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From other countries or regions
+1-8007618913
Live chat Email us Service Code: 6809815054
From United States
+1-8007618913
From Canada
+1-2897685366
From United Kingdom
+44-2035140670
From Japan
+81 3-4578-4029
From Argentina
+54-2657459025
From Chile
+56-226665927
From Colombia
+57-6017940262
From Mexico
+52-7449800692
From New Zealand
+64-99508740
From Peru
+51-17009061
From Switzerland
+41-445514539
From Thailand
+66-25088458
From Singapore
+65-31585008
From Australia
+61-1800-507-258
From Turkey
+90-850-390-7486
From Italy
+39-800729010
From Portugal
+351-304500663
From Brazil
+55-6140426960
From France
+33-970019487
From Israel
+972-23752163
From Germany
+49 6107 6353100
From China
+86-1089171020
From South Korea (Domestic calls only)
00308 491 0209
From other countries or regions
+1-8007618913
Available between 10.00 a.m. and 19.00 p.m. (Japan Time)
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New Zealand Car Rentals

The Complete New Zealand Driving and Rental Guide

With a territory as large as the United Kingdom but with only a population of 4.5 million inhabitants, New Zealand has always been a popular travel destination thanks to its beautiful and diverse natural sceneries. Here is a driving and rental guide we prepare especially for you aiming at helping you have a smooth road trip.

  • Speed Limit and Traffic Signs
  • Seatbelt and Child Safety
  • Parking, Fuel and Toll
  • Traffic Violation
  • Driving Licence and Age Requirements

Speed Limit and Traffic Signs

In New Zealand, driving is on the left with overtaking on the right. New Zealand has the same system of signs and road code as you would find in the United Kingdom. During winter, especially in the mountains or on South Island, driving can be tricky. Therefore snow chains are highly recommended when renting a car at this season.

Speed Limit

There are speed limits of 100 km/h on highways and 50 km/h in urban areas unless signs say otherwise.

Traffic Signs

There are three major types of signs in New Zealand: compulsory, warning and information signs. Here are some of the regulatory signs that you may often see in New Zealand.

New Zealand Traffic Sign StopStop
New Zealand Traffic Sign Give WayGive Way
New Zealand Traffic Sign No U turnNo U-turn
New Zealand Traffic Sign 30 km/h Speed Limit30 km/h Speed Limit
New Zealand Traffic Sign No StoppingNo Stopping

Warning signs are diamond-shaped with yellow or green background.

New Zealand Traffic Sign 60 km/h Speed Limit Ahead60 km/h Speed Limit Ahead
New Zealand Traffic Sign Merging Traffic from RightMerging Traffic from Right 
New Zealand Traffic Sign Road BumpRoad Bump
New Zealand Traffic Sign Watch for Large Animals (Cattle)Watch for Large Animals (Cattle)
New Zealand Traffic Sign Railway CrossbuckRailway Crossbuck

Information signs are in rectangular shape with a white background.

New Zealand Traffic Sign Left Turn at Any Time With CareLeft Turn at Any Time With Care
New Zealand Traffic Sign Cyclists Cross Here With Care (to the Left)Cyclists Cross Here With Care (to the Left)

Further information on signs for driving in New Zealand can be found in this booklet.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Seatbelt and Child Safety

Seatbelt Laws

The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers under 15 years wear seat belts. Passengers aged 15 and over are responsible for putting seat belts on themselves.

Booster Seat Laws

All children under 7 must use an approved child restraint appropriate for their age and size. 


You must correctly secure children aged between 7 and 8 in an approved child restraint if one is available in the vehicle. If not, in any child restraint or safety belt that is available. 


For children aged between 8 and 14, a safety belt must be used. If not available, they must travel in the back seat. 

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Parking, Fuel and Toll

Parking

· Forbidden Parking 


You cannot park your car in the following spots: 


- Along the broken yellow lines along the side of the curb, since it means that parking is not permitted


- Near a corner, curve, hill, traffic island or intersection, if it will stop other people from seeing along the road 


- On, or closer than 5 metres to a fire hydrant, unless somebody who can move the vehicle stays with it 


- In front of or closer than 1 metre to a vehicle entrance 


- On or closer than 6 metres to an intersection, unless there are parking spaces or a notice telling you that you can park there 


· Parking Signs 


Parking signs in New Zealand are marked with numbers indicating how long you can park the car and an arrow to indicate directions. Some are specified with the date of the week as well.

