Cheap Car Rental Auckland Airport

Rental companies offer a range of vehicle types, including compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and vans. When booking, consider your needs for luggage capacity, fuel efficiency, and the number of passengers. Always check the vehicle specifications to ensure it meets your requirements.

The terms 'economy' and 'compact' cars are used inconsistently by rental operators to describe smaller cars. That said, economy cars tend to be older vehicles supplied by some of the local rental operators.

For peak travel seasons (November to April), it’s wise to book as early as possible to secure availability and better rates. During off-peak times, booking 3-7 days in advance is usually sufficient but you may find your choices are limited and rental rates higher, compared to booking earlier. The general rule of thumb is to book as early as possible.

International visitors need a valid overseas driver’s license. If the license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Always carry both your original license and the IDP when driving.

Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a minimum of one year of driving experience. Drivers under 25 may incur an additional young driver surcharge. Be sure to check the specific age requirements and fees with your rental provider before booking.

Rental rates are generally based on the rental duration, type of vehicle, and any additional services or insurance options selected. Additional fees may include charges for GPS, child seats, extra drivers, or young driver surcharges. Make sure to review the terms and conditions with your rental provider.

Beyond the base rental cost, be aware of potential additional fees such as young driver surcharges, additional driver fees, GPS rental, child seats, and after-hours service charges. Ensure you understand all included costs and any potential extra charges. If you require additional services such as GPS navigation or child seats, it's advisable to request these services at the time of booking, rather than when collecting your vehicle to ensure availability.

Most rental companies accept major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Some also accept debit cards, but cash payments are generally not accepted. Check with your specific rental company to confirm their payment policies.

Rental companies provide various insurance and coverage options. These typically include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection, and Third-Party Liability. Additional coverage options may be available for personal accident insurance or roadside assistance.

Make sure to understand what each option includes and excludes to choose the best coverage for your needs. 

Having adequate insurance is strongly recommended. While it's an unwelcome extra cost, the potential expenses of not having insurance far outweigh the price.

We never rent a car without taking insurance.

On-airport hire car collection

If you're arriving on an international flight and have booked an "on-airport" rental car, head to the rental car counters located next to the arrivals area on the ground floor of the international terminal.

For travellers on domestic flights, car rental operators can be found on the ground floor of the car park building opposite the domestic terminal.

After completing the necessary paperwork at the check-in counter, you will be directed to the pick-up area for your vehicle.

Off-airport hire car collection
If you've booked an "off-airport" rental car, these companies don't have check-in desks within the airport.

You'll need to go to their car hire depot to check in and collect your rental car. Most offer free shuttle services and will pick you up from the airport. This should be arranged when you make your booking, and you’ll need to notify them upon your arrival.

Return your rental car to the same location where you picked it up, unless it's a one-way rental.

On-airport hire car return
To return your on-airport rental car, follow the car park signs for car rental returns. Park the vehicle in the designated space and return the key to the car rental desk.

For after-hours returns, park and lock the car and place the keys in the drop box located in the returns area.

Off-airport hire car return
Off-airport rental car depots are in various locations outside Auckland Airport - most are a short drive of 10-15 minutes. Once you've returned you vehicle a courtesy shuttle service will take you a drop-off point close to your departure terminal.

To avoid being late for your flight it's essential you allow sufficient time for both returning your car AND the transfer from the depot to airport.

Shuttle transfers are limited to depot opening hours, so if you return your car after-hours you may need to arrange a taxi to the airport from the depot.

If your flight to Auckland Airport is delayed and arrives after the car rental company's check-in desk has closed, there is generally no need to worry.

Most rental companies have procedures to manage late arrivals due to flight delays. Here's what typically happens:

• Car rental companies at Auckland Airport monitor flight schedules and delays, adjusting their staffing accordingly.
• If your flight is delayed by a few hours, the rental company will likely have staff available to assist you upon arrival.
• For significant delays extending to the next day, it’s advisable to contact the rental company to update your reservation.
• Many car rental companies offer after-hours services for late arrivals. Follow the specific instructions provided in your booking confirmation or posted at the rental counter.

To ensure a smooth process:

• Include your flight number in your rental car booking.
• Keep the rental company's contact information handy.
• Inform the company of significant delays if possible.

Many rental companies offer free cancellations up to 24-48 hours before the scheduled pickup time. If you cancel at the last minute, cancellation fees may apply. Always review the cancellation policy of your rental company when making a booking.

Yes, you can rent a car from Auckland Airport and drop it off at another location in NZ. Note that one-way rentals often include an additional fee. Look out for special offers from car hire companies for these types of bookings.

In case of an accident or breakdown, contact the rental company's emergency assistance number immediately. Follow their instructions and, if necessary, contact local emergency services. Ensure you document the incident and obtain a police report if required.

New Zealand rental companies generally do not permit smoking in their vehicles. If evidence of smoking is found in a returned vehicle then cleaning charges will be applied. These vary by rental firm, but typically are $200 or higher. 

The fuel policy varies by rental company. Some operate on a full-to-full basis, meaning you return the car with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up. Others may offer pre-purchase options or charge for refuelling if the tank is not full upon return. Check your rental agreement for specific details.

If your rental needs to be returned with a full tank then it's a good idea to top up the tank at a petrol station near the depot. The extra 5 or 10 minutes this takes will definitely save you money.

If you drop off a rental car at a car hire depot with less fuel than when you picked up it up then the car hire company will charge a high price to top up the tank. These charges can be excessive, such as a $2.50 a litre surcharge additional to the fuel cost. Not a nice surprise to later find this charge on your credit card.

The closest petrol station to Auckland Airport is a 'Z' brand petrol station on Tom Pearce Drive and open 24 hours.

Rental companies expect vehicles to be returned in a reasonably clean condition. It's generally understood that the car should be returned in a similar state to how it was received.

If a rental car is returned excessively dirty, the rental company may withhold some or all of your security bond to cover cleaning costs.  When you return a rental car, its condition will be assessed by the rental company. This assessment likely includes cleanliness as well as any damage.