Under 21 Car Rental in New Zealand

Cheap under 21 car rental in New Zealand

New Zealand's spectacular natural scenery, rich culture, friendly locals, and excellent food, are just a few of the highlights waiting to be enjoyed on your next trip. And, if you're a young driver looking for a suitable method of transportation, cheap rental cars in NZ are the best way to go.

An array of rental companies available on our website are ready to become your guide to New Zealand. All you need to do is fill out the search form at the top of the page and select the car you want.

The cheapest price for a rental car in NZ for drivers under twenty-one is 13 NZD per day. Expect to pay around 26 NZD per weekend and 69 NZD per week for the same deal. If you want to find cheap rental cars in New Zealand now, look through our best offers and their important technical specs:

How old do you have to be to rent a car in New Zealand?

The minimum age to rent a car in New Zealand is 18 if you are going to collect a car from Mode Rentals or Snap Rentals. However, most international companies (such as Avis, Alamo, or Hertz) require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Therefore, you must inspect the Terms and Conditions of the chosen agency to check whether you meet the legal age in Kiwiland.

Tips to know before renting a car in New Zealand under 21

From insurance to traffic rules, a road trip comes with various challenges along the way. So, once you have booked the best car hire in New Zealand on Rental24h.com, we recommend that you review a couple of important tips to ensure a smooth and hassle-free ride.

• Check your coverage. Did you know that the insurance that comes with your credit card may cover driving a rental car in NZ? Find out more about this by contacting your bank. Keep in mind that you have basic insurance by default but you can refuse it (if you already have protection) or purchase extra coverage for an additional 15-30 NZD per day.
• Pay in local currency. If you don't want to lose some money due to Dynamic Currency Conversion fees, pay for your vehicle in New Zealand dollars. An even more favourable option is to use a credit card since the bank will process the transaction in either currency and you will avoid unnecessary operations.
• Stay left. When driving a car rental under 21 in NZ, keep to the left of the road, just like drivers do in the UK. Also, remember this rule when turning and driving through roundabouts.
• Count the kilometres. Distances in Kiwiland are in kilometres, so plan your route based on this unit of measurement.
• Avoid prohibited roads. Companies may prohibit driving on roads that are unnecessarily dangerous for the vehicle. Ignoring this rule may result in termination of the agreement.

Top locations for car rental in New Zealand at 18 years of age

Start your engine and enjoy the convenience of New Zealand car hire for 18-year-old drivers at Rental24h.com

Begin your trip in Auckland, which is a major transport hub, and head to Wellington (located 640 km away). The exciting 8-hour drive takes you to Pureora Forest Park, Lake Taupo, and Hamilton along the way. For a more complete introduction to Kiwiland, extend your route to the South and North Islands, connected by ferry. Non-stop driving will take around 26 hours, but you'll want to spend more time exploring highlights such as Christchurch or the Hobbiton Movie Set from the Lord of the Rings.

NZ offers a plethora of amazing routes and experiences for your upcoming road adventure. Check out popular spots to rent a car in New Zealand under 21 and plan the most picturesque and fun-filled itinerary ever!

New Zealand road conditions

Types of roads

• State Highways: These routes generally provide comfortable driving experiences, asphalt is smooth without any pits or unevenness on it.
• Rural Roads: Some stretches may be gravel, requiring careful and attentive driving.
• Urban Roads: Within cities, roads are typically well-paved, featuring designated lanes for easy navigation. Urban areas are well-signposted, making it convenient for drivers to find their way around.

Speed limits

Speed limits on highways typically reach 100 km/h, while urban areas maintain a lower limit of 50 km/h. Adhering to these limits ensures a safe and lawful journey. Pay close attention to posted signs, particularly in construction zones or areas with variable speed limits. Strictly follow these indications for the safety of yourself and others on the road.

Drinking and driving

NZ enforces strict alcohol limits, with a maximum of 250 MCG or a blood alcohol limit of 50 mg/100 ml. It is crucial to follow these restrictions to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.

Note: If you are under 20, the alcohol limit for drivers is zero.

NZ rental car companies for under 21 years old

On our website, you get direct access to over 36 rental car companies in NZ that offer deals for young drivers. Which one you choose depends on your preferences and travel needs.

With Bargain, you can count on budget-friendly rates and a large selection of airport-based and city locations. CarForRent forms its fleet of exclusively low-emission vehicles, and also provides reliable coverage for 18-20-year-old drivers. When you link your trip with GO Rentals, you'll enter a world of discounts and eco-friendly EV rentals. As for Snap Rentals, the company specialises in affordable deals with unlimited miles and a variety of insurance options for young renters.

Those who fall under the minimum New Zealand car rental age limit can opt for JUCY, which caters to 18-year-old renters and offers money-saving options. The same goes for Ace and Ezi, both providing a wide range of reliable vehicles for the younger generation.