 New Zealand Parking With Specified Time And Arrow New Zealand Parking With Specified Time And Dates And Arrow

· Paid Parking 

All machines accept New Zealand coins, and some of them have been introduced with credit cards and TXT-a-Park payment methods. Currently, you still need to go for Pay-and-Display parking. However, all machines will be upgraded by March 2018 to include Pay By Plate technology, which allows you to enter your vehicle’s registration plate number directly on the machine and pay for it by credit card, debit card, coins or TXT-a-Park. Note that there is a 50-cent fee for credit card or TXT-a-Park transaction.

New Zealand Paid Parking Metre
(Image from Stuff.co.nz)

Fuel Prices

The average gasoline price in New Zealand in November 2017 is $2.22 per litre, while it is of $1.47 for diesel.

Toll

There are three toll roads in New Zealand: the Northern Gateway Toll Road north in Auckland, the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road in Tauranga.

New Zealand Toll Road
(Image from nzta.govt.nz)


How much you should pay depends on your car type. You can pay the tolls by debit or credit cards, POLi, and cash. 


Debit or credit card 

You can use your Visa or Mastercard to buy or pay a Pay & Go toll.


POLi 

If you have Internet banking with ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, TSB Bank, Westpac or Bank Direct, then you can buy or pay a Pay & Go toll (external link) using Payment Online (POLi). 


Note: POLi is not available for business internet banking customers. 


Cash 

If you prefer to pay with cash (or by debit/credit card) you can pay your tolls at selected service stations (a transaction fee of $1.20 per transaction will apply). 


Be aware that as a car renter, not paying for the toll fee will result in the car hire company paying it for you and collecting the toll fee along with an add-on of management fee (note that it can sometimes be costly) from your credit card.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Traffic Violation

DUI Laws

If you are 20 or over, you must not drive if you have consumed more than the legal alcohol limit, which is 250 micrograms per litre of breath or 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood (0.05%). There is a zero tolerance for alcohol if you are under 20.

Traffic Fines

In New Zealand, exceeding the speed limit results in an infringement fine range from $30 to $630. The amount of the infringement fine will depend on the difference between the actual and legal speed limit. 


As for parking, an infringement notice can be issued if a vehicle is parked illegally on public land, or in breach of what a parking sign says. In some circumstances, the vehicle can also be towed away if it is obstructing traffic. 


Normally, there will be a website or hotline number on the front or back of the ticket as well as the reason for the violation fine and the relevant voucher number. Please be aware that you can log onto the website or call the hotline and follow the guidelines to pay the ticket. 


Failure to pay tickets will result in the car hire company paying them on the renter’s behalf, and debit the renter credit card for the fine amount plus an administration fee. Please note that you can always contact QEEQ’ 24/7 customer service team for help if you have questions concerning this matter. 

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Driving Licence and Age Requirements

At the time of rental in New Zealand, all drivers must present a full and valid driving licence from the renters country of residence and the licence should be held for at least 1 or 2 years ( policies may vary depending on car hire companies). An International Driving Permit is highly recommended for international drivers. If your domestic driving licence is not printed in English (Arabic, Japanese, Cyrillic etc), an International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) or an official translation in English is required when you drive in New Zealand.


Minimum age in New Zealand is 21 years (age may vary depending on car category) and the maximum is 80 years of age. If you're 21-25, you are likely to have to pay a young driver fee. If you're 65 or older, you may have to pay a senior driver fee.


*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Guest reviews

1 / 17
TJC

February 21, 2025

Destination: Auckland

8Easy car rental, good price.

Easy rental experience. Getting the shuttle was tricky but this was more lack of signage at the airport.

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p.fairey

February 21, 2025

Destination: Auckland

10Useless when wrong drop off address is provided by you

Ace was good

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Simon T

February 21, 2025

Destination: Wellington

8No-fuss car rental, would recommend.

Smooth fast pickup from the airport. Very friendly and helpful staff at Yesaway. Good experience overall.

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NM

February 20, 2025

Destination: Auckland

6Priced right, but I probably wouldn't use this company again.

Decent people, but I guess you get what you pay for. Quite old car. 165K on the clock. Was actually younger than the first one they offered us. 3 different brands of tyres on, all quite worn. No car guide or manual.

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Andy

February 20, 2025

Destination: Auckland

10Europcar experience was very good. QEEQ experience was terrible. I will not use them again.

The Europcar Interational terminal was understaffed causing a queue of customers who had to wait for a hour. We were sent to the Domestic terminal Europcar branch because QEEQ had booked the wrong terminal. The domestic terminal staff were very helpful, even staying after closing time to ensure we were served. They kindly gave us an upgrade because of all the trouble we had gone through being at the wrong terminal

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P.Hughes

February 20, 2025

Destination: Queenstown

8We altered booking after pick up a number of times - handled professionally and sensitively

This whole process was a dream . Transfer and pick up v easy and Chris on reception was a role model in customer service. He handled our queries exceptionally well and also the short notice extension- brilliant

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R.Olson

February 20, 2025

Destination: Auckland

7The car worked but needed some work

The counter staff were great. The car was old, stinky, and had some mechanical issues.

