Car Rental Under 25 in New Zealand

Cheap car rental under 25 in NZ

Need a cheap car hire in NZ? Rental24h.com is here to bring young drivers a pleasant booking and driving experience! We offer vehicles in 23 locations across the country and help young drivers compare them on the go. Whether you need a compact city car, a spacious family-friendly interior, or a sturdy 4x4 SUV, Rental24h has even your most sophisticated demands covered!

On our website, you get access to cheap New Zealand car rental deals for those younger than 25, starting from 8 NZD per day and 44 NZD per week. Unlimited miles and insurance are already included in the initial rate. Keep in mind that rates can vary significantly throughout the year, increasing during the peak season (December to March), and decreasing in other months. Naturally, the type of vehicle you choose also affects the total price you'll pay.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in New Zealand?

According to most companies, the lower New Zealand car rental age limit is 21. Drivers who haven't reached 25 y.o. may be subject to a daily extra payment called a young driver surcharge. Also, companies often restrict underage renters from renting certain vehicle categories. Still, some suppliers in NZ provide cheap car rentals for young drivers under 21, with a minimum age limit of 18 years.

Please keep in mind that age policies vary from agency to agency and we therefore recommend checking their respective Terms and Conditions for the exact requirements.

Top locations for car hire in New Zealand under 25

Rental cars for drivers under 25 are available in multiple locations in NZ. Collect your car in Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, or Wellington to access convenient highway connections to Kiwiland's main destinations. The rich cultural heritage of these metropolises is also worth exploring. If you prefer less crowded cities, opt for Rotorua, Taupo, Tauranga, Hamilton, or Picton as your starting point, and then take the opportunity to enjoy the stunning local landscapes. Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, Bay of Islands, and Tongariro National Park are easily accessible on four wheels. And if you picture yourself on a sandy coast, head for the jaw-dropping panoramas at the local beaches - Onetangi, Koekohe, Piha, and Kaiteriteri will each give you unforgettable visuals against the backdrop of the South Pacific Ocean.

So, the best car hire in New Zealand is ready and waiting for you to hit the road. Check out popular locations among young renters in the following list!

Cheapest rental car company for under 25 year old drivers in NZ

At Rental24h.com, you have access to over 36 places to rent a car under 25 in New Zealand. How do you choose the right pick-up company for your trip if it’s not about worldwide-known agencies?

If you prefer modern car models, opt for Go Rentals, which accepts drivers 21 and above, and allows you to waive extra fees. Plus, its reliable service and all-in-one insurance plan contribute to a smooth ride. For a wide selection of cars, look no further than Ezi Rental - from economy and compact vehicles to SUVs and people carriers, they cover all possible travel needs. You may also want to consider Snap Rentals, whose affordable prices and fast pick-up/drop-off procedures create favorable conditions.

Still don't know which agency to travel with? Find the best rental car company for under 25 in the following list and take the first step toward an adventure-filled drive!

Can I have my under 25 car rental fee waived in New Zealand?

In case you are wondering if it’s possible to avoid this hefty payment, the answer is yes. And you can use one of the following under 25 car rental fee waiver strategies to do so:

• Stick to the right company. Some suppliers allow you to legally avoid age-related charges. Among them are Ezi, Go Rentals, and Snap Rentals, which simply don’t apply this fee to young drivers.
• Benefit from an AAA Membership. If you are a member of the American Automobile Association, Hertz makes it possible for you to get 20% lower rates and have an underage fee waived.
• Look for specific programs and discounts. With Dollar and Thrifty, you can cut up to 15% of the total rate if you catch a discount or join a certain program. As a result, a lower rental car price under twenty five years old in New Zealand will compensate you for paying extra charges.
• Enjoy partnership perks. For example, Sixt provides a 25% discount for NRMA members, which is a great way to save on your rental costs.
• Travel as a government or military officer. Most agencies (such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz) don’t charge under 25 fees for military and government employees travelling on official business.

Under 25 car rental fee in New Zealand

You get the lowest daily age surcharges for student car rental in New Zealand with Yes Rentals (5 NZD), Mode Rentals (5 NZD), and Enterprise/National (13 NZD). The most expensive surcharges are applied by A Rentals (45 NZD), Alamo (40 NZD), and Ezu (30 NZD). On the other hand, Ezi, Snap, and Go Rentals don’t have a young driver fee at all.

