Renting your own set of wheels is one of the best ways to get the most out of your New Zealand vacation. Despite its small size, there are plenty of spectacular places to see and experience, and a car ensures you have the ultimate freedom to see it all.
Whether you choose the expertise of the Mode car rental team or the ongoing reliability and range of Hertz or Avis, renting a premium vehicle for your next New Zealand trip is easier than ever before.
What are Premium Cars?
Premium cars traditionally sit in the intermediate space between standard, mass-market vehicles and high-end luxury models. These types of cars offer higher-quality cabin materials, upgraded styling, and more advanced technology at a more affordable, accessible price point than luxury cars.
Some of the most widely recognized premium automakers include Lexus, BMW, Audi, and Volvo, with upgraded, polished interiors, more advanced digital displays and driver-assistance tech, more robust engine options, and badge names that carry a certain level of prestige.
Renting Requirements
Most rental companies require authorised drivers to be at least 21 years old, although in many cases, you need to be 25 or older to avoid having to pay a young driver’s fee as part of your rental policy. However, each car rental company does operate differently, so it is important to ask ahead of time and read the fine print before committing to a package.
All international visitors are legally allowed to drive for up to 12 months in New Zealand on a valid driver’s license from their home country. But if your license is from a non-English-speaking country, you will need to obtain either an official English translation or an international driving permit before you arrive in the country.
Unless you plan to take out full-coverage insurance on your rental car, you will likely be asked to provide your credit card details for a holding deposit. It may be worthwhile to double-check with your bank that your credit limit is high enough to facilitate this deposit to avoid unwanted issues upon arrival.
Additionally, it is worth noting that while it is mandatory for rental companies to include insurance as part of your rental package, this is basic insurance that only covers the minimum requirements for driving in the country. You can use this insurance on its own, but should anything happen to your vehicle or someone else’s, you will be charged the full deductible/ excess amount. To avoid these potentially high costs, investigate whether your credit card company or travel insurance includes additional insurance to cover rental car coverage.
Premium Rental Companies
When choosing a rental car company, there is no one-size-fits-all. The right company depends on the type of car you need, the length of your visit, and where you will be arriving and staying.
Mode Rentals
Mode Rentals is an independent Kiwi premium car rental company with branches across New Zealand, including Queenstown, Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch. Despite having a team that reflects a combination of global perspectives, they are passionate about showcasing the beautiful locations across the North and South Islands by providing the best premium vehicles to turn your dream adventure into a reality.
Their fleet covers a wide range of different vehicles, ensuring they can offer the perfect rental to fit your travel needs. Thanks to their sister brand, Parking Mode, there is free parking available at the majority of their branches across the country. With over 30 years of experience, you can be confident that they will be able to find you the perfect match.
Europcar
Europcar is a popular car rental company with 24/7 service at its airport locations and offers city hire options based on your travel needs. Their premium vehicles are maintained in a pristine condition and span a wide range of sizes and types, with affordable starting prices and special loyalty offers for regular customers.
They have 15 locations across New Zealand, including some airports, and their fleet includes electric, hybrid, and plug-in options, small vehicles, and premium brands.
Avis
Avis is an internationally recognized global car rental brand with a fantastic fleet range in New Zealand, from compact cars for city use to SUVs, trucks, and even buses. Based on the city you are arriving in, you may be able to arrange for a terminal pickup for added convenience.
Avis can be found at 6 airports located in the major cities throughout the country, as well as over 20 additional city and town branches. You will be able to rent electric cars, people movers, SUVs, premium brands, and small, medium, and full-size vehicles.
Hertz
Hertz car rental has a very diverse range of vehicles, ranging from standard family cars to high-power ‘adrenaline’ cars, allowing them to cater to a wide range of different people and making them one of the best options for renting convertibles and sports cars in the country.
Hertz can be found in over 26 locations across New Zealand, including major cities and popular tourist destinations. Their fleets carry premium hatchbacks and sedans, electric and green cars, SUVs and 4WD, convertibles, and high-performance cars.
Ezi
Ezi is one of the biggest car rental companies in New Zealand, with a major presence around airports and other popular hire locations. Their rental costs are on the lower side of the spectrum, and in some cases, the cheapest car rental fees you can find in New Zealand, with options to include an additional driver free of charge in some of their packages.
Ezi can be found at 16 international and domestic airports, as well as in major cities and some train stations. They offer electric and green cars, small hatchbacks, SUVs, 4WDs, utes, and premium brands.