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J.Scown

February 20, 2025

Destination: Wellington

10Couldn’t be better

Service at the counter was fast. It was even faster dropping off.

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Rod Murray

February 20, 2025

Destination: Auckland

10Well done

Thrifty were excellent.

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H.Taljaard

February 20, 2025

Destination: Queenstown

7Good

The car matched the booking car. Rental process was seamless. We returned the car 2 days before the expected return date, and we hope to get a refund for the two days not used.

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t.stanley

February 18, 2025

Destination: Queenstown

10smooth from start to finish- excellent service!

Lovely team. I forgot not to lock the car with the key but to use the remote- and ended up with the burglar alarm going off!!! but the team replied to my phone call immediately and solved the problem. All very good! I really liked the phone holder and multiple cables provided to allow me to use my cellphone for google maps. I thought the steering wheel lock was a bit over the top- maybe good for Shanhai but not really needed in Central Otago!

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February 18, 2025

Destination: Auckland

7Good

The queue at Europcar was very long. In fact, it was the only hire car company with a queue. There was only one person working the counter so, it took almost an hour and we were third in the queue. The staff were friendly but, there was no urgency at all. To be fair to the staff, upon return, I left my mobile in the car. When I went back to retrieve it, they had it at the front desk. This was a big positive. In addition, I believe this is the first time I received the exact car that I was told I would get. This is also positive.

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J.Henry

February 16, 2025

Destination: Auckland

10Great vehicle, great custom service.

Great vehicle. Very spacious and clean car. Definitely recommend for a big family like ours.

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J.Henry

February 16, 2025

Destination: Auckland

8Super easy.

Easy and quick service.

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J.Henry

February 16, 2025

Destination: Auckland

10Fast and efficient

Waited a bit for them to sort out my originally requested vehicle however the one they gave me was just as good if not better.

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J.Henry

February 16, 2025

Destination: Auckland

9Clean and easy.

Easy service. Very tidy car.

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P.K

February 16, 2025

Destination: Wellington

10Great car and easy pick up/ drop off

Super friendly staff - great Car and very helpful when we reported that we had the wrong charging cable in the car (could have been checked prior, though)

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G. and Y. Kitto

February 14, 2025

Destination: Auckland

10Efficient company

Everything was easy and staff were very efficient

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February 4, 2025

Destination: Christchurch

9Happy. Met my expectations

Counter staff was great at answering questions.

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E.Beeman

February 2, 2025

Destination: Auckland

10First time user is now a satisfied user!

Fine. Smooth at both ends.

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Kate

January 29, 2025

Destination: Auckland

10Stress-free rental car hire

The staff members were polite and made the all the processes easy and stress free

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Alan

January 28, 2025

Destination: Auckland

7Not so wonderful

Cars are old and worn out...mine was a hybrid with 200,000 km on it...no wonder the battery was useless

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I.Nathaniel

January 28, 2025

Destination: Queenstown

5Average

Staff slow

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M.McNickle

January 27, 2025

Destination: Auckland

9Excellent

Car ran very well

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Jill

January 27, 2025

Destination: Auckland

6Mine was ok but worried about the overall experience for other client

The car was fine , not pristine but I was happy with that Thehand over was very rushed as staff wanted to leave for night . A few things were slightly tricky , no manual provided couldn't get bonnet to open to refil washer fluid Had trouble finding fuel cap cover lever first time Was a bit concerned as a solo female dropped her car off just before closing and a large family with young kids also and were told no shuttle available and they were closed. Foreign travellers and left high and dry with no ability or numbers to call for taxi etc and staff not interested to help. I also had trouble with pick up from airport as my flight in was a little late but luckily they did or I would have been scuppered. Im senior and NOT a techy person and had only data on my phone !!!. The shuttle driver was very helpful for me nut not for the other customers. I felt really sorry for them as the actual place is quite far from airport , on an Industrial estate and relatively isolated from public routes etc

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Mike Miler

January 27, 2025

Destination: Auckland

2Eruopcar Auckland is SCAM

NEVER AGAIN EUROPCAR! They are saying we returned the car damaged. But we didn't. Anyway, they charged us more than 2000NZD 3 weeks later!!!! Calling them didn't get me anywhere as they only had the information "it's damaged". Sorry. The department responsible for this is not available. Get Europcar out of your system!

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January 26, 2025

Destination: Auckland

6Good price but car was not in great condition

Car underwhelmed and was very old, not that great to drive. Service was pretty good from the team other than the fact we weren't able to get a different car.

