one place all the best deals from more than 25 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.