Company	Minimum rental age	Young driver fee (per day)
Alamo	21	40 NZD
Avis	21	28.75 NZD
A Rentals	21-23	45 NZD
Ezi	20	-
Budget	21	25 NZD
Ezu	21	30 NZD
Enterprise	21	13 NZD
Europcar	21	20.7 NZD
Go Rentals	21	-
Mode Rentals	18	5 NZD
Sixt	21	17.25 NZD
Scotties	19	15 NZD
Snap Rentals	18	-
National	21	13 NZD
Yes Rentals	21	5 NZD

4 Tips for under 25 car rental in NZ

The last thing you want to think about before or during a trip is that something could go wrong. When driving NZ car rental under 25, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Plan your route wisely. Since New Zealand scored 4.62 out of 7 for road quality and ranked 43rd place out of 137 countries, you shouldn't have any problems getting around the area. However, some road sections may be slippery due to weather; consider this to avoid dangerous situations.
• Drink alcohol responsibly. The maximum legal blood alcohol level for a driver is 0.05% in New Zealand. Exceeding this may result in a fine of 4,500 NZD and lead to disqualification for up to six months.
• Avoid high levels of exhaustion. You probably want to explore as many interesting places as possible within a short time frame. However, we recommend not driving for too long without stopping and resting. This is because fatigue leads to loss of concentration, which then increases your risk of getting into a traffic accident.
• Focus on the road ahead. Animals and birds suddenly appearing on the road can confuse you and cause involuntary dangerous maneuvers. Therefore, it is best to drive especially carefully on forested and country roads.

Short facts about NZ car hire for young renters

Check out the most vital info for your next trip across New Zealand:

Video reviews on rental cars for under 25 with Rental24h

Thousands of road travellers have already enjoyed our friendly and reliable car rental service. Check out their NZ rent-a-car reviews below to find more information about car models, suppliers, pick-up points, and other key parameters of a successful rental.

FAQ about New Zealand car hire under 25

Do you have to be 25 to rent a car in New Zealand?

No, you don’t. You need to be at least 18 to rent in NZ. Although most car rental companies allow car rentals to drivers from 21 years of age, certain agencies allow 18-20-year-old student car rentals as well, as long as you meet their requirements.

What is it like to drive in New Zealand for tourists?

Road tripping in NZ is generally a pleasant and trouble-free experience if you practice safe behaviour on the road and adhere to the established speed limit. Do note that road signs are indicated in kilometres per hour, and cars drive on the left side.

Hilly, narrow, and winding roads are common in the South and North Islands, so you must remain focused at all stages of your trip. Also, mind-blowing landscapes can inadvertently distract you from driving. Therefore, it’s better to find a suitable place to stop for a few enchanting photos, and then continue your drive.

How much are car rentals for 22-year-olds in New Zealand?

When booking a New Zealand rental car at age 22, you will pay a minimum of 45 NZD per day. However, certain companies can apply an extra young renter surcharge that will increase the daily total rate by 5-45 NZD. Inspect the Terms and Conditions of the selected supplier to take into account all possible fees.

Is there a fee to rent a car if you are under 25 in New Zealand?

Yes, all international companies such as Avis, Alamo, Enterprise, and Budget apply a young driver surcharge in NZ if you have not reached 25 years of age. Earlier on this page, we have offered several tips on how to avoid this surcharge.

Which rental car company does not charge for under 25?

Ezi, Snap Rentals, and Go Rentals don’t have a young driver fee in New Zealand. However, it is always better to recheck the T&Cs of the particular agency in your chosen pick-up location. When searching for a vehicle on our website, go to the "Important Information" section of the selected deal and then check if an underage charge applies.

What do I need to rent a car in New Zealand?

In order to rent a car for cheap under 25, you must meet the minimum age limit, which is 21, and have the required documents on hand. These include:

• A full driver's license issued in English. You can use this for 12 months after entering NZ
• An international driver's permit if your home license is not in the English alphabet
• A credit card as a suitable payment method
• A passport or other acceptable method of identification
• A booking voucher to confirm your reservation
• Any other document the supplier's policy may require.

What is the best rental car company for 23-year-olds in New Zealand?

The best companies are those that offer rental cars for 23-year-olds in NZ with the lowest daily young driver fees. Among them are Yes (5 NZD), Mode Rentals (5 NZD), and Enterprise/National (13 NZD). If the best provider for you is the one with the widest lineup, look no further than Enterprise, Alamo, Avis, or National.

Which rental cars for young drivers are the best for NZ trips?

Each vehicle type is suited to specific travel situations. The main criteria to keep in mind when booking your own rental are your budget, passenger load, and travel goals. Review the most popular options below.

• Family trip. You can get by with a regular full-size sedan if your family consists of 3-4 people. For more passenger and luggage capacity, consider a 7-passenger minivan or similar people mover.
• Budget-friendly ride. Economy, Mini, and Compact models are available at a low price, and at the same time accommodate up to 5 people for a comfortable journey.
• Group journey with friends. If you're travelling with 8-10 friends, choose a roomy passenger van that has enough head and legroom in its cabin, and can accommodate a large amount of luggage.
• Off-road adventures. You need a car with high ground clearance to cruise along country roads and wildlife areas. An SUV is perfect for such situations.

How much are gas prices in NZ?

The price of 1 litre of fuel in Auckland ranges from 2.56 to 3.09 NZD, while the average cost is 2.79 NZD ($1.62) per 1 litre.