Car Hire in New Zealand
Compare rental cars from all major NZ airports. Drive at your own pace.
New Zealand drives on the left side of the road. At intersections, give way to the right. Many international visitors find they adapt within a few hours.
NZ roads can be narrow and winding. Scenic routes take much longer than Google Maps suggests. Mountain passes can require snow chains in winter. Check nzta.govt.nz before driving.
Urban areas: 50km/h. Open roads: 100km/h. School zones: 40km/h. Speed cameras are common and fines are significant. Always carry your driver's licence.
New Zealand has many single-lane bridges. A sign before the bridge shows which direction has right of way. Give way signs mean you must wait for oncoming traffic to clear.
Most rental cars prohibit unsealed (gravel) roads. Check your hire agreement before driving to places like the Rob Roy Glacier trailhead or Skippers Canyon.
Fuel is available in all towns but can be significantly more expensive in remote areas. Fill up before driving the Milford Road — there are no petrol stations at Milford Sound.