Сontact details

Company	Phone number
Alamo	+64 9 870 3330
Avis	(09) 526 2847 (local) +64 9 526 2847 (international)
Ezi	0 800 545 000 (local) +64 9 254 4397 (international)
Budget	0 800 283 438 (local) +64 9 884 6855 (international)
Ezu	0 064 221 825 752
Enterprise	+64 9 870 3330
Europcar	+613 9330 6160
Go Rentals	(09) 974 1598 (local) +64 9 974 1598 (international)
Mode Rentals	(09) 979 7670 (local) +64 9 979 7670 (international)
Snap Rentals	+64 9 275 2438
Yes Rentals	+64 3 420 2878
Sixt	0 800 237 637 (local)
Scotties	0 800 736 825 (local) +64 9 303 3912 (international)

Car rental under 21 with no fee in NZ

So, you're about to travel in New Zealand as a young driver, and you're probably wondering if you can get an under 21 car rental fee waived. Although international companies don’t provide this option, you can avoid this charge with some local agencies. As stated on their official websites, Ezi, Go Rentals, and Snap Rentals don’t apply extra fees to underage renters. At the same time, the lowest surcharge can be found at Mode Rentals and Yes Rentals (5 NZD), while the highest fee you can see at Alamo (40 NZD) and EZU (30 NZD). Other companies have moderate fees - from 13 NZD to 28 NZD. Still, we recommend checking the details in the “Important Information” section within a deal found on our website.

Brief facts about NZ car hire for drivers under the age of 21

Insurance for young renters: drive safely!

If you're an adventurous driver under 21 exploring New Zealand, navigating the nuances of car rental insurance is essential. We've gathered insurance data from the most popular providers to assist in making an informed decision.

Scotties offers a Damage Excess Reduction at 15 NZD/day with a 500 NZD excess or a Complete Cover Package at 30 NZD/day with a 0 NZD excess. Budget provides the same package at 31 NZD/day (including tax) with a 500 NZD excess. Europcar, ACE, Avis, Go Rentals, EZI, Snap Rentals, Hertz, Mode Rentals, and Drive NZ present various options with different excess amounts and coverage limits - it’s up to you to decide what company you trust more. For instance, Drive NZ offers a Complete Cover Package at 15 NZD/day, with theft and collision damage waivers and tax included.

Remember to scrutinise each option, aligning coverage with your driving needs for a balanced and cost-effective choice. Safe travels through New Zealand!

Watch our customer reviews on hiring a car in New Zealand

FAQ about NZ rental cars under 21

Can I rent a car cheaply in New Zealand under 21 years old?

In Kiwiland, you can rent a car at 21 or an even younger age for a minimum of 20 NZD per day. Note: seasonality may also change the final rate by up to 70% in both directions.

Can I rent a car at 18 in New Zealand?

According to car hire age restrictions in NZ, 18-year-old drivers are allowed. Although most agencies provide services for drivers 21 years of age or older, companies like Mode Rentals and Snap Rentals, give the green light to younger customers. Keep in mind that you have a smaller selection of cars to choose from if you are 18, 19, or 20 years old.

What agencies offer the lowest underage surcharge in NZ?

Enterprise, Mode Rentals, and Yes Rentals are the best rental companies for students. They offer a large selection of models and apply the smallest young driver fee.

Where can I book New Zealand car hire under 21?

You can reserve a New Zealand car hire for under twenty-one-year-olds in about 23 locations across the country. Overall, you have access to 36 rental agencies, both international (Alamo, Avis, Hertz, etc.) and local (Yes Rentals, Mode Rentals, EastCoast, etc.). All these suppliers provide rentals to young drivers at the age of 21 but ask for various fees and allow different car types.

Can I avoid an under 21 rental car fee in NZ?

Sure! Collect a car rental without an under 21 fee in several ways with Rental24h.com. First, some local providers such as Ezi, Go Rentals, and Snap Rentals don’t ask for underage fees in certain pick-up spots (so, it is important to carefully read their Important Information). Second, certain memberships and government/military programs may be able to reduce or completely waive this surcharge as well.

What parking rules should I know when hiring a car in NZ?

In New Zealand, following the parking rules is crucial for avoiding fines - and that is even more vital for young drivers who want to save money! Here are key parking regulations to keep in mind:

• Metered Parking: You'll often encounter metered parking spaces in city centers. Pay the required fee and adhere to the time restrictions displayed on the metre.
• Lines: Yellow lines on the curb indicate no-stopping zones. Parking is strictly prohibited in these areas, and violations may result in towing. White lines on the side of the road often indicate parking restrictions. A solid white line may signify no parking, while a broken white line may indicate limited parking.
• Permit Zones: Some areas require permits for parking. Make sure you have the necessary permit if you intend to park in designated permit zones.
• Clearways: Avoid parking in designated clearways during specified hours. These are areas where stopping is prohibited to ensure smooth traffic flow.

What is the best month to go to New Zealand?

If you're looking for perfect weather for roaming around, as well as exploring cultural and natural highlights, take a trip in the summer, which runs from December to February in NZ. This period captures the lively and delightful atmosphere of New Zealand's high travel season.

Alternatively, you can travel to New Zealand in June, July, or August when winter reigns. This is the best time to enjoy discount prices on hotels, car rentals, activities, and tours.

What rental car classes are available for students under 21 in New Zealand?

Usually, people between 18-21 can rent mini, economy, compact, full-size cars, and sometimes SUVs without any restrictions. As for other car classes like luxury, 7- and 9-passenger vans, or pickup trucks - they are prohibited by the majority of international agencies. Read the T&C section of the desired provider to check the availability of other vehicle groups.