Cheap Car Rental Auckland Airport

Compare the best deals from over 25 car rental brands

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Save On Auckland Airport Car Hire

MatesRates makes comparing car rentals quick and easy. Find the best Auckland Airport hire car deals from over 25 rental brands.


Avis, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, Europcar, Omega, Go Rentals, Ezi, Apex, and many more.

  • Low prices
  • No booking fees
  • Huge choice of brands
  • Instant confirmations
  • Free cancellation most cars
  • Unlimited mileage most cars

Auckland Airport Car Rental Rates

compact rental cars
Economy Cars

From NZD $18 per day

economy rental cars
Compact Cars

From NZD $24 per day

intermediate rental cars
Intermediate Cars

From NZD $32 per day

large rental cars
Large Cars

From NZD $42 per day

SUV rentals
SUVs

From NZD $52 per day

hybrid and electric rental cars
Hybrid/Electric

From NZD $62 per day

people movers and rental vans
Vans/People Carriers

From NZD $82 per day

luxury & premium rentals
Premium Cars

From NZD $102 per day

The above are indicative & based on low season. Rental rates fluctuate significantly depending on factors like rental dates, hire duration, rental company, and how early you book. (Usually the earlier you book, the lower the rate). Click here to get the latest rates for your rental period. 

Good comparison site. Saves time.

William S  | New Zealand

I tried Mates Rates after hearing some positive things. Wasn't disappointed & found a great deal.

Pru C  | New Zealand

Left everything to the last minute and were having trouble finding a car. Then we found your site and got a car in Queenstown at a decent rate. 

Fiona W  | New Zealand

Car Hire Options at Auckland Airport

When it comes to Auckland Airport car rental you've got a lot of choice. There's a wide range of car hire companies operating at Auckland Airport. In addition to well known international brands, like Avis and Hertz, there are also independent local New Zealand car hire brands offering competitive prices.

The good news is that you'll find them here and can easily compare their best deals.

This means you don't have to waste time trawling the Internet looking for options. Or have to pay exorbitant walk-up prices at the airport rental counter.

On-Airport Rental Brands

"On-Airport" means these rental companies have check-in desks within the airport terminal.

The big advantage of this for you is convenience and speed. Once you've checked in you can jump in your rental car and get going. No waiting around for transfer vans.

But it does come at a cost. The fees are higher than off airport rental companies to offset the costs of being at the airport.

If you're arriving on an international flight you'll find rental car counters next to the arrivals area on the ground floor of the international terminal.

Travellers on domestic flights can find car rental operators located on the ground floor of the car park building opposite the domestic terminal.

Use the price comparison search box at the top of the page to find the best prices for these Auckland Airport car rental brands that are on-airport:

  • Alamo
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Dollar
  • Enterprise
  • Europcar
  • Ezi
  • Hertz
  • Keddy
  • National
  • Thrifty

Off-Airport Rental Brands

"Off-Airport" companies don't have check-in desks within the airport. This means you'll need to make your way to their car hire depot to check in and collect your rental car.

Most provide free shuttle services and will collect you from the airport. This gets arranged when you make your booking & you'll need to let them know when you've arrived.

Some depots are within the airport grounds and so only a few minutes drive. Others are off the airport grounds and so take longer to get to.

Off-airport car hire companies aren't as fast or convenient as using on-airport car rentals. But the big advantage is they are usually much cheaper.

Use the price comparison search box at the top of the page find the best prices for these Auckland Airport car rental brands that are off-airport:

  • Ace
  • Apex
  • Bargain
  • BigValue
  • Discount
  • DriveNZ
  • Ezu
  • GoRentals
  • Jucy
  • Omega
  • Rental Cars 247
  • Sixt
  • Snap
  • U save
  • Yes Rentals
  • Yesaway

Why Rent A Car In Auckland

Auckland is a wonderful place to visit and has regularly been rated as one of the top cities in the world to live.

Visitors are often surprised at how large and spread out Auckland city is, given its comparatively small population by world standards of just over 1.5M people.

There are plenty of great things to see and do, but getting around without a rental car can be challenging. Taxis are expensive and public transport currently leaves much to be desired.

If you're on a limited timeframe and trying to pack in as much as possible into your time in Auckland, relying on buses or trains will not suit most people.

Having a rental car to get around gives you the freedom and flexibility to make the most of your time exploring Auckland and surrounding areas.

Driving from the Airport

Auckland Airport is south of the city. If you're going into Auckland city, head North on George Bolt Memorial Drive (route 20A). This joins the South Western Motorway (route 20), then follow the signs. Depending on the time of day, it will take you 30 minutes to well over an hour getting into central Auckland.

If you're heading South from Auckland Airport, turn right into Tom Pearce Drive (route 20B). Follow the signs. These will take you onto the South Western Motorway (route 20) and then to the Southern Motorway (route 1).

vehicles

Auckland Airport Car Hire FAQ

What types of vehicles are available for hire at 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.

How early should I book my rental car?

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.

What are the driver’s license requirements for renting a car?

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.

Are there age restrictions for renting a car?

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.

How are rental rates calculated?

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.

What additional fees should I be aware of when renting a car?

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.

What payment methods are accepted?

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.

What insurance options are available?

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.

What is the process for picking up a rental car at Auckland Airport?

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.

What is the process for returning a hire car at Auckland Airport?

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.

What if my flight to Auckland arrives after the car rental desk is closed?

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.

What are the cancellation policies?

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.

Can I hire a car one-way from Auckland Airport?

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.

What should I do in case of an accident or breakdown?

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.

Is smoking allowed in rental cars?

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. 

Do rental cars need to be returned with a full fuel tank?

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.

Do rental cars need to be cleaned before being returned?

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.

Average car rental prices at Auckland Airport

  • Economy Cars: $39 per day
  • Compact Cars: $44 per day
  • Intermediate Cars: $49 per day
  • Large Cars: $63 per day
  • SUVs: $73 per day
  • Hybrid/Electric Cars: $67 per day
  • Vans/People Carriers: $84 per day
  • Premium Cars: $128 per day

These are indicative average rental rates over the entire year. Prices fluctuate significantly based on factors like the time of year and rental duration.

How late you book will have a big impact on what you pay. (The later you leave it, the more you'll pay, especially in high season).

Prices for the same dates can differ significantly by rental company. A key factor is whether a rental firm is 'on-airport' or 'off-airport'. (Usually 'off-airport' are cheaper). The age, condition and mileage of rental vehicles are also influence  price. (Cheaper rental vehicles are usually older).

Click here to get the latest rates for your rental period. 

Average Rental Period

  • January: 10 days
  • February: 9 days
  • March: 8 days
  • April: 8 days
  • May: 7 days
  • June: 7 days
  • July: 8 days
  • August: 8 days
  • September: 7 days
  • October: 7 days
  • November: 8 days
  • December: 9 days

Why Use MatesRates?

  • All the best deals in one place from over 25 different rental brands across New Zealand.
  • Instantly compare the best deals. No need to waste your time checking out multiple websites.
  • Easily filter results by price, brand, or type of vehicle.
  • And if you're finding it difficult to decide, check out the customer ratings to hear from those who've been there and done that.