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G.Gavin

January 25, 2025

Destination: Auckland

9Good, easy experience with Europcar

Good experience with Europcar. Quick and friendly service both at pickup and drop off.

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K.Robertson

January 25, 2025

Destination: Wellington

10Convenient, friendly and affordable rental experience.

Counter staff was particularly efficient. We arrived at the facility with two other families, and rather than make us wait in a line, their three staff served each of us simultaneously-- at a desk where we could sit down. Quick, easy, and friendly.

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T.Learey

January 24, 2025

Destination: Christchurch

8Rubbish vehicle, but good service.

Rubbish vehicle.

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A.Scripps

January 24, 2025

Destination: Auckland

4Wouldn’t use them again, cars are crappy, forced into extras.

The booking was convoluted, and set up in such as way to provide conflicting information. I had to spend an extra $100 on the car hire that I shouldn’t have if the advertised policy was followed.

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S.Ah You

January 24, 2025

Destination: Auckland

8I would rather have my rav4 as I order not some downgrade suv

I was told at the counter that I was upgraded due no rav4 yet felt like I was downloading and paying too much for the Subaru outback

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Pek

January 22, 2025

Destination: Auckland

10Excellent

This is a beautiful vehicle, so modern yet with plenty of space for families. absolutely loved it!

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L.Day

January 20, 2025

Destination: Christchurch

10Great vehicle and easy process.

Was very busy when we arrived and had to wait a fair while for space on the shuttle. But the drivers were very helpful And counter staff once we got to the office were great. Just stretched out the process waiting for the shuttle.

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J.Robinson

January 20, 2025

Destination: Wellington

10Very good hire car experience

The counter staff in both Wellington and Auckland were both friendly and helpful and were happy to answer all my questions

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January 18, 2025

Destination: Blenheim

10NZ dual location car hire - all went smoothly!

The car was clean and tidy and service friendly and helpful

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J.Hawkins

January 16, 2025

Destination: Auckland

9Easy rental but terrible car.

Rental was quick and simple. Only issue was car was not what i booked snd was a slightly smaller car. With 2 people that was not an issue but the only car they had for me was a car - a Prius, i hate. A car that is mostly used by taxi’s and caused me a lot of jokes. Not good.

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D.Tremere

January 15, 2025

Destination: Queenstown

10Great car at a great price

Very friendly and helpful staff

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R.Atzeni

January 15, 2025

Destination: Napier

9Great experience with no hidden costs

Apex were excellent

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Patty

January 14, 2025

Destination: Auckland

10Very easy n great to deal with!

Awesome!!

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R.Cameron

January 14, 2025

Destination: Christchurch

6Lower price but lower quality car

See above

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January 14, 2025

Destination: Christchurch

10Great kiwi rental car agency. We had no hidden costs, the service and car were great

best rates, good service, very satisfies

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R.Sommer

January 12, 2025

Destination: Kerikeri

10Superb

We were greeted by the Avis personnel at the airport pickup for assistance. We approached the extra care. All steps were handled professionally and efficiently. The Avis employee in charge was especially helpful. His name is Shon Middleton, and I want to thank him for outstanding customer service! He followed up with me to ensure that we found the car to our liking. That’s exceptional customer service!

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January 10, 2025

Destination: Queenstown

10Very smooth

We had 5 adults in the car and the car was still great.

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January 8, 2025

Destination: Auckland

10Great car and service

Staff very helpful

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January 8, 2025

Destination: Auckland

8Ok experience

It was OK. Car was slightly smaller than what I expected. Off airport wasn’t actually that convenient really.

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C.Philpot

January 8, 2025

Destination: Christchurch

10Car fun in Nz

The counter staff were helpful but when we arrived it was super busy and waited 30-40 min to pick up.

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January 2, 2025

Destination: Queenstown

10Best car rental ever!

Very helpful, friendly, fast, efficient. Best rental company I have ever used.

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Abhi

January 2, 2025

Destination: Auckland

10Great choice

Best so far

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Abhi

January 2, 2025

Destination: Queenstown

10Excellent

The experience was really great and smooth. The process is pretty simple and easy. The staff is really supportive.

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Best car rental deals in New Zealand

Best rates found by QEEQ users in the last 30 days.

Frequently asked questions

Q1.What is an insurance excess?

The excess is the amount you'll only be liable for in case of damage(under Collision Damage Waiver) or theft(under Theft Protection) of the vehicle.
Information about the excess will be clearly stated in the price inclusion when you reserve a car on QEEQ.

Q2. How can I add an addtional driver?

Q3.What if I want to pick up or drop off my rental car out of office hours?

Q4. Can I take the hired car to another country or cross border?

Q5. Can I pick up my car at one location and return it at different location?

Explore more destinations in New Zealand

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