How to find a cheap car hire deal in Auckland Airport (AKL)
Whether you need a compact for zipping through the city streets or an SUV for a road trip, we'll help you find a cheap Auckland Airport rental car. Pick from options averaging 159 € a day and go where you want for less.
Daily rental prices at Auckland Airport start from just 37 €.
Taking a longer break? Grab a weekly rental from 121 € and explore beyond the usual highlights of Auckland.
Here's your insider tip for booking at the right time. Four weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a AKL car hire.
Check out the offers available from Auto-Union, Yes rentals and Bargain Rental Cars. These are some of the popular providers at Auckland Airport.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Auckland Airport car hire policy, whether you go with Auto-Union or a different supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.
Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in AKL.
Avoid any unexpected fees by booking a car hire in Auckland Airport with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and only pay for what you actually use.
Want to explore freely without worrying about how many miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average 164 € a day.
Offering daily rates of around 75 €, this provider takes the runner-up spot.
The third option also stays competitive on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly 164 € a day.
If you're unsure which ride is right for you, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most frequently booked type of vehicle at AKL.
Compare car hire types from Auckland Airport (AKL)
Small: Whether you're weaving through city traffic or taking a quick trip, this cheap Auckland Airport rental car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: A smart pick when you want something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and enhanced tech features, this AKL car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Auckland Airport takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're tough, dependable, and ready for whatever the journey demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your AKL car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so always compare your options.
Take your ride to the next level with handy extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These add-ons can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Auckland Airport.
Good to know
Age requirements often vary by supplier (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some companies in New Zealand may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat requirements vary by location, and the correct setup may depend on their age, height and weight. Confirm whether you need to add one to your AKL car hire reservation.
Make sure you have the necessary documents when you collect the keys. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
If you're new to driving in New Zealand, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so along highways. Always obey the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in New Zealand. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've picked up the keys to your AKL car hire, it's time to write your own itinerary. Central Auckland is about 19 kilometres north and a drive of around 25 minutes if that's where your trip starts.
Allow roughly 1 hour 5 minutes to travel from Auckland Airport to the city centre during peak hours.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
Don't need a set of wheels right after landing? Consider picking up a car hire in Auckland instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Auckland Airport (AKL)
Explore the major attractions in Auckland before doing anything else. Rangitoto Island and Auckland Bridge Climb and Bungy set the tone for a great trip.
Around 8 kilometres east of AKL, Manukau City should feature on your itinerary. Tick off can't-miss sights like Japanese park and Rainbow Playlab.
Ready to go the extra mile? Rotorua is a fun road trip destination that's around 177 kilometres southeast of AKL. Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest and Agrojet NZ's Fastest Jetboating Experience are ideal pit stops.
