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Book the best car rental in Auckland
Auckland serves as the main gateway to some of the most iconic New Zealand road trips. The city is the largest destination for international travelers in the country. It is also a key destination for locals to attend concerts, sporting events, regional wine tours and cultural festivals. Renting a car in Auckland gives you the flexibility to explore the city and visit hidden gems that are outside public transit coverage.
We provide the best deals at affordable prices from well-known suppliers in the car rental industry. Whether you require an economy car for Devonport, an SUV for regional parks like Tawharanui or a van rental for a group, we have you all covered! With us, you can easily book a vehicle that best suits your travel plans in Auckland.
As the city is directly connected to State Highway 1, this gives you access to both the north and south regions. Driving north from Auckland leads toward Whangarei, the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga at the tip of the island. Heading south takes you toward central volcanic regions like Tongariro National Park.
Whatever the reason for your travel to Auckland, a self-drive vehicle only makes it better and more comfortable. So compare all car hire options available on our platform and book your ride today.
Where to pickup/return a rental car in Auckland
You can collect or return a car hire in Auckland from the airport, downtown, suburbs or selected neighbourhood locations. We provide our customers with access to a range of pickup and drop-off locations for their convenience. All you have to do is enter your pickup and drop-off locations and travel dates in the booking form. All available deals will appear on your screen within seconds.
Popular car hire deals in Auckland
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One day car rental
Many travelers rent a car in Auckland for one day to explore the scenic destinations on the outskirts, like the Muriwai Gannet Colony, Piha or Karekare Falls. Such places have no regular public transportation.
Moreover, the city is within a 2- to 3-hour drive of several top North Island attractions like Hobbiton Movie Set (Matamata) and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. A single-day rental lets you leave early in the morning, visit the site and return to Auckland by night.
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Long-term car rental
New Zealand is a popular destination for working holiday visa holders, international students and seasonal workers. Many of them first arrive in Auckland and find it convenient to book a long-term car rental to get around the city and surrounding areas.
Having a rental car provides reliable transportation for commuting between workplaces and exploring the region without the need to buy or lease a vehicle. On our platform, you can easily hire a car for a month, 2 to 6 months or even longer.
One-way car hire in Auckland
Want to travel one way from Auckland? With us, you can easily pick up a car at one location and return it at a different location within or outside the city.
One-way car hire offers a practical way to travel, especially for classic NZ road trips such as the Great North-to-South Island Crossing. You can collect your vehicle in Auckland and end your journey in Christchurch. Similarly, there are so many trips you can start from the city without backtracking.
These are some of the popular routes taken by travelers from Auckland:
| Destination | Approx. distance | Approx. driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland to Hamilton | 121 km | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Auckland to Whangarei | 159 km | 1 hour 55 minutes |
| Auckland to Tauranga | 225 km | 2 hours 35 minutes |
| Auckland to Rotorua | 226 km | 2 hours 35 minutes |
| Auckland to Taupo | 270 km | 3 hours 5 minutes |
| Auckland to New Plymouth | 359 km | 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Auckland to Napier | 412 km | 5 hours 5 minutes |
| Auckland to Wellington | 642 km | 7 hours 40 minutes |
| Auckland to Christchurch | 1,070 km | 15 hours 50 minutes |
| Auckland to Queenstown | 1,547 km | 21 hours 40 minutes |
VIP Cars’ tips for renting a car in Auckland
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To get the best deals and a wide fleet of vehicles, it is recommended to book your car hire in Auckland at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance if you are traveling during December-February. These are the peak travel months of the region.
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Snow chains/winter tyres are mandatory on some high-altitude mountain passes and ski field access roads in the South Island (such as the Crown Range, Milford Road and Lindis Pass) and on the North Island's Desert Road (SH1 near Mt Ruapehu). So if you are traveling during winter, make sure to add them as extras in your SUV rental (highly recommended) while making a reservation online.
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NZ drives on the left side of the road with the driver's seat on the right. Give yourself a few extra minutes in the car park to get used to the reversed layout, especially those who are coming from Europe, North/South America, mainland Asia or Africa.
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If you want to hire a car in Auckland using a debit card, check the payment details while comparing deals on our platform. Some suppliers may accept debit cards, subject to certain requirements.
Things to do in Auckland
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Maungawhau/Mount Eden
The best point for 360-degree views of the city skyline. You can also explore the historic Maori pa (fortified settlement) terraces built into the hillside.
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Devonport
This historic seaside village offers Victorian-era charm, boutique shops and coastal walks. A great place to spend your time in local art galleries, heritage bookstores and waterfront cafes.
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Piha
The beach is known for its dramatic black volcanic sand and towering Lion Rock. You can take a short rainforest walk and spend a peaceful time at multi-tiered Kitekite Falls.
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Sky Tower
An iconic landmark that is 328 meters tall. The tower gives panoramic views from the glass-floor observation decks. Thrill-seekers can try the SkyJump or SkyWalk around the outer ledge.
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Auckland Museum
The best place to learn about NZ’s history and Maori culture. Here you can even watch live Maori cultural performances and haka.
