Cheap Car Rental New Plymouth Airport

Compare the best car rental deals from multiple brands

Loading search form...

Save On Car Hire at New Plymouth Airport

MatesRates makes comparing car rentals quick and easy. Compare the best New Plymouth Airport rental car deals from Avis, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, Europcar, Keddy and Ezi.

  • Low prices
  • No booking fees
  • Multiple rental brands
  • Instant confirmations
  • Free cancellation most cars
  • Unlimited mileage most cars

New Plymouth Airport Car Rental Rates

economy rental cars
Compact Cars

From NZD $51 per day

intermediate rental cars
Intermediate Cars

From NZD $85 per day

large rental cars
Large Cars

From NZD $132 per day

SUV rentals
SUVs

From NZD $59 per day

hybrid and electric rental cars
Hybrid/Electric

From NZD $51 per day

luxury & premium rentals
Premium Cars

From NZD $140 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. 

Easy, I had no problems at all. Prices seemed to be ok. I didn't check others. Definitely recommend.

Adrianne H  | New Zealand

Very easy to use. Really good specials for a run around car. Would recommend.

Ian M  | New Zealand

Good comparison site. Saves time.

William S  | New Zealand

Car Hire Options at New Plymouth Airport

There's a limited number of car hire companies operating at New Plymouth Airport. 

Here you can check out the best deals from seven car rental companies which conveniently all have check-in counters in the airport terminal. 

Don't have waste time trawling the Internet looking for options or pay exorbitant walk-up prices at the airport rental counter.

To maximise your savings it's a good idea to book your car early, especially for travel during peak periods.

Just put your travel details into the Search box at the top of the page to instantly compare a wide choice of vehicles at the very best prices.

Use our price comparison search tool to find the best prices for these on-airport car rental brands at New Plymouth Airport:

  • Hertz
  • Keddy
  • Thrifty

Why Rent A Car In New Plymouth

One of the key reasons for renting a car when you’re visiting New Plymouth is the freedom and flexibility it offers. 

With a rental car you’re free to explore at your own pace and on your schedule — not someone else’s. 

If you're visiting New Plymouth and staying put in town, then a rental car isn't essential. The airport is only 12 km from the centre of town and there is a shuttle service available, plus taxis.

The cost of a shuttle depends on the number of passengers — for the first person a one-way fare is $28.

A taxi is more expensive with a one-way trip into central New Plymouth costing $30-$50 plus a $5 airport fee.

With those prices in mind, hiring a rental car may well be a better option for you consider. In addition, having a rental car gives you the flexibility and freedom to travel at your own pace and roam further afield exploring the area.

Driving From The Airport

New Plymouth Airport is just 12 km from the city and a straight forward drive that usually only takes 15 minutes.

Once you've collected your rental car, follow the road from the airport for 2 km. Then turn right onto State Highway 3. Follow the road for 10km which will take you through Bell Block and Fitzroy before arriving in central New Plymouth.

vehicles

New Plymouth Airport Car Hire FAQ

What types of vehicles are available for hire?

Rental companies offer a range of vehicle types, including compact cars, sedans, and SUVs. 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 it’s wise to book as early as possible to secure availability and better rates. If you book later 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. We highly recommend having adequate insurance. 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 New Plymouth Airport?

Collect your bags and then follow signs in the terminal to the check-in counter for the rental company you're booked with.

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

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

When returning the car, follow the signs to the rental car park located in front of the terminal. Ensure you park the vehicle, lock it, and return the keys as per the instructions provided at pickup. For after-hours returns, drop the keys in the designated drop box

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 New Plymouth Airport?

Yes, you can rent a car from New Plymouth Airport and drop it off at another location, such as Auckland or Wellington. One-way rentals often include an additional fee.


Be aware that not all rental companies allow their cars to be taken between the North and South Islands.

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.


If you're driving from New Plymouth there are petrol stations en route to the airport. The closest to the airport is Bell Block Motors. The Z station in Waiwhakaiho (Fitzroy) is open 24 hours.

Bell Block Motors - 1 Wills Rd, Bell Block
Z Waiwhakaiho - Cnr Devon Road and Smart Road

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.

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.